How to view hidden files on Xiaomi: all ways to MIUI 12/13/14

Have you ever encountered a situation where Xiaomi's smartphone suddenly loses space, but there's no apparent reason in the explorer? Or tried to find system files for backup, but they just didn't show up? Hidden files and folders in MIUI is a standard practice that the manufacturer uses to protect system data and configurations. However, sometimes access to them is necessary: to clean the cache, restore deleted files or manually configure applications.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to display hidden files on Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and Black Shark smartphones, from basic configurations of the built-in Explorer to advanced methods using ADB and third-party applications. It is important to understand that working with system files requires caution: improper actions can lead to malfunctions in the device, so we recommend you to create a backup of data before starting.

The material is relevant for all versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and is based on official documentation Xiaomi, as well as tests on models Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Poco F5 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra. If your device runs on pure Android (for example, Xiaomi 12T for the global market), some points may differ - we will mention this separately.

1. Show hidden files through standard MIUI Explorer

The easiest way is to use Xiaomi’s built-in file manager, which is available on all MIUI devices and does not require additional apps to be installed, and is suitable for most models, including the Redmi 10C, Poco X5 Pro and Xiaomi 12 Lite.

Open the Files app (the icon with the folder on the desktop or in the app menu). In the upper right corner, click three dots. ⋮ → Select Settings. Scroll down to Additional and activate the Show Hidden Files switch, and then folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g.,.thumbdata or.miui) will appear in the root directory).

• 📁 Advantages: does not require root rights, works without the Internet, retains the guarantee.
• ⚠️ Limitations: Does not show files with the "super-hidden" attribute (used by some system applications).
• 🔄 Alternative: If the item is not in the settings, update the Files app via Google Play.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders with names.android_secure,.data or.miad – this can cause a failure in the work of Google services and MIUI. If you accidentally delete a system file, try to restore it through Mi Cloud or reset the settings to factory.

2.Use of third-party file managers

If the standard Explorer doesn’t show you the right files, try third-party apps.

• 📂 Solid Explorer - Supports ROOT-Access, dual-panel mode and cloud storage. In settings, enable Show hidden files and Show system files.
• 🗂️ FX File Explorer – has a built-in App Manager to work with APK. Activate the option to show hidden files in the Settings section → Display.
• 🔍 Root Explorer (requires root rights) – shows even secure system folders, such as /data/data.

To install, go to Google Play and type in the name of the app. After installing:

1. Open the manager and give access to the storage.
2. Go to the settings (usually the gear icon or three dots).
3. Find the View or Display section and enable the hidden elements to be displayed.
4. Return to the root directory and you will see folders with a dot (.nomedia,.cache, etc.).

Create a backup copy of important data|Check the vacant space (minimum 1 GB)|Charge your phone to 50% or higher|Disable Battery Optimization for File Manager-->

If you are using a Poco Launcher or MIUI Launcher with custom themes, some folders can be hidden additionally. ROOT-access ADB-Teams (more on this below).

3. view hidden files via PC (MTP and ADB)

Connecting your smartphone to your computer gives you more options for working with the file system. There are two main methods: MTP-The mode (like a flash drive) and with the help of ADB (Android Debug Bridge: The first is for basic tasks, the second is for advanced users.

Method 1: MTP-regimen)

Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-In the notification curtain, select File Transfer Mode (MTP). On a computer:

• 🖥️ Windows: Open This Computer → find the device → Go to the internal memory.
• 🍎 Mac/Linux: Use Android File Transfer (download from the official website).

In Windows Explorer settings, enable the display of hidden files: View → Hidden elements. Now you'll see folders with dots (e.g., dots,.android_secure).

Method 2: ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If MTP doesn’t show the files you want, use ADB. This method requires USB debugging:

1. On Smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. On your computer, open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell ls -a /sdcard/

This command will display a list of all files, including hidden ones, to copy the file to the PC:

adb pull /sdcard/.folder/file C:\path\on\PC

⚠️ Note: Adb shell rm or adb shell mv commands can permanently delete or move system files, leading to a bootloop.

4. Access to hidden files via TWRP (for hardwired devices)

If your Xiaomi has custom TWRP recavators installed, you can view and edit hidden files directly, even without Android enabled, a method that is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader (for example, Poco F3 or Redmi K50 after official unlock).

To enter TWRP:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up before the TWRP logo appears.
3. In the main menu, select Advanced → File Manager.
4. Go to /data/data or /sdcard and all files, including hidden files, will be displayed here.

TWRP can:

• 📋 Copy hidden files to a flash drive (Select) → Copy).
• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary cache files (e.g..thumbnails).
• 🔧 Edit system configs (e.g. build.prop).

If you plan to work with TWRP frequently, install Magisk to manage root rights.This will allow you to edit files directly from Android without rebooting to the recavator.

5. Search for hidden files via Terminal Emulator (no PC)

If you don’t have access to your computer but have root rights, use Terminal Emulator, a method that works for Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware.

After installation of the terminal:

1. Open the application and enter the command to go to the root directory:

su


cd /sdcard/

1. View all files (including hidden ones):

ls -a

1. To find a specific file (e.g., with the.nomedia extension):

find /sdcard/ -name ".*"

To copy the file to another folder:

cp -r /sdcard/.folder /sdcard/Download/

💡

If the su command is not working, check for Magisk or SuperSU in the settings. Some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU) require additional permission in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Root.

Note: the terminal does not have a graphical interface, so errors in commands can lead to data loss. For convenience, use ROOT-access managers such as Mixplorer or Root Browser.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When working with hidden files on Xiaomi, users experience typical errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 Files don't show up even after you turn on the option: Check if they're hidden by the system application (e.g. Mi File Manager can ignore settings). Try another file manager (e.g. Total Commander). SD-map, remove it and connect it through the card reader to the PC.
• 🔒 No access to the folder. /data/data: This folder is protected by SELinux. ROOT or ADB with superuser rights. On some firmware (e.g, MIUI China is blocked even from access ROOT — requires a modified core.
• ⚠️ After you delete the hidden files, the phone slows down: You probably deleted the cache of the system applications. Restart the device. If the problem persists, reset the cache through TWRP (Wipe → Cache).

If you accidentally changed the permissions to access system files and Xiaomi stopped turning on, try:

1. Download to Fastboot (Food + Volume Down).
2. Connect to the PC and execute the command:

Fastboot flash boot original boot.img

The boot.img file can be downloaded from the official Xiaomi website for your model.

💡

Before any manipulation of hidden files, disable MIUI optimization for file manager: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Files → Battery → Without restrictions. This will prevent the manager from automatically closing while working.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden files on Xiaomi