How to hide a folder on Xiaomi: all the ways from standard to advanced

Hiding folders on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a challenge faced by users who want to protect personal information from prying eyes. Unlike Apple or Samsung, where file hiding functionality is integrated into the system, the MIUI shell offers limited tools by default. However, this does not mean that the task is impossible: from built-in features to third-party applications and technical tricks, there are plenty of options.

It's important to understand that hiding a folder is not the same as encrypting it. Even after using the methods in this article, files will remain accessible through File Manager or ADB, if you know where to look, so for truly sensitive data (passwords, document scans), it's better to combine hiding with archiving in ZIP with a password or using specialized repositories like Google Drive with two-factor authentication.

In this guide, we will look at all the current ways to hide folders on MIUI 14/15, including workarounds for older versions of firmware. Special attention is paid to methods without root rights, but also for advanced users there is useful information. If you are looking for a way to hide a folder from children, colleagues or just organize the storage, read on.

1. Standard method: Hiding through Files (without applications)

The simplest method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 shell and later, it does not require installing additional software, but has a limitation: hidden folders will remain visible in some system applications (for example, in the Gallery, if there are media files stored there).

To hide the folder:

1. Open the Files app (the blue label folder icon).
2. Go to Categories → Local Storage (or Device in older versions).
3. Find the folder you want to hide and hold it for 2-3 seconds.
4. In the menu that appears, select More → Hide.
5. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

To return the folder back, go to Files → Three dots (menu) → Settings → Show hidden files. This will show all the items you have hidden. Please note: this method does not work for system folders (for example, DCIM or Download).

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If the folder is not hiding, check if it is on the SD-On some Xiaomi models, the concealment function only works for internal memory.

2. Use of archive with password (reliable method)

If you don't just want to hide a folder, but you want to protect it from viewing, the best option is to archive with a password, which is suitable for documents, photos or videos that you want to store in encrypted form, minus the method: before viewing the files, you have to unpack the archive every time you look at the files.

Instructions:

• 📂 Install an application for working with archives: RAR, ZArchiver or 7Z (available on Google Play).
• 🔒 Open the application and select the folder you want to archive.
• 🔑 In the archiving settings, activate the option Set a password and come up with a reliable code (it is recommended to use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols).
• 📥 Save the archive to a secure location (such as in the Downloads folder or cloud).
• 🗑️ Delete the original folder (optional).

To open files, you just need to unpack the archive in the same application by entering a password, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not require superuser rights, but remember, if you forget the password, you can't restore access to the files.

3. Hiding by renaming (a bypass)

One little-known way is to rename a folder by adding a dot (..) to the beginning of the name on Unix-like systems (including Android), such folders are considered hidden and do not appear in most file managers by default.

How to do this:

1. Open any file manager with renaming support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Find the folder you want and select Rename.
3. Add a point to the beginning of the title (for example,.MyPhoto instead of MyPhoto).
4. Save the changes.

Now the folder will disappear from standard browsing. To see it again, turn on the hidden files in the file manager settings. Importantly, some system applications (such as the Gallery) can still display media from such a folder. Also, do not rename the system directories - this can cause crashes!

4. applications for hiding folders (top-3 solutions)

If built-in methods aren't enough, third-party apps come to the rescue, offering additional features: encryption, deletion simulation, fingerprint protection, and proven options that run on Xiaomi without root.

How to use such applications:

• 📥 Install the selected application from Google Play.
• 🔐 Set a password or fingerprint on the first run.
• 📁 Import a folder or files to the app’s “safe” (usually there’s an Add or Import button).
• 🔄 Original files can be deleted (optional).

Warning: Check their reputation before using third-party apps, some safes may collect user data, and we recommend that you choose programs with a rating above 4.5 and downloads of 10 million or more.

🔍 Check the ratings and reviews on Google Play

📋 Read the privacy policy (look for data collection items)

🔒 Make sure that the application does not require unnecessary permissions (for example, access to the app). SMS)

🛡️ Prefer open source software (such as Cryptomator)-->

5. Advanced Techniques: Hiding Through ADB and Root

For users willing to dive into technical details, there are ways to hide folders using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or root rights.These methods give more control, but require caution: the wrong commands can lead to data loss or system failures.

Method 1: Hiding through ADB (without root)

ADB allows you to change file attributes, including making them hidden.

1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command: adb shell "cd /sdcard & & mv PAPKY.NAME PAPAPKY" For example, for the Secret: adb shell folder "cd /sdcard & & mv Secret.Secret"
4. Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Use root and file manager

If you have root rights, you can use Root Explorer or FX File Explorer to change folder attributes. Open the manager, find the folder, pinch it, and select Properties → Attributes → Hidden. After that, the folder will disappear from standard browsing.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB or root may violate Xiaomi's warranty and cause system instability.Before experimenting, back up your data via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

6.Alternative methods: cloud storage and “disguised” folders

If you need not just to hide the folder, but completely exclude its presence on the device, consider options with cloud storage or masking as system files.

Method 1: Transfer to the cloud with private access

• 🌥️ Download the folder to Google Drive, Mega or Proton Drive (the latter offers end-to-end encryption).
• 🔗 Generate a link to access with a time limit or password.
• 🗑️ Remove the original folder from your phone.

Method 2: Masking it as a system folder

Some users rename their folders as system folders (e.g., android, cache) to avoid catching the eye, but this method is unreliable: an experienced user can easily recognize the swap, and some applications can delete “extra” system folders when cleaning the cache.

Method 3: Creating a “fake” archive

You can create an archive with a harmless name (for example, a file, notes_backup.zip), And this is a way of camouflaging that works if no one opens the archive, and for security, add some unnecessary files (like old notes) to distract attention.

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The most reliable way to hide a folder on Xiaomi is to combine the archive with a password and upload it to the cloud, which protects data even if you lose or steal your phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding folders on Xiaomi