Where is the My Documents folder on Xiaomi phone: the full guide 2026

Lost an important file on a Xiaomi smartphone and can't find the folder "My documents"? You're not alone - this question arises among users of Redmi, Poco and Black Shark more often than it seems. MIUI The file storage structure is different from Windows or even standard Android, and there's no single folder with that name, but the documents are still stored, just elsewhere.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to find your files: from standard Explorer MIUI You will learn where Xiaomi stores default documents, how to move them to the Mi Cloud cloud, and what to do if the folder suddenly disappears after the update, and a table with storage paths for different types of files and answers to frequent questions.

If you are in a hurry, move on to the quick way (section) 3). For those of you who want to get into the details, read the full article. We tested the instructions on Xiaomi. 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ POCO F5, But they are relevant to all devices on MIUI 14/15.

Why is there no “My Documents” folder on Xiaomi?

On Windows, the Documents folder (or My Documents) is the standard storage for text files, spreadsheets, and presentations. MIUI, It's not hard-wired. It's not hard-wired to a single folder, and here's why:

1. Fragmented file system. In Android, each file type is stored in its own directory:

- Documents from Word/Excel — into /Storage/emulated/0/Documents or /Download.

- PDF and books in /Books or /Pictures (if it's scans).

- Downloads from the browser - in /Download.

2. Politics MIUI. Xiaomi’s shell is heavily using cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) and embedded applications (Notes, Scanner), which store files in their closed folders. For example, a scanned document through Mi Scanner will get into the folder. /MIUI/Scanner, not in the general directory.

3. App manufacturers. Software like that. WPS Microsoft Word or Office create folders inside /Android/data/. You can't see it without root rights through a standard conductor.

⚠️ Note: If you connected your phone to a Mac or Linux, the system could have created a hidden /.documents folder – it’s not visible in the computer. MIUI-conductor without displaying hidden files.

To avoid confusion, remember a simple rule: On Xiaomi, “My Documents” is not one folder, but a collection of directories. /Documents, /Download and folders of specific applications.

Standard ways to store documents on Xiaomi

Here's where MIUI saves files by default (relevant to Android) 12/13/14):

To open these folders, use the built-in Explorer MIUI (a folder icon on the desktop or any third-party application like Solid Explorer or FX File Manager.

If the folder is not in the list, check:

• 🔍 Hidden files: in the Explorer MIUI press ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files.
• 📁 Application folders: Some programs (such as CamScanner) create their directories in the app. /Android/data/.
• ☁️ Cloud: Documents could automatically download to Mi Cloud (check Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Documents).

⚠️ Attention: Folder /Android/data/ It is not available without root rights or a connection to a PC. If you need to get files from there, use the method with a computer (section). 5).

Quick access to documents: 3 steps

If you need to find a file urgently, follow this instruction:

1. Open the Conductor. MIUI (If it is not on the desktop, search in the app menu or install it through Google Play).

2. In the bottom panel, select the Categories tab (or Categories), then tap Documents (or Docs) and the system automatically collects all the file formats:

- .doc, .docx (Word)

- .xls, .xlsx (Excel)

- .pdf, .txt

- .ppt, .pptx (PowerPoint)

3. If the file is not in this section, search (magnifying glass in the upper right corner). Enter a part of the name or extension (for example,.pdf).

If this did not help, the document could be:

It is stored in the cloud (Mi Cloud or Google Drive).

- Remote (check the basket in the Explorer).

- Moved to the application folder (for example, WPS Office stores files in /Android/data/cn.wps.moffice_eng).

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Enable date sorting in Explorer (click on the filter icon at the top right) to quickly find the latest documents.

Special functions MIUI paperwork

Xiaomi added to MIUI 14/15 Here are some useful tools that make file management easier:

1. Automatic sorting

In the Guide MIUI Documents are automatically grouped by type:

"Documents" - text files and tables.

- «Books» — PDF, EPUB, MOBI.

“Downloads” – everything that is downloaded from the Internet.

2. Quick viewing

Put your finger on the file and hold your finger, and a preview will appear (works for the file). PDF, Word, Excel. This is convenient if you want to check the content without opening the application.

3.Integration with Mi Cloud

If you are signed in to a Xiaomi account, documents from the Documents and Download folders can automatically sync to the cloud.

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Documents

Document scanner

The built-in Mi Scanner application (or “Scanner” in Russian firmware) allows you to:

- Take a picture of the document and save how PDF.

- Automatically straighten perspective.

- Recognise the text (OCR) 20+ language.

• 📄 To find scanned files, open /MIUI/Scanner Check out the gallery in the album Documents».
• 🔎 If OCR Update the Mi Scanner app via Google Play.

⚠️ Note: If you have deleted Mi Scanner, folder /MIUI/Scanner It may stay, but new files won't be saved. Install the app again or use alternatives like Adobe Scan.

How to find documents on Xiaomi through a computer

Sometimes it's easier to connect your phone to a PC or Mac and find files through Windows Explorer or Finder. Here's how to do it right:

1. Connect the phone to USB

Use the original cable (cheap cables may not transmit data). When connecting on the Xiaomi screen, select File Transfer (or File Transfer) mode.

2. Open the phone in the conductor

- On Windows: Go to "This Computer» → Your device will appear as a removable disk (e.g., Redmi Note 12 Pro»).

- On Mac: Open Finder → section “Locations» → your phone.

3. Go to the file with the documents

Main paths:

Internal Memory → Documents


Internal Memory → Download




Internal Memory → MIUI → Scanner

4. If the file is not

- Check Hidden Files (in Windows: View tab» → «Hidden elements»).

- On Mac, hidden folders are displayed after clicking Cmd + Shift +. (point).

- If you need a folder in /Android/data/, You will need root rights or special programs like FX Explorer with Superuser Mode enabled.

• 🖥️ To access /Android/data/ use without root ADB-commands (requires to include “Debugging by” USB» developer-setting).
• 🔌 If your computer can’t see your phone, try another cable or port. USB, Check the driver (for Windows, download Mi). PC Suite).

Cloud Storage: How to Find Documents in Mi Cloud

If you use a Xiaomi account, your documents could automatically be uploaded to Mi Cloud, which is handy if you need to access files from another device or after a phone reset.

How to check documents in Mi Cloud:

1. Open Settings. → «Xiaomi account» → «Mi Cloud».

2. tap "Documents" (or "Files" if the interface is in English).

3. All synchronized files will be displayed here.

- Download it back to the phone.

- Delete (by freeing up space in the cloud).

- Share the link.

What to do if there are no files in the Mi Cloud?

• 🔄 Check if synchronization is enabled: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Documents.
• 📱 Make sure your phone is connected to the internet (synchronization only works via Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• ⏳ Wait 5-10 minutes – sometimes uploading files to the cloud is delayed.

The limitations of Mi Cloud:

Free 5 GB (you need to buy a subscription to increase).

- Not all file types are automatically synchronized (e.g. documents from the WPS Office may not be loaded).

When you delete a file from your phone, it is also deleted from the cloud (if you have enabled the option “Delete everywhere”).

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone to factory settings without detachment of your Xiaomi account, access to Mi Cloud will be blocked for 5 days (security measure.

My Documents folder is gone: what to do?

If the folder with documents disappeared after updating, resetting or virus actions, try these steps:

1. Check the basket.

In the Guide MIUI There is a Recycle Bin (the icon in the lower right corner) where files are stored for 30 days before final deletion.

2. Restore from backup

If you have done backups through Mi Cloud or Google Drive:

- For Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Data recovery.

For Google Drive: reinstall the app and log in to your account, which will prompt you to restore files.

3.Use recovery programs

If the files were permanently deleted, try:

DiskDigger (for photos and documents)

Recuva (requires to connect your phone to your PC in Mass Storage mode).

EaseUS MobiSaver (paid but with a free trial)

• 🛠️ The faster you start recovery, the better the chances of returning files (after deletion, the data remains in memory until it is overwritten).
• 🚫 Do not save new files to your phone until you recover, which reduces your chances of success.

4. Check folders of other applications

The documents could be moved to:

- /Android/data/com.microsoft.office.word/ (for Microsoft Word files).

- /Android/obb/ (If this is downloadable data for applications).

- /MIUI/Extra/ (backups of some system files).

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If the folder is missing after the update MIUI, Try to roll back to the previous version through the official Xiaomi website.

Frequent questions