How to securely delete hidden files on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Hidden files on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones take up precious space in memory, slow down the system and can contain residual data from remote applications. Unlike regular files, they do not appear in the standard MIUI Explorer, but they can be detected using embedded tools or third-party utilities. The problem is complicated by the fact that some of these files are created automatically by the system (caches, log files, backups), and the other remains after incorrect removal of programs.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for finding and removing hidden files on Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12/13/14 and Android 11-14. You will learn how to distinguish system hidden files (which are not recommended to touch) from junk ones, how to clean the cache of hidden applications and what to do if files are not deleted by standard methods.

Why do hidden files appear on Xiaomi?

Hidden files on Xiaomi are divided into three categories, each of which has its own purpose and level of danger when deleted:

• 📱 System Hidden Files – Created MIUI for the operation of the OS (e.g, /data/system, /miad). Removing them can lead to failures.
• 🗑️ Discarded hidden files — remnants from deleted applications, cache, thumbnails (.thumbnails), temporary files (.tmp.
• 🔒 Hidden user files – created manually (e.g., through Total Commander) or by applications (e.g., WhatsApp stores backups to the user’s computer). /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases).

The main reasons for the accumulation of hidden files:

• 🔄 Automatic reservations — MIUI Creates hidden copies of contacts, messages and settings in folders of type /MIUI/Backup.
• 🎮 Games and applications – many programs (for example, PUBG Mobile, TikTok store cache in hidden folders.
• 📸 Media files - gallery MIUI It generates thumbnails (.thumbnails) even for deleted photos.
• 🔧 Removal errors – when uninstalling applications through Settings → Applications often remain folders with settings.

⚠️ Note: Files with.odex or.vdex extension in folder /data/app — These are optimized components of applications, and if they're removed, they're going to crash programs!

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

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI Explorer (or File Manager on global firmware), but by default it doesn't show hidden files.

1. Open the Explorer app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) top-right.
3. Select Settings → Additionally.
4. Activate the switch to show hidden files.

Then, folders and files that start with a dot (e.g.,.config,.cache) will appear in the root directory (/storage/emulated/0). Don't delete folders without a dot at the beginning - this is normal user data!

Folders with.thumbnails extension (miniatures)

Files with.tmp extension (temporary)

Folders.Trash or.Recycle

Application cache in /Android/data/<package>/cache

-->

If MIUI Explorer does not show hidden files even after you turn on the option, try alternative file managers:

• 📁 Solid Explorer – supports dual-panel mode and cloud storage.
• 🔍 FX File Explorer – has built-in memory analysis and garbage cleaning.
• 🛠️ Root Explorer – for root-right users (gives access to system folders).

Method 2: Delete hidden files via ADB (without root)

If hidden files are not deleted through the Explorer (for example, due to the limitations of MIUI), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to a PC.

Steps to clean through ADB:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. On your smartphone, turn on USB Debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the adb.exe folder.
4. Follow the commands: adb devices adb shell su (if root is available) rm -rf /sdcard/.thumbnails rm -rf /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails

To remove hidden files from a particular application (such as WhatsApp), use:

rm -rf /sdcard/WhatsApp/.Shared


rm -rf /sdcard/WhatsApp/.Nomedia

⚠️ Attention: Command rm -rf Deletes files irrevocably. Check the path with the ls command before executing. /sdcard/folder!

💡

If ADB Can’t see the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers or use the original cable (not all) USB-cables support data transmission).

Method 3: Cleaning with Recovery Mode (for power users)

If Xiaomi’s smartphone is slowing down due to hidden files and standard methods don’t help, you can use Recovery Mode.This method is suitable for removing the system cache and Dalvik-cache, but does not affect user data.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

This method cleanses:

• 🗃️ Cache system (/cache)
• 🔄 Dalvik-cache (optimized application files)
• 📂 Temporary update files (/cache/ota)

Note: Wipe Cache does not delete personal data, but resets some settings (e.g. Google Play Services cache).If the problem is not resolved, try Wipe Dalvik Cache (available in custom TWRP-type reclaimers).

Method 4: Using Cleaning Applications (CCleaner, Files by Google)

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use specialized utilities that automatically find and delete unnecessary hidden files, but have limitations:

Recommendations for use:

• 🔍 Before cleaning, check which files the app offers to delete (sometimes it mistakenly labels the data as junk).
• 🚫 Avoid “optimizers” that promise to “speed up your phone by 300%” – they often delete useful files.
• 🔄 After cleaning, restart the smartphone so that the system recovers the necessary cache.

💡

Applications like Files by Google don't see files in the /data folder without root permissions. Use ADB or manual methods for deep cleaning.

Method 5: Manually delete hidden files via TWRP (for root users)

If you have custom TWRP recaps installed or root access, you can delete hidden files directly from the system folders. This method is risky, but effective for cleaning:

• 📂 Folders. /data/data/<packet> (cache)
• 🗑️ Folders. /data/local/tmp (time-file)
• 🔄 Folders. /cache and /system/cache

Instructions for TWRP:

1. Load to TWRP (clip Power + Volume Up).
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /data/data and delete the app folders that have already been deleted (for example, if you have uninstalled Facebook, but the com.facebook.katana folder is still there).
4. Clean /cache and /dalvik-cache (Wipe Dalvik option in the main menu).

⚠️ Note: Delete files in /system without knowing their purpose can lead to a "brick" device (completely inoperable)! TWRP → Backup.

For root-right users, the Root Browser app or the Terminal Emulator command is also suitable:

su


cd /data/data




ls | grep -v "com.android" | xargs rm -rf

This command will delete folders of all user applications except system ones (com.android.*).

How to Prevent the Accumulation of Hidden Files in the Future

To prevent hidden files from taking up memory again, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Regular cleaning of the cache - once a month go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications and clear cache for all programs.
• 📱 Turn off automatic reservations: Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Cloud → Disable backups
• 🚫 Remove Apps Correctly – Use Settings → Annexes → Remove, not just move the icon to the cart.
• 📸 Clean the gallery – in Google Photos or the standard gallery MIUI Clean up garbage (remove thumbnails and duplicates).
• 🔒 Use the "Secure Folder" - in MIUI There is a function of hiding files without creating technical debris: → Secure folder. → Move the files there

It is also useful to disable the creation of miniatures in the gallery:

Settings → Additional → Gallery → Disable “Create miniatures”

💡

If you install/delete applications frequently, use App Cloner to test programs in an isolated environment, which will prevent the system from clogging with residual files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden files on Xiaomi