How to hide a folder on Xiaomi Redmi: from standard MIUI features to hidden tricks

Hiding folders on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to keep personal files from prying eyes to having to hide working documents from children. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI offers several built-in mechanisms and also supports third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally reliable: some folders can “pop up” after system updates, and others remain visible in certain applications.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hiding through the standard MIUI File Manager, using.nomedia files, encrypting folders and even creating “invisible” directories through ADB. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI 12-14 and Redmi models (from Redmi Note 8 Pro to Redmi 13 Pro).

1. Hiding a folder through the standard MIUI File Manager

The easiest way to do this is to work on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones without any additional apps, and it's built into MIUI, but many users don't know it exists because of the non-obvious layout on the menu. Importantly, it hides the folder only in the File Manager interface, but it doesn't protect it with a password.

To hide the folder:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Categories → Local Storage (or Device in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Find the folder you want to hide and hold your finger on the icon for 2-3 seconds.
4. In the menu that appears, select More → Hide (in MIUI 14, the path may differ: More → Hide those selected).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

To re-display the hidden folder:

• 🔍 In File Manager, click on three dots in the upper right corner.
• 📁 Select Settings → Show hidden files.
• 🔄 The folder will appear translucent - click on it and select Show.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work for folders on SD-map in the Redmi models with MIUI 13+. Also, hidden folders remain accessible through Windows Explorer when connecting your phone to your PC.

2.Use of.nomedia file to hide from gallery

If your goal is to hide a folder of photos or videos from the MIUI Gallery, but leave it visible in the File Manager, the best solution is to create a.nomedia file. This method works at the Android level and blocks the scanning of multimedia files in the specified directory.

Instructions:

1. Install any file manager that supports file creation (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to the folder that you need to hide from the gallery.
3. Create a new file called.nomedia (note the point at the beginning!).
4. Restart your phone or manually update your media base through Settings → Apps → Gallery → Storage → Clear the data (this won’t delete files, just update the index).

Advantages of the method:

• 📸 The folder will disappear from Gallery, Google Photos and other media applications.
• 🔓 Files are still available through the File Manager.
• 🔄 It works even after the updates. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 10s) MIUI 12.5) The.nomedia file can be ignored by the system, in which case you can try adding an empty.nomedia file and a.noindex file to the folder.

3. Encrypting folder through "Private Mode" in MIUI

For users who are important not only secrecy, but also password protection, in MIUI It has a built-in Private Mode (available on Redmi Note) 11/12/13 This method encrypts the folder and requires input. PIN-code or fingerprint for access.

How to turn on:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Private mode.
2. Create a password (or use biometrics).
3. Return to the File Manager, select the folder and select Add to Private Mode.
4. Confirm the file transfer.

Features:

Important: Private mode in MIUI 14 automatically backs up encrypted files in the Mi Cloud if sync is enabled, meaning files can be recovered even after the phone is reset to factory settings.

4. Hiding folders through ADB (for advanced users)

If you need to hide a folder at the system level (e.g., from certain apps or services), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires connecting your phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge, but gives you maximum control.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect Redmi to your PC and open the terminal (or PowerShell on Windows).
4. Enter the command to hide the folder (example for the DCIM/Camera folder): adb shell "mv /sdcard/DCIM/Camera /sdcard/DCIM/.Camera" Pay attention to the dot before the folder name - this makes it hidden in Linux systems (including Android).

To get the folder back:

adb shell "mv /sdcard/DCIM/.Camera /sdcard/DCIM/Camera"

Warnings:

• 🚨 Some system applications (such as Gallery) may not see hidden folders, but they will remain accessible via adb pull.
• 🔧 Nana MIUI 14 with Android 13+ Requires access confirmation via scrcpy or similar tools.
• 📱 After rebooting your phone, hidden folders may become visible again – check the result.

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If the adb command doesn't work, update the drivers for your Redmi via the Mi Flash Tool. for Android 12 models+ Additional permission may be required "USB-debugging (safe mode)".

5. Third-party applications for hiding folders

If you don't like the built-in MIUI methods, you can use third-party apps. We tested 5 popular solutions on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Redmi 10C, and the best results were:

Selection recommendations:

• 🔒 For maximum security, choose applications with AES-Encryption (e.g. File Hide Expert).
• 📱 If you need to hide the folder from children, Calculator Vault is suitable - it masquerades as a regular calculator.
• ⚠️ Avoid apps that request access to SMS or Contacts – these are unnecessary permissions to hide files.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 13/14 Some folder hiding apps may conflict with Mi Cloud, resulting in file duplication.Before using, disable automatic sync in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.

6. Hiding folders on SD-map: features and limitations

Xiaomi Redmi users with support SD-cards (e.g. Redmi) 9A The Redmi Note 11 Pro is often challenged by the fact that standard methods of hiding folders on an external drive are unstable, and this is due to Android's policy of managing removable media.

How to hide a folder on SD-map:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (File Transfer Mode).
2. On the computer, go to the folder on SD-Create a text file called.nomedia (as described in Section 2).
3. For encryption, use applications like Cryptomator (creates an encrypted container).

Limitations:

• 🚫 MIUI Does not allow you to hide the folders on SD-Card through the standard file manager.
• 🔄 After retrieving the map and re-inserting, hidden folders can become visible again.
• 📛 On some models (Redmi 8 and older) SD-The card is formatted as internal memory, making it easier to hide.

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For securely concealing folders on SD-Combine.nomedia with third-party encryption, which will protect files even when you connect the card to another device.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When hiding folders on Xiaomi Redmi, users often make mistakes that lead to data loss or incorrect function, here are the most common problems and their solutions:

Additional advice:

• 🔄 Always check the hidden folder through the File Manager and Gallery after applying the changes.
• 📱 On models with Android 12+ (For example, Redmi 12 may require additional permission to access files (Manage all files).
• 🔒 If you use encryption, write your password to a secure location – data recovery is impossible without it.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions