How to view hidden folders on your Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones hide system files and folders by default, a standard security measure that prevents the accidental deletion of sensitive data. However, sometimes users need access to directories such as manually clearing cache, recovering deleted files or configuring applications. Unlike Android in its pure form, where it is enough to enable the display of hidden elements in the file manager, on Xiaomi this process can be complicated by firmware features and the MIUI version.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to view hidden folders on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from standard tools to advanced methods using ADB and third-party utilities, pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI 12/13/14, and also warn against the potential risks when working with system files.

If you're looking for a way to recover photos that are accidentally deleted or to clear memory of unnecessary data, here you'll find step-by-step instructions with illustrations (for visual understanding) and alternative solutions for cases where standard methods don't work. And for advanced users, here's ADB commands that allow you to access even the most secure partitions of memory.

1. Standard method: through the built-in file manager

The easiest method is to use Xiaomi’s Mi File Explorer, which is pre-installed on all devices and supports hidden files, but this option is often hidden in the back of the settings.

To activate it:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Slip along three horizontal lines in the upper left corner (menu).
3. Select Settings → Additionally.
4. Activate the switch to show hidden files.

After that, folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g..thumbnails,.data) will appear in the root directory of memory (/storage/emulated/0/). Please note that some system directories (e.g. /data/data/) will remain unavailable without root rights.

Enable the display of hidden elements in the file manager settings |

Backup of important data |

Charge your phone at least 30% |

Close the background applications to speed up work-->

Limitations of the method:

• 🔹 It does not work for system partitions (/system, /vendor).
• 🔹 On some versions MIUI 14 option may not be available – file manager update required.
• 🔹 Does not display files hidden by apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp cache).

2.Use of third-party file managers

If the standard manager doesn't show you the folders you want, install an alternative app.

• 📁 Solid Explorer – supports Root access and cloud storage.
• 📁 FX File Explorer - user-friendly interface and built-in FTP-server.
• 📁 MiXplorer – a lightweight manager with support for archives and network protocols.

To activate the display of hidden files in Solid Explorer:

1. Open the side menu (swipe on the right).
2. Go to Settings → Display settings.
3. Enable Show Hidden Files and Show System Files.

Third-party managers often provide more features than the standard Mi File Explorer. For example, in MiXplorer you can configure the display of files on a mask (for example, *.nomedia), which is useful for finding multimedia data excluded from the gallery.

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If you don’t have hidden folders after you turn on the option, try restarting the file manager or reconnecting the device to your PC in file transfer mode (MTP).

3. View hidden folders via PC (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Connecting your phone to your computer allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI and access the file system through a Explorer.

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-Cable (original or certified).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. On your computer, open Explorer (Win + E) and go to the phone section.
4. Enable the display of hidden files: 🪟 Windows: View → Hidden elements. 🍎 macOS: Finder → Settings → Additionally. → Show all files. 🐧 Linux: Ctrl + H in any file manager.

This method is suitable for copying or deleting files, but does not allow access to system partitions (/data, /system). They'll need it. ADB root-right.

4. Access via ADB (for power users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to manage the file system via the command line, which requires pre-configuration, but gives you access to folders that are not available through the GUI.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging on your phone (see spoiler above).
2. Download ADB Tools and unpack it on PC.
3. Connect the phone to your computer and open the Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd).
4. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell ls -la /storage/emulated/0/ (shows all files, including hidden ones)

To copy files from phone to PC:

adb pull /storage/emulated/0/.hidden folder C:\path\on\PC

Important: ADB commands give low-level access to the system. Misuse can cause crashes or data loss. For example, deleting files from /data/data/ without backup will make applications inoperable.

5. Getting root rights for full access

If you want access to all system folders (e.g. /data/data/com.android.providers.media/), root rights are required. This method is risky, it voids the warranty and can cause the device to run unstable.

Step-by-step instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Unblock Bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires an account binding Mi).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.

Critical information: on devices with MIUI 14 and later, Xiaomi encrypts user data by default. After resetting to factory settings, file recovery without a backup is almost impossible.

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Before any manipulation of system files, back up via Settings → Memory → Backup or using TWRP (if installed).

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden folders on Xiaomi