How to hide messages on Xiaomi: from SMS to chats in messengers

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI There are many privacy protection tools available, but not all users know how to hide messages from prying eyes. Według 68% of Redmi owners and POCO We've had to hide personal communications at least once, whether it's a text message from a bank, a notification from messengers or a chat on Telegram. MIUI (For example, "Private Mode" often works unintuitively, and third-party applications may violate security policies.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways to hide messages on Xiaomi – from built-in tools MIUI We'll focus on the nuances of different versions of the firmware (MIUI 14/15) and models (Redmi Note) 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T). You'll find out how:

• 🔒 Archive SMS and chats without deletion
• 👁️ Hide notifications from specific contacts
• 🔐 Block access to messengers with a password
• 📱 Use the "Second Space" to isolate data completely
• 🛡️ Encrypt backup copies of correspondence

Important: Some methods require permission to change system settings (e.g., for the purpose of ADB-If you are not sure about your skills, skip these sections or consult a specialist. Also remember that hiding messages does not equal deleting them - if necessary, data can be restored through backup copies.

Message archive in the standard annex "Messages"

The easiest way to hide SMS on Xiaomi is to use the built-in archiving feature in the Messages app (an envelope icon). MIUI 12 and newer, including Redmi 10 and POCO X5. Archived messages are not displayed in the main list, but remain available on special request.

To archive the correspondence:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap and hold the desired chat (or select a few).
3. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Archive.
4. To view the archive, go to Settings → Message archive.

⚠️ Note: Archived messages are not password protected – anyone who knows the path to the archive can read them. For additional security, we recommend enabling Application Blocking (more on this below).

Make sure you have the latest version of the Messages app.

Check the vacant space (archive takes up) ~10% of the original size of the correspondence)

Backup important messages (Settings) → Backup)

Disable sync with Mi Cloud if you don’t want to save your archive in the cloud-->

2. Hiding notifications from specific contacts

If you need to hide notifications from a particular person (for example, to prevent messages from showing up on the lock screen), use the notification settings. MIUI. This method is suitable for SMS, WhatsApp, Viber and other messengers.

Instructions for SMS:

1. Open the messages. → Choose a chat with contact.
2. Tap on three points. → Details.
3. Go to Notifications. → Turn off the switch Show notifications.
4. For full cover, also turn off Sound and Vibration.

For messengers (on the example of Telegram):

1. Open the chat room. → tap in the name of the contact.
2. Select Notifications → Shut down.
3. Activate Hide the text of notifications (some versions call it Confidential Mode).

⚠️ Note: Disabling notifications does not delete messages - they will still come and appear in the messenger itself.

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If you want to hide notifications from all messengers at once, go to Settings → Notifications → Privacy and activate the option “Hide the contents of notifications on the lock screen".

3. Blocking applications with a password or fingerprint

One of the reliable ways to hide access to correspondence is to block the messengers themselves using the built-in function Block applications in the Internet. MIUI. This will prevent you from accessing chat rooms without your permission, even if someone unlocks your phone.

How to turn on the lock:

1. Go to Settings. → Privacy → Application lockdown.
2. Set a password or fingerprint (both methods are recommended).
3. Select the messengers that you want to block (WhatsApp, Telegram, Messages, etc.).
4. Activate Hide notifications from blocked applications.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 It works at the system level – does not require root rights.
• 📱 Supports unlocking by fingerprint or face (on models with a IR-scanner).
• 🔄 You can set up automatic locking through 5/10/30 minutes of inactivity.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from Application Blocking, you can only reset it through a full phone reset (Settings) → Additionally. → Reset settings. This will delete all data from the device!

4.The use of the "Second Space" for complete isolation

Second Space (or Dual Apps in some regions) allows you to create a separate user profile with your own apps and data, ideal if you need to completely hide not only messages, but also other personal data.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Follow the instructions for creating a second profile (you will need to specify a second Mi Account or Google account).
3. After setting up, switch between swipe spaces down the lock screen (or through the notification bar).
4. Install messengers in the second space and configure them separately.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ The second space takes up additional resources (up to 2 GB of memory).
• ⚠️ Some models (POCO M4, Redmi 9A) They do not support this function.
• ⚠️ Notifications from the second space are not displayed in the main profile.

💡 Tip: To switch between spaces quickly, add a shortcut to the home screen. To do this, press and hold free space on the screen. → Widgets → Second space.

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Second space is the most reliable way to hide messages, because the data is completely isolated from the main profile, but this method requires additional adjustment and is not suitable for weak devices.

5. Encryption of backup copies of correspondence

If you want to not only hide messages, but also protect them from recovery through backups, use encryption, which is suitable for users who regularly create backups of correspondence (for example, to transfer to a new phone).

How to encrypt a backup copy in Telegram:

1. Open Telegram. → Settings → chat → Backup of chats.
2. Select the chat rooms to back up and specify a save path (such as Mi Cloud or local memory).
3. Activate the option to Encrypt backup and come up with a strong password.
4. Save the file with the.tgbackup extension in a safe place.

For SMS, you can use third-party applications, for example SMS Backup & Restore:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Create a backup copy of the messages.
3. In the export settings, select Encrypt and specify the password.
4. Save the file to a secure storage (e.g. Google Drive with two-factor authentication).

⚠️ Note: If you lose the password from the encrypted backup, it will be impossible to recover the data – even the developers of Telegram or Telegram. SMS Backup & Restore can't help. Store passwords in managers like Bitwarden or KeePass.

6. Third-party applications for hiding messages

If the built-in functions MIUI Not enough, you can use specialized applications to hide correspondence. 3 The most reliable options compatible with Xiaomi MIUI 14/15:

🔧 How to choose an application:

• 📱 For weak devices (Redmi 9, POCO C31) Calculator% is suitable - it is less demanding on resources.
• 🔒 If you want maximum security, choose Vault-Hide with a fake lock screen feature.
• 🌍 For users of the global version MIUI It is better to use Hide It Pro (but check compatibility).

⚠️ Attention: Before installing third-party applications to hide data:

1. Check the reviews on 4PDA or XDA Developers – Some applications contain advertising modules that can leak data.
2. Don't install it. APK from unverified sources – use only Google Play or the official Mi App Store website.
3. After installation, disable auto-start the application in the settings MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Auto-start).

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding messages on Xiaomi