How to Open Hidden Folders on Xiaomi: 5 Ways to Work and Important Warnings

Hidden folders on Xiaomi smartphones are not just system files, but a whole layer of data that the manufacturer hides from users “for their own safety.” It can store application log files, cache of system processes, backups of settings and even deleted photos that did not get into the cart. But what if you urgently need to access this data? You may have lost an important file, want to clear the space on the device or just wondering what your Redmi or POCO is hiding.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to open hidden folders on Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS. It is important to understand that some methods require superuser rights (root), while others can work without them – we will point out all the nuances, you will learn which folders are better not to touch, so as not to disrupt the system, and how to restore access if something goes wrong.

We warn you right away: not all hidden data is intended for viewing by the user. Some files may contain confidential information (for example, authorization tokens in applications), and their removal or change can lead to irreversible system failure or blocking of the Mi Account.

Method: through standard MIUI conductor (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI File Explorer, which can show hidden folders, but this feature is hidden in the settings. Here's how to activate it:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen).
2. Slip on three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper left corner.
3. Select the Settings (cog icon).
4. Scroll down and turn on the Show Hidden Files switch.
5. Return to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and you will see folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g..thumbnails,.miui).

This method works on all Xiaomi devices without additional rights, but has limitations:

• 🔍 Only user hidden folders (e.g. from applications) are visible (/data/, /system/) remain inaccessible.
• 📁 You cannot edit or delete files in some folders (for example,.android_secure).
• ⚙️ On some firmware (especially HyperOS), the option may be called differently: Show system files.

💡

If the hidden folders do not appear after the option is turned on, restart the conductor through the Task Manager or restart the phone.

2. Method: Use ADB (without root but with PC)

If a standard Explorer doesn’t show you the files you want, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging through your computer, which doesn’t require root rights, but requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and enabling developer mode.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Download and install. ADB-computer-driver.
2. On your smartphone, go to Settings → About phone and tap on the MIUI version 7 times to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should appear. If not, install Xiaomi USB Drivers.)

adb shell


ls -la /storage/emulated/0/

This command will show all files and folders, including hidden ones (with a dot at the beginning) to copy them to the computer:

adb pull /storage/emulated/0/.name of folder C:\path\on\pk

Advantages of the method:

• 🖥️ It works without root and does not violate the guarantee.
• 📂 You can view files that are not available through the Explorer.
• 🔄 Suitable for backup of hidden data.

Install ADB PC-only|Enable debugging on USB Xiaomi|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check device detection by adb devices|Download Xiaomi drivers if necessary-->

3. Method: through root conductor (root rights required)

If you need to access system hidden folders (for example, /data/data/, You can't do without root rights. Use root-enabled explorers like Root Explorer, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer.

Instructions:

1. Install one of these explorers from Google Play.
2. Open the app and provide root access (a request from Magisk or SuperSU will appear).
3. Go to the root directory (/) and open folders: /data/ – application data and system settings; /system/ – firmware files; /sdcard/ – user data (analog /storage/emulated/0/).

⚠️ Note: Modifying or deleting files in these folders may result in:

• 💥 System failure (infinite boot, "brick").
• 🔒 Blocking your Mi Account (if authorization files are affected).
• 📱 Loss of warranty (unless the device is officially unlocked).

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4. Method: via MIUI Hidden Settings (hidden menu)

MIUI has a hidden engineering menu where you can turn on the display of system files without root. This method does not work on all firmware, but it is worth trying:

1. Open the phone app and dial the code: ##4636##
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Usage Statistics).
3. Slip several times on the top of the screen (where the battery information is displayed) – a hidden menu should open.
4. Find Show hidden files or Display hidden folders and activate it.

If this code doesn’t work, try alternatives:

• 📱 ##36446337## - Equipment testing menu (may contain file system options);
• 🔧 ##2664## - Sensor test (sometimes there is a tab with storage settings);
• 🗃️ ##225## - Storage calendar (shows hidden system events).

⚠️ Note: Not all codes work on HyperOS and new firmware MIUI 14+. Some of them can reset the network settings or cause a reboot. Don't change the settings if you don't know what they're going to do!

5. Method: Recover Hidden Files via TWRP

If you have deleted hidden files and want to restore them, custom recovery TWRP will help. This method is suitable for power users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader.

Steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (can take up to 72 hours).
2. Install TWRP for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers or 4PDA).
3. Download to TWRP (hold Power + Vol+ when enabled).
4. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
5. Select a folder to restore (for example, /data/media/0/) and copy the necessary files to SD-card.

Advantages of TWRP:

• 🔄 You can restore deleted files (unless they have been overwritten).
• 📁 Access to all sections, including /data and /system.
• 🛠️ Ability to create a full backup system.

💡

Use TWRP only if you are confident in your actions. Wrong firmware or partitioning changes can turn your phone into a brick.

6. Method: Specialized applications (without root)

If you don’t want to mess with ADB or root, you can use third-party apps from Google Play, which don’t give you full access to system folders, but they can show hidden user files:

• 📂 File Manager+ — It has a built-in option to display hidden files;
• 🔍 ES File Explorer (older versions) – supports viewing hidden folders without root;
• 🗃️ FX File Explorer - a convenient interface with the ability to connect to FTP;
• 🛡️ Root Browser – If you have root, it will show you everything, including system files.

When choosing an application, pay attention to:

• 🔒 Advertising and data collection (some conductors send file information to servers);
• 📥 Size and number of permissions (avoid apps that request access to the app) SMS or call);
• ⭐ Rating and reviews (check if there are any complaints about viruses or hidden payments).

What to do if hidden folders do not open?

If none of the methods worked, the following problems may occur:

If you encounter an error that is not in the table, describe it in the comments – we will try to help!

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden folders on Xiaomi