How to view a hidden folder on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 14 and 15

Hidden folders on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are not just system files that the manufacturer hides “just in case,” they store app data, cache, backups, and sometimes personal information that users deliberately hide through standard MIUI tools. But what if you need to access these files – for example, to make room, restore deleted data or just out of curiosity?

In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to view hidden folders on Xiaomi devices running MIUI 14/15 and Android 12/13/14. From standard Explorer settings to using ADB and third-party file managers, you’ll find a method that works for you, and also learn why some folders remain invisible even after you turn on the hidden files and how to fix it.

Why folders are hidden on Xiaomi

On Xiaomi devices, hidden folders appear for three main reasons:

• 📁 System files MIUI. The operating shell hides critical folders (for example, the operating shell, /data, /system), To prevent users from accidentally deleting important data.
• 🔒 Privacy settings: Some applications (such as Gallery or Notes) automatically hide media files if they are marked as “personally identifiable».
• 🛠️ Manual concealment by the user. MIUI There is a built-in “Hidden Albums” function in the Gallery and the option to hide files in Explorer.

In addition, some folders may be hidden due to:

• 📱 Firmware updates (for example, after switching to the MIUI 15 Old Backups Become Invisible).
• 🔄 Resetting – If you have recovered data from the cloud, some files may remain in a hidden partition.
• 🤖 Android Features: Folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g..thumbnails) do not show up by default.

⚠️ Note: Not all hidden folders are safe to open, such as changing files to /system root without rights can lead to a device blink (complete inoperability).

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

The easiest method is to use the built-in Explorer (aka File Manager) which works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices without any additional applications.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
2. Slip along three horizontal lines (☰) in the upper left corner to open the side menu.
3. Select the Settings (cog icon).
4. Scroll down and turn on the Show Hidden Files switch.
5. Return to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) – now hidden folders will be displayed with a gray icon.

If the folders are still not visible, check:

• 🔍 Access rights: some folders (for example, Android/data) Require storage permissions for a specific application.
• 📂 The path to the folder: hidden files are often in the /storage/emulated/0/.hidden or /MIUI/hidden.

Method 2: Using Third-Party File Managers

The standard MIUI Explorer doesn’t always show all hidden files, especially if they’re protected by the system, and third-party applications like:

• 📂 Solid Explorer – supports root access and cloud storage.
• 🔍 FX File Explorer – shows hidden folders by default, there is a built-in ADB-manager.
• 🛡️ Root Explorer (for root-righted devices only).

Example of settings in Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the side menu (swipe from right to left) and select Settings.
3. Go to the Display section and turn on Show Hidden Files.
4. Go back to the root directory and find folders with a dot at the beginning (such as.config or.cache).

Advantages of third-party managers:

• ✅ More control over files (e.g., you can edit build.prop without rooting).
• ✅ Support SFTP/FTPS remotely.
• ✅ Possibility to mount ISO-phone-like.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, ES Explorer) may contain advertising software. Download file managers only from the official Google Play and check reviews.

Method 3: Access via ADB (for power users)

If hidden folders are protected at the system level (e.g. /data/data), they can be viewed through Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Tap Version 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

File transfer

Command line.

Terminal

adb devices

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

adb shell ls -la /storage/emulated/0/

Flag. -la It will show all files, including hidden ones.

adb pull /storage/emulated/0/.hidden C:\Xiaomi_Hidden

(Replace the paths with the actual ones).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Without root rights, you can’t view folders in /data or /system.
• ❌ Some files can be encrypted (such as WhatsApp or Telegram data).

Method 4: Viewing Hidden Media Files in the Gallery

If you need to find hidden photos or videos, you don't have to dig through the explorer. MIUI has a built-in Hidden Albums feature in the Gallery app.

How to open hidden photos:

1. Open the gallery and tap three points (⋮) top-right.
2. Select Hidden Albums (may be called Secured Files on some firmware).
3. Enter a password or pattern lock if you have set it.
4. Now you will see all the media files that have been hidden through standard MIUI tools.

How to hide files back:

• Select the necessary photos/video in the gallery.
• Put the badge on again (⋮) and choose to hide.
• Confirm the action with a password (if required).

Features of working with hidden albums:

💡

If you forget the password from the hidden album, reset it through Settings → Passwords and security → Confidentiality → Hidden albums. Some firmware will need to be typed in. PIN-lock-screen.

Method 5: Root access for full control of files

If you need to access all hidden folders, including system folders (/data, /system), root rights are required, a method that only works for advanced users, as improper actions can bring the phone down.

How to get root on Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (https://en.miui.com/unlock/).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model.
3. Sweep Magisk through the Recovery to obtain root rights.

After getting root, you can:

• 📂 View and edit any folders, including /data/data (where the application data is stored).
• 🔧 Remove system applications (bloatware).
• 🔒 Change the permissions to access files via chmod.

⚠️ Note: Some features do not work on root devices: 💳 Google Pay and other banking apps (due to SafetyNet). 🎮 Some games, for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact). 🔄 Oh.TA-update MIUI (You will have to install the firmware manually).

Recommended applications for working with root:

• 📁 Root Explorer – Full access to the file system.
• 🔧 Magisk Manager – Root Rights Management.
• 🛡️ Lucky Patcher – for application modifications (caution: may violate license agreements).

💡

Root access provides unlimited possibilities, but it is not guaranteed and can lead to unstable operation of the system. Use it only if you are confident in your actions.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you turn on the hidden file display, some folders can remain invisible, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If you have a “No Access Rights” error:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🔧 Check if the Explorer Warehouse resolution is included in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (In the new versions, many bugs with rights are corrected).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions