How to open Xiaomi phone memory: all ways to access files and system partitions

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the problem of how to log into the phone’s memory if the standard Explorer doesn’t show all files or system folders are hidden, especially for devices on MIUI, a proprietary shell that actively restricts access to system partitions “for security reasons.” In this article, we will examine 5 proven ways, including access via ADB, hidden developer settings, and even bypassing the restrictions of MIUI without root rights.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi’s memory is divided into user memory (accessible through Explorer) and system memory (hidden from the user), the first one contains your photos, videos and documents, and the second one contains OS files, app cache and settings, and we’ll show you how to access both parts without damaging the data. If you just need to copy the photo to your computer, enough is enough. USB-If you want to edit system files (for example, to modify firmware), you will need advanced methods.

We warn you in advance that some actions may violate the warranty or cause malfunctions in the phone. For example, deleting system files without knowing the consequences often ends with a brick. Therefore, all manipulations with system partitions should be performed only with full confidence or after creating a backup.

1. Standard access through MIUI conductor

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI Explorer, which is installed on all Xiaomi smartphones by default and is called Files (Blue folder icon), which is suitable for working with user data: photos, music, downloads and documents.

To open the phone's memory:

• 📱 Open the Files app on the home screen or in the app menu.
• 📁 Select the Device section – this shows the internal memory and (if any) microSD card.
• 🔍 To search for a specific file, use the search bar at the top (magnifying glass).
• ⚙️ Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Turn on “Show Hidden Files” if you want to see folders with a dot (e.g..thumbnails).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ No access to system folders (/system, /data).
• ❌ You can not edit files with root rights.
• ❌ Some folders (e.g, Android/data) hidden even when the hidden files are displayed.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14+ The conductor can block access to other applications folders (for example, WhatsApp/Media). To fix this, go to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → File management and enable access for the conductor.

2. Connection to a computer via USB (MTP)

If you want to transfer files to a PC or laptop, use MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode, which is the standard protocol for exchanging data between Android and your computer. It works stable on Xiaomi, but sometimes requires additional settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB-C (or Micro-USB for older models).
2. On the phone will appear a notification “Charge via USB” – tap it.
3. Select the File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
4. The computer will open a conductor window with folders of the phone (usually Internal memory and SD-map).

If the computer can't see the phone:

• 🔌 Try another cable or port. USB (better USB 3.0).
• 🖥️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi).
• 📱 In the phone settings go to Settings → Additionally. → Developer settings and enable "Debugging by" USB".
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

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If file transfers are constantly interrupted, try using PTP mode instead of MTP. It is less stable for larger files, but sometimes works better on older PCs.

3. Access via ADB (for power users)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge is a tool for debugging Android devices through the command line, with which you can access all folders, including system ones, but you need minimal knowledge of working with the terminal. MIUI, But we need activated debugging. USB.

How to turn on ADB:

Insert "Developer Options" (7 times tap on "Version" MIUI" at "Settings" → The phone")

Activate "Debugging by USB" in "Developer Options"

Download Platform Tools (official package from Google)

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trusted device in the dialog box-->

The main commands for working with memory:

adb shell ls /sdcard/ # View the root folder of internal memory


adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Photos\# Copying a DCIM folder to a C disk




adb shell "su -c 'ls /data" # View the /data system folder (requires root)




adb push file.txt /sdcard/ # Download file from PC to phone

Limitations and risks:

• ⚠️ Without root rights, you cannot edit system files in /system or /data.
• ⚠️ Incorrect commands (e.g., rm) -rf /) can delete all data.
• ⚠️ On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) ADB It only works after unlocking the loader.

4.Using a file manager with root access

If your Xiaomi has root access, you can use dedicated explorers such as Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or FX File Manager, which allow you to edit any files, including system ones, but require caution.

The best guides for Xiaomi with root:

• 📂 Root Explorer – a classic manager with support SMB, FTP and editing build.prop.
• 🔧 Solid Explorer – modern interface, support for cloud storage and archives.
• 🛠️ FX File Manager – lightweight, with built-in text editor for system files.

How to set up access:

1. Install the selected explorer from Google Play.
2. Open the application and provide root access when requested.
3. Go to the root directory (/) and you see all the sections: /system, /data, /vendor, etc.
4. To edit system files (such as hosts), click and hold the file → select “Open as Text” or “Edit”.

⚠️ Note: Modifying files in /system This can cause a cyclic reboot. Always back up through TWRP or ADB backup before editing, such as deleting a file /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/MiuiSystemUI.apk Make the phone inoperable!

5. Access via TWRP (for firmware and backups)

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to manage your phone's memory at a low level.

• 🔄 Create and restore backups (nandroid backup).
• 📁 Copy files between sections (e.g., from /data into /sdcard).
• 🔧 Install firmware and modifications (.zip files).
• 🗑️ Format sections (cautiously!).

How to get into TWRP:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power (on some Xiaomi models – Volume Up + Volume Down + Power).
3. After the Mi logo appears, release the buttons – you will be taken to the TWRP menu.

The main functions for working with memory:

• Backup – creating an image of the current firmware (it is recommended to do before any changes).
• Mount – mount partitions to be accessed via ADB or Explorer.
• File Manager is a built-in manager for copying / deleting files (similar to root-conductor).
• Wipe – partition cleaning (e.g. Dalvik Cache or Data).

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TWRP is the only way to access a phone’s memory if the MIUI doesn’t boot (for example, after a failed firmware), in which case you can copy important data to a memory card or PC via ADB in recovery mode.

6. bypassing MIUI restrictions without root (hidden settings)

MIUI actively blocks access to system folders, but there are legal ways to get around these restrictions without obtaining root permissions, one of which is using hidden settings through engineering menus or special codes.

Ways to unlock access:

• 📞 Enter the dialer code: ##4636## Select "Phone Information" → Scroll down and find "Select configuration" USB". Install. MTP + ADB wide-access.
• 🔧 In Developer Options, Enable: Debugging by USB Allow location simulation Do not turn off the screen while charging This will help stabilize the connection when working with the device. ADB.
• 📁 Use the MiXplorer app (an unofficial guide for Xiaomi) that can bypass some restrictions. MIUI.

Example: To see the /data/media/0 folder (where user files are stored), sometimes it is enough:

1. Connect to ADB (as in Section 3).
2. Execute the command: adb shell "setenforce 0" This will temporarily disable SELinux (Android security system), and some hidden folders will become available.
3. Open the conductor and follow the path /data/media/0.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling SELinux reduces the security of the phone. Once completed, be sure to return it to its original state with the adb shell "setenforce 1" command".

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi memory access