How to find a hidden folder on Xiaomi: from system files to user data

Hidden folders on Xiaomi smartphones are not just a technical feature, but a whole layer of functionality that the manufacturer deliberately hides from users, which can store both system files critical to MIUI operation, and personal data: backups of messages, app cache or even deleted photos. But why are these folders hidden? It's simple: Xiaomi seeks to protect users from accidental deletion of important files and prevent malfunctions in the shell.

However, there are times when access to hidden folders becomes a necessity. For example, you want to manually clear the cache of a particular application, restore deleted files or change system settings that are not available through the standard interface. In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to find and open hidden folders on any Xiaomi device, from budget Redmi to flagship Mi or POCO. It is important to understand that some methods require root rights or special tools, but we will start with the simplest and most secure options.

1. Search for hidden folders through standard MIUI conductor

The most obvious and safe way is to use Xiaomi's built-in file explorer, which can display hidden files, but this feature is disabled by default. Here's how to activate it:

1. Open the Files app (the icon with the folder on the home screen).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down and turn on the Show Hidden Files switch.
4. Return to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and update the file list with the swipe down.

Now you'll see folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g.,.thumbnails,.miui, or.data).

• 📸 Image sketches - miniatures for gallery (.thumbnails).
• ⚙️ Settings MIUI — Configuration Files for the shell (.miui).
• 🔄 Application cache – temporary program data (.cache in application folders).
• 📱 Backups - backups SMS, Calls and notes (.backup).

⚠️ Note: Deleting or modifying files in the.miui or.system folders can cause phone malfunctions. If you are not sure about the purpose of the file, it is better not to touch it.

2.Use of third-party file managers

The standard MIUI Explorer does not always show all hidden files, especially if they are protected by the system, and third-party applications such as:

• 📂 Solid Explorer – supports root access and cloud storage.
• 🔍 FX File Explorer – Can Work with You ADB and network folders.
• 🛠️ Root Explorer – Optimized for Root-Righted Devices.

Let’s look at the example of Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the storage.
3. Put it on the icon. ☰ (menu) → Settings → Display hidden files.
4. Go to the root folder (/) and find the directories with the dot.

The advantage of third-party conductors is that they often show more system folders than a standard MIUI File Manager.

• /data/data/ – folders with application data (requires root).
• /system/ – Android system files (read-only)
• /vendor/ - drivers and firmware for iron.

💡

If you're looking for hidden photos, check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder - it stores thumbnails for quick gallery loading. Deleting these files won't hurt the originals, but the gallery will load longer when you first open.

3. Access via ADB (without root rights)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a tool for debugging Android devices through a computer, which allows you to access hidden folders without having root permissions.

🔹 Preparation:

1. Download ADB and Fastboot Tools from Google’s official website.
2. Unpack the archive in any folder on your PC (for example, C:\adb).
3. On the phone, turn on Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
4. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.

🔹 Connection and teams:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
2. Open the command prompt in the folder with ADB (Shift + right mouse button → Open the command window).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed – the connection is successful.
4. To see the list of hidden folders in the root directory, follow: adb shell ls -la /storage/emulated/0/

🔹 Copying files on a PC:

If you need to copy a hidden folder to your computer, use:

adb pull /storage/emulated/0/.name of folder C:\hidden files

⚠️ Note: Not all system folders are available through ADB without root, for example, directories in /data/ Full access will require unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.

Install ADB on PC|Enable developer mode on Xiaomi|Activate debugging on USB|Connect phone in file transfer mode |Connect connection with adb devices-->

4.View hidden folders through TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows low-level access to the phone’s file system, a method that is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing the TWRP.

🔹 Steps for access:

1. Unlock the bootloader on your Xiaomi through the official Mi Unlock website.
2. Install TWRP for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
3. Boot into TWRP: Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up.
4. In the main menu, select Advanced → File Manager.
5. Go to /data/data/ or /system/ and you will see all the hidden folders.

🔹 What can be done in TWRP:

• 📁 Copy system files to a flash drive.
• 🔧 Fixing access rights to folders.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary cache (for example, /data/dalvik-cache).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in TWRP This can cause a device to blink (completely inoperable). /system/ or /vendor/, unless they are sure of their appointment.

5 Hidden folders in MIUI: where is what stored

To avoid wandering around in the dark among dozens of hidden directories, we have created a table describing the main folders and their contents, which will save time and avoid the accidental deletion of important data.

Important: The /data/data/ folder contains all the apps’ personal data (passwords, tokens, messages) without root rights, you can’t view it, but even with root, it’s not recommended to delete files from there, which will cause applications to crash.

6. How to recover deleted files from hidden folders

If you accidentally delete important files from a hidden folder (for example, backups or settings), you can try to restore them.

• 🔄 DiskDigger – looking for deleted photos and documents.
• 📂 Undeleter Recover Files & Data – Recover files from internal memory.
• 💾 Recuva (for PC) – if you connect your phone to your computer as a drive.

🔹 Reconstruction instructions:

1. Install DiskDigger from Google Play.
2. Start scanning internal memory (select Full Scan).
3. After completion, mark the desired files and click Restore.
4. Save the restored data to SD-map.

⚠️ Warning: The more you use your phone after deleting files, the lower your chances of recovering them.

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If you deleted files from the.backup folder, try to restore them first – it stores backups of SMS and notes that are not duplicated in the cloud.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When working with hidden folders, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🚫 No hidden files in Explorer: Check if Show Hidden Files in Explorer Settings is enabled. If so, try restarting your phone.
• 🔒 No access to the folder. /data/data/: This folder is protected by the system. Without root permissions, you can't view it. ADB with superuser rights or TWRP.
• ⚠️ Phone stopped turning on after changes: If you delete or change files in /system/, Try resetting your settings via Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata This will erase all data but bring your phone back to life.
• 📱 The conductor gives a “No rights” error: Give the conductor permission to access the storage in Settings → Annexes → Permits.

If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to back up the hidden folders before any changes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden folders on Xiaomi