How to Open a Hidden Folder on Xiaomi: All Ways to Use MIUI 12/13/14

Hidden folders on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often contain important system files, backups or application data that the manufacturer hides from the user. This can be useful for recovering deleted photos, accessing system logs or manually configuring some features. However, the standard MIUI file manager does not show such directories by default - they need to be enabled manually.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to open hidden folders on Xiaomi devices (relevant to MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS), you will learn how to do this through built-in settings, third-party applications, and with ADB for power users.

1. enable the display of hidden files in the standard file manager

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI Explorer (Files app), which works on all models, including the Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5, but requires minimal knowledge of the structure of Android folders.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Files app** (Blue folder icon).
• 🔍 In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) → Select Settings.
• 👁️ Scroll down and activate the switch Show hidden files.
• 📂 Back to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) — Now you will see folders with a dot at the beginning (for example,.backup,.thumbnails,.miui).

⚠️ Note: Some system folders (for example, /data or /system) They're not available without root rights. They're not editable if you display them in a Explorer!

2. Use of third-party file managers (without root)

If the standard MIUI Explorer doesn’t show hidden files even after you turn on the option, try third-party apps.

• 📁 Solid Explorer - Supports FTP/SFTP, dual-panel mode and cloud storage.
• 🔍 FX File Explorer – has a built-in root conductor (if you have superuser rights).
• 🛡️ MiXplorer – lightweight manager with support SMB and archives.

Example of settings in Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the side menu (swipe on the right) → Settings.
3. Go to Display → turn on Show hidden files.
4. Return to the root folder – now you will see directories with a dot (e.g., the dot,.android_secure encrypted).

💡 Useful tip: In MiXplorer, you can enable the display of hidden folders through a gesture: hold your finger to an empty place in the list of files → Display settings → Showing the hidden elements.

3. Access via ADB (for power users)

If you need to access system hidden folders (e.g. /data/data/) but no root permissions, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but does not violate the warranty.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB debugging and confirm permission.

Command line.

Terminal

adb devices

(Your device should appear)

adb shell

ls -la /storage/emulated/0/

(Show all files, including hidden ones)

⚠️ Note: Adb pull or Adb push commands for system folders (/data/, /system/) Without it, you will get a Permission Denied error.

4. MIUI Special Folders: Where to Look for Backups and Themes

Xiaomi smartphones have unique hidden directories that store important data, and here are the most useful ones:

🔹 Example: If you want to recover deleted photos, check the folder /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails/ — Sometimes there are thumbnails that can be enlarged with special programs (for example, DiskDigger).

⚠️ Note: Deleting files from the.miui folder may cause the current theme to crash!

5. Alternative methods: MIUI Hidden Settings and root access

For users who want to gain full control of hidden folders, there are two additional methods:

1. MIUI Hidden Settings (without root): 📲 Install the app MIUI Hidden Settings from Google Play. 🔧 Go to the File Explorer section → Enable Show Hidden Files and Show System Files. 📂 Now you’ll see more hidden directories in standard Explorer (but not all system directories!).

Root access + Root Explorer

• 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk (instructions for your model look at the 4PDA or XDA Developers).
• 📁 Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with root support.
• 🛠️ You can now view and edit all folders, including /data/data/ (where the application data is stored).

💡 Useful advice: If you are using POCO Launcher, hidden folders can be opened through its built-in file manager – it often shows more system directories than the standard one. MIUI File Explorer.

💡

Root access gives you complete control of the system, but it gives you no warranty and increases the risk of disrupting your smartphone. Use it only if you are confident in your actions!

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When working with hidden folders, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🚫 No hidden files are displayed after you turn on the option: Check if you have an antivirus (such as Avast or 360 Security) that blocks access. Update the Files app via Google Play. Reboot your smartphone - sometimes the settings are only applied after the reboot.
• 🔒 No access to the folder. /data/ or /system/: These directories are protected by the system. Without root rights, you can't view them. ADB Copying individual files (if you know the exact path).
• ⚠️ Smartphone started to slow down after changes in hidden folders: Remove the cache of the application “Files” in Settings → Restore factory settings through Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings (data will be deleted!).

⚠️ Note: If you accidentally deleted files from the.miui folder and your smartphone stopped loading, try restoring them through the device. ADB Or perform a clean flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions