Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones hide a number of system folders and files from users — a standard practice for protecting data and preventing accidental changes. However, sometimes access to such directories is necessary for backup, manually cleaning cache or installing custom firmware. In this article, we will discuss exactly where hidden folders are stored on Xiaomi, how to find them through embedded tools and third-party applications, and what risks are associated with changing them.
It is important to understand that the structure of hidden files on Xiaomi depends on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14), the device model (Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Black Shark 5, etc.) and even regional firmware (global, Chinese, EEA).We will look at the universal methods that work on most devices, and also point out the nuances for specific cases. If you have never worked with system files, take your time to edit them: some folders are critical for Android stability.
Warning for beginners: hidden folders often contain application data, system cache, and configuration files. Deleting them can cause crashes, loss of functionality, or even a device “brick.”
Why Xiaomi is hiding folders from the user
The MIUI shell hides a part of the file system not out of a desire to make life difficult for users, but for several technical reasons:
- 🔒 System data protection. /system or /vendor They contain critical files for Android to work, and if they are accidentally deleted, they can make the smartphone inoperable.
- 🛡️ Security of personal data in directories of type /data/data passwords, authorization tokens and other confidential application information are stored.
- 🧹 Chaos prevention: Displaying all system files (including cache and log files) clutters the file manager and complicates navigation.
- 📱 Google Policy Compliance: Part of the folders are hidden by the requirements of Android Enterprise for enterprise devices.
Like a folder. /data/app contain APK-the files of the installed applications, and /data/dalvik-cache — Optimized cache to speed up the launch of the data, deleting this data without properly restarting the device can result in a cyclic reboot of the device (bootloop).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, some of the hidden folders are protected by the DM-Verity mechanism. Any changes to them without disabling this protection lead to an error of integrity verification and blocking the system boot.
Where to physically store hidden folders on Xiaomi
Xiaomi's Android file system has a hierarchical structure, where hidden folders are distributed across multiple sections of internal memory.
| Section/Fader | Way | Contents | Access without root |
|---|---|---|---|
| System files | /system | OS kernel, libraries, standard applications | ❌ Only reading. |
| Application data | /data/data | Settings, cache, application databases | ❌ Requires root. |
| Cash system. | /cache | Temporary update files and logs | ✅ Through Recovery. |
| Media files | /storage/emulated/0 | Photos, videos, downloads (including hidden) | ✅ Partially. |
| MIUI configurations | /data/system | Settings of the shell, themes, gestures | ❌ Requires root. |
The /storage/emulated/0 folder is a virtual partition that displays user data (including hidden files with a dot at the beginning of the name, such as.thumbnails or.nomedia) that can be seen by enabling the display of hidden files in any file manager.
How to enable the display of hidden files in MIUI
The easiest way to see hidden folders is to activate their display in Xiaomi’s standard file manager (Files or File Manager). MIUI 12–14:
- Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
- Slip along three horizontal lines (☰) top-left.
- Select Settings → Additionally.
- Activate the switch to show hidden files.
After that, the root directory of internal memory (/storage/emulated/0) will contain folders and files that start with a dot (e.g.,.backup,.data), but this method will not show system partitions like /system or /data, which require root or ADB permissions.
Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings |
Backup of important data |
Charge your phone at least 50% |
Install a file manager with root access (if necessary)-->
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese) may not have the option of displaying hidden files in the standard manager, in which case use third-party applications like Solid Explorer or other software. FX File Explorer.
Access to hidden folders via ADB (no root)
If you need to access system folders without superuser rights, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on all Xiaomi devices, but requires a connection to a computer.
- Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
File transfer
adb shell
ls /data/dataThis will display a list of folders with application data.
You can copy files from hidden folders to your computer using ADB, but you can't edit or delete them without root permissions. For example, to copy /data/data/com.xiaomi.market/databases/app.db, use the command:
adb pull /data/data/com.xiaomi.market/databases/app.db C:\Backup\💡
If the adb device command does not find your device, install the Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools drivers or check if USB Debugging is enabled and if access to data on the phone is allowed (a request will appear when you first connect).
Hidden folders in MIUI: what can be deleted and what can not be deleted
Even if you have access to hidden folders, it is not safe to delete all files. Below is a list of directories and recommendations for cleaning them:
- 🗑️ /cache — You can manually clean it (the system will restore files if necessary) and help with hanging or slow work.
- 📂 /data/dalvik-cache — cache of optimized applications. Deletion will speed up the first program launch after rebooting.
- 🚫 /system — You can't edit without root and modified recovery.
- 🔍 /.thumbnails are thumbnails, which can be removed to make room (they will be recreated automatically).
- 📱 /data/data — Deleting a folder of a particular application is equivalent to reinstalling it.
Critical information: On devices with MIUI 14 folder /data/app-lib contains libraries 64-It's a bit-app cleaner without reinstallation. APK-The files will cause the collapse of all 64-bit-program.
What happens if you delete /data/data/com.android.providers.settings?
How to hide folders back (and why you need them)
If you have enabled the display of hidden files, but want to return the standard look of the file manager, do the opposite:
- Open the files. → Settings → Additionally.
- Turn off the switch to show hidden files.
Hiding folders back is useful for:
- 👀 Preventing the accidental deletion of important files (e.g.,.nomedia, which hides media from the gallery).
- 🔍 Facilitate navigation through the file system (less junk in the list).
- 🛡️ Protecting sensitive data (e.g.,.ssh folders with access keys).
On some Xiaomi firmware (like Poco Launcher), hidden folders can appear in gray, which is normal and requires no additional action.
Frequent errors when working with hidden folders
Users often face problems when trying to access hidden files, and consider common errors and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "No access to the folder" | No root or ADB rights | Use Adb pull or get root |
| "Folder's empty." | File Manager does not support root | Install Root Explorer or Mixplorer |
| "Device not detected" in ADB | Not installed drivers or not included debugging | Check Adb Devices and Reinstall Drivers |
| "Not enough space." | Attempting to copy large system files | Clear the cache or use an external drive |
Another common problem is that files disappear after a reboot, because some system folders (e.g. /proc or /sys) are virtual folders created by the Android kernel every time a device is launched, and their contents cannot be changed or saved.
💡
Before any manipulation of hidden folders, back up via adb backup or TWRP. This is the only way to recover data when a crash occurs.