Hidden albums in Xiaomi smartphones are a convenient feature for confidential photos, but sometimes they become a real headache. Users face situations where hidden files take up memory, duplicate or simply interfere with the interface of the gallery. Unlike conventional folders, it is not always possible to delete them using standard methods: MIUI hides this data in protected memory areas, and some methods of hiding (for example, through Private Safe) require additional actions.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove hidden albums on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS. You will learn how to clean up hidden data through embedded tools, third-party applications and even manually through the file manager.
We warn you right away: some methods require root rights or a PC connection. If you are not ready for such manipulation, use the safe options from the first sections. And if the hidden album contains important data, first make a backup through MIUI Cloud or locally to your computer.
1.Remove through the built-in Xiaomi gallery
The easiest way is to use the standard Gallery app, which is suitable for albums hidden through the Hidden Files feature (not to be confused with Private Safe!). MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:
- Open the Gallery app.
- Tap the three-point menu (⋮) top-right.
- Select Settings → Show hidden files.
- Find a folder called.hidden or Hidden (may be displayed in gray).
- Open it, select unnecessary files and click Delete.
⚠️ Note: If the.hidden folder doesn’t show up even after you turn on the hidden files, then the album was hidden through Private Safe – go to the next section.
After deleting, make sure to clear the shopping cart in the gallery (the Recycle Bin section in the menu). Otherwise, the files will remain in the device's memory for another 30 days. Also check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder - sometimes there are thumbnails of hidden images.
Backup of important files
Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)
Charge your phone at least 30%
Disable synchronization with MI Cloud (if you don’t need to save files)-->
2. Cleaning through Private Safe (Personal Storage)
Private Safe is a secure storage in Xiaomi that encrypts files and requires a password to access, and you can only delete albums from there through the app itself:
- Open Settings → Privacy → Private Safe.
- Enter your password or scan your fingerprint.
- Select the Album or Files tab.
- Press and hold the unnecessary album, then tap Delete.
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
If Private Safe does not open or asks for a password you have forgotten, use the reset via your Mi Account:
- 🔑 Go to account.xiaomi.com.
- 📱 Log in and find the Device Management section → Private Safe.
- 🔄 Select the Reset password option (confirmation will be required). SMS).
⚠️ Warning: Resetting Private Safe password will delete all data from the storage without recovery.If there were important files in the album, try to remember the password first or contact Xiaomi support.
Through the function "Hidden files" in the gallery
Using Private Safe.
I'm taking it to the archive with a password.
Third-party applications (such as KeepSafe)
I'm not hiding it.-->
3. Manual deletion through file manager
If the hidden album is not displayed in the gallery but takes up space in memory, try to find it manually. Any file manager that supports hidden folder display (for example, Mi File Manager, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) will do this.
Instructions:
- Open the file manager and enable the display of hidden files (in Mi File Manager: ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files).
- Go to the root folder of internal memory (/storage/emulated/0/).
- Find one of the following folders (depending on the method of hiding):.hidden is the standard hidden through the gallery; MIUI/HiddenFolder is an alternative storage; Android/data/com.miui.gallery is the gallery cache; Pictures/Private is for some versions of MIUI.
Delete unnecessary files or the entire folder.
| folder | Description | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| .hidden | Standard cover-up through the gallery | Yes, but check the contents. |
| MIUI/HiddenFolder | Alternative MIUI storage | Yes, unless you use Private Safe. |
| Android/data/com.miui.gallery | Cache and temporary gallery files | You can clean it, but don’t delete it completely. |
| Pictures/Private | Older versions of MIUI (up to 12) | Yeah, unless you need files. |
⚠️ Note: Do not delete Android folders or MIUI completely, it can cause system failures, and avoid changes to folders called secure or system.
💡
If the file manager doesn’t show hidden folders, try using a PC. Connect your phone over USB in file transfer mode (MTP) and enable the display of hidden elements in Windows Explorer (View → Hidden Items).
4. Removal via ADB (for power users)
If the hidden album is protected by the system and is not removed by standard methods, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for users familiar with the command line.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
ADB Tools
Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
adb devices(Your device should be displayed)
adb shell
su
rm -rf /storage/emulated/0/.hidden(Replace the path with the one that is relevant to your album)
If the su command doesn't work, then there are no root rights on the device, in which case, try an alternative method:
adb shell
rm -rf /sdcard/.hidden⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss or system failures. Don't delete files you don't know how to get to. If you're not sure, ask for help on forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
5.Reset gallery settings (if the album is not deleted)
Sometimes hidden albums get stuck in the gallery cache and continue to appear even after deleting files, in which case resetting the app settings will help:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the gallery and open its settings.
- Slip the Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
- Reboot the phone.
After resetting, all gallery settings (including sorting and select albums) will return to factory settings. However, this does not affect the files themselves, they will remain in the device's memory. If the hidden album is still visible, check the folders manually (see section 3).
🔹 Alternative method: Install a third-party gallery (like Google Photos or Simple Gallery) and check if the hidden album is displayed in it. If not, the problem is in the cache of the standard Xiaomi gallery.
💡
Resetting a gallery doesn't delete files, it just clears your settings, and it's a safe way to get the application back up and running without losing data.
6.Recovery of accidentally deleted files
If you've deleted a hidden album with important data, don't despair - you can try to recover it. Here are 3 proven ways:
- 🔄 Basket in the Gallery: Go to the Gallery → Recycle Bin and Restore Files (Storage for 30 Days).
- ☁️ MI Cloud: If sync was enabled, check backups at i.mi.com (Gallery section).
- 💾 Third-party utilities: Use data recovery software (such as DiskDigger, Recuva or EaseUS MobiSaver). Connect your phone to your PC in Mass Storage mode and scan the memory.
⚠️ Warning: The less you use your phone after deleting files, the better the chances of recovery.Do not save new data or install apps until the process is complete.
To recover via DiskDigger:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Start the scan (select Full Scan for deep search).
- After completion, mark the desired files and click Restore.
- Save your data to your PC or cloud (not your phone!).
If files have been deleted from Private Safe, their recovery is unlikely - MIUI encrypts this data, in which case you only need to check backups in MI Cloud.
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
When working with hidden albums, Xiaomi users face typical problems, and we have collected the most common ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The hidden album is not displayed in the gallery. | Files are hidden through Private Safe or moved to a secure folder | Check Private Safe or use a file manager |
| The.hidden folder reappears after deleting | The gallery automatically recreates it when hiding new files. | Turn off the concealment function in the gallery settings |
| Cannot delete files (access is forbidden) | Files are protected by the system or belong to another user (multi-user) | Use ADB or get root rights |
| After the album is deleted, it still takes place. | Files left in the basket or cache | Clean the gallery basket and cache (see Section 5) |
If neither method worked, it's possible that the hidden album is linked to MIUI system data, leaving two options:
- Reset your phone to factory settings (with loss of all data).
- Contact Xiaomi Service Center to clear protected memory areas.
Before resetting, try updating MIUI to the latest version – sometimes bugs with hidden albums are fixed in new firmware.