How to safely remove hidden folder on Xiaomi: 5 proven methods

Hidden folders on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones often take up precious space in memory, but they can’t be deleted by standard methods. These directories are created by a system, applications or even viruses — and can contain both important data (caches, settings) and garbage. The problem is that most users don’t understand which folders can be touched and which ones can not. Deletion errors can lead to MIUI malfunction, loss of functionality or even a device “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss 5 ways to remove hidden folders, from simple (via the built-in file manager) to advanced (using ADB and custom recap), you will learn how to distinguish system directories from unnecessary ones, what tools to use for safe cleaning, and what to do if after deleting the smartphone began to glittle. Spoiler: 80% of the time, standard MIUI tools are enough, but there are exceptions.

Why are hidden folders appearing on Xiaomi?

Hidden folders on Xiaomi fall into three categories, and each has a purpose: System folders, created by MIUI to store configurations, logs and temporary files, such as the.miui folder in the root directory is responsible for themes and personalization, and.thumbnails is responsible for thumbnails of images, which are not recommended to be deleted unless you are prepared for consequences such as resetting or download errors.

The second category is application folders, and many programs (especially instant messengers, social media, and games) create hidden directories for cache, databases, or downloaded files, like.Telegram or.WhatsApp can weigh gigabytes, but if they are cleaned, they will lose media and chat history.

The third group is suspicious folders that appear without your knowledge.

• 📁 Virus residues (e.g..com.android.XXX with unknown scripts).
• 📁 Root rights artifacts (if you previously obtained root through Magisk or SuperSU).
• 📁 The rubbish after the firmware (folders like.OTA or.update if the update is incorrect).

Before you delete something, check the contents of the folder through the file manager. If you have files inside that have.apk,.dex or.sh extensions, that's potentially dangerous. But folders with cache or thumbnails (.thumbdata) can be cleaned without risk.

⚠️ Note: Folders with a dot at the beginning of a name (.number) are not always garbage,.android_secure Stores data of protected applications, and its removal will lead to errors in Google Play.

Method 1: Delete via a standard file manager

The easiest method is to use the built-in file manager from Xiaomi (Files by Google is also good), which shows hidden folders, but you need to enable the appropriate setting.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app (Blue folder icon).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Activate the Toggle to Show Hidden Files.
4. Go back to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and find the folder with the dot at the beginning (e.g.,.Trash or.data).
5. Hold your finger on the folder → select Delete.

What can be removed without risk?

• 🗑️.Trash – File Manager Recycle Bin (here are files you deleted).
• 🖼️.thumbnails – thumbnails (automatically restored).
• 📱.estrongs – cache of third-party file managers (for example, ES Conductor).

What can't be removed?

• 🚫.android_secure — secure application data.
• 🚫.MIUI — System settings of themes and design.
• 🚫.Data – Critical application files (deleting them will lead to their collapse).

⚠️ Warning: If the.thumbnails folder is removed, the gallery is slowing down, don't be afraid. The system will rearrange the thumbnails within 5-10 minutes. If the brakes are still there, clear the Gallery app cache in the settings.

Method 2: Use of ADB (for power users)

If the hidden folder is not deleted through the file manager (for example, due to rights restrictions), Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help.This method requires connecting the smartphone to the PC and basic command line knowledge.

Preparation:

1. Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
2. Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.

Commands for removal:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /sdcard/.name folder

Replace the folder name with a real name (e.g.,.Trash). If the su command doesn't work, you don't have root rights.

Alternative (without root):

adb shell


rm -rf /storage/emulated/0/. folder name

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works with protected folders (if there is root).
• ✅ You can delete files recursively (together with attached directories).

Risks:

• ❌ A team error can erase important data.
• ❌ Without root, some folders will remain inaccessible.

💡

ADB is a powerful tool, but it requires caution. Always check the path to the folder before deleting. A single-letter error (e.g. rm -rf /sdcard/ instead of /sdcard/.Trash) can erase all data on the device!

Method 3: Removal via TWRP (for stitched devices)

If your Xiaomi has a custom TWRP recavator installed, you can remove hidden folders directly from it, which is suitable for users who have already unlocked the bootloader and stitched through an alternative firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /data/media/0/ (similar to /sdcard/).
4. Find the hidden folder (starts with a dot) and highlight it.
5. Press Delete and confirm the action with the swipe.

Advantages of TWRP:

• 🔧 Full access to all folders, including system folders.
• 🛡️ You can make a backup before deleting (Backup section).
• 🔄 It works even if it does. MIUI loadless.

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Requires an unlocked bootloader (the procedure erases all data!).
• ⚠️ Incorrect actions in TWRP It could lead to a "brick".

💡

Before deleting folders via TWRP, back up /data. To do this, select Backup → Select Partitions → Data from the main recavator menu and swipe to confirm. The backup will take up space on the memory card, but will save your data in case of an error.

Method 4: Cleaning through applications (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB or TWRP, you can use third-party apps. They don't give you the same control as manual methods, but they're safer for beginners.

Top.-3 applications for working with hidden folders:

How to clean hidden folders with SD Maid:

1. Go to CorpseFinder (search for remnants of remote applications).

Warning:

⚠️ Attention: Apps like SD Maid or CCleaner are sometimes deleted too aggressively, affecting system files. Before mass cleaning manually check what is deleted.android_secure It may be labeled as “junk,” but removing it will disrupt secure applications.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If the hidden folders take up gigabytes and you can't delete them, you get a hard reset, which erases all the data on the device, including the hidden directories, but returns the smartphone to its "clean" state.

How to make a reset on Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Enter your password (if installed) and confirm.
4. Wait until it is completed (it will take 5-15 minutes).

What will be removed:

• 📱 All user data (photos, videos, documents).
• 📱 Installed applications and their settings.
• 📱 Hidden folders, including system folders (they will be restored automatically).
• 📱 Google and Mi Accounts (you will need to log in again).

How to prepare for the reset:

• 🔄 Backup important data via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 🔄 Write down logins/passwords from accounts (they will be required after resetting).
• 🔄 Remove the memory card if it is used (the data on it will not be affected).

When the dumping doesn't help:

• ❌ If hidden folders appear because of a virus, after reset, they can return (you need to scan the device with an antivirus).
• ❌ If the folders are associated with firmware (for example,.OTA) — They will be restored at the next update.

💡

Factory reset is a "nuclear bomb" to solve problems. Use it only if other methods have failed. Once reset, the device will become "like new," but all data will be lost irrevocably (unless there was a backup).

What to do if after deleting the folder the smartphone glitches?

Deleting critical hidden folders can cause crashes: apps crash, MIUI slows down, or the device doesn't turn on. Don't panic - in most cases, the problem can be fixed.

Recovery methods:

If the smartphone does not turn on:

1. Connect it to your PC and check if the Windows Device Manager defines it as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
2. If yes, run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode.
3. If not, try charging the battery for 30 minutes (sometimes the discharge blocks the onset).

Important: If you delete the folder.MIUI or.android_secure, The only reliable way to recover is to flash through Fastboot. Attempt to restore from backup may fail due to corrupted system data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden folders on Xiaomi