Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones based on MIUI firmware hide some system files and folders from users, which is standard practice for data protection. But sometimes you need to access such files: for example, to remove the remnants of applications, find backups or restore accidentally deleted data. Unlike “pure” Android, where it is enough to turn on the display of hidden elements in the settings, on Xiaomi this process has nuances.
In this article you will find out 5 Proven ways to find hidden files on Xiaomi – from simple methods through a standard file manager to advanced commands ADB. We'll also look at which files are safe to open and which ones are best left unattended so that you don't disrupt the system. MIUI 14/15 model 2020–2026 year-end.
⚠️ Warning: Changing or deleting system files without understanding their purpose can cause malfunctions in the smartphone.
1. Standard method: enable the display of hidden files in MIUI
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI file manager, which allows you to display hidden folders and files without installing third-party applications.
Open the Files app (folder icon) and tap three dots on the top menu. ⋮ Select Settings. Scroll down to Additional and activate the To Show Hidden Files switch, and then the root directory will have folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g.,.thumbdata or.miui).
⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI (For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI (15) this parameter may not be available, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.
- 📁 What files will become visible: system caches (.thumbdata,.nomedia), application configuration files (.appname), backups MIUI.
- 🔍 Limitation: Not all system files will be available — MIUI hides critical folders, like /system or /data even with the parameter on.
- 🛠 Failure action: If files do not appear after the option is turned on, restart your smartphone or clear the Files app cache in the settings.
Create a backup copy of important data|Charge your phone at least 30 times%|Close background annexes|Use the original cable (if you connect to a PC)-->
2.Use of third-party file managers
If the standard MIUI manager doesn't show the files you want, install an alternative app.
- 📂 Solid Explorer supports root access (root), dual-panel mode and cloud storage. In settings, enable Show hidden files and Show system files.
- 🗂 FX File Explorer - has built-in Root access (requires unlocking the bootloader) Allows you to mount system partitions in read/write mode.
- 🔎 MiXplorer - optimized for MIUI, It can bypass firmware restrictions. To display hidden files, click ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files.
When you first start a third-party manager, give him all the permissions you have requested (storage, media files (/data, /system) You may need root access or activation of the developer mode.
Example of the path to hidden folders in Solid Explorer:
/storage/emulated/0/ →.android_secure (Secure Application Files)
/storage/emulated/0/ →.miui (theme and wallpaper settings)
/data/media/0/ →.nomedia (files excluded from the gallery)💡
If files are still not displayed after installing a third-party manager, try clearing the app cache or reinstalling it. Sometimes MIUI blocks access to system folders for "untrusted" programs.
3. view hidden files via PC (MTP and ADB)
Connecting your smartphone to your computer gives you more options for working with the file system. There are two main methods:
Method 1: Media Transfer Protocol (MTP)
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable (original!).
- On the phone in the notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- On your computer, open This computer → find a Xiaomi device and go to its memory.
- Enable the display of hidden files in Windows Explorer (View → Hidden Items).
Method 2: ADB commands (for advanced users)
- Install ADB Tools on your PC.
- Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi (7 times tap the MIUI version in your phone settings).
| Method | Available folders | Need root? | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTP (Windows Explorer) | /sdcard/, /storage/emulated/0/ | No. | No visible /data/ and /system/ |
| ADB (team ls -a) | /sdcard/, partially /data/ (without root) | No (but with root more options) | No graphical interface. |
| Root Manager (FX, Solid) | All sections (/system, /vendor) | Yes. | Risk of system damage |
4. Search for hidden files via Total Commander (with LAN plugin)
Total Commander is a powerful file manager with plug-ins that allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI.
Install Total Commander from Google Play and the LAN Plugin plugin to access system folders.
- Launch the application and tap on the LAN icon in the top menu.
- Select Add New Connection → Specify Path / (Root Catalog).
- In the plugin settings, enable Show hidden files and Show system files.
- Connect – now you’ll see the full folder structure, including /data and /system (if there’s root).
⚠️ Warning: Without root rights, Total Commander will only show a portion of hidden files (mostly in the main) /sdcard/). Full access requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.
What is a LAN plugin in Total Commander?
5. How to find hidden files without root: bypassing MIUI restrictions
If you do not have root rights but need to access hidden data, use these methods:
Method 1: Rename files
Some system files (such as Mi Cloud backups) are stored in hidden folders, but they can be made visible by removing the dot at the beginning of the title.
- Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode.
- In Windows Explorer, enable the display of hidden files.
- Find the folder you want (e.g.,.miui) and rename it miui (remove the dot).
- The folder will now be visible in any manager on the phone.
Method 2: Use the "Mi File Explorer" application (hidden function)
Some versions of MIUI have an undocumented feature: Open Files, type in the search bar:
.*This will display all hidden files and folders in the current directory. Note that the feature doesn’t work on all devices (tested on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with MIUI 14.0.4).
Method 3: Backup through ADB
If you need to copy hidden files without viewing, follow the command:
adb pull /sdcard/.Folder name C:\backup\This will copy the contents of the hidden folder to your PC.
💡
Without root rights, you can only view hidden files in the user section (/sdcard/). Access to system folders (/data/, /system/) requires unlocking the bootloader and obtaining superuser rights.
6. which hidden files can be deleted and which can not
Not all hidden files are safe to delete, and here is a table with data that is allowed and forbidden to change:
| File/folder type | Can I remove it? | Effects of removal | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| .thumbdata | Yes. | The gallery miniature cache will be removed (will free up space) | Remove once every 1-2 months |
| .nomedia | Yes (unless you need to hide files from the gallery) | Files in the folder will be visible in the gallery again | Delete if the folder is not used to store personal data |
| .miui/backup | No. | Loss of backups of MIUI settings | Transfer to the PC before removal |
| /data/app (system APK) | Absolutely not. | Removal will lead to application crash or system failure | Don't touch without root and knowledge of teams |
| .android_secure | Partially. | Stores application data on SD-Deleting can break the software. | Delete only files of remote applications |
⚠️ Note: Folders named com.android., com.xiaomi. or android in the section /data/ They contain critical system data, and if you change it without a backup, you can get a "brick" on the device.
7. Recovery of Accidentally Deleted Hidden Files
If you have deleted an important hidden file, try to restore it:
Method 1: Through the MIUI basket
Open the Files → Recycle Bin application. Hidden files also get there and are stored for 30 days. Find the file you want and click Restore.
Method 2: Recovery programs
Use utilities like DiskDigger or Recuva (on PCs). Connect your phone in MTP mode and scan the memory. The chances of recovery are higher if:
- 🕒 Less than 24 hours have passed since the removal.
- 📱 No new files were recorded on the phone.
- 🔋 The device didn't reboot.
Method 3: Backup copies of MIUI
If automatic backup is enabled in Settings → About Phone → Backup, restore the data from there.
- Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
- Select Restore from backup.
- Specify the backup date when the file still existed.
💡
If you can't recover the file, check /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/ for manual backups. These are created when you use the Local Backup function in MIUI.