Where to look for the Memory folder on Xiaomi: all ways to access files in the MIUI

Are you trying to find the Memory folder on your Xiaomi smartphone, but it seems to have evaporated from the file manager? or you need to clear the cache, but the standard conductor MIUI Does not show all files? This problem is familiar to many Redmi users, POCO and Mi, especially after updating to MIUI 14/13, where the memory management interface was changed again.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can access your Memory folder (internal and external), including hidden system directories that aren’t displayed by default. You’ll learn how to open it through the built-in file manager, third-party apps like Total Commander, and also with the PC (via the PC). MTP or ADB). We will focus on the nuances for different versions. MIUI And models – from budget Redmi Note to flagship Xiaomi 14.

⚠️ Important: If you are looking for a Memory folder to clean your system or delete files, don't be in a hurry to delete everything. MIUI many system folders (for example, MIUI, Android is protected, and changing it can cause you to crash, and we'll tell you which directories can be cleaned safely and which ones you shouldn't touch.

1.What is the Memory folder on Xiaomi and why you need it

Memory folder (or Internal Storage in English version) MIUI) — This is the root directory of your smartphone's internal drive:

• 📁 Android system files and MIUI (Android folders, MIUI, system)
• 📱 Installed applications and their data (data, obb)
• 📷 Media files (photos, videos, music in folders) DCIM, Pictures, Music)
• 📄 Downloads and user documents (Download, Documents)
• 🔄 Cache and temporary files (cache,.thumbdata folders)

On Xiaomi smartphones, access to this directory can be restricted for two reasons:

1. MIUI Hiding the default system folders (so users don’t accidentally delete important files).
2. Android 11+ introduced the concept of Scoped Storage, which restricts the access of applications to other people’s data.

🔹 Why do you need access?

• 🧹 Cleaning cache and unnecessary files manually.
• 🔍 Search for hidden photos or backups.
• 🛠️ Installation of custom firmware or modifications (for example, through TWRP).
• 📥 Transfer files between internal and external memory (SD-card).

2. How to open the Memory folder through a standard file manager MIUI

The easiest way is to use the built-in Explorer** (called Files or Files in the English version). MIUI 14/13 The interface has changed, and now the path to the root folder is not always obvious.

Instructions for MIUI 14/13/12:

1. Open the Files app (Blue folder icon).
2. In the lower menu, select the Device (or Device) tab.
3. If you only see categories (Images, Audio, etc.), tap the three dots in the upper right corner. → Show internal storage (or show internal storage).
4. Now you will see a full list of folders, including Android, DCIM, Download and others.

⚠️ Note: If you do not have the option to show internal memory, then your version MIUI In this case, use alternative methods (see the following sections).

Enable the display of hidden files (Settings) → Additionally)

Backup of important data

Check the free space (Settings) → Memory)

Close the background applications (so that access is not blocked)-->

🔹 How to enable the display of hidden files:

1. In File Explorer, click on three dots. → Settings.
2. Activate the switch to show hidden files.
3. You will now see folders and files whose names start with a dot (e.g..thumbdata,.nomedia).

📌 Note: In some models (e.g, POCO F5 Redmi Note 12 may look different because of the shell POCO Launcher.If the standard explorer doesn’t show the root folder, try installing the file manager side (see next section).

3. Alternative file managers for accessing Xiaomi memory

If the built-in conductor MIUI If you don't show the folders you want, use third-party apps, they give you more freedom, but they require permission to access memory (especially on Android 11).+).

Top.-3 File Manager for Xiaomi:

How to set up access to Total Commander:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. In the top panel, select /storage/emulated/0/ — This is the root folder of internal memory.
3. If you want to see the real file system (including system partitions), go to Settings. → Display → Showing root folders (required) ROOT-rights).

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11 and newer even with ROOT some folders (e.g, /data/data/) They may not be available due to the Scoped Storage policy, but only if they do. ADB (see section 5).

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If you need to copy files from your PC to Xiaomi, but the phone is not defined as a drive, try turning on File Transfer mode (MTP) In the notification curtain when connecting to USB.

4. Accessing Xiaomi memory via computer (Windows/Mac/Linux)

Connecting your smartphone to your PC is one of the most reliable ways to manage files, especially if you need to transfer large amounts of data.

• 🖥️ Windows may require the installation of Mi drivers PC Suite.
• 🍎 On your Mac, use Android File Transfer (the official application from Google).
• 🐧 On Linux, the smartphone will be defined as MTP-device, but for full access may need gvfs-mtp.

Step-by-step instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On the phone in the notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. On PC, open This PC – your Xiaomi will appear as a removable drive (e.g., Redmi Note 12 Pro).
4. Double-click on the device, the Internal Storage folder will open, or SD Card (if you have a card).

🔹 What to do if your PC can’t see Xiaomi?

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (not all support data transmission).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 🛠️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite from the official website.
• 🔒 Turn on the debugging. USB In the developer settings (see section 5).

⚠️ Note: If you connect Xiaomi to a Mac, only use Android File Transfer.File Manager Finder does not support the protocol MTP driverless.

5. Advanced access via ADB (for power users)

If you need to gain full control of the file system (for example, to remove system debris or backup), use the file system. ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method requires command line skills and enabled debugging. USB.

What can be done through ADB:

• 🗃️ View all folders, including protected ones (e.g, /data/data/).
• 🧹 Delete files that are not visible through the Explorer.
• 📋 Copy system files for backup.
• 🔧 Modify settings MIUI (For example, turn off advertising).

Instructions for connection:

1. Download Platform Tools from the official Android website.
2. Unpack the archive and open the command line in this folder (Shift) + right-button → Open the PowerShell window here).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and type the command: adb devices If the device is displayed, type: adb shell
4. Now you're in the terminal of your smartphone. To view the contents of your internal memory, use: ls. /storage/emulated/0/

🔹 Examples of useful ADB-team:

• View of folder list: ls -la /storage/emulated/0/Download/
• File deletion: rm /storage/emulated/0/Download/old_file.apk
• Copying a file on PC: Adb pull /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera/photo.jpg C:\Backup\

⚠️ Attention: rm permanently deletes files. If you get the wrong path, you can delete important data. Always check the path with ls before deleting.

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ADB It gives you maximum control over files, but it requires caution. A mistake in the command can lead to data loss or system failure.

6.Where to look for the Memory folder on SD-card (external drive)

If your Xiaomi has a microSD card installed, it will be displayed separately from the internal memory. MIUI The path to it may differ depending on how the map is formatted:

• 📱 Like a removable drive: files are stored in /storage/XXXX-XXXX/ (where XXXX-XXXX — unique identifier).
• 🔗 As an internal memory (Adoptable Storage): folders are merged with internal storage in the /storage/emulated/0/.

How to find out SD-conductor:

1. Open the Files app.
2. At the top of the screen, select a tab SD-Map (or External Storage).
3. If the card is not displayed, check it out: 🔌 Is the card inserted correctly (try to re-insert and re-insert). 🔄 Is it formatted in FAT32 exFAT (MIUI supportive NTFS). 📵 Are there any physical damages (try the card on another device).

🔹 How to transfer files to SD-map:

1. In the Explorer, select the desired files (for example, in the Download folder).
2. Click Move or Copy.
3. Select the target folder on SD-map (e.g., map, SD Card → Documents).

⚠️ Note: If you are formatting SD-The card is an internal memory that cannot be retrieved without losing data, and some apps (like WhatsApp) cannot store media on such cards.

7. Cleaning the Memory folder: what can be deleted and what can not be deleted

Many users search for the Memory folder to clean up their smartphone from garbage, but deleting files from system directories can cause crashes. MIUI Below is a list of safe and dangerous folders.

✅ What can be removed:

• 🗑️ Download – Downloaded files (if not needed).
• 🎵 Music, Podcasts - audio files.
• 📷 DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo miniatures (only previews will be deleted, originals will remain).
• 📂 Bluetooth, Pictures/Screenshots — Screenshots and files obtained via Bluetooth.
• 🗃️ Android/obb — Cache of games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty).

❌ What can't be removed:

• 🚫 Android/data — Application data (deleting will cause failures).
• 🚫 MIUI — shell-file.
• 🚫 system, vendor – critical folders of Android.
• 🚫 Alarm, Notifications, Ringtones – Standard Melodies.

🔹 How to safely clean the cache:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Select the Cash apps and click Clear.
3. For deep cleaning, use the settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

📊 Table: How much space does a typical folder on Xiaomi take up?

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

If the Memory folder does not open or display, here are the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

🔴 Problem: The Memory folder is missing in the conductor.

• 🔹 Solution 1: Update the Files app via Google Play.
• 🔹 Solution 2: Install a third-party file manager (e.g. Total Commander).
• 🔹 Solution 3: Check if the folder is hidden in the Explorer settings (Show hidden files).

🔴 Problem: No access to folders (for example, Android/data).

• 🔹 Decision 1: Use ADB (see section 5).
• 🔹 Decision 2: Get it. ROOT-Laws (not recommended for beginners).
• 🔹 Solution 3: Connect to the PC in mode MTP.

🔴 Problem: SD-map not defined.

• 🔹 Decision 1: Reboot your phone.
• 🔹 Decision 2: Format the map in FAT32 exFAT.
• 🔹 Solution 3: Check the card on another device (it may be damaged).

🔹 If nothing helps:

• 📱 Reset the conductor settings: Settings → Annexes → Files. → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (newer versions often fix file display bugs).

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If the Memory folder is missing after the update MIUI, Try to roll back to the previous version via Fastboot or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions