Photos and videos in the smartphone gallery often contain personal information that you want to protect from prying eyes. On smartphones Xiaomi Redmi with shell MIUI there are several built-in and third-party ways to restrict access to multimedia - from standard application locking to creating hidden albums with two-factor authentication. In this article we will analyze all the current methods, including nuances for different firmware versions and models Redmi Note, Redmi i POCO.

It is important to understand that blocking a gallery is not the same as encrypting data. If an attacker gains physical access to a phone with an unlocked screen, some methods (such as hidden folders) can be bypassed through the file manager. For maximum protection, we recommend combining methods - for example, blocking the application itself with a password and at the same time hiding sensitive files in Gallery data-i="41">and Gallery password and at the same time hide sensitive files in MIUI Private Vault.

All instructions below have been tested on MIUI 14 And MIUI 15 (including global and Chinese versions), but may differ on older firmware (MIUI 12 and below). If you have a different shell (for example, HyperOS on new models), check the availability of functions manually - some menu items may have changed location.

The easiest way is to set a password or pattern directly on the application Gallery. This method works on all Xiaomi Redmi s MIUI 11 and newer, but has a limitation: the lock is removed after rebooting the phone (unless the option Request password after restart is enabled).

To activate protection:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application lock.
  2. Enter the current screen lock password (if not set, the system will prompt you to create it).
  3. Find it in the list Gallery and move the slider to the right.
  4. Select the lock type: password, pattern or fingerprint (if supported).
  5. Activate the option Hide notificationsso that the gallery contents are not displayed in the curtain.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using fingerprint to unlock the gallery, make sure that the option is disabled in your phone's security settings Allow unlocking with other biometric data. Otherwise, a person who knows your lock screen PIN will be able to bypass the gallery's security through an alternative authentication method.

A password has been set for the application itself|Notifications from the gallery have been disabled|Fingerprint operation has been checked (if used)|The "Request password after restart" option has been activated

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This method is convenient because it does not require third-party applications and is integrated into the system. However, it does not hide files from. users who will access the phone via File manager or connection via USB. For complete privacy, consider additional methods from the following sections.

The shell MIUI has a built-in function Private storage (or Hidden albums in new versions), which allows you to hide selected photos and videos behind an additional password. Unlike locking the application, this method hides files from the main gallery interface, but they remain accessible through a special section.

Setting instructions:

  1. Open the application Gallery.
  2. Select photos/videos you want to hide (press with your finger → check the boxes).
  3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Move to hidden album.
  4. When used for the first time, the system will ask you to create a password (it may differ from the main PIN code of the phone).
  5. Hidden files are now only accessible through section Albums → Hidden, which is password protected.

⚠️ Attention: Files in a hidden album are not encrypted at the file system level. They can be found through the file manager along the path /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/PrivateAlbum/, if you know the exact address. To complicate access, rename the folder PrivateAlbum to an arbitrary name (for example, .config123) - this will hide it from accidental detection.

How to return files from hidden album

To return photos to the main gallery, open the "Hidden Albums" section, select the files, click on the three dots and select "Move to main album". You will need to enter the password again.

The advantage of this method is the speed of access for you and relative secrecy for others. will be able to find hidden files through a search in the file system. To increase security, combine this method with blocking the application itself Gallery (Section 1).

3. Using MIUI “Private Storage” (for confidential files)

“Private Storage”** - this is a separate protected section in MIUI, which encrypts files and requires authorization for each access. Unlike hidden albums, here the files are stored in encrypted form and are not displayed even through the file manager without a password. The function is available on MIUI 12 and newer.

How to set up:

  1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Private storage.
  2. Create a password (it is recommended to use a combination of 8+ characters with numbers and letters).
  3. Return to Gallery, select the required files → More → Move to Private storage.
  4. Confirm the action with a password.

Access files in Private storage is carried out through:

  • 🔒 Settings → Privacy → Private storage (password required).
  • 📁 Special section in the application Files (tab Private).
  • 🔍 Through a search in the gallery by keyword #private (requires a password).
Method Protection level Visibility in the file manager Password required on reboot
Locking the Gallery application Medium Files are visible No (if not configured)
Hidden albums Low Files are visible directly paths No
Private storage High Files are encrypted Yes
Third-party applications (for example, KeepSafe) High/Medium Depends on the application Yes/No

⚠️ Attention: If you forget your password Private storage, it will be impossible to restore access to the files - they are encrypted locally without cloud synchronization. Xiaomi does not provide a password recovery service for this function. We recommend writing down the password in a safe place (for example, in a password manager).

Locking the application. "Gallery"|Hidden albums|MIUI private storage|Third-party applications (KeepSafe, Vaulty)|I do not protect the gallery-->

If the built-in functions MIUI are not enough, you can use specialized applications from Google Play. They offer additional options: false password, automatic hiding for unsuccessful entry attempts, cloud backup. Below are proven options with support Xiaomi Redmi:

Top 3 applications for locking the gallery:

  • 🔐 KeepSafe Photo Vault —encrypts files, supports fingerprint and false PIN. The free version limits the number of files.
  • 🛡️ Vaulty — hides photos and videos, takes a photo of the attacker in case of unsuccessful login attempts. There is a “panic” function (holding the power button closes the application).
  • 📂 GalleryVault —simulates an application error when entering the wrong password, supports cloud backup (paid).

Setup instructions using an example KeepSafe:

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. On first launch create a PIN code or pattern key.
  3. Click Import and select files from the gallery Xiaomi.
  4. Activate the option Delete originals after importso that the files do not remain in the standard gallery.
  5. Enable in settings Hide application icon (access by dialing *#123# in the phone application).

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example Vaulty) may conflict with MIUI Optimizer - built-in optimization utility Xiaomi. If after installing the vault application the phone starts to slow down, add it to the exceptions: Settings → Accessibility → Battery optimization → All applications → Find the vault application → No restrictions.

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Before installing a third-party vault application check its rating and reviews for the last 3 months. Some highly rated applications may contain advertising modules that reduce performance Redmi with 4-6 GB of RAM.

Function Second space in MIUI allows you to create an isolated user profile with separate applications and data. This method is suitable if you want to completely separate your personal gallery from your main profile. For example, you can install Gallery only in the second space and lock it with a password.

How to set it up:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Second space.
  2. Create a second profile and set a separate password for it.
  3. In the main space, delete the application Gallery (or disable it in Settings → Applications).
  4. In the second space, install Gallery and transfer all personal files there.
  5. In the settings of the second activate space Hide notifications on the main screen.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔄 Complete data isolation - files from the second space are not visible in the main profile.
  • 🔒 You can set different passwords for the main and second space.
  • 📱 Supports separate accounts Google i Mi Account.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Takes up additional space on the device (up to 1–2 GB for system files of the second space).
  • ⏳ Switching between spaces takes time (about 5-10 seconds).
  • 🔄 Not all files can be transferred - some system folders remain shared.
💡

Second space is the only method that completely isolates the gallery from the main profile, however, it requires additional phone resources and is not suitable for devices with a small amount of memory (less than 64 GB).

If you are ready to work with developer tools, you can block access to the gallery at the system level using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). but requires caution - incorrect commands can disrupt the operation of the phone. Xiaomi Redmi with an unlocked bootloader or root access, but requires caution - incorrect commands can break the phone.

Instructions for blocking the gallery via ADB:

  1. Activate Developer mode: Settings → About phone → MIUI version (press 7 times).
  2. Enable USB Debugging USB debugging Settings → Advanced → For developers.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command in the terminal: 
    adb shell pm hide com.miui.gallery

    This hides the application Gallery from the user (but does not delete it).

  4. To regain access, use: 
    adb shell pm unhide com.miui.gallery

For complete blocking, you can disable gallery permissions:

adb shell pm revoke com.miui.gallery android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

adb shell pm revoke com.miui.gallery android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

⚠️ Attention: Commands ADB are reset after rebooting the phone. To make the changes permanent, you need root access or modified firmware ADB may result. to data loss or resetting the phone to factory settings.

How to check the current gallery permissions

Run the command:

adb shell dumpsys package com.miui.gallery

In the output, find the block permissions —all current application permissions will be listed there.

7. Additional security measures

Even after blocking the gallery, there are still ways to bypass the protection. To maximize the security of personal data on Xiaomi Redmi, follow these. recommendations:

Checklist for enhanced protection:

  • 🔐 Set a complex lock screen password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
  • 🚫 Disable the display of notifications on the lock screen: Settings → Notifications → On the lock screen → Hide content.
  • 🔄 Update regularly MIUI —new versions close vulnerabilities that allow you to bypass locks.
  • 📱 Set up automatic screen lock after 30 seconds inactivity.
  • 🔗 Disable USB debugging i OEM unlocking in the developer settings if you do not use them.

For devices with MIUI 14/15 the function Personal data protection:

  1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Personal data protection.
  2. Enable option Block access to personal data.
  3. Add Gallery to the list of protected applications.

This will prevent access to the gallery through Screen projection (for example, when connecting to a TV) or Guest mode.

Common errors and how to avoid them

When setting up a gallery lock, users Xiaomi Redmi often encounter typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

Problem Cause Solution
The password for the hidden album does not work Reset or update MIUI Delete the folder /MIUI/PrivateAlbum/ via the file manager and create a new album
The gallery is not locked with a password Conflict with battery optimization Add Gallery exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery optimization → All applications
Hidden files are visible in the file manager Folder PrivateAlbum has not been renamed Rename the folder to .nomedia or .config (via Root Explorer)
Private storage does not open Encryption failure after update Reboot your phone. If that doesn't help, reset the settings Privacy in Settings → Privacy → Reset

⚠️ Attention: If you use root access to hide the gallery, disable access to Magisk or SuperSU for the application Gallery. Otherwise, system updates may break the lock.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to block individual albums in the Xiaomi gallery?

In the standard gallery MIUI there is no function for blocking individual albums - only the entire application or moving files to Hidden album/Private storage. For selective blocking, use third-party applications, for example KeepSafe, where you can create protected folders inside the vault.

How to restore access if you forgot the password for the Private storage?

It is impossible to recover the password from MIUI Private Storage the files are encrypted locally without cloud synchronization:

  1. Back up all phone data (via Mi PC Suite or TWRP).
  2. Reset settings (Settings → About phone → Reset settings).
  3. After the reset, the files in Private storage will be lost, but the rest of the data can be restored from backup.

To avoid this situation, export important files from storage to the cloud or PC once a month.

Does locking the gallery work on Xiaomi with HyperOS?

HyperOS (new shell for Xiaomi 2026-2026) retains the basic functions MIUI, but with a modified interface To lock the gallery:

  1. Open Settings → Privacy → App Lock.
  2. Select Gallery and set a password.
  3. For Private storage go to Settings → Storage → Private storage.

In HyperOS also appeared function Protected foldersthat encrypts files at the file system level (analogous to PrivateAlbum, but with improved protection).

Is it possible to lock a gallery on Redmi without a screen password?

No, all built-in locking methods (Application lock, Private. vault) require you to first set up a password/lock screen pattern. This is a security limitation. AndroidAlternative options:

  • Use third-party vault applications (for example, Vaulty), which allow you to set your own PIN.
  • Create Second space with a separate password (section 5).
How to hide a gallery from search in the file manager?

To hide gallery files from search:

  1. Rename the folder with photos (for example, DCIM → .nomediadcim) via Root Explorer or Mixplorer.
  2. Create an empty file in the folder .nomedia (this will hide it from the media scanner).
  3. For Private storage the default path is /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/PrivateAlbum/. in .private_vault.

⚠️ After renaming the folder DCIM the camera will stop saving new photos. To fix it, return the original name or set a different saving path in the camera.