Where and how to find hidden folders on Xiaomi: from MIUI to system files

Hidden folders on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) store system data, backups, application logs, and even traces of deleted files, which may be needed to free up memory, recover lost data, or debug the device, but the manufacturer deliberately hides these directories from the user, both through the limitations of the MIUI file manager and at the Android access rights level.

In this article, you will find 5 working methods for accessing hidden folders, from simple (via built-in Explorer) to advanced (using ADB and custom backup).We will also discuss which folders to look for, why they are hidden, and how to avoid errors when working with system files. All instructions are relevant for devices on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including Xiaomi 13/14 models, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5.

Why is Xiaomi hiding system folders?

The manufacturer restricts access to hidden directories for three key reasons:

• 🔒 Security: System files contain critical data (e.g, /data/system Accidentally deleting or changing them can cause the device to fail.
• 🛠️ Stability MIUI: folder /miad (advertising module) or /cust (regional settings) are responsible for the operation of branded services, their modification often breaks the updates "over the air".
• 📱 User experience: Hiding technical details makes it easier for beginners to interface. /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails No need for miniature photos 90% proprietorship.

However, access to hidden data is necessary, for example:

• 🔄 Recovering deleted files from /data/com.android.providers.media.
• 📁 Manual cleaning of the application cache in /data/data/.
• 🔧 Debugging problems with MIUI logistically /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log.

⚠️ Attention: changing files in folders /system, /vendor or /data without root rights can cause soft-brick (the device will only boot in Fastboot mode.

Method 1: Enable the display of hidden files in MIUI File Explorer

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI Explorer, which hides the default system folders, but you can make them visible:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Activate the switch to show hidden files.
4. Return to the root directory (/sdcard/) and update the list (swipe down).

Now you'll see folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g.,.thumbdata,.miui), but this method won't show system partitions like /data or /system, because they need root rights.

Check the.estrongs folder – here are the temporary files of the ES Manager

Open.thumbdata – a miniature gallery cache (can weigh a few GB)

Look for.miui/backup backups for MIUI settings

Look at /sdcard/Android/data/ – here is the cache and application data (see without root)

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If you don’t have the right folder, try updating Explorer through Google Play or using third-party file managers (about them below).

Method 2: Third-party file managers with root access

Apps like Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer, or Root Explorer can show hidden folders even without superuser permission, but full access to /data and /system requires:

1. Install Solid Explorer (free version is fine).
2. In the application settings, enable: Settings → Display → Show hidden Settings files → Access → Root access (if there is root)
3. Go to / (root directory) and open folders: /data/data/ – application data (root requires). /system/priv-app/ – system APK (read only). /sdcard/MIUI/ – system logs and dumps.

⚠️ Warning: If you see the folder /data/com.xiaomi.market — Don't delete the contents. That's the data. MIUI App Store, and Cleaning Them Could Break Update System Apps.

MIUI File Explorer (built-in)

Solid Explorer

FX File Explorer

Root Explorer

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Method 3: Access via ADB (without root)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to view hidden folders without superuser rights, but with restrictions.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer's settings).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and execute: Adb devices (you should display your device).
2. View the contents of the hidden folders: adb shell ls -la /sdcard/.miui adb shell ls -la /data/local/tmp
3. To copy a file on a PC: adb pull /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log/logcat.txt C:\logs\

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ No access to /data/data/ rootless.
• ❌ You cannot modify system files.
• ✅ You can download logs and some hidden user files.

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If the adb device command doesn’t find the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi ADB Interface drivers through Windows Device Manager.

Method 4: Using TWRP (for advanced users)

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a customized recovery that gives full access to the file system, including hidden partitions.

• 🔓 You've already been installed. TWRP.
• 📱 Device unlocked (Fastboot) → OEM Unlock).
• 🛡️ You are prepared for the risk of data loss (backup recommended).

Step-by-step:

1. Boot to TWRP: Turn off the phone → pinch Power + Volume up.
2. Select Mount → Mark System and Data.
3. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Open the folders you want (for example, /data/system/ for account settings).

What can you do in TWRP:

• 🔄 Recover deleted files from /data/media/0/.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary system APK (cautiously!).
• 📋 Copy logs from /sys/fs/pstore/ (fault-diagnosing).

⚠️ Attention: If you delete the folder /data/system/users/, The device will stop recognizing user profiles and will require a factory reset.

Method 5: MIUI Hidden Settings (Hidden Settings)

MIUI has undocumented menus where you can find links to hidden folders, such as Engineer Mode or CIT (Factory Test Mode).

How to open it:

1. Enter the phone code ##4636## (Testing menu opens).
2. Go to Usage statistics → Storage, and you can see all the folders, including the hidden ones, with their size.
3. Enter the logs to access the logs: ##284## (The Packet Loopback Test menu opens, where there is a link to the bottom. /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log).

List of useful codes for Xiaomi:

These menus do not provide direct access to files, but show paths to hidden folders that can then be opened through ADB or root explorer.

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MIUI codes don't work on all models, and if nothing happens after you type in, your firmware blocks the engineering menu, in which case you can use ADB or TWRP.

What hidden folders on Xiaomi can be safely cleaned?

Not all hidden files are critical to the system, but here is a list of folders that can be deleted without risking performance:

• 🗑️ /sdcard/.thumbdata — cache of miniatures (releases to the 1–3 GB).
• 🗑️ /sdcard/.estrongs — time-file ES Conductor.
• 🗑️ /sdcard/Android/obb/ — cache of games (can be deleted if the games are not used).
• 🗑️ /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log/ — Error logs (if there are no problems with the system).
• 🗑️ /data/local/tmp/ — Temporary update files (requires root).

What can't be removed:

• ❌ /data/system/ — account settings and rights.
• ❌ /system/priv-app/ — system-application MIUI.
• ❌ /vendor/ — kernel drivers and modules.
• ❌ /persist/ — sensor-calibration.

Before cleaning, make a backup copy through TWRP or MIUI Backup (Settings) → The phone. → Backup).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with hidden folders, users often face problems:

1. Error "Permission denied" in ADB: Solution: use adb root (requires an unlocked bootloader) or get root rights.
2. The Explorer does not show the folder after enabling the option: Solution: Clear the Files app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Files → Clear the cache).
3. The device does not boot after changes to TWRP: Solution: restore the boot and system backup or reset via Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot reboot

If you accidentally delete an important folder:

• 🔄 Try to recover data via DiskDigger or Recuva (by connecting your phone to your PC in mode) MTP).
• 📥 Install the firmware again via Fastboot (instructions for your model are on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

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If Google services have stopped working after cleaning the hidden folders, check for /data/data/com.google.android.gms/. Deleting it resets Google Play Services settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions