Xiaomi Redmi 6A is a budget smartphone with limited file manager capabilities by default. Many users are faced with the problem of how to access hidden system files, backup folders or data from other applications? In this article, we will discuss legal ways to view “foreign” files without risking damage to the system.
It's important to understand that some files are hidden for a reason: the manufacturer restricts access to /data, /system and other partitions to prevent the accidental deletion of critical data. However, sometimes you need access — for example, to restore deleted photos, migrate settings or analyze logs. We will look at methods from the simplest (embedded Explorer) to advanced (ADB and third-party applications).
Note: all instructions are valid for the Redmi 6A based on MIUI 9-12 (Android 8.1 Oreo). On newer versions of MIUI, some paths may differ, but the general logic remains.
1. Standard MIUI conductor: what can be seen without additional tools
The MIUI file manager allows you to view most user files, but hides system data to enable the display of hidden folders:
- Open the Explorer application (the folder icon on the desktop).
- Slip on the three points in the upper right corner → Settings.
- Activate the switch to show hidden files.
After that, folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (for example,.thumbdata - thumbnail cache) will appear in the root directory, but system partitions (/data, /system) will remain unavailable.
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If the folder does not open, try copying its path (/storage/emulated/0/Folder) and pasting the explorer into the address bar.
What can be found in a standard conductor:
- 📁 DCIM — Photos and video from the camera (including the hidden folder.thumbnails with thumbnails).
- 📄 Download – downloaded files from the browser.
- 🔄 MIUI — backup copies of the system (backup folder).
- 🎵 Ringtones/Notifications — user-melodies.
⚠️ Warning: Do not delete files with the.nomedia extension, because they hide folders from the media scanner, and deleting them will lead to garbage in the gallery.
2 Third-party file managers: advanced access without root
Applications like Solid Explorer, FX File Manager, or MiXplorer offer more features than standard Explorer.
- 🔍 Display hidden and system files (with limitations).
- 🔗 Connect to FTP/Cloud (backup).
- 📱 Manage root access (if it is unlocked).
Instructions for Solid Explorer:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, select Root Access (if there is root) or Normal Mode.
- In settings, activate: Settings → Display hidden files Settings → Show system files
- Go to /storage/emulated/0 and display all user data, including hidden data.
Restrictions without root:
- ❌ No access to /data/data (application folder).
- ❌ You can't edit files in /system.
- ✅ You can view the application cache (for example, /Android/data/com.whatsapp).
3. ADB-commands: viewing files through the computer
If you want to access files that are not visible even through third-party explorers, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help.
Preparation:
- Turn on USB Debugging on Redmi 6A: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB
- Download ADB Tools on PC.
- Connect your phone via USB (select File Transfer mode).
The main commands for viewing files:
| Team team. | Description |
|---|---|
| adb shell ls /storage/emulated/0 | Show files in internal memory |
| adb shell ls /sdcard | An Alternative Path to Internal Memory |
| adb pull /storage/emulated/0/DCIM ./photos | Download the DCIM folder on PC |
| adb shell "find /storage -name '*.jpg'" | Find everything. JPG-file |
Example: To copy all photos from your phone to your computer:
adb shell "find /storage/emulated/0 -name '.jpg' -o -name '.png'" | sed 's|.*|adb pull & ./photos|' | sh⚠️ Note: Adb shell rm or adb shell mv can permanently delete data. Always check the paths before running.
How do I find out the full path to the file?
4. Access to files of other applications (without root)
By default, apps store data in closed folders (/data/data/com.package.name). You can't get there without root, but there are workarounds:
Method 1: Backup through ADB
Create a backup of the application data and extract the files:
adb backup -f app_backup.ab com.whatsapp
Unblock the app_backup.ab file with the android-backup-extractor toolMethod 2: Using a "Shared Storage"
Some applications (such as Telegram) allow you to save files to a shared folder:
- Open the application settings.
- Find the option of Download Folder or Storage.
- Enter /storage/emulated/0/Download/AppName.
Method 3: File interception via SharedStorage
If the application exports files (such as screenshots or documents), they will be included in:
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Documents
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Download
☑️ Preparation for extraction of application files
5. View system files (only for power users)
System files (/system, /vendor) are protected from changes and can only be viewed by:
- Through ADB (Read only).
- With the help of TWRP (Castom Recovery).
- After getting root rights.
Example of commands to view /system content:
adb shell
su
ls -la /systemWhat can be found in the system folders:
| folder | Contents |
|---|---|
| /system/app | Embedded MIUI applications |
| /system/priv-app | System applications with enhanced rights |
| /system/media | Sounds, fonts, download animation |
| /system/build.prop | System configuration file |
⚠️ Note: Modifying files in /system without root, it will cause a download failure, even reading some files (e.g, /system/bin/su) may cause errors.
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Without root, you can only view system files through ADB. Any changes require unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.
6. Recovery of deleted files
If files have been deleted, they can be tried to recover using specialized utilities. - For Redmi 6A fit:
- 💾 PhotoRec – console utility for deep scanning.
Instructions for DiskDigger:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Select Full Scan (requires root for maximum efficiency).
- Mark the file types (e.g. JPG, MP4).
- Click Scan and wait for the results.
Limitations:
- Only files from /storage/emulated/0 are recovered without root.
- The chances of recovery fall if new data is recorded on the phone.
- System files (/data) cannot be restored.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When working with files on Redmi 6A, users often face problems:
Error 1: "No access to the folder"
Reason: no reading rights. Solution:
- Check if the hidden files are displayed in the Explorer settings.
- For application folders (/Android/data), use ADB or root.
Mistake 2: "Not enough memory"
Reason: cache or debris takes up space.
- Clear the cache in Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
- Remove unnecessary files from /storage/emulated/0/Download.
Error 3: "File corrupted"
Reason: Incorrect extraction SD-card or recording failure:
- Connect your phone to your PC and check the file with an antivirus.
- Use the chkdsk utility for SD-cards (via adapter).
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Before any manipulation of files, back up through Settings → System → Backup.