Xiaomi devices are not just gadgets, but entire ecosystems with dozens of hidden menus, system files and unique features. But what if the desired document is lost in memory, the setting is hidden in the depths? MIUI, This article will help you understand how to effectively search on smartphones, tablets and even Xiaomi smartwatches - from basic methods to advanced life hacks.
We will look not only at standard search tools, but also at little-known features: how to find hidden system files without root rights, restore remote contacts through the cloud, find developer settings without a long scrolling and even detect “lost” functions after updating the firmware. The instructions are valid for all devices on MIUI 12-14 HyperOS, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.
So we're going to start to parse it from simple to complex, and if you're looking for something specific, use the table of contents below for quick navigation.
1.File search on Xiaomi: from documents to hidden folders
Xiaomi's built-in file manager does more than it looks, indexing not only internal memory, but also internal memory. SD-Maps, cloud storage (Mi Cloud, Google Drive), and system folders – if you know how to open them.
To find the file:
- 📁 Open the Files app. → Categories tab (bottom) Here files are automatically sorted by types: Images, Audio, Videos, Documents.
- 🔍 Click on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner. Enter the name of the file or part of it (for example, passport or.pdf).
- 📂 To search in a particular folder, first go to it, then use the search – so the results will be more accurate.
- 🔐 To see hidden files, click on the main menu of the application ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files.
If the file is not located, check:
- 🗑️ Recycle Bin folder (bottom tab) – deleted files are stored there for 30 days.
- ☁️ Cloud Storage: Mi Cloud (Cloud tab) or Google Drive (if sync was enabled).
- 📱 Memory of other devices: If the file was sent via Mi Share or Bluetooth, check the Received folder.
⚠️ Note: System files with.apk,.odex, or.prop extensions may not appear even when the "Show Hidden Files" mode is enabled.
2.Settings search: how to quickly find the desired parameter in MIUI
Interface. MIUI He's known for his menu and submenu, so he doesn't waste his time on endless scrolling:
Method 1: Global Search
- 🔎 Swipe down the desktop to open the search bar. type in the name of the setting (such as developer mode or auto-turn).
- 📱 On some firmware, search only works on applications – then use method 2.
Method 2: Search within the Settings app
- 🛠️ Open the Settings. → click on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner.
- 🔠 Enter a keyword. For example, to customize. USB-Debugging enter debugging or developer.
Method 3: Codes for Quick Access
Some menus open through engineering commands, and enter them in the Phone app as a number:
#4636## - Battery information and usage statistics
#6484## - Sensor test (accelerometer, gyroscope)
#64663## Testing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS| Setting up | The way is on the menu | Alternative method |
|---|---|---|
| Developer mode | Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times) | Search by word developer |
| Auto-launching applications | Settings → Applications → Application Management → Autorun | Team #83781# |
| Screen settings (color temperature) | Settings → Screen → Color mode | Search for the word color |
| Reset to factory settings | Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings | Command #7780## (soft reset) |
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If the search in the settings does not find the desired parameter, try to enter synonyms. For example, instead of "brightness" use "backlight", and instead of "sound" - "loudness" or "melody".
3. App Search: Where to Look for Remote and Hidden Programs
Xiaomi apps can disappear for several reasons: they are hidden by the system, deleted, or their icons are hidden in folders.
If the application is deleted:
- 🗑️ Check the Recycle Bin in the Google Play Store (Application Management section) → Remote).
- ☁️ Restore from Mi Cloud backup: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Data recovery.
- 🔄 If the application was system-based (e.g. Camera or Gallery), it can be returned via Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Show all applications → ⋮ → Show system-based.
If the application is hidden:
- 👁️ B Settings → Annexes → App management click on the filter (funnel icon) and select Hidden Apps.
- 📂 Check your desktop folders – sometimes icons are automatically grouped into categories (such as Games or Social Media).
- 🔍 Use a global search (swipe down the desktop) and type the app name.
How to find pre-installed Chinese apps
Contact Finding: Recovery and Synchronization
Contacts on Xiaomi can be stored in three places: SIM-In the memory of the phone or in the cloud (Google/Mi Cloud if contact is missing:
Step 1: Check all sources
- 📱 Open Contacts. → press on ⋮ → Contact management → Import/Export. You can see where the contacts are stored here.
- ☁️ Go to Settings. → Accounts and check if sync with Google or Mi Cloud is enabled.
- 🔄 If contacts are duplicated, combine them: Contacts → ⋮ → Connecting contacts.
Step 2: Restore Remote Contacts
- 🗑️ On Google Contacts (https://contacts.google.com) There is a basket where remote contacts are stored. 30 days.
- 🔙 In Mi Cloud (https://i.mi.com) Go to Contacts. → Basket (storage period — 15 days).
- 📥 If sync has been disabled, try restoring contacts from backup: Settings → System system → Backup.
⚠️ Please note: if you have used SIM-a card for storing contacts, their recovery is possible only through the operator. SIM cloudy!
5. Search by system logs and hidden functions
For power users, Xiaomi has hidden logs and debugging menus where you can find information about how the device works, which is useful for diagnosing problems or recovering data.
How to open system logs:
- 📜 Install the Logcat Extreme or MatLog app from Google Play.
- 🔧 Enable Developer Mode (see Section 2) and activate Debugging by USB.
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and use it. ADB For logs unloading: adb logcat -d > xiaomi_logs.txt
Hidden functions of MIUI:
- 🎵 Equivalent sound: Settings → Sound. → Equivalent amplifier (improving the sound in headphones).
- 📡 High Performance Mode: Settings → Battery → Performance mode.
- 🔒 Secure folder: Settings → Confidentiality → Secure folder (hiding files from outsiders).
- 🌙 Dark theme for individual applications: Settings → Screen. → Dark subject. → Schedule.
☑️ Preparation for the search for system logs
6. Search for Xiaomi device: if phone or watch is lost
If you lost your Xiaomi gadget, use the built-in search tools:
For smartphones and tablets:
- 📍 Find Device (https://i.mi.com/finddevice): Shows location, allows you to block or erase data.
- 🔊 Turn on the beep through Google Find My Device (https://www.google.com/android/find).
- 📱 If the device is turned off, check the last known location in the Mi Cloud.
For smart watches (Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch):
- 🕒 Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app → Find the device in the list → Find the clock (it will start vibrating).
For headphones (Mi AirDots, Buds):
- 🎧 In the Mi Home or AIoT app, select headphones → Find the device (they will make a sound).
- 🔋 If the headphones are in the case, the search will not work – they must be connected to the phone.
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The most reliable way to find a lost Xiaomi device is to enable synchronization with Mi Cloud AREASE. Without it, geolocation and remote locking will not work.
7. Advanced methods: ADB, Fastboot and Data Recovery
If standard methods don't work, we'll have to use developer tools, and note: these methods require caution and can lead to data loss if used incorrectly.
Search through ADB (rootless):
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and run the command to search for files: adb shell find /storage/ -name "filename"
- 📄 To upload a file to a PC: adb pull /path/to/file C:\file
Recovery of deleted data:
- 🔄 Use DiskDigger or Recuva (requires Root for deep scanning).
- 📱 Google Photos is suitable for photo recovery (if synchronization was enabled).
Search for the Firmware (for experienced):
- 🔧 Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
- 🔍 Unpack the.tz file with the help of 7-Zip Search for the right system files manually.
⚠️ Note: Fastboot erase or adb shell rm commands without understanding the consequences can permanently delete critical data!