What is a MIUI folder and why it is not visible in the conductor
If you're a big user of a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you'll notice that some of the system files are hidden from the user's eyes, and one of those "invisible" directories is the MIUI folder, which is automatically created by the shell and stores the critical data for the firmware to work, but where exactly do you look if the standard file manager stubbornly "doesn't see" the directory?
The fact is that MIUI (like many other custom Android shells) hides the default system folders so that users don't accidentally delete or damage their contents, but that doesn't mean that access is completely blocked. With a few simple ways, you can find that folder, view its contents, and even copy the files you want to do it -- if you know why.
It’s important to understand that the MIUI folder is not a universal storage for all Xiaomi models, and its structure and location may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (e.g. MIUI 12 vs MIUI 14) and even regional build.
Where is the MIUI folder on Xiaomi physically located?
The MIUI folder is not a separate partition of memory, but a directory inside the main storage of the device.
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/However, just typing that address into the file manager search bar doesn't always work.
- 🔍 The folder is hidden by the system and does not appear without enabling the mode of showing hidden files.
- 🛡️ Some firmwares block access to it even for root users (for example, in the Internet). MIUI Global after 2023 updates).
- 📱 Old versions. MIUI (before MIUI 10) The folder could be called miui with a small letter or be in the root directory. /data/.
If you connect your smartphone to your computer via USB, the MIUI folder may also not appear in Windows/macOS Explorer. This is because the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) protocol by default hides system directories.
How to enable the display of hidden folders on Xiaomi
To see the folder. MIUI In a standard file manager, you need to enable the display of hidden elements. MIUI (from MIUI 11 MIUI 14):
- Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
- Slip on three horizontal stripes (☰) top-left.
- Select the Settings item → Additionally.
- Activate the switch to show hidden files.
Then go back to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and update the file list with the swipe down. The MIUI folder should appear in the general list. If it's not, check if Simplified View mode is disabled in the file manager settings.
Enable the display of hidden files
Update the list in the file manager
Check access rights (if there is root)
Use an alternative conductor (e.g., Solid Explorer)
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Some firmware (e.g. MIUI China) may require additional permission confirmation via ADB or an alternative file manager like FX File Explorer or Root Explorer (the latter requires root rights).
⚠️ Note: If you can't see the folder even after you have enabled hidden files, don't try to create it manually.This can cause system applications to crash, especially Topics and Security.
What is stored inside the MIUI folder: analysis of contents
The MIUI folder is not a monolithic block of data, but a whole structure of subfolders, each of which is responsible for certain shell functions. Here are the main directories that you will find there:
| Subfolder | Appointment | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI/backups | Backup copies of theme settings, wallpaper and system parameters | ❌ No, it can break the recovery) |
| MIUI/debug_log | Error Logs and Debugging Information for Developers | ⚠️ It is possible, but not recommended (needed for diagnosis) |
| MIUI/gallery | Cache thumbnails and metadata for the Gallery app | ✅ It can be (cleaned automatically) |
| MIUI/screenrecorder | Temporary screen recording files (until saved to the main folder) | ✅ It can be (removed after export) |
| MIUI/theme | Downloaded design themes and their settings | ❌ No (reset to standard topic) |
The heaviest subfolder is usually MIUI/gallery, because it stores a thumbnail cache for all photos and videos. On devices with a large number of media files, it can be as large as 1-2 GB. However, it does not make sense to manually clean it: the system itself deletes outdated data when memory is not enough.
The MIUI/extra folder (if you have one on your device) is a stand-alone folder, which stores files for additional functions, such as:
- 🎵 Sound circuits for dual speakers (on the POCO F4, Redmi K50).
- 🖼️ Animated Wallpapers for Super Wallpapers.
- 🤖 Configurations for AI assistant XiaoAI (in Chinese firmware).
What happens if you delete the MIUI folder completely?
How to access MIUI folder without root rights
If you don’t have root access but need to copy or view the contents of the MIUI folder, use one of these methods:
Method 1: Through ADB (without root)
Connect your smartphone to your computer and execute the commands:
adb shell
ls /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/To copy files to the PC:
adb pull /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/theme/ C:\MIUI_backup\Method 2: Alternative file managers
Applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer can show hidden system folders without root.
- Install the manager from Google Play.
- In the settings, turn on Root mode (even if there is no root, sometimes it works).
- Go to /storage/emulated/0/ and find MIUI.
Method 3: Backup with Mi PC Suite
The official Mi PC Suite utility when creating a backup can include system data from the MIUI folder.
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC through USB.
- 🔄 Select Backup → System data.
- 📁 In the archives, find a folder. MIUI (usually backup\system\).
⚠️ Note: Not all files from MIUI For example, encrypted theme settings (.mtz) may not open on other devices.
Can I delete the MIUI folder and what happens if I do it?
Deleting the MIUI folder won’t free up much disk space (usually 50 to 300 MB), but it can cause serious shell failures.
- 🎨 MIUI/theme: Resetting all topics to standard, errors in applying new topics.
- 📱 MIUI/backups: Impossible restore settings from backup.
- 🖼️ MIUI/gallery: Slow download of miniatures in the Gallery (you will have to wait for the rebuilding of the cache).
- 🔊 MIUI/extra: User sound circuits and wallpaper will disappear.
If you want to clean the folder, do it selectively:
- Copy the contents on your PC (in case of recovery).
- Remove only the safe subfolders: debug_log, Screenrecorder (if there are no active records).
- Restart the device and check the stability of the operation.
💡
If you are critically short of space, use the built-in Cleanup function in Settings → Memory. It will remove unnecessary cache without risk to the system.
Some forums recommend removing the MIUI folder to “speed up the phone,” a myth that the shell will simply restore it the next time system applications run, and the temporary performance gains (if any) are not worth the potential problems.
Frequent Mistakes When Working with MIUI Folder and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when trying to modify the MIUI folder, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Delete folder through ADB without backup | Reset themes and wallpapers, errors in settings | First, copy the folder to the PC with the adb pull command. |
| Manually edit files in MIUI/theme | Crash of the application Topics or cyclical reboot | Use only official.mtz files. |
| Moving the folder to SD-map | System applications will stop seeing settings | The folder must be in the internal memory. |
| Change access rights (chmod) without root | Loss of access to the folder, even for the system | Do not change the rights manually without the need |
Especially careful is the need to work with folders on devices with a locked bootloader (most global versions of Xiaomi), where any wrong action can lead to soft-brick (the phone will turn on, but not load beyond the logo).
💡
If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to use official cleaning tools (e.g., Safety → Cleaning) instead of manual intervention.