How to hide video on Xiaomi smartphone: from standard features to secret folders

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Black Shark lines) offer users several built-in ways to hide videos from prying eyes – from basic gallery features to MIUI system tools. However, not all methods are equally reliable: some folders remain accessible through the file manager, and passwords can be bypassed through recovery mode. In this guide, we will analyze 7 working methods – from simple to professional – including those that do not require root rights or third-party applications.

The MIUI feature is that the manufacturer regularly changes the location of settings in new versions of the shell (for example, in MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the paths to hidden folders are different).So we will specify the current routes for the latest firmware and explain how to adapt instructions to older models like Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T. You will also learn which methods leave traces in the system and which do not.

1. Built-in Hidden Albums feature in Xiaomi Gallery

The fastest way to hide a video is to use the standard option in the Gallery app, which doesn't encrypt files, but removes them from the main stream and requires you to use it. PIN-It works on all devices with access code. MIUI 12 and newer (including HyperOS).

How to do this:

• 📁 Open the gallery. → Choose a video → press ⋮ (three-point) → Hide.
• 🔒 When first used, the system will request PIN-code (from 4 to 16 digits). Use a combination other than unlocking the screen.
• 🔍 To view hidden files, go to Albums → Hidden albums and enter PIN.

⚠️ Limitations of method:

⚠️ Note: Files remain in the folder /storage/emulated/0/.HiddenAlbum/ and are available through any file manager (e.g., Solid Explorer or FX File Manager. You can also search for them in Settings. → Memory.

💡

If you are using the Mi Cloud, hidden videos are NOT synced to Xiaomi servers – they only stay on the device.

2. Transfer the video to the.nomedia folder

Files in folders called.nomedia are ignored by the Android media scanner, so they don't show up in the gallery or music players, a method that doesn't require a password, but hides the video from standard apps.

Instructions:

1. Open Files (or any file manager) → go to Internal Memory.
2. Create a new folder called.nomedia (a point at the beginning is mandatory!).
3. Move the video there through Select → Move it.
4. Reboot your phone so that the media scanner updates the database.

🔹 Pros: Does not require PIN-It works without the internet.

🔸 Cons: Files are visible in any file manager, you can accidentally delete the folder.

3.Using the Safe Folder in MIUI

Safe Folder is a secure storage from Xiaomi that encrypts files and requires a password to access. Unlike Hidden Albums, videos here won't even show up in the file manager without authorization. MIUI 13 and newer.

Step-by-step:

• 🔐 Go to Settings. → Privacy → Safe folder.
• 📱 Set up the unlock method: PIN, graphical key.
• 📂 Select Add Files → put the video in → confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Important: if you forget your password, you can only restore access to files in Safe Folder through your Mi Account (linked to your phone.

4. Hiding through password-archiving

If you need to pass on video, you need to use archivers like RAR or 7-Zip, which is a method that works for sensitive files that you plan to transfer over the network or store on a memory card.

How to archive with a password:

1. Install RAR from Google Play (or use the built-in archiver in Files on some models).
2. Select the video → Squeeze → Select the format.zip or.rar.
3. In the Set password field, enter the key (we recommend 12+ characters with numbers and letters).
4. Delete the original files after you have created the archive.

🔹 The advantage: the archive can be stored on a memory card or in the cloud (for example, Google Drive), without fear of leakage.

🔸 Disadvantage: you need to unpack the file every time.

5 Third-party apps: Vaulty, Hide It Pro, KeepSafe

If standard MIUI features aren't enough, use specialized applications that offer additional options: false PIN, calculator masking, timer deletion, and even camera recording.

Top.-3 apps:

• 🔒 Vaulty – hides video behind a password, makes backups to the cloud, has the Break-in Alert function (photo of the person who entered the incorrect one) PIN).
• 📱 Hide It Pro (Audio Manager) – masquerades as an audio player, supports encryption AES-256.
• 🌐 KeepSafe – syncs with Google Drive, there is a Private Browser mode for hidden browsing.

⚠️ Warning:

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Hide It Pro) may conflict with MIUI Optimization is Xiaomi’s system process that closes background tasks. To avoid data loss, add the app to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Auto-Start and Without Restrictions.

Install the app from Google Play (not from APK)

Check reviews and ratings (minimum 4.2 ★)

Set up backup (if there is a function)

Disable battery optimization for the application in MIUI

Create a complex password (at least 10 characters)-->

6. Hiding by changing the file extension

This method is suitable for advanced users: if you rename the video extension (for example, from.mp4 to.txt), the system will no longer recognize it as a media file.

How it works:

1. Open the files. → find a video → press ⋮ → Rename.
2. Replace the extension with any other extension, such as:.mp4 →.dat.mov →.bak.avi →.tmp

To view the original extension, return the extension.

Important: This method doesn't encrypt a file -- it can be restored through a hex editor or specialized programs like Recuva. Use it only for temporary hiding.

7. Advanced method: encryption via Veracrypt (for root)

If your Xiaomi has root rights, you can create an encrypted container using Veracrypt, an on-the-fly encryption program that provides a military-grade layer of protection (AES-256 + SHA-512), but requires technical skills.

Instructions:

1. Install Veracrypt from F-Droid or from the official website.
2. Create a new volume (Create Volume) → Select Standard Veracrypt Volume.
3. Specify the size of the container (e.g. 500MB for video).
4. Select the encryption algorithms: AES (encryption) + SHA-512 (hashing).
5. mount the volume in /mnt and transfer the video there.

⚠️ Risks:

⚠️ Warning: If you lose your password or damage your volume header, you can't recover data, even with service centers.

💡

For most Xiaomi users, a combination of Safe Folder + archiving with a password is enough. The methods with root and Veracrypt are justified only for extremely sensitive data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about video hiding on Xiaomi