How to view other (hidden, system, remote) files on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: the complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but even years after its release, users are facing the challenge of accessing hidden system files. Are you trying to find old photos that disappeared after the update? Or need system configuration files to manually adjust? Maybe you just want to clear the memory of unnecessary garbage, but the standard MIUI file manager doesn’t show all the folders.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways to access hidden, system, and even deleted files on Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred). From simple embedded Explorer settings to ADB and third-party utilities, you’ll find a solution for any level of training. Importantly, some methods require unlocking a bootloader or super-user rights (root), which can affect the warranty and security of the device.

Before you start, check the MIUI version on your smartphone: Settings path → About phone → About MIUI version. This depends on the options available and possible limitations. Also make sure that the device has enough battery power – interrupting processes like ADB can lead to failures.

1. enable the display of hidden files in the standard MIUI Explorer

The fastest and safest way is to use Xiaomi’s built-in file manager, which is hidden in most versions of MIUI (starting with 9 and above), but can be activated through the settings menu.

Instructions:

📱 Open the Files app (folder icon on the home screen).
🔍 In the upper right corner, click on three dots (menu) and select Settings.
👁️ Scroll down and turn on the switch Show hidden files.
🔄 Return to the root directory – folders with a dot at the beginning should now appear (e.g..thumbdata,.nomedia).

If you don't have a Hidden Files Show option in your settings, your version of MIUI doesn't support it, so move on to the next one.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete or edit files in folders /system or /data without understanding their purpose, it can lead to system failure or data loss.

📊 What file manager do you use on Xiaomi?

Standard MIUI

Total Commander

FX File Explorer

Solid Explorer

Other

2. Use of third-party file managers (without root)

If the standard Explorer doesn't show the files you want, install a third-party app.The best options for Redmi Note 5 are:

📂 Total Commander - Supports ROOT, LAN, It can open system folders even without superuser rights (with restrictions).
🔍 FX File Explorer - user-friendly interface and built-in Hex-viewer for technical files.
🛠️ Solid Explorer is a paid, but free trial period. FTP and SFTP.

How to configure Total Commander to view hidden files:

Download the app from Google Play.
Open the menu (three lines at the top left) → Settings → Display.
Activate options: 👁️ Show hidden files 🔓 Show system files (requires) ROOT)

/data

/storage/emulated/0

No ROOT-You will not see all system files, but you will be able to view hidden user data (for example, app cache or backups).

☑️ Preparation for working with hidden files

Backup of important dataCheck the battery (minimum 50%)Install antivirus (e.g. Malwarebytes)Do not edit files with the.apk or.odex extension

Done: 0 / 4

3. Access to system files via ADB (without root)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that allows you to control the file system of a smartphone through a computer, which works even on locked devices, but requires the activation of the developer mode.

Step-by-step:

🖥️ Download. ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
📱 On the Redmi Note 5, turn it on: 🔧 Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate the developer mode). 🔌 Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.

File transfer

ADB

adb devices

If the device is displayed, continue. If not, install Xiaomi drivers.

/data

adb shell ls /data

To copy the file to the PC:

adb pull /data/file name C:\path\on\pc

Limitations of the method:

❌ No access to files in /data/data/ (application-private).
❌ You can not edit system files without ROOT.
✅ You can view and copy files from /sdcard/, /storage/.

⚠️ Note: Adb shell rm or adb shell mv commands can permanently delete critical files. Use them only if you understand the consequences.

What if the ADB can’t see the device?

1. Make sure that the debugging is enabled USB. 2. Try another one. USB-cable (original). 3. Install Xiaomi drivers from the site en.miui.com/a-233.html. 4. Restart your phone and PC. 5. In the command line, enter: adb kill-server adb start-server

4. Getting root rights for full access to files

If the previous methods did not give a result, it remains to unlock the bootloader and get ROOT-This will open up access to all files, including system and remote files, but it will take away your warranty and may disrupt your work. MIUI.

How to get a ROOT on Redmi Note 5:

🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool: Go to en.miui.com/unlock Download the Mi Unlock Tool. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Mi Account: Run Mi Unlock Tool on PC and follow the instructions (you may need to wait). 7-30 days).

TWRP

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_9-0-whyred.img

(Download the current version for whyred from twrp.me).

Magisk

ROOT

Download Magisk ZIP.
Reboot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
Select Install → Specify the path to Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.

After receiving the ROOT:

🔍 Use Root Explorer or Mixplorer to view all files, including deleted ones (they can stay in folders like the ones you see in your files). /data/lost+found).
🗑️ To recover deleted files, try DiskDigger (requires) ROOT).

Method	Need a ROOT?	What do you see?	Risks.
Standard MIUI conductor	❌ No.	Hidden user files (.nomedia,.thumbdata)	Minimum
Third-party managers (Total Commander)	❌ No.	More hidden files, but not system files	Accidental deletion of data
ADB	❌ No.	Files in /sdcard/, partly /data/	Team errors can damage the system
ROOT + TWRP	✅ Yes.	All files, including remote and system files	Loss of warranty, risk of "bricking"

5. Recover deleted files without ROOT

If files have been deleted but you don't want to get ROOT, try specialized utilities, which work by scanning the free space on the drive and finding "traces" of deleted data.

The best programs for Redmi Note 5:

🔄 DiskDigger - Recovers photos, videos and documents. Free version works without any ROOT, but with limitations.
📸 Recuva (via PC) – connect your phone in mode MTP and scan the memory card.
📂 EaseUS MobiSaver – paid, but with a high recovery rate.

Instructions for DiskDigger:

Download the app from Google Play.
Select the type of files to search for (e.g. JPG, PNG).
Click Start basic scan (without ROOT only thumbnails are available).
Tag the files you want and click Restore (save them to the cloud or PC).

⚠️ Warning: The more you use your phone after deleting files, the lower your chances of recovering them!

💡

If you are looking for deleted photos, try checking the /DCIM/.thumbnails folder – sometimes thumbnails remain there even after the originals have been deleted.

6. Viewing files via PC (MTP and alternative protocols)

Connecting Redmi Note 5 to your computer in MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode allows you to view files through Windows Explorer or Finder (macOS).

How to enable the display of hidden files on the PC:

🪟 Windows: Open the Explorer → Check the box for Hidden Items.

macOS:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES


killall Finder

(Put in the terminal to show hidden files).

If MTP is not working or slowing down, try alternative protocols:

🔌 PTP (Photo Transfer Protocol – suitable for photo/video transmission.
📡 FTP-server (e.g., Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer can be launched FTP-phone-side).
🌐 WebDAV – for access over a local network (File Manager application)+).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with hidden files on Redmi Note 5, users face typical problems.

🚫 "No access to the folder. /data": No ROOT You will not be able to view the contents. /data/data/ (Application privacy data. Use it. ADB with the team: adb shell "run-as com.example.app cat /data/data/com.example.app/files/filename" > file on pc.txt (replace com.example.app with the desired application package).
🔄 "Files are not restored": If DiskDigger or Recuva can't find deleted files, try: 🔍 Scan a memory card on another device. 📱 Use it. ROOT-DiskDigger version (more chances). 💾 Check the folder. /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ — Sometimes files remain there after "deletion".
🔌 "ADB Can't see the device": Check: 🔌 Cable (must support data transmission). 🔧 Is the debugging mode on? USB. 🖥️ Are Xiaomi drivers installed (download from the official website).

💡

If you are not sure about your actions, start with the safest methods (built-in guide, third-party managers) and then move on to ADB or ROOT.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

❓ Can I view another user's files on Redmi Note 5?

Not unless you're unlocked. ROOT. Files of other users (in multiplayer mode) are stored in isolated folders /data/user/[ID]/, restricted.

❓ Why After Updating MIUI file?

MIUI updates sometimes reset folder permissions or move files. Check: /MIUI/Backup/AllBackup/ folder -- there may be backups. Google Photo settings -- maybe files synced to the cloud. /Download/ folder -- sometimes files are duplicated there.

❓ How to hide files from strangers on Redmi Note 5?

Use it: 🔒 Built-in "Private folders" function in the Files application (password protection). 📂 Third-party applications like Hide It Pro (masks files as harmless folders). 🔐 Archivators with encryption (e.g, 7-Zip password-wise).

❓ Can I return the factory files? MIUI post-discharge?

Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 5 from Xiaomi and run it with the command: fastboot flash system.img This will delete all user data, but restore the MIUI system files.

❓ Why some files are displayed as "0 bytes"?

It's a sign: 🔄 Interrupted recording (for example, when copying a file, disabled) USB). 📱 File system damage (check through fsck in the file system) TWRP). 🦠 Viral Attack (scan Malwarebytes device). To recover such files, try: adb pull /path / to / file C:\temp\ Sometimes files are restored when copied to PC.