Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones store users’ personal files not only in standard folders like Downloads or DCIM. Some of the data is hidden in system directories, others are synchronized with the Mi Cloud cloud, and some may disappear after updates or resets. If you don’t find the right photos, documents or videos, the problem is not their absence, but not knowing where and how to search.
In this article, we will analyze all possible storage locations for personal files on Xiaomi: from the obvious (internal memory, SD-maps to hidden ones (folders.thumbnails, cache applications). MIUI 14/15, where the logic of storage has changed from the older versions, and if the files are gone, we'll give you a checklist to restore them without root rights.
1. Standard file storage locations on Xiaomi
Most of Xiaomi’s personal data lies in three main locations: internal memory, removable memory card (if installed), and the Mi Cloud.
Internal memory (/storage/emulated/0/) is the primary storage where:
- 📸 Photo and video: folder DCIM/Camera (camera images, and Pictures/Screenshots (screenshot).
- 📥 Downloads: Download folder - here get files from browsers, messengers and mail.
- 🎵 Music and audio: Music, Ringtones, Notifications.
- 📄 Documents: Documents folder (e.g., Documents folder, PDF mail-and-word).
MIUI It automatically sorts files by type, but sometimes it stores them in non-obvious places. MIUI/sound_recorder, screenshots from some games in the Android/data/{game-name}/files.
SD-The card (if installed) is mounted as a separate section, usually along the way. /storage/{ID_The maps are important to remember:
- 🔄 Files from the card are not synced automatically with Mi Cloud.
- 🚫 Some apps (such as WhatsApp) may not see SD-A map as a place to preserve media.
- ⚠️ When you remove the card without safely disabling the files can be damaged.
⚠️ Note: If you have moved your application to SD-Map through Settings → Annexes → Transfer to SD, their data (cache, saves) will be stored in an encrypted folder.android_secure. Access is only possible through a root-rights file manager.
2. Hidden folders and MIUI system directories
The MIUI shell creates many hidden folders that are not displayed in the standard file manager.
- Open any file manager (e.g. Files by Google or built-in MIUI File Manager).
- Press three points (⋮) → Settings → Enable Showing hidden files.
- Return to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and update the list.
The most important hidden folders:
| folder | Contents | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| .thumbnails | Photo and video miniatures (cash gallery) | Yes, but they'll be regenerated. |
| .MIUI | Settings of the shell, themes, wallpaper | No, it might break the interface. |
| Android/data | Application data (game saving, cache) | Only for specific applications |
| MIUI/backup | Backup copies of system and applications | Not if you're planning a recovery. |
| .estrongs | File Manager Settings for ES File Explorer | Yes. |
Critical information: The Android/obb folder contains additional files for games (such as graphics for Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), deleting these files will lead to the collapse of the game on the next launch.
Check the folder name on Google
Backup of important data
Make sure the folder is not system settings
Use Safe Mode to check stability after removal-->
3 How to find files through MIUI search
The built-in search in MIUI can search files not only by name, but also by content (such as text in documents) to use:
- Open the Files application (MIUI File Manager).
Images
Audio.
Documents
If the search does not find the file, try:
- 🔄 Update the File Index: Settings → Additionally. → Update the index.
- 📁 Manually search in folders Android/data or MIUI.
- 🔍 Use third-party managers like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
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If you are looking for a file downloaded from a messenger (such as Telegram or WhatsApp), check the /storage/emulated/0/{name messenger}/Media folder. Often files are duplicated there even after being deleted from the chat.
4.File Search via Mi Cloud
The Mi Cloud automatically syncs some of your personal data: contacts, notes, photos (if you have an option enabled) and backups to check what is stored there:
- Check the sections: 📷 Gallery – photos and videos (synced only when the option is turned on). 📝 Notes - text notes from the Mi Notes app. 🔄 Backup – backups of the system, applications and their data.
Please note:
- 📥 By default, Mi Cloud only gives 5GB for free. If you exceed the limit, sync stops.
- 🔒 Files from Mi Cloud can only be downloaded to devices under the same Xiaomi account.
- ⏳ Recovery from backup takes a long time and requires resetting the phone to factory settings.
⚠️ Note: If you delete a file from the gallery but it was uploaded to Mi Cloud, it can be restored within 30 days via the cloud basket, and then the recovery time depends on the tariff (the free account does not save deleted files for more than a month).
5. Recovery of deleted files
If files are missing after updating, resetting settings, or accidentally deleting them, try the following methods:
Method 1: The basket in MIUI
- 🗑️ Open the Files app» → «Basket».
- 🔄 Select the files you need and click “Restore».
- ⏳ Files are stored in the basket for 10 days, after which they are deleted irrevocably.
Method 2: Recovery programs
For devices without root rights suitable:
- 📱 DiskDigger (seeking photos and videos).
- 🖥️ Recuva (if you connect your phone to your PC in file transfer mode).
- 🔍 EaseUS MobiSaver (paid but with free trial period).
Method 3: Through ADB (for Advanced)
If the phone is not rooted but there is USB debugging, you can try extracting files via ADB pull:
adb shell ls /sdcard/ > list.txt # Save the list of files in a text file
adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/./backup # Copying the folder with a photo on PCWhat to do if the files are encrypted?
6. Frequent problems and solutions
Problem 1: Files are available but not displayed in the gallery.
Decision:
- 🔄 Update the Media Index: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 📁 Check if there is a.nomedia file in the folder (it blocks the media scanning).
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the photos were missing.
Decision:
- 🔍 Check the folder. MIUI/backup/PreviousVersion — Sometimes old files are copied there.
- 📥 Restore from Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled).
- 🛠️ Use DiskDigger to scan your internal memory.
Problem 3: I can't see the files on SD-post-installation.
Decision:
- 🔌 Connect the card to the PC through the card reader and check it for errors (chkdsk E: /f Windows command line).
- 📁 Make sure the files are not in the folder.android_secure (Root rights are required).
- 🔄 Format the card on your phone (all data will be lost!).
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If files are lost after resetting, they can be restored ONLY from a Mi Cloud backup or through specialized programs. Without a backup, the chances are minimal, especially if new data is written to the phone (they overwrite deleted files).