How to find files on Xiaomi: from standard search to hidden system data

Lost an important document, photo or video on a Xiaomi smartphone?Standard search on a device doesn’t always show all files — especially if they are hidden by the system, moved to the cloud or hidden in service folders. In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to find files on Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), even if they are not displayed in the gallery or conductor.

Complicating the problem is that MIUI actively caches and optimizes storage, sometimes hiding files from the user. For example, downloaded media from messengers can lie in the /Android/data/com.whatsapp/files folder, and screenshots can be in /Pictures/Screenshots, but do not always make it into search results. We will look at both basic methods (search by name, filters in the conductor) and advanced ones using ADB, third-party file managers and remote data recovery.

Important: if you are looking for system files (for example, configs or log files), you will need root rights or special utilities to view them. The first 4 methods from this manual are enough for ordinary users.

1. Standard search through MIUI conductor

To start with, the simplest file manager built into MIUI is able to search by name, file type, and even the content of documents (in a limited format).

Open the Files app (a folder icon on your desktop) at the top of the screen you'll see a search bar. Enter the file name or part of it, such as a passport or.pdf. The system will show results from:

• 📁 Internal memory (including hidden folders of type) DCIM download)
• 🔗 Outside SD-cards (if connected)
• ☁️ Cloud storage Mi Cloud (if you are authorized)

To narrow down your search, click on the filter icon (🔍) You can choose from the right of the search box:

• 📄 File type: images, video, audio, documents, APK
• 📅 Change date: this week, this month
• 📏 Size: Small (up to 10 MB), medium (10-100 MB), large (over 100 MB)

Boundary search does not search through the content of archives (.zip,.rar) and does not show files from other users' folders (if you have multiplayer mode), and it may not find files encrypted by applications (for example, Telegram or Signal).

2. Search through the system menu "Storage"

If the file takes up a lot of space, it can be found through storage analysis, which is useful when you don't remember the name, but remember the approximate size or type of data.

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Slip on "Storage Analysis" (may be called "Cleaning" or "Freeing Place").
3. Wait for the scan to be completed (usually 10–30 seconds).
4. Scroll down to the Files by Category section and select the type you want (e.g., Video or Documents).
5. Click on the file to open its location in the conductor.

The advantage of this method is to visualize data by category, for example, you'll see that 3 GB of video is occupied, and you can sort it by size to find the right video, but system files (cache, application data) are not displayed here.

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If there is no “Analysis” button in the Storage section, upgrade your MIUI to the latest version or use a third-party analyzer, such as Google Play’s Storage Analyzer.

3. Search for hidden and system files

Many files on Xiaomi are hidden from the user by default.

• 📂 Android Service Folders: /data, /system, /cache
• 🔒 Configuration files MIUI: /miui, /cust
• 📱 Application data: /Android/data/ and /Android/obb/
• 🖼️ Cash galleries: /.thumbnails

To see them, you need to enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → "Settings".
3. Activate the option "Show hidden files".
4. Go back to the root directory (/) and check the Android, MIUI, data folders.

Note: Deleting or changing files in /system or /data folders without root permissions can cause malfunctions in the smartphone. If you are not sure about the purpose of the file, it is better not to touch it.

4.Use ADB to search for files

If standard methods don't work, you can connect to your smartphone via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and search on command, which is important for finding system files or data that is not available through the GUI.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version number → Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Search commands:

adb shell


su




find /storage/emulated/0 -name "file name" # Search by internal memory




find /sdcard -name "*.pdf" # Search for all PDF- files




find /data-name "*.db" #Database search (requires root)

Example: To find all.jpg photos from the last month, use:

find /storage/emulated/0/DCIM -type f -name "*.jpg" -mtime -30

Warning:

⚠️ Attention: Find commands in folders /system or /data without root rights can cause errors. Don't use the flag -exec rm {} for deletion - this will lead to irreversible deletion of files, including system.

5. Search through third-party file managers

The built-in MIUI Explorer isn’t always convenient. Alternative file managers offer advanced search, archives and cloud storage features.

To find the file through Solid Explorer:

1. Install the application and give access to the storage.
2. Slip on the magnifying glass icon (🔍) top-right.
3. Enter the file name or use filters (e.g., "Size > 50MB").
4. Select “Deep Search” to scan archives and hidden folders.

Important: Some managers (e.g. MiXplorer) require additional permissions to access the /Android/data/ folder. If the application requests access via the Storage Access Framework (SAF), confirm it.

6. Search for deleted files

If the file has been deleted, you can try to restore it. Xiaomi has two options:

Option 1: MIUI basket

The MIUI 12+ shell has a built-in bin where files are stored for up to 30 days.

1. Open the Files → The Recycle Bin (Dumpster Icon).
2. Find the file you want and tap "Restore."

Option 2: Third-party utilities

If the cart is empty, use recovery programs:

• 🛠️ DiskDigger – Searches for photos and videos even after formatting.
• 📄 Undeleter – Recover documents and APK.
• 🔍 Recuva (for) PC) — If you connect your smartphone to your computer in mode MTP.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Recovery is possible only if new data was not written to the deleted file.
• 🔒 To work with the section /data root.
• ⏳ The process can take several hours (depending on the amount of memory).

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The faster you start recovering from deletion, the better the chances of returning a file. Each new entry to the device (photo, app installation) reduces the likelihood of success.

7.File search in cloud storage

If the file is synced to the cloud, it can be found there. Xiaomi uses Mi Cloud by default, but can also be connected:

• ☁️ Google Drive (via the Drive app")
• 📁 Yandex Disk or Mail.ru Cloud (if you configure autoboot)
• 📱 Telegram Saved Messages (if you sent the file to yourself)

To check out Mi Cloud:

1. Open your Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud
2. Select Sync and check if the option is enabled for Gallery, Notes or Files.
3. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
4. In the "Storage" section, find the folder "Device [model of your Xiaomi]".

Tip: If you use Google Photos, check the Archive or Recycle Bin folder in the app, and the photos are stored there for up to 60 days after deleting.

Check your internet connection

Update your data in Mi Cloud (swipe down in the app)

Make sure the file is not in the Archive or Recycle Bin.

Try searching by download date-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about file search on Xiaomi