How to go to the storage on the Xiaomi phone: all the ways and hidden functions

Xiaomi’s internal storage isn’t just a place for photos and apps, it’s a file system with hidden partitions, cache and backup data, and many users are faced with a problem: the memory is full, but it’s not clear what exactly. Others are looking for ways to transfer files to a memory card or connect to a PC for backup. In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden methods of accessing storage on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — from basic to advanced, including working with MIUI File Explorer, ADB and even restore deleted files.

Specific instructions will be useful for both beginners and experienced users, such as how to open hidden folders of the system, why the "Other" partition in the storage can take up to 30% of memory, and how to safely clean it without risking the operation of the smartphone. MIUI with alternative file-ymi managers such as Solid Explorer or FX File Manager.

If you need to make room or find a specific file, go straight to the section “Fast storage access.” For those who want to understand the structure of memory more deeply, we have prepared a detailed analysis with tables and screenshots.

Quick access to storage: 3 ways in 1 minute

The easiest way to open storage on Xiaomi is to use a built-in conductor. MIUI. It's installed on all devices by default, and it doesn't require any additional settings. Here's how to get there:

1. Open the Files app (the blue folder icon).

2. In the lower menu, select the Device tab - all internal memory is displayed here.

3. To access the memory card (if installed), go to the tab SD-map.

Open the Files app (blue icon)|Select the Device tab for internal memory|Go to the "SD-map|Use search by file (magnifying glass at the top)-->

If the File icon is not on your desktop, search it through the system: swipe down the screen and type Files in the search bar. You can also use the voice assistant Xiao. AI: Say “Open Files” and the application will start automatically.

Another way is through settings:

For users who prefer to work from a computer, a connection to the USB:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC via cable (preferably original).
• 📱 On the smartphone screen, select the file transfer mode (MTP).
• 🖥️ A window with internal memory will open on the computer and SD-card (if any).

Through the Files appendix"|I'm connecting to the computer.|I use an alternative file manager.|I don't know how to open it.-->

Xiaomi Storage Structure: What is Stored

File system MIUI It's divided into several key folders, each of which is responsible for its own data type:

Special attention should be paid to the folder Android/data. It stores game and application data, including saves and downloadable content, such as if you play Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile, the folder with the game can weigh several gigabytes. manually it is not recommended to remove it - it is better to use the built-in cleaning function in the application settings.

Another "heavy" section — MIUI/Backup. Here are stored backups of the system created through Settings → Additionally. → Backup. If you haven't cleaned your phone in a while, this folder can take up to a few hours. 5–10 Before removing, check if you need these backups – it will be impossible to restore them after cleaning.

Hidden folders and system files: how to access

By default. MIUI It hides many of the system folders so that users don't accidentally delete important data, but sometimes access to it is necessary, for example, to manually clean the cache or transfer files:

1. Open the Files app.

2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.

3. Activate the switch Show hidden files.

After that, folders with a dot at the beginning of the title (such as.thumbdata or.nomedia) will appear at the root of the repository. Be careful: deleting some of them can cause the camera or gallery to malfunction.

For advanced users, there is a way to access the full file system through ADB (This is required if you want to delete files from protected areas, such as, /data/data (where the application settings are stored. Instructions:

adb shell


su




cd /data/data




ls

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Attention: Working with ADB And root rights can disrupt the stability of the system. Do not delete files that you do not know the purpose of. /data/dalvik-cache responsible for optimizing applications – its cleaning will lead to slowing down the smartphone until the next reboot.

If you just need to make room, it is better to use the built-in tools:

• 🧹 Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning – removes unnecessary cache.
• 🗑️ Settings → Annexes → Removing Unused – Finds rarely used programs.
• 🔍 Security Appendix (Security) → Cleaning – In-depth analysis of garbage.

How to connect Xiaomi to a computer to manage files

Connecting your smartphone to your PC is a convenient way to transfer large files or back up, but many people have a problem when the computer can't see the phone, and let's take a step-by-step guide for Windows and MacOS.

Preparation of the telephone:

Use the original cable (cheap analogues may not support data transfer).

Unlock the screen – on the locked device, the connection will not work.

- In the notification menu, select File Transfer Mode (MTP). If this item is not, go to Settings. → Connection and sharing → USB and turn on MTP.

2. PC setup (Windows):

- If the drivers are not installed automatically, download Mi PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website.

Open this computer - the phone should appear as a removable disk.

For macOS:

Install Android File Transfer (official software from Google).

Connect the phone and start the program - it will show the contents of internal memory.

If the computer still can't see the device:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
• 📱 In the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times) turn on the debugging USB.

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If file transfers are too slow, turn off sync with Mi Cloud while copying. → Accounts. → Mi Cloud and temporarily disable the gallery sync option.

Linux users may need to manually install udev rules. If you are using Ubuntu or Debian, do the following in the terminal:

sudo apt install mtp-tools


sudo modprobe usb-storage

Cleaning the storage: how to free up space without harming the system

When the memory on the phone runs out, the system starts to slow down and the applications start to fly out. Consider safe cleaning methods that will not damage the smartphone.

1. Deletion of the application cache:

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.

Select an app (like Facebook or Instagram) and click Clear Cache.

- For mass cleaning, use the settings → Warehouse → Cache data.

2. Removal of duplicates and unnecessary files:

In the Files application, go to the Analysis tab - the system will show large files and duplicates.

For deep cleaning, use Files by Google (available in the Play Market).

Transfer of data to SD-map:

Not all apps support mapping, but media files (photos, videos) can be moved manually.

- In the conductor, select files, press More → Move and select SD-map.

Cleaning the "Other" section:

- Install. SD Maid (root rights required for deep cleaning).

Start analysis and delete unnecessary logs (.log), temporary files (.tmp) and empty folders.

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Note: Do not use programs like Clean Master or CCleaner - they often delete important system files, which leads to crashes. Android/obb manual: This can break games or apps with additional data.

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Regularly cleaning up cache and unnecessary files prolongs the life of flash memory. NAND-memory in smartphones is designed for 3000-5000 cycles of recording, and the fewer "junk" operations, the longer it will last.

Alternative File Managers for Xiaomi

Standard conductor MIUI It's convenient, but it's functionally limited, if you want to have advanced capabilities, like cloud storage, FTP Archives or Archives – Consider Alternatives:

• 📁 Solid Explorer – supports dual-panel mode, encryption and connection to Google Drive/Dropbox.
• 🔍 FX File Manager – has built-in root guide and support SFTP.
• 🌐 Total Commander – a classic manager with plugins for working with ZIP/RAR and network disks.
• 🔒 Amaze File Manager – Open Source, No Advertising, Supports OTG.

For the installation of an alternative conductor:

1. Download the app from the Play Market (e.g. Solid Explorer).

2. At the first start, provide access to the storage.

3. In the settings, enable the display of hidden files and system folders (if necessary).

Advantages of Alternative Managers:

Two-panel mode – it is convenient to move files between folders.

Built-in viewer – you can open documents, archives and media without additional programs.

Cloud support – synchronization with Google Disk, Yandex Disk, OneDrive.

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Note: Some managers (e.g., managers, ES Conductor) have questionable permissions and can collect data. Before installing, check the reviews and reputation of the developer.

Recovering Deleted Files on Xiaomi

If you accidentally delete important files, you can try to recover them, and success depends on how long it has been since you deleted them and how much memory has been used.

Method 1: Through the basket in MIUI

1. Open the Files app.

2. Go to the basket tab (dumpster icon).

3. Select the files you need and click Restore.

Method 2: Using Recovery Software

If the files are not in the Recycle Bin, use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (for PCs).

1. Connect the phone to the computer in mode MTP.

2. Run Recuva and select the file type (such as photos or documents).

3. Specify the disc corresponding to the internal memory of the phone.

4. Start scanning and save the recovered files to your PC.

Method 3: Through Backup

If you have backup enabled in Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Backup.

2. Select the backup date and restore the necessary data.

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Warning: Do not save the recovered files back to your phone, which may overwrite the remaining traces of deleted data, first copying them to your computer or cloud.

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The chances of recovery are higher if you haven't written new files to your phone after deleting it, and the more recording operations you have, the less likely you are to succeed.

Frequent questions about Xiaomi storage