How to Open Hidden Storage on Xiaomi: All Ways to Access System Files

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones hide some of the system folders and files from users, which are designed to protect against accidental deletion of critical data. However, sometimes you need to access these sections for backup, manual cache cleaning or modification installation. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of entering Xiaomi’s storage, including hidden directories /data, /system and /vendor.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. ADB-The team requires the inclusion of debugging USB, And accessing root folders through root rights can disrupt the system, and we'll look at the simplest (through standard conductor) to the most advanced (using the same root rights). TWRP). You will also learn how to get around the restrictions. MIUI without the risk of “bricking” the device.

1. Access via standard MIUI conductor

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added the ability to view some of the hidden folders directly in the standard Files app, a method that does not require superuser rights and is suitable for most tasks, such as cleaning the cache of applications or searching for logs.

To see the hidden files:

• 📂 Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
• 🔍 In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select "Settings".
• 👁️ Activate the switch to show hidden files".
• 🔄 Back to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) — You will now see folders with a dot at the beginning (e.g.,.thumbdata,.miui).

Method limitation: You will not be able to see system partitions (/system, /data) or other users’ files (if there are multiple accounts on your device).

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If the folder doesn’t open, try restarting your smartphone – sometimes MIUI blocks access to hidden data after an update.

2.Use ADB to access system folders

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is Google’s official tool that allows you to control your device via the command line, and it allows you to access folders that are not accessible through the Explorer, but without obtaining root permissions.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB.
• 📱 Smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Path: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock "For developers", then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (preferably original).

Instructions for connection:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and do:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter:

adb shell


ls /data

Now you'll see the contents of the /data system partition. To copy files to your PC, use:

adb pull /data/Folder name C:\path on pc

3. Root access: full control of storage

Getting root permissions is the most radical way to unlock all Xiaomi partitions, allowing you to edit system files, delete embedded apps, and change the kernel settings, but this method has serious risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• ⚠️ Risk of “bricking” with incorrect actions.
• ⚠️ Disruption of work MIUI-Services (e.g. Mi Cloud or Find Device).

If you are prepared for these consequences, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (en.miui.com/unlock). This will take up to 72 hours (account verification).
2. Install a custom TWRP recavator for your model (download from twrp.me).
3. Sweep Magisk through TWRP to get root.

Once rooted successfully, install a root-enabled file manager like Root Explorer or Solid Explorer, and you can view and edit any folder, including:

• 📁 /system — System applications and libraries.
• 📁 /data/data — data of user and system applications.
• 📁 /vendor — proprietary drivers and modules.

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Even with root rights, it is not recommended to delete files from /system or /vendor folders without backing up.This can cause the camera, mobile network or other features to fail.

4. Alternative file managers

If you don’t want to mess with ADB or root, you can use third-party apps that bypass the limitations of MIUI.

To access hidden folders without root in these applications:

1. Open the application settings.
2. Find the option to “Show hidden files” (in FX Explorer, it’s Settings → Display → Show hidden files).
3. Go to the root directory (/) and you will see the system folders (but you can’t edit them without root).

5. Access via TWRP (without full root)

TeamWin Recovery Project (TWRP) is a custom recovery that allows you to mount system partitions even without permanent root.This method is useful if you need to copy files from /data or /system without risking losing warranty.

Instructions:

1. Install TWRP for your model (instructions are available on XDA-Developers).
2. Load into the receptacle: turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up.
3. In the TWRP menu, select "Mount" and tick the System and Data sections.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC – you can now view files via ADB or MTP.

The advantage of this method is that you don't activate root all the time, you just mount partitions temporarily, but you still need to unlock the bootloader to install TWRP.

Make a backup copy of the data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Download the correct version TWRP forecast|Prepare. OTG-cable (if you need to copy files to a flash drive)|Check the work ADB-PC-driver-->

6 Risks and how to avoid them

Any manipulation of system files carries potential threats, and here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:

⚠️ Note: Delete or modify files in the folder /system/priv-app This could lead to loss of key services MIUI, including calls and SMS. Always back up before editing.

If after editing system files, the phone stopped booting:

1. Download to TWRP (or standard recap if TWRP is not installed).
2. Select Mount and connect to your PC via ADB.
3. Restore modified files from backup or reflash MIUI via fastboot.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When trying to access Xiaomi storage, users face typical problems, including the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 "Folder not available" in Explorer: Check if hidden files are shown. If the folder is system (for example, check if the folder is enabled, /system), rootless ADB not open.
• 🚫 ADB Does not see the device: Update the drivers, try another USB-cable or port. Some Xiaomi models need to include debugging USB (Security settings in the developer settings.
• 🚫 Error "Read-only file system" when editing: System partition mounted in read-only mode. Use the command:

adb shell


mount -o rw,remount /system

If the command does not work, then the device is active protection dm-verity – you need to disable it through Magisk.

• 🚫 Google Services Stopped Working After Getting Root: Install a Magisk module called Universal SafetyNet Fix to pass SafetyNet.

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If you use MIUI, some system folders can be protected with additional checks, in which case only a full backup and custom software firmware will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions