Where in the gallery Xiaomi hidden secret album and how to open it: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones based on firmware MIUI They're known for their hidden album function, which is a secure repository for sensitive photos and videos, but many users are faced with a problem: the album suddenly disappears from the gallery, does not appear after updating or resetting, or simply can not find a way to it. The reasons can be different – from a banal error in settings to a system failure that hides the folder from view.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to access the hidden album on Xiaomi Redmi, POCO Mi, including models from 2023 to 2026, you will learn how to enable the display of hidden files through standard tools. MIUI, where to search for system folders manually, and what to do if the album disappeared after updating or changing your account, we will pay special attention to restore access without losing data - even if you forgot your password or PIN-code.

Important: The methods work MIUI 14/15 (including global and Chinese versions, but may differ for older firmware (up to the previous version) MIUI 12.5). If your smartphone is on Android One (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A3), Use alternative methods from the last section.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI
• 🔒 Mi Account Status: You must be logged in to the same account that was used to create the hidden album.
• 🔄 Backup: If the album contains critical data, backup through Settings → Google → Backup.

1. Standard method: Enabling the display of hidden albums in the gallery

The easiest method is to activate the hidden folder display directly in the Gallery app, which works if the album has not been deleted or blocked by the system.

Instructions:

1. Open the Gallery app (a icon with multi-colored squares).
2. Slip along three horizontal lines (☰) top-right.
3. Select the Album item → Hidden albums.
4. If the album is empty, click on three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Show hidden files.

If the Hidden Albums item is not on the menu, it means:

• 🔐 The album is password protected – try to enter PIN-the code or pattern lock you used to create it.
• 📁 The folder is hidden at the file system level – move to the next section.
• 🔄 Failure occurred after the update - you need to reset the cache of the gallery (instruction below).

⚠️ Warning: If you see a message saying "No Hidden Albums" but are sure they were, don't try to create a new album with the same name.

2. Search for hidden folder through file manager

If the standard method didn't work, try finding the album manually through the file manager. MIUI stored in a secure folder, the path to which depends on the firmware version.

How to find it:

1. Open Files (standard manager from Xiaomi) or install Solid Explorer/FX File Manager.
2. Activate the display of hidden files: in "Files": click ⋮ → Settings → Turn on Show Hidden Files. In Solid Explorer, swipe left. → Settings → Show hidden files.

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Gallery/cloud/private/

Or (for older versions of MIUI):

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Gallery/lock/

Inside the private or lock folder, you will find subfolders with names like:

• 📂 Album_12345 — cover-up.
• 📂 SecureFolder – if you used the Safe Folder feature (available on some models).
• 📂 Hidden – for files hidden manually through the gallery menu.

If the folder is not available, check the alternative paths:

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.gallery/files/Hidden/


/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/.hidden/

⚠️ Warning: Do not rename or move files from these folders directly! this can disrupt their connection to the gallery and lead to loss of access.

3. Restoring access through the reset of the gallery cache

A common reason for the disappearance of a hidden album is a damaged cache of the Gallery app, which can happen after an update. MIUI, system failure or conflict with other applications (e.g., memory cleaners).

How to drop the cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Gallery (or com.miui.gallery) and tap it.
3. Select Memory → Clear the cache.
4. Close all apps and restart your phone.

If cache reset didn’t help, try a full gallery data reset (this will delete all app settings, but not the files themselves):

1. Same menu (Settings) → Annexes → Gallery) press Warehouse.
2. Select Clear Data (no cache!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
4. After the reboot, open the gallery and check for a hidden album.

Critical information: If the gallery requests a re-authorization to Mi Account after the data reset, use the same account that was linked to the hidden album.

💡

If you're uploading a photo for a long time after you're reset, connect to Wi-Fi and wait for the indexing to be completed. Don't interrupt the process, it could cause you to crash again.

4. Access via Mi Account: Synchronization and Cloud Storage

All hidden albums on Xiaomi are tied to Mi. If the album is missing after resetting your phone, changing your firmware, or leaving your account, try restoring access through the cloud.

Steps to recover:

1. Make sure you are logged in to the same Mi Account that was used to create the album.
2. Open your browser on your PC or phone and go to i.mi.com.
3. Log in to your account and go to the Gallery section.
4. Check the folders: 📁 Hidden files – your data may be here. 📁 Recycle Bin - if the album was deleted less than 30 days ago.

If files are found, download them to the device or restore them through the web interface.

If there are no hidden files in the cloud, you are sure they were:

• 🔄 Check your sync history: files may not have time to load due to poor internet.
• 📡 Enable gallery sync on your phone: Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Account → Synchronization of the gallery.
• ⏳ Wait 24 hours – sometimes data is not immediately restored.

5. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If the standard methods don't work, you'll have to use advanced tools. This section is for power users, because it requires working with the power of the user. ADB (Android Debug Bridge or installing third-party apps.

Method 1: Viewing Hidden Files via ADB

1. Put the debugging on. USB: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times until the message "You became a developer" appears. → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB Tools.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type in: adb shell ls /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Gallery/cloud/private/ This will show the contents of the hidden folder.
4. To copy files to PC: Adb pull /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Gallery/cloud/private/ C:\HiddenAlbum\

Method 2: Applications for Recovery of Hidden Files

If the album has been deleted, try the recovery software:

• 🛠️ DiskDigger – Searches for deleted photos and videos (root rights required for deep scanning).
• 🔍 Recuva (for PC) – connect your phone as a removable drive and scan the memory.
• 📱 Dumpster – works as a basket for deleted files (you need to install PARANEYER).

⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB If you are not sure, you are acting at your own risk, the wrong commands can lead to data loss or system failure.

💡

ADB-commands allow you to access hidden folders without root rights, but require enabled debugging USB. This method is suitable if the file manager does not show hidden files.

6 What to do if nothing helps: appeal for support

If you’ve tried all the ways but the hidden album never came out, there are two options:

1. Supporting Xiaomi through: 🌍 Official website: mi.com/support. 📧 Mail: support@xiaomi.com (Please indicate the phone model, version MIUI description of the problem). 📞 Hotline phone (for Russia: 8 800 700 02 03).

Recover data through the service center

• 🔧 Xiaomi’s official SCs can extract files using specialized software (for example, Mi Flash Tool).
• 💰 Cost of service: from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the complexity of the service).

Before appealing for support, prepare:

• 📋 IMEI Phone (can be found in the settings) → The phone. → General information or on the box).
• 📅 The date of the album creation (if you remember).
• 🔐 Mi Account details (email and linked phone number).

The timeframe for reviewing a support request is 3 to 7 days, and if the album was deleted more than 30 days ago, the chances of recovery are minimal (the data could have been overwritten).

7 How to Avoid Losing a Hidden Album in the Future

To avoid missing hidden files again, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Keep your gallery synced to Mi Cloud regularly (even if you don’t use the cloud).
• 📁 Backup hidden albums on a PC or external drive.
• 🔒 Do not change your Mi Account without first transferring data.
• 📱 Update the firmware only through official channels (Settings) → Updating the system).
• 🛡️ Use a strong password for a hidden album (not a pattern lock that’s easy to forget).

If you often work with sensitive files, consider alternative storage options:

• 🔐 Google Photos with Blocked Folder (available on Android 12)+).
• 📦 Cryptomator – Encrypting files before uploading to the cloud.
• 💾 VeraCrypt – Creating an encrypted container on your phone.

💡

Create a separate Mi Account specifically for hidden albums, so you can safely use your main account for everyday tasks without losing access to sensitive data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's hidden albums