How to view other (hidden) files on Xiaomi Redmi 7: all ways from simple to complex

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a shell MIUI, which actively hides system files from users. Have you ever tried to find a folder with an application cache, system logs or backups, but could not find them in a standard file manager? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi devices - the shell hides service data by default to "protect the user from accidental changes."

In this article, we’ll break down 5 working ways to access hidden files on Redmi 7 – from basic built-in Explorer settings to using the app. ADB-You'll learn where the system folders are stored, how to enable hidden elements without root rights, and what to do if the files are not visible anyway. MIUI 10–14, as some folders have changed depending on the shell version.

Why Redmi 7 doesn’t have all the files visible: Reasons and limitations of MIUI

Xiaomi’s MIUI shell is initially configured so that users can’t accidentally delete or modify critical system files, which means you won’t see:

• 📁 App cache folders (/data/data/)
• 📄 Logs of the system (/data/log/ or /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log/)
• 🔧 Configuration files MIUI (/data/system/)
• 📱 Backup copies created through Settings → Additionally. → Backup
• 🔒 Secure folders (/mi_ad/, /MIUI/)

Besides, Redmi. 7 partition /data to store user data, but access to it is limited even through USB-The table below shows the comparison of access levels depending on the method:

⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use ADB or root, note that incorrect actions can lead to loss of warranty or device brik. 7 It is especially dangerous to change files /system/ — This can cause bootloop loading.

Method 1: Enable the display of hidden files in a standard MIUI Explorer

The easiest method is to activate the hidden folder display in the built-in file manager, which is suitable if you need to see files with a dot at the beginning of the name (for example,.nomedia or.thumbnails).

Instructions:

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 and turn on the "Show Hidden Files" switch.
4. Return to the root folder (/storage/emulated/0/) and update the screen with a swipe down.

Now you'll see gray folders with a dot -- these are the hidden elements -- but this way won't show system partitions (/data/, /system/).

Check that you have enabled the setting in the correct menu|Re-start the Files app"|Update the firmware MIUI last-minute|Try an alternative file manager-->

Method 2: Using third-party file managers (without root)

If the standard MIUI Explorer doesn't show the files you want, install an alternative manager with extended rights.

• 📱 Solid Explorer – Supports access to the /data/ without root, there is a built-in FTP-server.
• 📁 FX File Explorer – can mount system partitions in read mode.
• 🔍 MiXplorer - optimized for MIUI, Shows hidden folders by default.

Example of Solid Explorer configuration:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the memory.
3. Put it on the icon. ☰ (menu) → "Settings" → "Additionally".
4. Enable "Show hidden files" and "Show system files".
5. Return to the root directory and go to /storage/emulated/0/ or /data/ (if available).

⚠️ Note: Even with these managers, you won’t be able to edit files in the /system/ or /data/data/ Attempt to modify them may cause app crashes or system instability.

Standard Files from MIUI|Solid Explorer|FX File Explorer|MiXplorer|Other-->

Method 3: Access via ADB (for power users)

If you want full access to Redmi 7's file system, including secure folders, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that doesn't require root, but requires command-line work.

Preparation:

1. Turn it on. USB-Debugging on the phone: Go to Settings → About the phone, tap 7 times on "Version." MIUI", To activate the developer mode. Go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers, turn on "Debugging by" USB".

ADB Tools

Redmi 7

"File transfer"

Commands for viewing files:

adb shell


ls /data/data/ # Viewing application folders




ls /sdcard/MIUI/ # MIUI system folders




cd /data/log/ && ls # Logs of the system




exit

To copy the file to the PC:

adb pull /data/log/dumpstate_*.zip C:\Temp\

🔹 Limitations ADB:

• 🔒 No rights to record in /system/ or /data/data/.
• 📱 Some folders (e.g, /data/com.android.providers.settings/) may be blocked.
• 🖥️ Requires a PC with Windows/Linux/Mac.

Method 4: Getting root rights (maximum access)

If you want full control of the Redmi 7 file system (including the ability to edit system files), you will need to unlock the bootloader and install Magisk to obtain root rights.This method is risky - it voids the warranty and can lead to unstable device operation.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool: Go to the Mi Unlock site and download the utility. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account. Launch Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and follow the instructions (it may take 7-30 days to wait).
2. Install TWRP: Download the TWRP version for Redmi 7 (codenamed onc) from twrp.me. Squeeze recovery via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

Please, Magisk.

• Download the latest version of Magisk.
• V TWRP Select "Install" and indicate the path to ZIP-magisk.
• Reboot.

Once you get root, install Root Explorer or MiXplorer with the option “Mount as R/W” to edit system files.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 7 with firmware MIUI 12+ It can trigger anti-rollback protection. If you stitch through the old version. MIUI After the new one, the device will lock! Before you manipulate the firmware, check the current version in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Method 5: Alternative methods (without technical skills)

If the previous methods seem complicated, try to get around the limitations of MIUI without ADB or root:

• 📎 Use PC: Connect Redmi 7 to your computer in mode MTP Use Total Commander or Far Manager – they show hidden files by default.
• 🔄 Create a backup copy: In Settings → Additionally. → Backup save data to Google Drive or locally. The archive will have some system files.
• 📧 Send a file by mail: If you want to get a specific file (such as an error log), find it through MiXplorer and send yourself an email.

To access application folders (e.g. /data/data/com.whatsapp/) without root, you can use the App Inspector app from Google Play. It shows paths to application data, but does not allow you to edit it.

💡

If you need system logs to diagnose problems, use MatLog (no root required) which collects logs in a convenient format and allows you to export them to a file.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When working with hidden files on Redmi 7, users experience typical errors.

If after all the manipulations the file did not appear, check:

• 🔍 Have you been guided correctly, /sdcard/ and /storage/emulated/0/ — It's the same file).
• 📱 Is the file deleted by the system? (MIUI Clears cache and logs when memory is lacking).
• 🔒 Is access blocked through SELinux permissions?

FAQ: Answers to popular questions