How to Open Xiaomi Hidden Storage: Access to System Files and Folders

Xiaomi devices based on MIUI They hide part of the system folders and partitions from users, which are designed to protect against accidental changes that could disrupt the smartphone, but sometimes you need to access this data, whether it's to back up, manually clean the cache, or install modified firmware. In this article, we will discuss all legal and technical ways to log into Xiaomi’s storage, including hidden directories, ADB-Teams and Root Rights.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally secure. For example, changing files to /system or /vendor without knowing the consequences can lead to a device blink (complete failure). We will describe the risks of each method in detail and give recommendations on how to minimize them. If your goal is simply to make room or find downloaded files, start with the standard methods in the first section.

This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including Mi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5 and others. For older versions (for example, MIUI 11 and below), some paths may differ - specify them in the official documentation.

1. Standard access via MIUI File Explorer

The easiest way to view files on Xiaomi is to use the built-in MIUI File Manager, which shows most of the user data but hides the system folders.

1. Open the Files app (the icon with the folder on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. At the top of the screen, select the Device tab (or "Internal Storage" in English).
3. Scroll down the list – DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads), Music (music) and more folders are displayed here.

To see hidden folders (such as.thumbnails or.nomedia), turn on the display of hidden files:

1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → "Settings".
2. Activate the "Show hidden files" switch.

However, even in this mode, you won’t see system partitions (/system, /data, /vendor) and you’ll need additional tools to view them, which will be discussed later.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files with the.db or.odex extension in folders Android/data — If you want to free up space, use the built-in Cleanup feature in the storage settings.

2. Access to hidden folders via Total Commander or FX File Explorer

The standard MIUI File Explorer is limited in functionality, but third-party file managers (such as Total Commander or FX File Explorer) let you see more.

Download one of the apps from Google Play:

• 📱 Total Commander – supports root access and plugins for working with archives.
• 📁 FX File Explorer - user-friendly interface and built-in ADB-manager.

After installation:

1. Open the application and provide all the permissions requested (file, media, etc.).
2. In Total Commander, go to /storage/emulated/0/, which is the root folder of internal storage.
3. In FX File Explorer, click on the three lines in the top left corner → select “Internal Storage”.
4. To see hidden system folders, enable the display of hidden files in the application settings.

With these managers, you can see:

• 🗃️ App cache folders (/Android/data and /Android/obb).
• 📂 System log files (/data/log — root).
• 🔑 Configuration files (/data/system — Reading without root).

⚠️ Note: Some folders (for example, /data/app) Attempt to modify them may trigger them MIUI’s anti-tampering protection, leading to a forced reboot or data corruption.

💡

If you just need to free up space, use the built-in Cleanup feature in Settings → Storage.It safely removes unnecessary cache and temporary files without risk to the system.

3.Use ADB to access system partitions

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that lets you control your device through the command line, and you can view and copy files from system partitions, even without rooting. Here's how to do it:

Before starting work:

• 🔧 Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on "Version" MIUI".
• 🔌 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate the "Debugging by" USB".
• 💻 Install. ADB Tools on the computer (Windows/macOS/Linux).

Now connect your phone to your PC and execute the following commands in the terminal:

adb devices

(Your device should show up with a serial number. If not, check the drivers and debugging permission on your phone.)

adb shell


ls /storage/emulated/0/

(This command will show the contents of the internal storage.)

To copy a file from phone to computer:

adb pull /path/to/file C:\folder\on\computer

Examples of useful commands for viewing system folders:

Critical: commands with file modifications (such as rm or mv) without root can cause a system crash. Always back up before changes.

Install ADB Tools on PC|

Enable the developer mode on the phone |

Activate debugging via USB|

Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable |

Check device detection by adb devices-->

4. Unlock Bootloader and get root rights

If you want full access to system partitions (for example, to modify firmware or remove embedded applications), you will need to unlock the bootloader and obtain root rights, a process that will reset all data on the device and may take away warranties.

Steps to unlock bootloader:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Go to the official unlock site and request permission (may take up to 72 hours).
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down).
4. Run the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and follow the instructions.

Once you unlock the bootloader, you can install custom recovery (such as TWRP) and get root through Magisk:

• 🔧 Install. TWRP For your model (see instructions for the XDA Developers).
• 📱 Boot in. TWRP (clamp down the Power + Volume Up when switched on).
• 🔑 Please use Magisk via Install in TWRP.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The root process may be different due to new protection mechanisms.

5. Alternative methods: MT Manager and Termux

If unlocking bootloader seems too risky, you can use applications with advanced rights, such as MT Manager or Termux.They allow you to view and edit some system files without root, but with restrictions.

MT Manager (requires USB debugging enabled):

• 📲 Download. APK from the official website (not from Google Play).
• 🔍 Open the app and give access to Android Debug Bridge.
• 🗂️ Move to the /data/data or /system — Some folders will be available for reading.

Termux (terminal for Android):

1. Install Termux from F-Droid.
2. Follow the commands to update the packages:

pkg update && pkg upgrade


pkg install tsu

1. Start the shell with increased rights (if there is root):

tsu


ls /data

These methods are suitable for viewing files, but editing without root is often blocked by the system.

6 Risks and how to avoid them

Working with Xiaomi system files involves risks:

• 🚨 Device Brick – Complete Inoperability After Deleting Critical Files.
• 🔄 Automatic discharge — MIUI can detect changes and return settings to factory.
• 🛡️ Account locking – when unlocking bootloader, you need to link to Mi Account.

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔄 Create a backup through adb backup or TWRP.
• 📖 Check the documentation for your model XDA Developers.
• 🛠️ Use proven tools (e.g. Magisk instead of outdated methods like SuperSU).

If the device has ceased to operate:

1. Try booting up to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down) and flashing the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
2. If the screen is black, plug your phone into charging for 30 minutes, sometimes helping with battery drain.

💡

Even with root rights, do not delete /system/priv-app or /vendor folders, which will cause the basic functions (calls, network, camera) to fail.

FAQ: Frequent questions