How to view hidden files in Xiaomi Explorer

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face the need to find a specific document or system folder that is not displayed in the interface by default. The company’s standard file manager, dubbed File Manager, hides service data so that an inexperienced user does not accidentally delete elements critical to MIUI or HyperOS. However, when deep cleaning memory or finding lost media, access to this data becomes vital.

Hiding files is a standard practice for Android, based on the prefix of a dot in a file or folder name. Unlike Windows, where you need to change the folder view settings, Xiaomi's mobile environment requires you to activate a special switch inside the app itself. Without this step, you simply won't see objects marked as system, even if you know their exact name and path.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of activating the hidden object display mode. You will learn how to use the built-in system tools, what are the limitations of a standard conductor and what alternative solutions will help you gain full control over the file system of your gadget. Remember, working with system files requires caution: removing unnecessary objects can lead to unstable interface operation.

Why hide files in Android system

The Android operating system uses a file hiding mechanism to protect the integrity of its structure. Folders whose names begin with a dot (such as.cache or.thumbnails) are invisible by default to the user, this is done so that you do not accidentally delete the cache of applications or configuration files necessary to run system services.

In addition, many applications create their own hidden directories to store temporary data, error logs, or downloaded content that is not intended for direct viewing. If all of these files were visible, the standard directory would turn into a chaotic pile of thousands of obscure objects, making it difficult to navigate through personal photos and documents.

The inclusion of the display of such objects is necessary in the following cases:

• 🔍 Search for lost files that have been moved by apps to hidden folders.
• 🧹 Clearing the disk space by removing sprawling messenger caches.
• 🛠 Editing configuration files (.config) for fine-tuning software.
• 📂 Check for viruses or malware masquerading as system processes.

It's worth noting that just enabling visibility is not enough. You need to clearly understand what each folder is responsible for. Xiaomi's file system has its own specifics, and some directories may be duplicated or have strange names that are not obvious to the average user.

Activation of hidden files in a standard conductor

Xiaomi smartphones use its own file manager, which is part of the MIUI or HyperOS shell. The application interface is minimalistic, and the desired setting is often hidden in an unobvious place. To enable the display of hidden objects, run the File Manager application with the icon of the yellow folder.

When you start the app, you'll notice the top of the screen, and you'll usually have tabs like Files, Categories, Folders, and you'll click on the menu icon, which looks like three horizontal bars or a gear in the top right corner, and that's where the basic content settings are hidden.

In the list that opens, find a item called Settings or Settings. Inside this menu, there's a switch called Show Hidden Files. Put it in the active position. After that, all folders and files that start with a dot will become visible in the general list, their icons will become semi-transparent for visual difference.

Use of Third-Party File Managers

Xiaomi’s standard Explorer has basic functionality that may be limited to advanced users. If you want deeper file system access, archive support, or FTP access, it’s worth considering installing a third-party app. Popular alternatives like Total Commander, Solid Explorer, or FX File Explorer offer more flexible settings.

When you install a third-party manager, such as Solid Explorer, Android will request permission to access the storage. Once you grant permission, the application will automatically display all files, including hidden ones, without having to switch additional switches in the settings, this is because such programs are originally sharpened to work with a full directory structure.

The advantages of using alternative solutions are obvious:

• 🚀 Two-panel mode for easy copying and moving data.
• 🔒 Built-in support for password encryption of files and folders.
• ☁️ Integration with cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
• 📡 Possibility to connect to a PC via Wi-Fi without wires.

However, it is worth considering that third-party applications can consume more battery resources in the background. In addition, some functions in paid versions can be limited to a trial period. For one-time operations to search for hidden files, a standard tool from Xiaomi is quite enough.

Working with folder.thumbnails and cleaning the place

One of the heaviest hidden folders in the system is.thumbnails, which is on the DCIM/.thumbnails path, and contains thumbnails of every image and video you've ever viewed in a gallery, and over time, this directory can be as large as several gigabytes, reducing space.

Deleting the contents of this folder is safe for personal data — your original photos and videos are not going anywhere. However, once cleaned up, it will take time for the gallery to regenerate the preview the next time you view the album, and this temporary inconvenience is worth it if you need to make room urgently.

Table of the main system folders that can be cleaned:

There's a nuance to the.thumbnails folder: If you just delete files inside, the system will create them again after a while, and some users create a file with the same name instead of a deleted folder, but without an extension to block the creation of new thumbnails, although this method is not always stable in modern versions of Android.

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To quickly clean the thumbnail cache, use the built-in Cleanup function in the Xiaomi Security app by selecting Deep Cleanup -> Large Files.

Problems with accessing the Android folder in new versions

Starting with Android 11 and up, Google has implemented strict restrictions on access to the Android system folder, which stores app data and cache files (obb). Even by enabling the display of hidden files, you can encounter a message about denying access when trying to log into this directory through a standard Explorer.

It's not a bug, it's a Sandboxing security feature that isolates application data from each other. To access this folder to transfer game cache or data backup, you'll need a third-party file manager who can request special permissions through the system API. Xiaomi's standard Explorer often doesn't have that functionality.

If the standard method doesn’t work, try the following algorithm:

1. Install Files by Google or Total Commander.
2. When you try to log in to the Android folder, click "Allow" in the system window.
3. In the system navigator that opens, select the Android folder and click "Use this folder".
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

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Restricting access to the Android folder is a data protection measure, not a system error, and circumvention is possible only through the request of special permissions from third-party managers.

Remote Security and Recovery

Enabling the visibility of hidden files gives access not only to the cache, but also to critical system settings. Accidental deletion of a file with the extension.xml or.db in the root directories of applications can cause the program to stop running or reset all its settings to factory.

You need to be especially careful with files inside the.data folder of various services. It can store authorization tokens, message databases and logins. If you are not sure about the purpose of the file, you better not touch it. Backup important data before any manipulation in the system folders is the golden rule.

If, after cleaning the hidden files, the phone behaves incorrectly:

• 🔄 Reboot the device to recreate temporary files.
• 📉 Check the vacant space, maybe the cache has grown again.
• 🛠 Reset the settings of the application that has stopped working.

⚠️ Warning: Never delete files with a point prefix in the root directory of internal memory unless you know exactly what they are intended for, which can lead to loss of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth settings or account resets.

Recovering deleted system files is only possible by reinstalling the app or, in the worst case, resetting the phone to factory settings. So the seven-measure rule works better here than anywhere else. The visual labeling with translucent icons in Xiaomi Explorer is designed to (remind) you of the (features) of these objects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)