Where and how to find hidden folders on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 working methods

Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphones with MIUI-based systems hide many folders from users, from app cache to update logs, to protect data and prevent the accidental deletion of critical files, but sometimes access to these folders is necessary for manual garbage cleaning, recovery of deleted files, or debugging of the device.

The problem is that the standard file manager MIUI The default does not show hidden directories, even if you enable the display of hidden files. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to access system folders - from simple (through settings) to advanced (using the use of the system folders). ADB We will focus on the nuances for different versions. MIUI (12-14) and smartphone models.

⚠️ Important: changing or deleting files in system folders can cause device malfunctions.

If you’re looking for a specific folder (like DCIM/.thumbnails for thumbnails or MIUI/Backup for backups), use article search (Ctrl+F) – we’ve put together the current paths for Xiaomi in 2026.

1. Enable the display of hidden files in MIUI

The easiest way to do this is to activate the hidden elements in the standard file manager, but in the latest versions of MIUI 14, this functionality is limited: even after the display is enabled, some system folders remain invisible.

To try this method:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Slip on the three-point menu in the upper right corner → select “Settings”.
3. Activate the “Show hidden files” switch.
4. Go back to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and check for folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g.,.data or.miui).

❌ Limitations of method:

• 🔹 Does not show folders with root rights (for example, /data/data/).
• 🔹 In some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 may not be available.
• 🔹 System folders /system/ and /vendor/ remain inaccessible.

2.Use of third-party file managers

The standard MIUI manager is stripped down in functionality, so it is better to use alternative applications to access hidden folders.

Top.-3 File Manager for Xiaomi:

• 📁 Solid Explorer supports root, FTP It shows all the hidden folders, including the cloud. /data/ (rightful).
• 🔍 FX File Explorer – has a built-in ADB-conductor for accessing system partitions without root.
• 🛠️ MiXplorer - optimized for MIUI, Can circumvent reading restrictions /sdcard/.

🔹 Instructions for Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. When you first start, provide all the permissions you have requested (storage, media access).
3. In the side menu, select “Root directory” (/).
4. Move to the /storage/emulated/0/ — Hidden folders will be displayed here (for example,.android_secure encrypted).

⚠️ Attention: even with these folders, like /data/data/ (where the application settings are stored will be available only with root rights or through ADB.

3. Access via ADB (without root rights)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to manage the Android file system from a computer.The method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and the POCO X5 Pro, but requires pre-configuration.

🔹 Step 1. Connecting the device:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).

🔹 Step 2: Commands to view hidden folders:

adb shell


ls -la /storage/emulated/0/ # Shows all files, including hidden files




cd /data/data/ # Attempt to go to the system folder (requires root)




pull /storage/emulated/0/.thumbnails C:\backup\# Copies folder on PC

What can be done through ADB:

• 📂 View the contents /sdcard/ full-length.
• 📥 Copy files on a PC (for example, backups from MIUI/Backup/AllBackup).
• 🔄 Delete unnecessary files (for example, cache in.cache).

⚠️ Note: commands rm (removal) and mv (movement) to ADB Mistakes in transit (e.g. rm) -rf /data rm -rf /data/local/tmp) It can cause a complete reset of the device.

4. Obtaining root rights for full access

If you want full control of the file system (for example, to edit files in /system/ or /vendor/), you will need to unlock the bootloader and install Magisk.

🔹 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Unlock bootloader: Apply for unlocking via Xiaomi's official website (Mi Account required). Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the device is off). Launch Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and follow the instructions.

Installation of Magisk:

• Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub.
• Please. magisk_patched.img via fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img.

🔹 What's root:

⚠️ Note: After rooting, some functions may stop working:

• 🔒 Mi Pay and banking apps (due to SafetyNet trigger).
• 📱 Oh.TA-Update (you will need to install the firmware manually).
• 🎮 Some games (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile can block the entrance).

5.Search for hidden folders through TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to mount Android partitions and view their contents without fully loading the system.

🔹 How to install TWRP Xiaomi:

1. Download the official version TWRP for your model from twrp.me (for example, for Redmi Note) 11 it twrp-3.7.0_12-vili.img).
2. Go to Fastboot mode and run recovery command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. From the TWRP menu, select “Mount” → tick System, Data, and Vendor.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and use ADB pull to copy the folders you want.

🔹 What folders are available through TWRP:

• 📱 /data/media/0/ — User files (including hidden files).
• 🔧 /data/data/ — Application data (password entry required if encryption enabled).
• 📄 /system/app/ — system-application MIUI.

⚠️ Note: if encryption is enabled on the device (by default on the device) MIUI 13/14), TWRP request the screen unlock password for mounting /data. Without a password, access will be restricted.

6. Recover deleted files from hidden folders

If you accidentally deleted files from hidden folders (such as backups from MIUI/Backup or thumbnails from.thumbnails), you can try to recover them using specialized tools.

🔹 Recovery methods:

• 🔄 DiskDigger scans internal memory for deleted files (works without root, but with limitations).
• 💾 EaseUS MobiSaver – Recovers photos, videos and documents from hidden folders.
• 🖥️ PhotoRec (for PC) – a powerful tool for deep partition scanning /data (requires connection through ADB or TWRP).

🔹 Instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select “Full Scan” (requires root for maximum efficiency).
3. Mark the file types (e.g..jpg,.png,.db for databases).
4. After scanning, save the recovered files to a different folder (not /sdcard/ to avoid overwriting).

📌 Where to look for lost data:

💡

If you are recovering files using a PC, connect your phone in file transfer (MTP) mode and use a USB 2.0 port – this reduces the risk of errors when transferring large amounts of data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden folders on Xiaomi

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The most secure ways to access hidden folders are by using Solid Explorer or ADB. Root and TWRP methods give you complete control, but risk system stability.