How to Access the OBB folder on Xiaomi with Android 11: 5 Working Ways

OBB (Android Opaque Binary Blob) folder is a hidden directory that stores additional game and app data: graphic textures, levels, audio files and other resources. On Xiaomi smartphones with Android 11 and MIUI 12/13 shell, access to this folder is often blocked by default — the manufacturer restricts work with system partitions for security. But what if you need to manually install a mod for the game, postpone saving or fix the data download error?

Complicating the problem, even with root rights or developer mode enabled, the folder can remain invisible. In this article, we will examine all the current ways to access OBB on Xiaomi in 2026, including bypassing MIUI restrictions, using ADB and alternative methods for models without root rights. Instructions tested on Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11 Lite and other devices with Android 11.

Why is the OBB folder hidden on Xiaomi with Android 11?

Since Android 10, Google has tightened its security policy by dividing storage into internal (app) and external (user), and Android 11 has made these restrictions even stricter:

• 🔒 Scoped Storage – applications by default cannot access other people’s data, including folders Android/obb and Android/data.
• 🛡️ MIUI Protection – Xiaomi adds an extra layer of security, hiding system directories even from the file manager.
• 📁 Storage separation - folder OBB It is physically located in internal memory, but is displayed as part of an external storage (which is why it is not visible through standard means).

In addition, on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9 or POCO M3), the folder may be hidden because of:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI, resetting.
• 📱 Use of Private Storage mode in privacy settings.
• 🚫 Errors in MediaProvider or ExternalStorageProvider Services.

⚠️ Note: If you are trying to access OBB To install pirated content (mods, hacked games), remember that this violates the terms of use of Google Play. the account can be blocked, and the device is limited in features (for example, disabling Google Pay).

Method 1: Using a file manager with root rights

The most reliable method is to use a rooted device and a specialized file manager, such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer. However, on Xiaomi with Android 11, even after receiving the root folder, the OBB can remain invisible due to the features of MIUI.

To get around this:

1. Install Magisk and activate the Riru-Core module.
2. Download a file manager with root support (such as FX File Explorer).
3. In the manager settings, enable the option to Show hidden files and Mount as R/W.
4. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb.

If the folder still doesn't show up, try:

Restart the device after receiving root|Check for MagiskHide (can block access)|Shut down. MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings|Try another file manager (e.g. Mixplorer)-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi.EU firmware or custom builds have the way to OBB This may be different, for example, on LineageOS for POCO F1 folder /data/media/0/Android/obb. Clarify the current path through the command adb shell ls /storage.

Method 2: Access via ADB (without root)

If you don’t have a root license, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that lets you control the file system via a computer.This method works on most Xiaomi devices with Android 11, including the Redmi Note 10, Mi 11 and POCO X3 NFC.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB Tools.
4. In the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) you can:

adb shell


su -c "chmod 777 /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb"




exit




adb pull /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb C:\obb_backup

This team:

• 🔓 Changes folder access rights OBB (Require confirmation on the phone).
• 💾 Copy the contents on your computer (replace) C:\obb_backup way).

To get the files back:

adb push C:\obb_backup /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb

💡

If ADB Can’t see the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers or use the original cable (not all) USB-cables support data transmission).

Method 3: Using Apps to Bypass Scoped Storage

Some apps can bypass the limitations of Scoped Storage by providing access to hidden folders.

For Mixplorer:

1. Download APK from XDA Developers (the version from Google Play does not support circumvention).
2. In the settings, enable Show hidden files and Use root access (if there is root).
3. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb.

If the folder is not displayed, try:

• 🔄 Restart the application.
• 📱 Turn off optimization MIUI Developer Settings (Disable Optimization) MIUI).
• 🔧 Install the Mixplorer Silver plugin for advanced features.

Mixplorer|FX File Explorer|Total Commander|Standard. MIUI|Other-->

Method 4: Transfer files over PC (MTP)

If ADB and file managers don’t help, you can try connecting your phone to your computer in MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode and manually copy files. However, on Xiaomi with Android 11, the OBB folder often doesn’t show up even via a PC.

To see her:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer mode).
2. Open this computer (Windows) or Files (macOS/Linux).
3. In the address bar, enter the path manually:

\\?\Volume{GUID}\Android\obb

Where GUID is your device’s unique identifier (you can find out through Disk Management in Windows).

If the folder is still not visible:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 📋 Install Mi drivers PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI when connected MTP The Android folder can be rendered empty, and that's because the system hides its contents to protect the data. ADB root.

Method 5: Alternative methods (for power users)

If none of the above methods worked, you can try:

• 🐧 Termux + ADB: Install Termux from F-Droid, execute commands:

pkg install android-tools


adb shell




su -c "ls /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb"

• 📦 Custom recovery (TWRP): Install. TWRP And through it, mount a section. /data, to gain access OBB.
• 🔄 Reset: In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (data will be deleted.

For TWRP:

1. Install recovery via fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
2. Download to TWRP (Power buttons + Volume up).
3. Select Mount → Data.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and copy files through ADB Pull.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with the OBB folder on Xiaomi, users often face the following problems:

If you get a Failed to Copy: No such file or directory error, make sure that:

• 📂 The obb folder exists (create it manually if not).
• 🔠 The name of the game package is written correctly (for example, com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA9HM For Asphalt 9).
• 📥 Files. OBB have the correct extension (usually.obb, not.zip).

💡

On Xiaomi Android 11 devices, the OBB folder can be hidden even if there is root, in which case only disabling MIUI Optimization or using custom firmware without MIUI restrictions will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions