How to Open Hidden and System Folders on Xiaomi Redmi: All Ways (2026)

Are you trying to find a file that should be on your phone but it’s not in standard Explorer? Or do you want to clean the app cache manually but MIUI hides system directories? Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (including Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 11 Prime and older versions) by default restrict access to key folders — from /data/data/ to /system/priv-app/. This is done for security, but often interferes with power users.

In this article, we have 5 proven ways to access hidden folders, including root-free methods using ADB. We will analyze the nuances for different versions of MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14, and also warn against typical errors that can lead to data loss or lock the bootloader. If you just need to find downloaded files, a standard Explorer is enough. If the goal is to edit system configs or restore deleted data, read on.

Why Xiaomi hides folders and can they be opened without risk?

The manufacturer blocks access to system directories for three reasons:

• 🔒 Security: Preventing the accidental deletion of critical files (e.g, /system/build.prop, loader).
• 🛡️ Virus protection: Many malware masquerades as system files in folders like /data/app/.
• 📱 Compliance with Google’s Policy: With Android 11 Strict restrictions on access to sections /data and /system Even for root users.

Can we circumvent these restrictions? Yes, but with reservations:

• ✅ No root: access to part of the folders (e.g, /sdcard/Android/data/) possible ADB side-wire.
• ⚠️ With root: full access to all partitions, but the risk of losing warranty and device "brick" if you do not perform the right thing.
• 🔧 Through TWRP: Temporary access to system files without a full root, but requires unlocking the bootloader.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Redmi models with MIUI 14+ Android 13+ attempt to modify files in /system If you don't mount the partition properly, it will automatically reset when you reboot, which means that all changes will be canceled.

If your goal is simply to view hidden user files (such as Telegram or WhatsApp cache), there are only 1-2 ways to do a deep modification (such as removing embedded applications) and 3-5 methods are required.

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

The simplest method that works on all versions of MIUI is to activate the display of hidden folders in the regular file manager, which allows you to see directories that start from a point (for example,.thumbnails or.nomedia), but not system partitions.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → select “Settings”.
3. Activate the "Show hidden files" switch.
4. Return to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and update the list (swipe down).

What you'll see:

• 📁 Folders with a dot at the beginning (for example,.data,.backup).
• 🗃️ Cache some applications (but not all!).
• ❌ They won't show up: /data/data/, /system/, /vendor/.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 15 after upgrading to Android 14 This method may not show folders that are protected by Scoped Storage (e.g, Android/data/ third-party).

If you need more, move on to the next method.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings | Download ADB platform from the official Google | Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable-->

Method 2: Access via ADB (without root rights)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to interact with the Xiaomi Redmi file system via a computer.The method works on all versions of MIUI and does not require superuser rights, but only allows access to a part of the system folders.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 📱 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 🔧 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Google website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on developer mode on Redmi: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times)
2. Activate debugging via USB: Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging via USB
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the trust in the computer (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).
4. Open the command prompt (or terminal) in the ADB folder and execute: adb shell ls /sdcard/ This will show the contents of the internal memory.
5. To go to system folders, use: cd /data/data/ Without root rights, you'll only see a list of folders, but you won't be able to read the contents.

Limitations of the method:

Full access to /data/data/ (e.g., to copy WhatsApp’s database) requires root or TWRP.

💡

If the adb device command doesn’t show your Redmi, try reinstalling drivers manually through Device Manager (select “Android ADB Interface”).

Method 3: Use of third-party conductors (Solid Explorer, FX File Manager)

Some of the file managers at Google Play can bypass MIUI limitations and show hidden folders, and the best options are Solid Explorer and FX File Manager, which won't give you full access to the system, but will allow you to see more than a standard Explorer.

How to set up Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the side menu → “Settings” → “Access to the root directory”.
3. Activate the option "Mont as recorded" (you need root for full access).
4. Return to the root directory and tap on "Root" (if you have a license) or "Storage".

What you can see:

• 📂 Folders. Android/data/ and Android/obb/ (even if they are hidden in MIUI).
• 🔍 Application cache files (e.g, com.whatsapp/ or com.telegram/).
• ❌ No, they're not available: /data/data/, /system/ rootless.

For Redmi models on Android 13/14, even with root rights, some folders can be blocked due to SELinux. In this case, only TWRP (Method 4) will help.

Method 4: Temporary access via TWRP (for advanced users)

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to mount system partitions and copy files even without constant root access.The method is suitable for Xiaomi Redmi with an unlocked bootloader, but requires caution.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔓 Temporary access /data and /system rootless.
• 📋 The ability to create a backup before changes.
• ⚡ It works even if the phone doesn’t boot (for example, after a failed update).

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader on Redmi (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
2. Install TWRP for your model (you can download it on twrp.me).
3. Download to TWRP (Power buttons + Volume up).
4. Go to Mount and mark System Data Vendor
5. Connect your phone to your PC and use ADB or TWRP’s built-in file manager to copy files.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Note) 12 Pro+ 5G) MIUI 15 lock-in /data into TWRP So the solution is to install the module "Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt" through TWRP before first loading.

If you need to copy files from /data/data/ (like saving games or messenger databases), this is one of the most reliable methods, but it requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all the data on the phone.

Method 5: Full access with Magisk (root rights)

Magisk root rights are the most powerful, but also the most risky way, and it gives you unlimited access to all folders, but it can lead to:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty.
• 🔄 Automatic resets during the update MIUI.
• 🛑 "The "brick" of the device in the wrong actions.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Unlock the bootloader (as in method 4).
2. Install TWRP and swipe Magisk (you can download it on GitHub).
3. Install Root Explorer or Mixplorer from Magisk.
4. In the conductor settings, activate "Mount as R/W" (read/write).

Now you can:

• 📝 Edit files in /system/build.prop (For example, to change the screen resolution).
• 🗑️ Remove embedded applications (bloatware) from /system/priv-app/.
• 🔄 Recover deleted files from /data/lost+found/.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 15 and Android 14 Magisk may conflict with Google Pay and banking apps, using the MagiskHide Props Config module to mask root.

If some folders still don’t open after obtaining root rights, check the SELinux status with the command:

su


getenforce

If Enforcing's answer means SELinux is blocking access, the solution is to temporarily put it into Permissive mode:

setenforce 0

💡

Getting the root rights to Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 14/15 requires the installation of Magisk Delta (the fork of the original Magisk, optimized for new versions of Android).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with hidden folders on Xiaomi Redmi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common solutions:

If after manipulating system files, Redmi stopped downloading, try:

1. Download to Fastboot (Food + Volume Down).
2. Switch the original recovery through the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Reset via fastboot erase userdata.

In 90% of cases, this will restore functionality, but all user data will be deleted.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions