The OBB folder on Xiaomi devices is a hidden storage of additional files for games and applications that are downloaded from Google Play or third-party sources, most often it stores graphic resources, levels, audio tracks and other data, without which games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG simply won’t start. However, the manufacturer by default restricts access to this folder, which creates problems when manually installing APKs or transferring files between devices.
In this article, you will find all the working ways to open the Android/obb folder on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from simple methods through built-in settings to advanced solutions using ADB or root-access file manager. We will also discuss why the system blocks access, how to avoid errors when copying files, and what to do if the folder disappears after rebooting the device.
Why is Xiaomi blocking access to the OBB folder?
The manufacturer restricts access to system folders, including Android/obb, for several reasons:
- 🔒 Security: Preventing accidental deletion of critical files that could disrupt applications.
- 🛡️ Virus protection: Restricting access to system partitions reduces the risk of malware infection that could replace game files.
- 📱 Optimization MIUI: Xiaomi’s proprietary shell hides technical details from the average user, simplifying the interface.
- 🔄 Update Control: Some games (such as Free Fire or Honor of Kings) update files to the new file. OBB Automatically, and manual intervention can cause failures.
However, these restrictions create inconveniences if you need to:
- 🎮 Install the game from a torrent or third party site (for example, APK + OBB).
- 📲 Transfer saves or cache between devices.
- 🔧 Manually update graphics packages (for example, for GTA San Andreas).
- 🗑️ Clean up unnecessary files that take up gigabytes of memory.
⚠️ Note: Some games (such as Clash of Clans or Brawl Stars) do not store data in the same way. OBB, Android/data. If you don’t find the files you need, check both folders.
Method 1: Using the built-in MIUI file manager
The easiest method is to use the standard Files app (or Mi File Manager) which does not require additional software, but does not work on all versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 12, access may be restricted).
Instructions:
- Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
- Go to Device (or Local Storage) section.
- Tap on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Activate the option to show hidden files.
- Return to the root directory and follow the path: /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb
If the obb folder does not appear or if you try to open it, you will see an error "No access", proceed to the next method.
Enable the display of hidden files
Check the free space on the device (minimum 1 GB)
Update the Files app to the latest version
Reboot your smartphone before trying to access-->
Method 2: File Manager with root rights (without root)
Some third-party file managers (such as Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer, or Root Browser) can bypass MIUI restrictions even without obtaining root rights.
Recommended annexes:
| Annex | Download link | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Explorer | Google Play | Support for FTP, cloud storage, built-in archiver |
| FX File Explorer | Google Play | Working with ZIP/RAR, accessing system folders without root |
| Mixplorer | XDA Developers | Maximum access rights, support for themes |
Step-by-step instructions for Solid Explorer:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Run it and provide all the permissions requested.
- In the side menu, select the Root directory (or Root).
- Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb
- If you have an access request, click Allow or Use this folder.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ Android 12+ This method may not work because of the tightening of security policies. ADB (4).
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If the file manager asks you to pay for a premium version to access your system folders, try Mixplorer – it’s free and has no such restrictions.
Method 3: Connect to a PC via USB (MTP)
If you can't open a folder on your smartphone, you can connect it to your computer and access it through Windows Explorer or macOS. MIUI, requires USB-cable and enabled file transfer mode.
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
- On the phone in the notification curtain, select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
- On your computer, open "This Computer" (Windows) or "Finder" (macOS).
- Find your device in the list of connected drives.
- Go along the way: Internal Memory → Android → Obb
If the obb folder is not visible:
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and PC.
- 🛠️ Update the drivers MTP on the computer (via Device Manager").
- 📋 Turn on the phone to debug. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times according to version, then return to additional → For developers).
What if the PC doesn’t see the OBB folder?
Method 4: Unlocking through ADB (for power users)
If previous methods didn't work, the most reliable way is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to change system resolutions without root permissions, and works on all versions of MIUI, but requires a PC connection.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📥 Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot.
- 🛠️ Included Debugging by USB smartphone.
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive in any folder on your PC.
- Connect your smartphone to your computer and enable USB Debugging (see Method 3).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
- Adb shell "chmod 777 /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb"
- Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot
Once you reboot, the obb folder will be read and written through any file manager, but these permissions can be reset once you update MIUI, so you have to repeat the procedure.
⚠️ Attention: chmod team 777 It gives full folder rights to all applications, which may not be secure. After copying files, it is recommended to return the standard permissions: adb shell "chmod" 755 /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb"
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ADB is the most versatile method, but it requires caution: Do not change the rights to other system folders (e.g. /system or /data) to avoid disrupting the device.
Method 5: Getting root rights (extreme case)
If none of these methods work, the last option is to get root rights, which will give you full control of the file system, but will take away your warranty and may disrupt some features (such as Google Pay or Mi Pay).
Pros and cons of root:
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| Full access to all folders, including obb and data. | Loss of warranty from Xiaomi. |
| Ability to remove system applications (bloatware). | Risk of "bricking" the device in case of error. |
| Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS). | Some banking applications will stop working. |
| Backup through Titanium Backup. | No MIUI updates over the air. |
How to get root on Xiaomi:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (link). This will take 7-15 days (waiting). SMS-code).
- Install custom TWRP recaps for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
- Sweep Magisk through TWRP to obtain root rights without the SafetyNet trigger.
After getting root, you can:
- 🗑️ Remove unnecessary apps (Mi Browser, Mi Music, etc.).
⚠️ Note: On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g., Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro) unlocking the loader may result in loss IMEI. Before the procedure, save it through the application MTK Engineering Mode.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When working with the obb folder, users often face problems.
1.The obb folder disappears after the reboot
This is because of the system's permission reset.
- 🔄 Repeat the command chmod 777 through ADB.
- 📥 Create a game that creates a game. OBB-Files (e.g. Need for Speed: No Limits).
- 🛠️ Use a file manager with the "Preserve folder" function (e.g. Solid Explorer).
2. "Insufficient memory" error when copying files
The obb folder is in the internal memory, and if it's full, the system will not allow you to copy large files.
- 🗑️ Clear the app cache in Settings → Annexes → Clear the cache.
- 📁 Transfer files (photos, videos) to SD-map.
- 🔧 Use it. ADB For copying directly: Adb push local_file.ob /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/
3.The game does not see files in the obb folder
A frequent problem with manual APK installation. Check:
- 📌 The correctness of the folder name: it must match the game package (for example, the game name is correct, com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA9HM For Asphalt 9).
- 🔤 Register of symbols: OBB And obb are different folders!
- 📦 Archive Integrity: If the.obb file is corrupted, the game will not start.
4. Antivirus removes files from obb
Some antiviruses (such as Avast or 360 Security) may take modified game files as a threat.
- 🛡️ Add the obb folder to the antivirus exception.
- 🚫 Remove the antivirus (Xiaomi already has built-in Mi Security protection).
- 🔍 Check files on VirusTotal before copying.
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If a game after copying files to obb produces a "Files are corrupted" error, download them again. Often the problem lies in the incomplete download of the archive.