Faced with the need to transfer the game’s cache or change the configuration of a modified application on a Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphone POCO, Many users are stuck with a system limitation. Android operating system, starting with the version 11 and strengthen protection in Android 13 and 14, Blocks direct access to the system directory Android/data. This is done by Google developers for security reasons, so that malware cannot stealthily replace files of other applications.
However, for advanced users and those who actively use modified versions of software, access to this area is critical. On Chinese-brand devices, the situation is complicated by the brand’s MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, which have their own specific restrictions on top of the standard Android rules. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to circumvent locking and gain full control over the file system of your device without losing warranty and having to obtain root rights.
It is important to understand that tampering with system files requires care. Accidental deletion of an important configuration file can lead to an application malfunctioning or a complete failure to start. So before starting any manipulations, make sure that you clearly understand the purpose of your actions and know which files you need to copy or change in the obb or data directory.
⚠️ Warning: The operating system is blocking access for a reason. Android/data It can disrupt the integrity of installed applications. Always back up important data before editing.
Why the system blocks access to the Data folder
Since Android 11, Google has implemented a Scoped Storage policy, which used to allow any application to read and write data to any folder on the device, creating huge security holes. Now access to system directories is strictly regulated, and standard file managers simply do not see the contents of the Android/data folder, showing it empty or giving an access error.
On Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, the situation is aggravated by its own security add-ons MIUI. Even if you install a third-party file manager, the system can deny it access to certain areas of memory, considering this a potentially dangerous action, this is especially true for models running on Android 13 and later, where restrictions have become even more stringent.
There are several ways to get around these limitations using specific authorization techniques or debugging tools. The specific method depends on the version of the operating system and the shell installed. MIUI, HyperOS may require more complex manipulations. ADB-team.
Use of a special file manager Files
The easiest and most secure way to access hidden folders is to use a special manager application that can request extended rights through the SAF (Storage Access Framework) system mechanism. One of the most popular and proven solutions is the Files application (not to be confused with the standard “Conductor” from Xiaomi).
Once you install the app, you need to give it special permissions. When you first start, it will prompt you to open the Android/data folder, and you will need to go to the specified location and click "Use this folder" and then confirm the action with the "Allow" button. This method does not require a connection to the computer.
☑️ Access rights verification
- 📂 Download the Files app from a trusted source or app store.
- 🔐 When requesting permissions, be sure to agree to access all files.
- 📁 Go on the Android path → data within the application.
- ✅ Click "OK" or "Allow" in the pop-up system window.
The advantage of this method is that it's simple and secure, you don't make changes to your system settings, you just use the legal Android API to access your files, but it's worth remembering that some system files can remain hidden even for this manager if they're labeled as critical to MIUI.
Adjustment through ADB: a method for advanced users
If GUIs don’t help or you need full access to run other programs (like Titanium Backup or Xiaomi’s customized utilities), you’ll need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that allows you to issue commands to the system directly, bypassing standard interface restrictions.
To start, you need to activate the developer mode on your Redmi or POCO. Go to the settings, find About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI build number. After that, the "Developers For" option will appear in the advanced settings, where you need to enable debugging over USB.
What to do if your computer can’t see your phone?
After connecting your smartphone to your computer and installing the drivers, open the command line in the ADB folder. You will need to enter a command that will force you to access the file system for a particular package or all applications. This action is a deeper interference with the file system.
adb shell appops set com.android.externalstorage Android/data allowImportantly, newer versions of Android 13-14 may not allow direct commands to work without additional manipulation, and in some cases require the use of the Shizuku utility, which works in conjunction with ADB, but provides a more user-friendly interface for managing application rights directly on the smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Incorrect commands may cause system instability or disruption of Google Play services.
Use Shizuku utility for rights management
Shizuku has become the de facto standard for root-free system management on Android.It allows regular applications to run processes with enhanced privileges using a mechanism that is usually only available to system services. For Xiaomi owners, it is often the only working way on new firmware.
The Shizuku setup process for MIUI 13/14 or HyperOS starts with USB debugging and Wi-Fi debugging (an option appears in the developer menu after a few clicks). Once connected via wireless debugging, the application will receive the necessary rights, and you can (authorize) other file managers.
- 🚀 Install Shizuku and the application manager that supports it (e.g. ZArchiver).
- 📡 Enable "Wireless debugging" in the developer menu.
- 🔗 Run pairing in Shizuku and follow the instructions on the screen.
- ✅ In the application manager, select the mode of operation through Shizuku.
The main advantage of using Shizuku is that after the initial setup, you don’t have to connect your phone to your computer every time, but you can save the rights until you reboot your device or turn off the service, which makes working with files in Android/data as easy as with regular photos.
Comparison of file access methods
The choice of method depends on your goals and technical training. For a one-time transfer of the game cache, a simple file manager is enough. For constant work with system files, Shizuku + ZArchiver is better. ADB should be used only if other methods do not work or specific rights are required.
| Method | Difficulty | I need a PC. | Security | Working on Android 13/14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Files (SAF) | Low. | No. | Tall. | Yes. |
| ADB Commands | Tall. | Yes. | Medium | Partially. |
| Shizuku | Medium | Just for the setup. | Tall. | Yes. |
| Root rights | Very high. | No. | Low. | Yes (full access) |
💡
Shizuku + ZArchiver is the best way to work with files, which allows you to have stable access without having to connect your phone to your computer every time.
It is worth considering that obtaining root rights (superuser rights) gives absolute access to all files, but on modern Xiaomi smartphones this is difficult to implement due to the locking of the bootloader and account binding.
Typical problems and ways to solve them
When accessing the file manager, users often find that the Android/data folder is still displayed empty, which may involve caching the display in the file manager. Try updating the file list or restarting the application manager after granting permissions.
Another common problem with MIUI is aggressive energy saving, which kills the background processes of the file manager, so to avoid this, go to the battery settings, find your file application, and set the No Limits mode, which will prevent you from having to stop the process.
- 🔋 Check the energy saving settings for the file manager.
- 🔄 Clear the cache of the application manager itself.
- 📱 Make sure that in the settings MIUI not enabled "Developer Mode" for specific applications that block access.
- 📂 Try an alternative file manager if one fails.
If you use the ADB method and after restarting the phone access is lost, this is normal behavior for temporary permissions.You will either have to repeat the procedure every time, or use more permanent methods, such as Shizuku with auto-start or obtaining permanent rights through system modification.
💡
The most stable result on modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS is a combination of Shizuku for privileges and ZArchiver for file management.