How to find all files on Xiaomi Redmi 4: from hidden folders to deleted data

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with hybrid memory and a proprietary shell MIUI. But even after years of use, many owners are faced with the problem: where did the downloaded files go, why are photos not displayed in the gallery, or how to return a accidentally deleted document? Unlike modern models, Redmi 4 has unique storage features associated with the version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow and early builds of MIUI 8/9.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods to find any files on your Redmi 4 — From standard folders to hidden system data, you'll learn how to enable hidden files without being exposed to them. ROOT, Where to look for app cache, how to recover deleted data, and even how to access files through ADB, If the smartphone is not turned on, we will pay special attention to the specifics of the model with a Snapdragon processor. 435 and 16/32 GB of memory, where every megabyte counts.

1. Standard file storage locations on Redmi 4

Before digging deep, check the obvious folders. On Redmi 4, files are distributed according to the type and method of obtaining:

• 📁 Internal memory: /storage/emulated/0/ — The root directory where all user data is stored. Here you will find the Download folders), DCIM (Photo/video, Pictures, Music, etc.
• 🔄 SD-map (if installed): /storage/XXXX-XXXX/ (where XXXX — unique identifier of the card. MIUI path may be displayed as /external_sd/.
• 📱 Application folders: Many programs (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) create their directories at the root of memory: /Telegram/, /WhatsApp/Media/.
• 🔍 System folders: /Android/data/ and /Android/obb/ — This is where game and heavy-duty apps data is stored (e.g. Google Maps cache).

To open these folders, use any file manager – standard file manager MIUI File Explorer (or third-party) (Solid Explorer, FX File Manager. Important: some directories (e.g, /Android/data/) They may be hidden by default.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders called com.xiaomi. or miui. — This is the shell system data. MIUI.

2. How to enable the display of hidden files

By default, MIUI hides system and service folders (e.g.,.thumbnails for sketches or.nomedia for gallery exclusion) to see them:

Method 1: Through a standard MIUI conductor

1. Open the Files app (folder icon).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Activate the switch to show hidden files.

Method 2: Through a third-party file manager

Solid Explorer or FX File Manager:

1. Go to the app settings.
2. Find the View or View section.
3. Enable the option to Show Hidden Files (sometimes called Show Hidden Files).

After that, folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (for example,.data or.miui) will appear at the root of the memory. Be careful - changing the contents of these directories can disrupt the system.

3.File search through the MIUI system menu

MIUI has a built-in search function that looks not only for apps, but also for documents, images, audio.

1. Swipe down the main screen to open the search bar.
2. Enter the file name or part of it (such as a passport or.pdf).
3. The system will show results from: 📄 Documents (.pdf,.docx,.xlsx) 📷 Images (.jpg,.png) 🎵 Audio and video 📱 Applications and their data

If the file is not located, try:

• 🔍 Clarify the request (for example, enter a photo instead of a photo) IMG_2023).
• 📁 Check search filters (click on three dots next to the input field).
• 🔄 Update the search index: Settings → Annexes → Search → Clear the data (after that, you may need to reboot the data).

⚠️ Attention: Search MIUI not scanning files SD-If you want to do a map, if you want to do a portable storage, you need to format it as internal memory to search the map, which will delete all the data!).

4. Recovery of deleted files

If the file has been deleted, you can try to restore it. Redmi 4 has a few ways:

Method 1: Through the MIUI basket

MIUI has a built-in recycle bin where files are stored for 30 days:

1. Open Files → Recycle Bin (Dumpster Icon)
2. Select the files you need and click Restore.

Method 2: With the help of third-party utilities

If the cart is empty, use recovery programs:

For recovery via PC:

1. Connect Redmi 4 to your computer in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Run a program (like Recuva) and select your phone’s drive.
3. Start the scan - the process can take up to an hour.

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If you restore photos, try to find them in /DCIM/.thumbnails/ first – sometimes thumbnails are saved even after the originals are deleted.

5. Access files via ADB (for power users)

If the smartphone is not turned on or defined as a drive, you can access files via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires USB debugging enabled and works even on a locked screen (if debugging has been activated previously).

Step 1: Preparation

• 🖥️ Install. ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
• 📱 On Redmi 4, turn on: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times to become a developer → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.

Step 2: Teams for working with files

Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

adb shell


ls /storage/emulated/0/

(Shows the contents of internal memory)

To copy the file to the PC:

adb pull /storage/emulated/0/Download/your file.pdf C:\Backup\

To view hidden files:

ls -a /storage/emulated/0/

⚠️ Note: Rm or Rmdir commands in ADB They permanently delete files, including system files, and an error can cause a device to blink.

6.File search through TWRP Recovery

If your Redmi 4 has a custom TWRP recap, you can view and copy files even without the system running:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
3. Select Advanced → File Manager.
4. Navigation: /data/media/0/ — memory. /external_sd/ — SD-card (if any).

Mount → Enable MTP

TWRP displays all files, including hidden system files, and you can find even data that you can't see through standard Explorer.

💡

Use TWRP only if you are confident in your actions – changing files in /system or /data incorrectly can make your phone inoperable.

7. Alternative methods: cloud storage and backups

If files are not found on your device, check for cloud services that could automatically sync your data:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Xiaomi reserves contacts, notes, photos and SMS. Check out i.mi.com.
• 📁 Google Drive: If Google Backup was enabled (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Backup).
• 📷 Google Photos: Automatic upload of photos and videos (check photos.google.com).
• 💬 Social media: VK, Telegram, WhatsApp can store copies of sent files.

To recover data from Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select the type of data (e.g. Gallery or Notes).
3. Click Sync or Restore.

If you don’t have backups, try manual recovery through programs like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare UltData (you need a PC connection).

FAQ: Frequent questions about files on Redmi 4