Hidden files on Xiaomi smartphones are not only system data that MIUI protects, but also your personal folders, hidden by apps or manually, which you may need to search for to free up memory, restore deleted photos, edit configuration files or even delete viruses. However, standard Explorer from Xiaomi often hides such files, and access to them is blocked by the shell.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for finding hidden files on any Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device, from simple conductor settings to using ADB and TWRP custom recap. At the end of this article, we will focus on the nuances of different versions of MIUI (12-14) and Android (11-14), as well as the risks that system folders pose. If you are looking for a specific thumb file (for example,.nomedia, nails or WhatsApp cache), there is an FAQ with exact paths at the end of the article.
1. enable the display of hidden files in the standard MIUI Explorer
The fastest way is to use the built-in Explorer (or Files by Google if installed). In MIUI 14, the algorithm has changed slightly from previous versions, but the essence remains the same: you need to enable the display of hidden elements in the settings.
How to do this:
- 📱 Open the Explorer app (folder icon on the desktop).
- 🔍 Slip on three points in the upper right corner. → Select Settings.
- 👁️ Scroll down and activate the Tool Show Hidden Files (in some versions – Display System Files).
- 📁 Back to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and update the list (swipe down).
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 13/14 Android 12+ system folder (/data, /system) They may not be displayed even after this option is enabled, and they will require root rights or ADB.
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If hidden files don’t show up, try using a third-party explorer like Solid Explorer or FX File Manager – these often bypass the limitations of MIUI.
2. Search for hidden files via computer (MTP and ADB)
Connecting your smartphone to your PC gives you more options for working with the file system, and there are two options: standard MTP protocol (like a flash drive) and advanced access via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), the first is suitable for user data, the second is for system data.
Method 1: Using MTP (without root)
- 🖥️ Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB, Select the File Transfer Mode (MTP).
- 📂 Open this computer. → Find the device in the Portable Devices section.
- ⚙️ In the top panel of Windows Explorer, click View → Check the hidden elements.
- 🔍 Now you will see folders like.thumbdata,.nomedia or Android/data (where the application data is stored).
Method 2: Through ADB (for system files)
If you want files in /data or /system, you will need ADB. This method does not require root, but gives access only to read (write is possible only with superuser rights).
adb shell
su (if there is root)
ls -la /data/data/⚠️ Note: Delete or edit files in /system without root, it can cause a device to blink, such as changing files to /system/priv-app frequently causes cyclical reset.
3. Using Root Rights and TWRP to Access Hidden Partitions
If you need files from protected partitions (/data, /efs, /persist), root rights or custom recaps are essential, and this method is suitable for advanced users, as improper actions can lead to loss of IMEI or complete failure of the device.
What can be done with root:
- 🔓 Full access to /data/data/ (app folders with settings and cache).
- 📱 Editing system files (build.prop, hosts).
- 🗑️ Removing unnecessary system applications (bloatver).
- 🔍 Recovering deleted files through TWRP (For example, photographs from /data/media/0/DCIM/.thumbnails).
How to access:
- Install Magisk to get root (see instructions for your model on XDA Developers).
- Install TWRP (if available for your device).
- In TWRP, select Advanced → File Manager, and you will see all the partitions, including the hidden ones.
What happens if you delete /data/dalvik-cache?
| Section | Contents | Do you need root? | Risk of change |
|---|---|---|---|
| /data/app | User-installed applications (.apk) | No. | Low. |
| /data/data | Settings and app cache | Yes. | Medium (can break applications) |
| /system/priv-app | MIUI System Applications | Yes. | High (brick risk) |
| /efs | IMEI, serial numbers, calibration data | Yes. | Critical (network loss) |
4. Search for hidden files via terminal (Termux)
If you don’t have access to a PC but you have Termux (or another Android terminal), you can search for hidden files right on your device, a method that is useful for finding specific files by name (like.nomedia or thumbnails).
Major teams:
Show all hidden files in the current directory
ls -la
Search for files by name (e.g..nomedia)
find /storage/emulated/0/ -name ".nomedia" -type f
Viewing the contents of the file
cat /path/to/file⚠️ Attention: B MIUI The terminal is not rooted, so access to the /data or /system To be fully accessible, you need to run Termux with superuser rights (su).
Install Termux from F-Droid|Update (pkg update & pkg upgrade)|Install utilities (pkg install findutils coreutils)|Connect to the via device ADB (if you need root)-->
5. Where to look for hidden files of popular apps
Many applications create hidden folders to store cache, settings, or temporary data, and these are the most common ways to find them:
- 📸 Photographs and videos: /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails — gallery-piece. /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/.thumbnails — Cache of editors (for example, Snapseed).
- 💬 Messengers: WhatsApp: /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases (chat backups. Telegram: /storage/emulated/0/Telegram/Telegram Images (hidden media).
- 🎵 Music and audio: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.spotify.music/files — offline tracks by Spotify. /storage/emulated/0/.audiobook — audiobook.
💡 Tip: If you are looking for files of a particular application, use the command:
adb shell pm path com.appendix.nameIt will show the path to the.apk and the data folder (/data/data/com.app.name).
6.Recover hidden files after resetting or deleting
If hidden files were deleted (for example, after resetting to factory settings or clearing the cache), you can try to restore them.
Recovery methods:
- 🔄 Through TWRP: If you have a custom recap, you can make a backup section /data Try to recover files using DiskDigger or PhotoRec.
- 💻 Using PC: Use programs like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery by connecting your phone in mode MTP. Efficiency ~30–50%.
- ☁️ From the Cloud: If you have backup enabled in Mi Cloud or Google Drive, check Backup or App Data folders.
⚠️ Warning: Don't install recovery software on your smartphone, because it can overwrite deleted data, either from your PC or through your device. TWRP.
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The most reliable way to avoid losing hidden files is to back up /data/media/0/ and /Android/data/ folders on your PC or cloud.