How to show hidden folders on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

Hidden folders on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are system directories that don’t show up in the standard MIUI Explorer by default. They can contain important data: application backups, system utilities cache, configuration files, or even user files accidentally hidden through third-party managers. However, access to them is often required to clean memory, manual backup, or troubleshoot errors.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to display hidden folders, from standard conductor settings to using ADB and alternative file managers. All methods are relevant for MIUI 14/15 (including global and Chinese versions) and work on models from Xiaomi Mi 11 to Redmi Note 13.

Why hidden folders are not displayed in MIUI

The Android file system (and MIUI in particular) hides certain directories for three key reasons:

• 🔒 System file protection, folders, sort of. /data/data/ or /system/ They contain critical data for the operation of the OS. Their random change can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot) or breakage of the smartphone.
• 🗑️ Hiding Office Garbage: Application cache, temporary files, and log files (.log,.tmp) are not needed by the user in their daily work, but take up space.
• 🛡️ Security: Some folders (e.g, /miad/ promotional module MIUI) hidden so that users do not turn off system services, on which Xiaomi monetization depends.

The standard MIUI (Files or File Manager) Explorer does not have the option to “Show Hidden Files” – unlike Windows or macOS. This is a conscious decision of developers, but you can circumvent the restriction in several ways.

⚠️ Note: Delete or modify files in folders /system/, /vendor/ or /data/data/ root-free can cause a camera, mobile network or device to fail completely.We recommend backups via adb backup before any manipulation.

Method 1: Use of a standard MIUI conductor (without root)

The easiest method is to activate the display of hidden files through the built-in Explorer.It works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, but has a limitation: it does not show system folders at the /data/ or /system/ level.

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Additional section and activate the Show Hidden Files switch.
4. Return to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and folders and files that start with a dot (e.g.,.thumbnails) will be visible.

This method is suitable for accessing:

• 📁 Personal hidden folders (created through ES Conductor or Total Commander).
• 📸 Cash gallery (.thumbnails,.pic).
• 📱 Backup copies of applications (.backup).

⚠️ Note: If the option to Show Hidden Files is not in the settings, update the Files app via Google Play or App Store MIUI. On some firmware (e.g. Chinese) this feature may be disabled at the system level.

Method 2: Alternative file managers (without root)

If the standard MIUI Explorer doesn't show you the right folders, use third-party apps. They bypass system limitations and provide extended access to the file structure.

Instructions for Total Commander (we recommend this option):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the menu (swipe right) → Settings → Display.
3. Activate the option to show hidden / system files.
4. Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and you will see the folders with a dot at the beginning of the name.

FX File Explorer offers a more convenient way: swipe your finger across the screen from top to bottom to temporarily show hidden files, which is useful if you need to quickly look into the folder without changing your settings constantly.

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In Solid Explorer, you can set up separate tabs to quickly access hidden folders, create a new tab, specify a path (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/.config) and save it.

Method 3: Computer + USB-Debugging (for experienced users)

If you want to access hidden folders from your PC, connect your smartphone to file transfer (MTP) mode and use Windows Explorer or macOS. However, by default, the hidden files are not displayed here.

• 🪟 Windows: In Explorer, go to the tab View → Check the hidden elements.
• 🍎 macOS: In Finder, press Cmd + Shift +. (point) to show/hide hidden files.

Accessing system folders (e.g. /data/) requires:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times.
2. Activate. USB-debugging → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to access the file system. Example command to view /data/ content: adb shell ls -la /data/

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB With root rights (such as adb root) on the blocked Xiaomi bootloader does not work. Full access requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk, which voids the warranty.

Method 4: ADB-commands for hidden folders (advanced level)

If standard methods don’t work and root access isn’t available, use ADB to temporarily display hidden files, which works even on locked smartphones, but requires a PC connection.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on your computer.
2. Connect your smartphone to a PC with it on USB-debugging (see Method 3).
3. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
4. Run a command to view hidden files in the desired directory (for example, at the root of the storage): adb shell "ls -la /storage/emulated/0/"
5. To copy a hidden file on your PC, use: adb pull /storage/emulated/0/.folder number/file

Examples of useful commands:

• 🔍 Download: Adb shell "ls" -la /storage/emulated/0/Download/"
• 📋 Copying.nomedia file (hiding folders from the gallery): adb pull /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.nomedia

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ADB-commands do not give full access to system partitions (/data/, /system/) without root, but allow you to work with user hidden files in /storage/emulated/0/.

Method 5: Root Access and Magisk (for enthusiasts)

You can only have full control of hidden folders with superuser rights.

1. Unlock bootloader (see spoiler in Method 3).
2. Install custom Recovery (TWRP) and flash Magisk to get root.
3. Use a root-enabled conductor (such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer).

After getting root, you can:

• 📂 See and edit all system folders, including /data/data/ (where the application settings are stored).
• 🔧 Remove embedded applications MIUI (e.g. com.miui.analytics to disable statistics collection).
• 🛠️ Recover deleted files through undelete utilities.

⚠️ Attention: Root access disables the ability to use banking applications (due to SafetyNet), and can also lead to a brick (breakdown) of the device if you do not act correctly. TWRP before any changes.

To hide root from applications (for example, Sberbank Online), use the MagiskHide module or Universal SafetyNet Fix.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with hidden folders, Xiaomi users often face the following problems:

If after manipulating hidden files, the smartphone began to slow down or issue errors, do:

1. Reboot in Safe Mode (press the power button → hold off Power Disconnect → Safe Mode).
2. Clean the cache through Settings → Memory → Clear the cache.
3. Reset the settings of an application that has stopped working (for example, Gallery or Camera).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions