How to hide a folder on a Xiaomi smartphone: all working methods

Hiding folders on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge faced by users who want to protect personal data from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in and third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally effective: some folders can “pop up” after a system update, and others remain visible in certain applications.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 current ways to hide folders on Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models) running MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS. We’ll focus on the nuances of why hidden folders sometimes become visible again, how to bypass the limitations of a standard file manager, and which apps to avoid due to the risk of data leakage.

Before you start, keep in mind that hiding a folder is not the same as encrypting it — when you connect your phone to your PC via USB or use some applications (such as Google Photos), files can remain accessible.

1. Hiding a folder through the standard MIUI file manager

The easiest way is to use the built-in Files (or File Manager on global firmware), which does not require additional applications to be installed, but has a limitation: hidden folders will remain visible when viewed through a PC or some third-party managers (such as Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

• 📂 Open the Files app and go to Categories → Local storage.
• 🔍 Find the folder you want to hide and hold your finger on the name until the context menu appears.
• 🔒 Choose More. → Hide (or Hide in English version).
• ✅ Confirm action. The folder will disappear from the main view, but will remain available in the Hidden Files section (access via swipe right in the main menu).

Important: This method does not work for system folders (e.g. DCIM, Downloads, or Android) and hidden folders may reappear after resetting or updating MIUI.

2.Using the “Private Storage” function in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi added a “Private Storage” feature that allows you to not only hide, but also block access to files using a password, a method that is more reliable than standard hiding, since files are encrypted and not displayed even when you connect to a PC.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Private Storage** (on some firmware, the path may be different: Settings → Additional → Privacy).

Limitations:

• 🔐 Does not work on devices with unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 📱 Private Storage folders * not visible in Google Photos and other cloud services.
• ⚠️ When resetting the phone to factory settings, files from private storage will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

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If you forget the password from Private Storage, you can reset it through your Mi Account, but all the files inside will be deleted. You can't back up - this is a MIUI restriction.

3. Hiding folders through a point at the beginning of the name (for power users)

This method works at the Android file system level and hides folders from most file managers (including Xiaomi’s standard Files**), but folders will remain visible in some applications, such as Root Explorer or when connecting to a PC via ADB.

Instructions:

• 📝 Install any file manager with renaming support (e.g., file manager, FX File Explorer or Total Commander).
• 🔤 Go to the folder you want to hide and rename it by adding a dot at the beginning of the title. →.My Photos.
• 🔄 Reboot the phone. The folder will disappear from the standard manager, but will remain accessible on a direct path (for example, through a direct link). ADB termux).

Warning:

⚠️ Note: If the folder contains media (photos, videos), they may still appear in the Gallery** or Google Photos. To avoid this, additionally create a.nomedia file in the folder (instruction below).

4. folder hiding apps: what to choose in 2026

If you don't like the built-in MIUI, you can use third-party apps, but there are risks: some programs ask for excessive permissions or contain advertising, and we tested 7 popular apps and selected the 3 most reliable ones:

Before installing the application, check:

• 🛡️ Permissions: Applications must not request access to SMS, call-ups.
• 📊 Rating and Reviews: Avoid programs with a score below 4.0 or complaints about data leakage.
• 🔄 Updates: Last Update Should Not Be Older Than 6 Months.

5. Hiding folders through ADB (for advanced users)

If you’re ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can hide folders at the system level.This method is suitable for Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or root rights, but requires caution: the wrong commands can damage the file system.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB on your PC (instructions for Windows: official documentation).
2. Enable USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to unlock Developer Mode), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb shell mv /sdcard/Names Dad. /sdcard/.Names (replace Names with current name).
4. Reboot the device. The folder will be hidden.

To return the folder back, use the command:

adb shell


mv /sdcard/.Folders /sdcard/Folders

⚠️ Note: if the folder contains critical system files (e.g, Android/obb), Rename it can cause app failures. Backup through adb backup before experimenting.

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The ADB method is the only way to hide system folders (such as MIUI/Theme or Android/data), but it requires an unlocked bootloader or root rights.

6. Why do hidden folders become visible again?

Many Xiaomi users are faced with a problem: hidden folders suddenly reappear, and this happens for several reasons:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: after major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 14 on HyperOS) system resets some privacy settings.
• 📱 Cache reset: Cleaning the cache of the Files or Gallery app can return folder visibility.
• 🖥️ Connection to PC: when using File Transfer Mode (MTP) Some folders become visible in Windows Explorer.
• 🔍 Security scanners: apps like Google Play Protect or Mi Security can “reveal” hidden files when checking for viruses.

How to avoid the problem:

• 🔒 Use Private Storage instead of standard concealment – it is more resistant to resets.
• 📁 For important files, create.nomedia inside a hidden folder.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Check your privacy settings manually.

7. Alternative ways to protect data on Xiaomi

Hiding folders isn't the only way to protect personal data, but consider additional measures:

• 🔐 Encryption of the device: enable in Settings → Lockdown and protection → Encryption. It'll encrypt all the data on the phone, but it can reduce performance.
• 📱 Second user: create a separate profile in Settings → System system → Multiplayer: One user's folders won't be visible to another.
• ☁️ Cloud-encrypted Storage: Use Proton Drive or Cryptomator to encrypt files before uploading to the cloud.
• 🔑 Hardware Storage: Transfer sensitive files to an encryption-encrypted microSD (e.g. SanDisk Ultra with App Performance Class) A2).

For maximum protection, combine methods.

1. Hide the folder through the “Private Storage”**.
2. Add a.nomedia file to it.
3. Archive a folder with a password (for example, via RAR or 7-Zip).

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If you need to hide photos, you should use specialized applications like KeepSafe or GalleryVault, which not only hide files, but also block their preview in the system gallery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding folders on Xiaomi