Hidden folders on Xiaomi smartphones are not a myth, but a real feature that helps protect confidential files from prying eyes. Many users do not even realize that their device based on MIUI already contains built-in tools to create such folders without having to install additional applications. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including little-known tricks with the file system and security settings.
It’s important to understand that “invisible folder” is a conventional concept. Xiaomi has three levels of hiding: standard file manager hiding (files are not displayed in the gallery, but are visible in the explorer), password protection (access only after authentication), and complete hiding through system settings (the folder disappears from the interface but remains in the device’s memory).
If you’re using the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or any other model on MIUI 14/15, the instructions below are for you, too — the only difference is the location of some menu items. For owners of devices with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi), we’ll also point out some nuances.
Method 1: Standard Hiding Through File Manager
The easiest method is to use Xiaomi’s built-in file manager (Files), which allows you to hide folders from display in the gallery and some third-party applications, but does not make them completely invisible in the explorer.
To hide the folder:
- Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen).
- Go to Categories → Images or Videos (depending on the file type).
- Select the files or folder you want to hide, long press → More → Hide.
- Confirm the action. The files will disappear from the gallery, but will remain accessible through the Files → Hidden.
⚠️ Limitations of method:
- 🔍 Files are still visible in the files → Internal memory when the hidden elements are displayed.
- 📱 Hidden files may be displayed in some third-party galleries (e.g. Google Photos).
- 🔄 After resetting the hidden files will become visible again.
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To return hidden files back, go to Files → Hidden, highlight them and click Show.
Method 2: Password protection through "Private Mode"
A more reliable way is to use the Private Mode feature (or Private Safe in newer versions of MIUI), which is not just a cover-up, but full password, biometric or graphical key protection, and the file folder will not be accessible without authentication, even if someone gets physical access to your phone.
How to set up:
- Open Settings → Privacy → Private Mode (on HyperOS: Settings → Security → Private Safe).
- Create a password or use a fingerprint/face to unlock.
- Return to Files, select the required files/folders → More. → Move to Private Mode.
- Confirm the move. The files will disappear from the main repository and will only be accessible through Private Mode.
🔐 Advantages:
- 🔒 Full protection against unauthorized access (even when connected to a PC).
- 📱 Files are not displayed in the gallery or in the explorer without entering a password.
- 🔄 Automatic backup to the Mi Cloud (optional).
⚠️ An important caveat: if you forget the password from Private Mode, it will be impossible to restore access to files - even through resetting settings. Xiaomi does not provide official tools to bypass this protection.
What to do if I forget the password from the private mode?
Method 3: Complete Hiding by Changing the Folder Name (for Advanced)
This is a method for those who are willing to work with the file system directly, and the idea is to rename the folder by adding a point (.) to the beginning of the name, which is the standard way to hide files in Linux (and Android is built on it), which will not appear in most file managers, including the standard Files from Xiaomi.
Instructions:
- Install any file manager with Root or ADB support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
- Find the folder you want to hide and rename it by adding a dot to the beginning (for example,.my photo).
- The folder will disappear from the standard interface, but will remain accessible through your file manager.
⚠️ Warnings:
⚠️ Note: if you accidentally rename the system folder (for example, DCIM or Download, this can cause the camera or other applications to crash.Always check the full path before renaming.
🛠️ How to get the folder back:
- Open a file manager with support for hidden files.
- Find the folder by name (for example, /.my photo).
- Remove the dot from the name or rename it back.
☑️ Preparing to hide the folder through renaming
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make it easier for you to decide, we've compiled a comparative table of all three ways, and see which one is best suited to your task.
| Method | Level of protection | Visibility in the conductor | Password required | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiding through Files | Low. | Seen. | No. | ⭐ | Quick hiding from the gallery |
| Private regime | High-pitched | Invisible without a password | Yes. | ⭐⭐ | Confidential documents, photo |
| Rename (point) | Medium. | Invisible in standard managers | No. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Advanced users, hiding from children |
| Third-party applications (for example, Hide It Pro) | High-pitched | Invisible. | Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Maximum confidentiality |
💡 Tip: If you need to hide files from children or colleagues who may be temporarily using your phone, the best choice is Private Mode, which requires no additional knowledge and reliably protects data.
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Private mode is the most balanced way: it combines high protection and ease of use, without requiring Root rights or complex manipulations.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with hidden folders, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
1.Hidden files are visible again after the MIUI update
This is because some updates reset the file manager settings to avoid the problem:
- 🔄 Before upgrading, transfer files to Private Mode – it is more stable.
- 📱 After the update, check the settings for displaying hidden files in Files → Settings → Show hidden files.
2 Can't find a hidden folder after renaming
If you add a dot to the beginning of the name, but the folder has "disappeared" even in the file manager:
- 🔍 Make sure that the manager has enabled the display of hidden files (Settings) → Showing the hidden).
- 📂 Try to find the folder manually along the way (for example, /storage/emulated/0/.my dad).
- 🔄 If the folder contained system data, its deletion could lead to a failure – check the phone.
3.Private mode does not open after resetting settings
If you reset your phone to factory settings, all files in Private Mode will be permanently lost. Xiaomi does not provide any way to recover them.
- 🔐 Regularly back up important files in Mi Cloud or on PC.
- 📱 Do not reset your settings unless you are sure you remember the password from Private Mode.
Additional methods: third-party applications and Root
If Xiaomi’s built-in features aren’t enough, you can use third-party solutions that offer advanced features but require more effort to customize.
1. Applications for hiding files
Popular options:
- 🔒 Hide It Pro (Audio Manager) – masquerades as an audio player, supports password and encryption.
- 📂 GalleryVault – hides photos and videos, blocks access via PC.
- 🔐 KeepSafe – Cloud Storage with Protection PIN-code.
⚠️ Note: some Google Play apps may contain ads or collect data. Before installing, check the reviews and permissions the program requests.
2. Root access and system tricks
For users with unlocked bootloader and Root rights, deeper methods are available:
- 🛠️ Moving files to system folders (for example, /data/local/tmp).
- 🔧 Use of the ADB Change the file attributes (chmod).
- 📱 Installation of custom cores with support for encfs (encrypted file system).
🔴 Risks of Root Methods:
⚠️ Warning: Root rights mishandling can lead to device blink (total inoperability), loss of warranty, and security vulnerabilities.