How to hide a folder on the Xiaomi desktop: all the ways from standard to hidden

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users flexible desktop settings, but folder hiding isn’t always obvious. Many Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, or Mi 13 owners face the need to remove unnecessary folders from the home screen — whether they’re sensitive documents, temporary files, or just a desire to support minimalist design. Unlike iOS or “clean” Android, where hiding interface elements often requires workarounds, MIUI provides several built-in mechanisms, as well as supporting third-party solutions.

However, not all methods are equally effective: some only work on certain versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 14.0.5), others can reset after a system update. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods - from basic launcher settings to hidden file manager functions, including nuances for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), some of the instructions may not work – in this case, go straight to the section pro third-party launchers. For owners of devices with MIUI Global or MIUI China, all the methods are relevant, but may require adaptation to your version of the shell (check it in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version).

1. Hiding the folder through the settings of the MIUI launcher

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in options of the standard MIUI Launcher, which does not require super-user rights (root) and works on all models from Redmi 9 and later. The main disadvantage is that the folder remains accessible through a system search and file manager, so the method is only suitable for visual hiding from the desktop.

Instructions:

1. Press and hold the folder on the desktop until the context menu appears.
2. Select Remove from the screen (or Remove from Home screen in English).
3. The folder will disappear, but will remain in the Application Box (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).

To get the folder back:

1. Open the Application Box.
2. Find the folder in the list (it will be marked with the folder icon).
3. Press and hold it, then drag it to the desktop.

The folder does not contain system files (such as Android or MIUI)

The device has enough free space (at least 10% of the total)

Backup of important data (via Settings → Memory → Backup)

Automatic launcher updates are disabled (to avoid resetting settings)

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This way, not physically deleting the folder, but just removing it from view, and if you want to completely hide access to the files, then go to the following methods.

2.Use of hidden folders in the file manager

The MIUI shell allows you to create hidden folders directly in the standard Files by Xiaomi file manager. Unlike the previous method, here the folder will be hidden from search by system, but will remain accessible through a direct link or special applications (for example, Total Commander).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Files app (the blue-background folder icon).
2. Go to the internal memory section or SD-map (if the folder is there).
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Create a folder.
4. Enter the folder name starting from a dot, such as.my files or.private.
5. Move the necessary files to the created folder.

To see the hidden folders:

1. In the file manager, click on three points → Settings.
2. Activate the option to show hidden files.

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If the folder doesn’t show up even after you turn on the “Show Hidden Files” option, check if it starts with.nomedia. These folders are ignored by the Android media scanner and don’t show up in the gallery, but remain visible in the file manager.

Important: this method does not encrypt data. When you connect your phone to your computer via MTP, hidden folders will be visible in Windows/macOS Explorer if you enable the display of hidden items. For complete privacy, use encryption (Section 4).

3. Hiding through third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If standard MIUI methods don't suit you, install an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which offer advanced tweaks to hide interface elements, including folders and app icons, with the advantage of running on any version of Android and not dependent on MIUI updates.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Make it a default launcher (the first time you start will be offered a sentence).
3. Click and hold the folder on your desktop → select Change (pencil icon).
4. In the menu that opens, tap on the folder icon → select Hide (or Hide).

To return the folder:

1. Open the Nova Launcher settings (long-click on the desktop → Settings).
2. Go to Hidden Apps (Hidden Apps).
3. Find the folder in the list and uncheck the box.

Warning: Some launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher) do not support folder hiding – check the functionality before installing. Also note that after removing the alternative launcher, all hidden items will return to the desktop.

4 Encrypting a folder through the "Secure Folder" in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added a Privacy Safe feature that not only hides files, but encrypts them with a password or fingerprint, the only official way to guarantee protection from access via PC or data recovery.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Secure folder.
2. Create a password (at least 6 characters) or use biometrics.
3. Return to Files, select the files/folders you want → click More → Move to a secure folder.

Features:

• 🔒 Files are encrypted according to standard AES-256 and not available without a password.
• 📱 Only visible in the Safe folder section of the application Files.
• ⚠️ When resetting the phone to factory settings, the data in the secure folder will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

Standard settings of MIUI

Hidden folders in the file manager

Third-party launchers (Nova, Lawnchair)

MIUI's secure folder

Other ways (root, ADB)

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If you forget the password from the Safe Folder, you can only restore access through the Mi Account account associated with the device.

5. Advanced methods: ADB and root access

For advanced users who are willing to work with ADB or get root rights, deeper settings are available, which allow you to hide folders at the system level, but require caution - the wrong commands can lead to MIUI failures.

Method 1: Hiding through ADB (without root)

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on MIUI Version, then return to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.miui.home Note: this hides the standard launcher, but not the folders.

Method 2: Change folder attributes (requires root)

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
2. Find the folder in /storage/emulated/0/ (internal memory).
3. Long press → Properties → change access rights to 000 (read/write/run ban).

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Using ADB or root cancels Xiaomi’s warranty and may result in the device being locked the next MIUI update.Before experimenting, create a full backup via TWRP or Mi Flash Tool.

Table of methods comparison:

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even Xiaomi experienced users sometimes face problems when hiding folders, and here are the typical errors and their solutions:

• 🔄 The folder returns after the update MIUI: This is because of a launcher reset, and the solution is to use a Secure Folder or third-party launchers that are independent of system updates.
• 🔍 Hidden folders are visible in the gallery: If the folder contains media files (photos, videos), add an empty.nomedia file to it.
• 🔐 Forgot password from Safe folder: You can restore access through Mi Account, but only if the device was tied to Xiaomi account before blocking.

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If you often work with sensitive files, set up an automatic backup of the Safe Folder to the Mi Cloud. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup and enable the Safe Folder option.

Another common problem is that folders disappear after rebooting, which is typical for devices with unstable firmware (e.g., MIUI beta).

1. Check the integrity of system files through Settings → About phone → System Check.
2. Reverse to the stable version of the firmware (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions