Hidden folders on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones contain system files, backups, application logs and other important data that the manufacturer hides from the user by default, which may be necessary to clean up memory, restore deleted files or debug the device. However, standard browsing methods (for example, through MIUI File Manager) often do not show these directories.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to open hidden folders on Xiaomi, from simple (through file manager settings) to advanced (using ADB and root rights). Also, you will learn which folders are safe to view and which ones are better not to touch, so as not to disrupt the system. The instructions are relevant for all devices on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including Xiaomi 13/14 models, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5.
Why is Xiaomi hiding some folders?
The manufacturer hides the system directories for several reasons:
- 🔒 It's a protection against accidental deletion. /data or /system contain critical OS files. their deletion can lead to a "brick" of the device (complete inoperability).
- 🛡️ Data security: Hidden folders store authorization tokens, encryption keys and application logs (e.g., logs, /data/data/com.android.providers.settings).
- 📱 Optimization of the interface. MIUI hides technical files so as not to overload the user with unnecessary information in the file manager.
- 🔄 Compatible with updates. Some folders (e.g, /cache) Automatically cleaned when updating the firmware.
However, accessing hidden folders can be helpful for:
- 🔍 Recovering deleted photos or videos (folder) /data/media/0/DCIM/.thumbnails).
- 🗑️ Cleaning the application cache manually (for example, /data/data/com.tencent.mm/MicroMsg for WeChat).
- 🛠️ Addressing application errors (logs are stored in the /data/data/[package_name]/files).
- 📱 Transfer of data between firmwares (backup copies to the /MIUI/backup).
⚠️ Note: Modifying files in folders /system, /vendor or /data/data Without root rights, it can cause disruptions in the work MIUI. We recommend you to create backup copies before any manipulations.
Method 1: Enable the display of hidden files in MIUI File Manager
The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI file manager, which can show hidden folders, but this option is hidden in the settings.
Instructions:
- Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
- Scroll down and activate the Show Hidden Files switch.
- Return to the root directory (/) and you will see folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g..miui or.thumbdata).
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ Doesn't show system folders (/data, /system) rootless.
- ❌ Some folders (e.g, /proc or /sys) remain inaccessible.
- ✅ Suitable for viewing custom hidden files (e.g..nomedia in the gallery).
☑️ Preparing to view hidden folders
Method 2: Using Third-Party File Managers
If the standard MIUI File Manager doesn't show the right folders, try alternative apps.
| Annex | Support for root | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Explorer | ✅ Yes. | Dual-panel interface, cloud synchronization, FTP support | Paid premium version |
| FX File Explorer | ✅ Yes. | Built-in archiver, access to /data without root (on some firmware) | Advertising in the free version |
| Root Explorer | ✅ Yes (requires root) | Full access to system folders, editing rights (chmod) | It doesn't work without root rights. |
| MiXplorer | ✅ Yes. | Free, SMB support, built-in text editor | A complex interface for beginners |
How to configure Solid Explorer to view hidden folders:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open the menu (swipe right) → Settings → Display.
- Activate options: 📂 Show hidden files 🔐 Show system files (requires root)
/
/data
/system
⚠️ Note: Apps like Root Explorer can request superuser rights, only grant them if you are sure of the source. APK (It is better to download from the official website or Google Play).
Method 3: Access via ADB (without root rights)
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a tool for debugging Android devices through a computer, which allows you to view hidden folders even if the file manager does not show them.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🔧 Installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
- 🛠️ ADB Tools by Google.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
adb
adb devices(Your device should be displayed)
adb shell(turning into the phone shell)
ls -la /data/data(View hidden application folders)
Examples of useful ADB-file-working teams:
| Team team. | Description |
|---|---|
| ls -la /path | Show all files (including hidden files) in the specified folder |
| cd /data/data/com.example.app | Go to the application folder (replace com.example.app with the desired package) |
| pull /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails C:\backup | Download a hidden folder with sketches on PC |
| rm -r /sdcard/.trash | Delete the garbage folder (caution!) |
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If the adb shell command gives an error "permission denied", try running the terminal on behalf of the administrator (Windows) or with sudo (Linux/macOS).
Method 4: Getting root rights (for power users)
Root access gives you full control over your system folders, but it is not guaranteed and can disrupt MIUI. Use this method only if you understand the risks.
How to get root on Xiaomi:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and a wait of 7-30 days).
- Install custom recaps (TWRP) for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
- Ride Magisk (a popular root rights manager) through TWRP.
After getting root, you can:
- 📂 Review and edit /data, /system, /vendor.
- 🔧 Change the permissions (chmod) to files.
- 🗑️ Remove system applications (e.g, /system/priv-app/MiBrowser).
- 🔄 Modify firmware (for example, disable advertising in the MIUI).
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), unlocking the bootloader can result in blocking some features, such as Widevine. L1 (Downgrading streaming quality at Netflix, Disney+).
What happens if you delete the system folder?
Method 5: Use MIUI Hidden Settings (Hidden Menu)
MIUI has a hidden engineering menu where you can turn on system files without ADB or root, a method that doesn’t work on all firmware, but it’s worth a try.
Instructions:
- Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
- In the menu that appears, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down and find the USB Debug option (if it isn’t, the code didn’t work).
- Activate the option to show hidden files (if available).
Alternative codes for Xiaomi:
- 📱 ##225## - Calendar information (sometimes opens access to logs).
- 📡 ##4636## → Usage statistics → You can see the hidden processes.
- 🔧 ##36446337## - Equipment test (shows hidden sensors).
If the codes don't work, try MIUI Hidden Settings (available on APKMirror) which reveals additional settings, including access to hidden folders.
💡
Hidden codes may vary depending on the firmware region. On Chinese versions of MIUI (e.g., Xiaomi for the CN market), some codes are blocked.
What hidden folders can be safely opened?
Not all hidden folders are equally useful, but here is a list of directories that you can view without risk to the system:
| folder | Way | Contents | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| .thumbnails | /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails | Gallery sketches (cash) | ✅ Yeah (frees up space) |
| .nomedia | /sdcard/Download/.nomedia | File hiding folder from media scanner | ✅ Yes, if you don't) |
| MIUI | /MIUI/backup | Backup copies of settings and applications | ❌ No (useful for recovery) |
| Android | /Android/data | Application data (cache, settings) | ⚠️ Partially (can be cleaned cache) |
| .Trash | /storage/emulated/0/.Trash | MIUI Recycle Bin (Deleted Files) | ✅ Yes, unless files are needed) |
Folders that are not recommended to touch:
- 🚫 /data/data — contains data of all applications (deletion will lead to failures).
- 🚫 /system — system-file MIUI (Change will cause bootloop).
- 🚫 /dev, /proc, /sys — Virtual kernel files (not intended for manual editing).
- 🚫 /efs — contain IMEI Serial numbers (damage will make the phone a brick").
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with hidden folders, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- 🔌 "USB-Debugging is not enabled": Check if the Developer Settings are allowed (some firmware hides them). USB-cable.
- 📂 "I don't see a file. /data After root": Magisk can enable MagiskHide, which hides system directories.
- 🔒 "ADB It gives you 'permission denied': Run adb root. If it doesn't work, check if debugging is enabled. USB.
- 🗑️ "Delete the folder and the phone stopped turning on": "If you deleted the critical folder (for example, /data/dalvik-cache), Try to stream your phone via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), some system folders are protected by dm-verity. their modification may result in an automatic reboot in Fastboot.
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Before any manipulation of system folders, create a full backup via TWRP or Mi PC Suite. This will help restore the phone in case of an error.