How to view other (hidden and system) files on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: all working methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4

MIUI

Conductor

In this article, we will discuss the legal and secure ways to view hidden files on Redmi Note 4 (including the Redmi Note 4X and Redmi Note 4 Pro models). Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, but we will show you where to do without them, and you will learn which files can not be edited without the risk of “bricking” the device.

Warning: System files may cause MIUI failures or loss of warranty, and all activities you perform are at your own risk.

1. Standard MIUI Explorer: Enables the display of hidden files

The easiest way is to use Xiaomi’s built-in Explorer, but by default it hides files with a dot at the beginning of the name (such as.nomedia or.thumbnails).

1. Open the Explorer application (the folder icon on the desktop).

2. Slap three horizontal lines in the upper left corner.

3. Select Settings → Additional.

4. Activate the switch Show hidden files.

Now in the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) folders like:

• 📁.MIUI — shell-setting;
• 📁.thumbnails - miniatures for the gallery;
• 📁.data - cache of some applications;
• 📁 Android → Data - data of user programs.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from folders.MIUI or Android/obb — This will cause malfunctions in the application or shell.

Method limitation: You will not see system partitions (/system, /vendor) and other users' files (if you have multi-user mode) and you will need root or ADB rights to do this.

2. ADB-Commands: Access to hidden folders without root

If you need to view files in /data/data (where application settings are stored) or /system, but root rights are not available, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help. This method works even on a locked bootloader, but requires USB Debugging enabled.

Instructions:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. On your smartphone, go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect Redmi Note 4 to your PC and in the command line (in the folder with adb.exe) do: adb shell ls /data/data

To copy the file to the PC:

adb pull /data/data/com.example.app/databases/config.db C:\Temp\

Important: Without root, you will only see read rights files for the current user. folders of other applications (for example, /data/data/com.whatsapp/) will not be available.

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If the adb device command doesn’t show your smartphone, try reinstalling Xiaomi ADB Interface drivers through Windows Device Manager.

3. Root conductors: full access to the file system

If your Redmi Note 4 has a bootloader unlocked and Magisk or SuperSU installed, you can use dedicated root-enabled conductors:

• 📱 Root Explorer – a classic guide with support for editing system files;
• 📱 FX File Explorer - a free analogue with a built-in root browser;
• 📱 Solid Explorer – Plugin for root access is purchased separately.

Example of Root Explorer:

1. Open the application and grant root rights when requested.
2. Go to the root directory (/).
3. Slip on Mount R/W in the upper tulbar to unmount the partition for recording (e.g. /system).
4. You can now edit files like /system/build.prop or /data/property/.

⚠️ Note: Modifying files in /system may disrupt MIUI. For example, editing build.prop without backup often leads to bootloop (a looped download).

Create a backup copy through TWRP|

Check the free space on the device (minimum 1 GB) |

Disable automatic update of MIUI|

Download the original firmware for rollback |

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4.TWRP Recovery: Viewing Files in Recovery Mode

If your Redmi Note 4 has a custom TWRP recap, you can view and copy files even without a working system.This is useful if the smartphone does not turn on or you accidentally deleted important data.

How to use TWRP to access files:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Up + Power to enter the Recaveri.
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Navigation: 📁 /data/media/0/ — memory; 📁 /system — system-file; 📁 /sdcard/ — External memory card (if any).

Copy

/external_sd/backup/

The advantage of the method is that it works even if the MIUI does not load, and the disadvantage is that there is no graphical interface, only a text manager.

Annex side: alternatives to standard conductor

If you don’t want to unlock the bootloader or use ADB, some apps from Google Play let you bypass MIUI restrictions:

An example of setting up MiXplorer to access hidden files:

1. Download and install APK (app removed from Play Market, search on 4PDA).
2. In the settings, enable Show hidden files and Show system files.
3. To access /data without root, use the SQLite Editor plugin (read only!).

MiXplorer can connect to the device by FTP It's convenient if you want to transfer files to a PC without any problems. USB-cable:

1. In the application, select FTP Server.
2. Remember. IP-address and port (e.g. 192.168.1.100:2221).
3. On PC, open Windows Explorer and type in the address bar: ftp://192.168.1.100:2221.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 4 firmware MIUI 12+ folder /data/app It's encrypted. You need root or rollback to read it. MIUI 11.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When working with hidden files, Redmi Note 4 users often face the following problems:

If Redmi Note 4 stopped loading after the changes, try:

1. Go to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power) and execute: fastboot flash boot.img (where boot.img is the original file from firmware).
2. If it doesn’t work, run the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select the Clean All option).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions