Hidden folders on Xiaomi: where to look and how to access them

Have you ever noticed that your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO are running more memory than it should be? Or searched for an important file but couldn't find it in standard folders? Because the MIUI operating system (and the newer models' HyperOS) are actively using hidden system folders that don't show up in the file manager by default, and these directories store app cache, log files, backups, and even sensor data — all of which are usually hidden from the user's eyes.

In this article, we will not only show you where hidden folders are on Xiaomi, but also explain how to access them without risking damage to the system. We will also reveal a few secrets. MIUI, which the manufacturer does not mention, such as how to find deleted photos or disable unnecessary system processes through hidden files.

Important: working with hidden folders requires caution. One wrong action can lead to malfunctioning of the smartphone or even to a "brick" (complete failure of the device).

Why Xiaomi is hiding system folders from the user

Xiaomi is hiding some files from the user's eyes for a reason, and here are the main reasons:

• 🔒 System Security: Hidden folders contain critical files to work with MIUI/HyperOS. Their accidental removal or change can result in a bootloop (a looped reboot) or failure of individual functions (e.g., a camera or sensors).
• 🧹 Self-medication protection: Many users try to manually clear their memory by deleting everything, and hidden folders prevent things that often end up having to flash flash back.
• 📊 Control over user experience: Xiaomi aims to make it easier to interact with the device.By hiding technical details, the company makes the interface more user-friendly for beginners.
• 🔄 Automatic processes: some folders (e.g, /data/dalvik-cache) They're recreated by the system every time they're turned on, and manual cleaning is pointless, and it can slow down your smartphone.

But there is a downside: hidden folders often take up gigabytes of memory. For example, the /data/media/0/MIUI/backup folder can store backups of applications weighing up to 5–10 GB, and the /data/data/com.android.chrome cache can easily grow to 1-2 GB. That’s why power users want to access them.

Main Hidden Folders on Xiaomi: Where to Store

Hidden folders on Xiaomi fall into two categories:

1. Systems are critical to MIUI/HyperOS, and their removal or modification can put the smartphone out of order.
2. Custom hidden files contain application data, cache, log files, and can be cleaned, but with caution.

Here are the key directories worth knowing:

The new Xiaomi models (starting with the new Xiaomi models) 2023 (a) part of the hidden folders moved to the section /mnt, It's a folder that's dynamically mounted. /data Now it can be displayed as /mnt/expand/...

How to enable the display of hidden folders in MIUI

By default, the file manager MI File Explorer (or Files by Google in some firmware) does not show hidden files.

Enable USB debugging (for advanced methods)| Backup important data | Charge your smartphone at least 50% | Use the original cable to connect to your PC-->

1. Open the MI File Explorer (Folder icon on the desktop).
2. Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down and activate the option to Show hidden files.
4. Return to the root directory (/sdcard/) and you will see folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g.,.thumbdata).

If you use a third-party file manager (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer), the algorithm is similar: go to the settings and turn on the display of hidden elements.

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If you don’t see the /data folder after you turn on the hidden files, it’s OK – it’s in a different part of memory and requires root access to view.

How to Access Hidden System Folders Without Root

Most hidden folders (e.g. /data/data or /system) are protected from viewing without super-user permissions (root), but there are several legal ways to access them:

Method 1: ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

This is the official tool from Google that allows you to control your smartphone through a computer.

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to become a developer), then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell ls /data/data This will show a list of folders with application data.

Method 2: TWRP Recovery

If your Xiaomi has a custom TWRP recap installed, you can use its built-in file manager:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Up + Power to enter the Recaveri.
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /data/data or other hidden directories.

Dangerous Hidden Folders: What You Can't Delete

Some directories are critical to the smartphone, and their removal or modification can lead to:

• 🔄 Located reboot (bootloop)
• 📵 Loss of network connection (will not work) Wi-Fi/mobile)
• 🔇 Sensor failure (gyroscope, accelerometer, camera)
• 🔋 Quick battery discharge (due to service failure)

Here is a list of folders that you should not touch:

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If you accidentally delete a critical folder and your smartphone stops turning on, don't panic. 90% of the time, flashing through Fastboot with the official Mi Flash Tool helps.

How to Safely Clean Hidden Folders to Free Memory

If your goal is to make room, not all hidden folders are equally useful for cleaning.

• 🗑️ /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo and video miniatures (recreated automatically).
• 🧹 /data/local/tmp — Temporary files (cleaned when rebooted).
• 📁 /data/media/0/MIUI/backup/AllBackup — Old backups (if not needed).
• 🌐 /data/data/com.android.chrome/app_chrome/Default/Cache — Chrome browser cache.

For cleaning:

1. Use the built-in MIUI storage: Settings → Memory → Clean (it’s safer than manual removal).
2. For deep cleaning of the app cache, use the ADB command: adb shell pm clear Com.name.packet For example, to clean the Facebook cache: adb shell pm clear com.facebook.katana

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Before clearing the app cache, check if it stores important data (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram may lose media files).

Hidden folders for recovering deleted files

Few people know, but Xiaomi stores temporary copies of deleted files in hidden directories.

• 📸 /sdcard/MIUI/Gallery/cloud/ — There may be a miniature of deleted photos up to 30 days.
• 📄 /data/media/0/Android/data/com.miui.gallery/cache — Gallery cache (sometimes contains original deleted images).
• 🎵 /data/media/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/ — tape-recording.

For recovery:

1. Use a root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer).
2. Copy the files to a secure location (for example, on a PC).
3. Restart your smartphone – some folders may be cleared the next time you turn on.

If files are not found, try specialized recovery programs such as DiskDigger or Recuva (you will need to connect your smartphone to your PC in MTP mode).

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden folders on Xiaomi