Xiaomi’s internal memory often becomes a black box for users: MIUI hides system folders, restricts access to root directories, and the standard file manager shows only a fraction of files, while it is in internal memory that screenshots, downloads from instant messengers, app caches, and even Mi Account backups are stored. Without access, you can not manually clean up garbage, transfer data to a PC or restore deleted files.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to get into Xiaomi’s internal memory – from basic (via built-in conductor) to advanced (using ADB and engineering menus).We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models – from budget Redmi Note to flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
1. Standard method: through the built-in file manager
The easiest method is to use the Files app (or Explorer in older versions of MIUI) preinstalled on all Xiaomi smartphones, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark. However, even here there are pitfalls: by default, the system hides technical folders (for example, /data or /system) and files with the.nomedia extension.
To see as much as possible:
- 📁 Open the Files app (icon with blue folder).
- 🔍 In the top panel, select the Device tab (or Internal Memory»).
- ⚙️ Click on three dots in the upper right corner → «Settings» → Enable the option to “Show hidden files».
- 🔄 If folders don’t show up, try updating the list (swipe down).
⚠️ Note: Even after you turn on the hidden file display, you won’t see the system directories. /data/data (where the application settings are stored) or /root. Access to these will require root rights or ADB.
2. Connection to the computer via USB: data transfer modes
If you want to copy files to your PC or make a backup, connect your smartphone to your computer via a USB Type-C cable (or Micro-USB for older models).
- Connect your phone to your PC, and the notification curtain will show a "Charge via USB" alert.
- Tap on the notification. → Select "File Transfer" (or «MTP» Windows).
- A conductor window with internal memory folders (usually Internal Storage or Xiaomi [Model]) will open on the computer.
If the PC can't see the phone:
- 🔌 Try another cable (cheap cables often don't support data transfers).
- 🖥️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi).
- 🔄 Reboot both devices and reconnect.
| Connection mode | Description | Access to files |
|---|---|---|
| MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) | Standard mode for transfer of media files | Read/write to DCIM, Downloads, Pictures folders |
| PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) | To transmit photos/video (like a camera) | Just folders with media files. |
| Charging. | Power only, no data transfer | No access. |
| RNDIS | For the Internet (USB-modem) | No access. |
⚠️ Attention: in mode MTP Windows may not show some files (such as those with the.apk or.zip extension). To see them, turn on the hidden and system files in Windows Explorer settings (View) → Hidden elements).
3.Using ADB: Accessing Hidden Folders Without Root
If standard methods don’t give you access, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to execute commands at the system level, can view and copy files even from secure directories (for example, /data/app), without obtaining root rights.
Instructions for Windows:
- Download ADB and Fastboot Tools from Google.
- Unpack the archive in the folder C:\adb.
- On your phone, turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Tap the version number 7 times until the message “You’re a developer!” appears.
Settings → Additional → For Developers
«Debugging by USB»
"File transfer"
C:\adb
"Open the Teams Window"
adb devices(Your phone serial number should be displayed)
adb shell(turning into the phone shell)
ls /sdcard(view the root directory of internal memory)
To copy the file to the PC:
adb pull /sdcard/Download/example.apk C:\Users\YourName\Desktop⚠️ Note: Adb shell commands do not give full access /data or /system You'll need Magisk or custom recovery to work with these folders.
Install ADB on PC|Enable Developer Mode |Allow debugging over USB|Connect phone in MTP|Contact connection with adb devices-->
4. View internal memory through TWRP Recovery
If your Xiaomi has custom recovery TWRP installed, you can use its built-in file manager to access all memory partitions, including /data and /system, even without a running OS. This is especially useful if the phone is not turned on or hovers on the MI logo.
How to use:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
- In the main menu, select “Advanced” → “File Manager”.
- Go to the directory you want (e.g. /data/media/0 for user files).
- To copy files to a flash drive, connect OTG-Cable with flash drive and select "Select Storage».
⚠️ Note: Do not delete or edit files in folders /system or /vendor — This can lead to bootloop (locked phone turn on).
What if TWRP doesn’t see internal memory?
5. Root access: Full control of the file system
If you want full access to all folders (including system folders), root rights are essential, and on Xiaomi smartphones, Magisk is used, a tool that masks the presence of root from applications (such as banking or Mi Pay).
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
- Install TWRP for your model (download from the official website).
- Download the latest version of Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip).
- Download to TWRP, select “Install” and swipe Magisk.zip.
- Reboot. Install the Magisk Manager application for rights management.
After receiving root:
- 📱 Use Root Explorer or Solid Explorer to view all folders.
- 🔧 Edit system files (e.g. build.prop to change) DPI screen).
- 🗑️ Remove pre-installed apps (Bloatware) via Titanium Backup.
⚠️ Note: Getting root rights resets the warranty and may block some features (e.g. Google Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD). On new models (Xiaomi) 12/13/14) Anti-rollback is also triggered – the inability to roll back on the old version MIUI.
💡
Before getting root, make a full backup through TWRP (including Boot and EFS partitions).This will help restore the phone if something goes wrong.
6.Alternative methods: cloud services and third-party applications
If you can't physically access your phone (e.g., a broken screen), you can use cloud services or remote control, but there are limitations to these methods:
| Method | How it works | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | Sync files with the Xiaomi cloud (settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud) | Only selected folders (photos, contacts, notes) No access to system files. |
| Google Drive | Backup through Settings → Google → Backup | It does not copy files from internal memory (app settings only). |
| TeamViewer QuickSupport | Remote control of the phone with PC | It requires a screen and confirmation on the phone. |
| Scrcpy | Displaying the phone screen on PC + transferring files via ADB | You need USB debugging and a working screen to allow access. |
🔹 Lifehack: If the phone is on but the screen doesn’t respond to touch, connect it to your PC USB, Turn on Scrcpy and control the mouse, so you can copy important files or backup.
💡
Cloud services are not a substitute for physical memory access, they only synchronize selected data. Use ADB or root for full control.