Smartphone users Xiaomi i Redmi often face the need to hide certain applications or files from prying eyes. The standard interface MIUI or the new shell HyperOS does not allow you to simply remove the folder icon from the desktop without deleting the application itself. However, there are several effective ways to restrict access to confidential data directly on the main screen.
In this article we will look at how to implement hidden folders using the built-in security features of the system, and also consider alternative methods through third-party launchers. You will learn how to set up biometric protection and what interface settings will help make your data invisible to casual users.
Using the built-in Hidden Folders feature
The most reliable way to hide data is to use the native security feature that the developers Xiaomi built in deep into the system. This method does not simply remove the icon, but places the contents in an encrypted container. To access, you will need a special gesture or password.
To activate this option, you need to go to the device security settings. Find the Application protection or Hidden folders section in the settings menu. The system will prompt you to set a unique password or link a function to a fingerprint, which significantly increases the level of protection of your data.
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the password for a hidden folder and do not link your Mi account for recovery, access to the files inside will be lost forever. Resetting your phone will not help restore the contents of this container.
Once configured, you will be able to add applications or files to this area. They will not appear on the desktop. To call up a hidden space, you usually use a two-finger gesture outward on the main screen or by entering a special code in the Themes application.
For quick access to hidden folders, set up fingerprint unlocking - this will save time each time you enter a secure area.
Setting up Lite Mode
An alternative disguise option is to switch the interface to a special mode for older people or children. In Simple mode the desktop changes dramatically: icons become larger, and the number of elements on the screen is reduced.
When this mode is activated, some folders and widgets can be automatically hidden or moved to additional screens that are not displayed by default. This creates the effect of a “clean” table, where unnecessary elements are not noticeable.
Activation is done through the menu Settings → Simple mode. After turning on, the system will prompt you to select a set of applications that will remain on the main screen. All other folders will be accessible only through the menu of all applications or when the mode is turned off.
- 📱 Increases the font and icon size for better viewing.
- 🔒 Limits the ability to install new applications without permission.
- 👁️ Visually hides complex settings and unnecessary folders from the first screen.
It is worth noting that this method does not provide cryptographic protection, but only changes the visual appearance of the interface. An experienced user can easily exit this mode through the settings.
Using third-party launchers
If standard tools MIUI do not suit you, you can install a third-party shell. Launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher offer advanced desktop management features, including hiding application icons and entire folders.
After installing such a launcher, it will become the default interface. In the settings of the new launcher there is usually a section Hidden applications. By adding the necessary apps there, you will remove their icons from the general list and from the desktop.
Launcher settings → Hidden applications → Add (+) → Folder selectionSome advanced launchers allow you to create separate desktop profiles. You can set up one profile for personal use with visible folders, and another “public” profile, where confidential data will be completely absent.
⚠️ Attention: When changing the launcher, some widget settings and icon placement may be reset. It is recommended to take a screenshot of the current location before the experiment.
Compatibility of launchers with HyperOS
The new HyperOS shell has stricter restrictions on changing system components. Some features of third-party launchers, such as gestures or deep integration, may be unstable or require additional permissions via ADB.
Blocking access to specific applications
Often the goal is not to hide a folder visually, but to deny access to its contents. The Application protection (App Lock) function ideally solves this problem. When you try to open an application from a protected folder, the system will ask for a password or fingerprint.
This function is located in the “Security” application, which is pre-installed on all smartphones Redmi. You can select any apps, even if they are in a visible folder on the desktop. For an outsider, the folder will look normal, but you won’t be able to open the applications inside.
| Protection type | Security level | Security level | Setting complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden folder | High (no icon) | Maximum | Medium |
| Application protection | Low (icon visible) | High | Low |
| Simple mode | Medium (changes view) | Low | Low |
| Third-party launcher | High | Medium | High |
Using a combination of methods gives the best result. For example, you can place financial applications in a hidden folder, and simply block social networks with a password.
App Lock does not hide the icon, but reliably blocks the launch of the app, which is often more effective than complete hiding.
Working with file managers
If by “folder” you mean a directory with photos or documents, and not a group of applications, then the approach will be different. The built-in file manager Explorer from Xiaomi also has a hiding function.
You can create a special protected folder inside the file manager. Files moved there disappear from the general gallery and the standard file overview. Access to them is possible only by entering a password in the Explorer application itself.
To do this, open the file manager, swipe down to display a menu or find the item Hidden filesin the settings. Move the necessary documents there. This will not affect the desktop in any way, since this is working with internal memory, and not with shortcuts.
- 📁 Files are encrypted and are not visible when the phone is connected to a PC in file transfer mode.
- 🔑 A separate password is required, different from the unlock password screen.
- 🔄 You can quickly hide and show files as needed.
It is important to understand the difference between hiding an application shortcut and hiding data files. The first methods relate to the interface, and this one relates to the data storage system.
☑️ Checking the security of the folder
Frequent problems and their solutions
Users sometimes encounter a situation where, after updating the system MIUI or HyperOS hidden folder settings are reset or the function stops working correctly. This is due to changes in Android security policies.
If you cannot find the hidden folders setting, make sure you have the region set to "India" or "China" in your phone settings (temporarily), as this feature may be limited or moved in some global firmwares. However, most often it is available in all versions.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may differ depending on the firmware version and device model (Redmi Note, Poco, Xiaomi). If you don’t find the item you need, use the settings search by entering the query “Hidden.”
It is also worth considering that some widgets may duplicate the contents of folders. Removing a shortcut from the desktop does not always remove the widget. Check for widgets on additional screens.
What to do if the function disappeared after the update?
Try clearing the cache of the “Security” and “Themes” applications. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Security → Clear cache. Reboot your device.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to recover a deleted hidden folder?
If you delete a hidden folder through settings, the data inside it is usually deleted permanently. However, if you had synchronization with Mi Cloud enabled or you made a backup copy before deleting, you can try to restore data from the cloud or backup.
Are hidden applications visible in the list of recent tasks?
Applications added to a hidden folder through a standard security mechanism are not displayed in the list of recent running tasks (multitasking menu) until you unlock the hidden folder itself. This provides additional privacy.
Will hiding a folder work when you connect your phone to a computer?
Hiding shortcuts on the desktop does not affect the file system. If you hide an application, its files may be available when connected to your PC. If you used the function of hiding files in Explorer, then when connected via USB, these files will also be hidden from view without a password.
How to disable a hidden folder forever?
To completely disable it, go to the “Security” application, select “Hidden Folders”, enter the password and press the shutdown or delete button. The system will warn you that all files will become visible or will be deleted depending on the selected action.