How to Create a Hidden Folder on Xiaomi Redmi: All Ways from MIUI to ADB

Hidden folders on Xiaomi Redmi are not only a way to protect personal files from prying eyes, but also an effective tool for organizing space. Many users do not even realize that MIUI has built-in features for hiding data that do not require installing additional applications. However, standard methods have limitations: for example, hidden through the Explorer folders are still visible when connecting to a PC or through some file managers.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to create a hidden folder on Redmi Note 12/11/10, Redmi 9/8 and other models – from basic MIUI settings to advanced methods using ADB and third-party utilities. We will pay special attention to hiding folders without root rights, since most users do not want to risk the guarantee or stability of the system.

1. Hiding a folder through a standard MIUI conductor

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI file manager, which allows you to hide folders without installing additional programs, but has an important limitation: hidden data will be accessed through the Hidden Files menu in the Explorer itself.

Instructions:

• 📂 Open the Files app (File icon on the desktop).
• 🔍 Find the folder you want to hide and hold it with your finger. 2-3 seconds.
• 🔒 In the bottom menu, select More → Hide.
• 🔐 Enter a password (if you have not previously installed, the system will prompt you to create it).

To see hidden files again, go to Files → Categories → Hidden files and enter a password. Please note: this method does not work for folders on the SD-card only for internal memory.

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If you forget the password from hidden files, you can reset it only through a full reset settings (Settings → About the phone → Reset settings).

2.Using the "Private Storage" function in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi added a “Private Storage” feature that allows you not only to hide files, but also to block access to them through a fingerprint or pattern lock, a method that is more reliable than standard hiding, since files are encrypted and do not appear even when you connect your phone to your computer.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Private Storage.
2. Click Enable and follow the instructions for setting up the password.
3. After activation, open Files, select the desired folder and click on the menu Move to private storage.

Important: files in private storage are not backed up in the Mi Cloud, and if you reset your phone, the data will be lost without recovery.

3. Hiding a folder through renaming (for power users)

This is a method that works for those who are ready to work with system files, and the bottom line is that folders that start with a dot (like.secret) don't show up in most file managers by default, but in MIUI, this trick doesn't always work, it depends on the firmware version.

How to hide the folder by renaming:

• 📁 Install a file manager that supports hidden files (e.g., Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer) FX File Explorer).
• 🔄 Find the folder you want to hide and rename it by adding a dot at the beginning (e.g. Photos). →.Photos).
• 🔍 Return to the standard conductor MIUI — folder will disappear.

To see the folder again, turn on the hidden files in your file manager settings, which does not protect data from power users, but quickly removes the folder from view.

4. Hiding folders via Termux (no root)

For those who are not afraid of the command line, Termux offers flexible file management capabilities, which not only hides folders, but also changes their attributes so that they do not appear even in developer mode, a method that requires basic knowledge of working with Linux commands.

Instructions:

1. Install Termux from F-Droid (the version from Google Play is outdated).
2. Enter the command to install termux-setup-storage: pkg install termux-api termux-setup-storage Allow access to the storage.
3. Go to the folder where the target folder is located, and rename it: cd /sdcard/Download mv My Daddy. My Daddy.

To return the folder back, use the mv command.MyFolder. This method is more reliable than standard renaming, because it works at the file system level, but requires caution - an error in the command can lead to data loss.

5. Hiding folders with third-party applications

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can use third-party apps.

• 🔒 AppLock – blocks access to folders and applications with a password or fingerprint.
• 🗃️ Hide Something – Creates encrypted storage for files.
• 🛡️ Vault-Hide – masks folders as harmless applications (for example, a calculator).

When choosing an application, pay attention to:

• 🔐 Availability of encryption (AES-256 — best-case).
• 📱 Compatibility with your version MIUI (Some applications are being sluggish MIUI 14+).
• 🚫 No advertising in the paid version (free versions often show intrusive banners).

Example of Vault-Hide settings:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Create a password and a hint (required!).
3. Select the "Hide folders" mode and specify the path to the desired directory.
4. Activate the “Cloak” function (the application will be displayed as a calculator).

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Third-party applications are convenient, but they require constant updates, and if the developer abandons the project, your files may become inaccessible.

Advanced method: Hiding through ADB (for technical users)

If you're ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can hide the folder at the system level, which is suitable for power users and requires connecting the phone to a PC, the advantage is that the folder will be hidden even from file managers with root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode on Phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
4. Enter the commands: adb shell su chmod 000 /sdcard/This will remove all permissions to access the folder, making it invisible.

To return access, use the command:

chmod 755 /sdcard/ Name of the folder

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This method can cause data loss or system failure.Do not apply this method to system folders (for example, /system or /data).

Comparison of folder hiding methods on Xiaomi Redmi

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden folders on Xiaomi Redmi