Where are hidden folders on Xiaomi and how to open them: the complete guide

Have you ever encountered a situation where Xiaomi does not have enough space, but you can not see anything in the standard file manager? Or tried to find saved screenshots and they disappeared somewhere? Most likely, the files are hidden in hidden folders MIUI special directories that the system hides from the user by default. In this article, we will analyze where exactly such folders are stored, how to make them visible and what to do if they disappeared after the update.

Hidden folders on Xiaomi are divided into two types: system (created by MIUI to run the OS) and user (hidden by hand or apps). The former contain cache, log files and application data, and the latter contain your personal files that someone or something has hidden. For example, instant messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp often save media in hidden directories so as not to clog the gallery.

Why Xiaomi is hiding folders and what is stored in them

MIUI (even in the latest Android 14-based versions) uses hidden folders to:

• 📁 System Logs – Files with Error Reports (/data/anr/, /data/tombstones/). It is necessary to diagnose failures, but take up to 1–2 GB.
• 🔒 Application cache – temporary files from /data/data/ (For example, Google Play Services or Mi Browser cache).
• 📸 Media from messengers – photos and videos downloaded in Telegram or Viber, often lie in the Internet.Telegram/ or.Viber/.
• 🔄 Backups - backups SMS, call-and-set MIUI into /MIUI/backup/.

In addition, some folders are hidden for security reasons, such as /data/adb/, which contains files for debugging through ADB, and /system/, which are critical components of the OS. Their accidental deletion can lead to a device blink (complete failure).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from folders /system/, /vendor/ or /data/dalvik-cache/ It can disrupt your job. MIUI and require a reflash.

Custom hidden folders are usually created by:

• 📱 Applications (e.g. Galery Lock or File Hide Expert).
• 🔐 Manually through the file manager (if you add a dot to the beginning of the folder name).
• 🤖 System when transferring files to SD-map.android_secure/).

Method 1: Enabling the Display of Hidden Files in MIUI

The easiest method is to activate the hidden elements display in the standard Xiaomi file manager. The instruction is suitable for all devices on MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.):

1. Open the Files app** (a blue background folder icon).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings**.
3. Scroll down and turn on the “Show Hidden Files” switch**.
4. Return to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and update the list (pull the screen down).

After that, you'll see folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g.,.thumbdata,.miui,.cache).

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📂 Check out other sections (for example, SD-map or internal memory).
• 🔍 Use a search by folder name (magnifying glass icon in the file manager).

Some firmware, like MIUI Global for the European region, has a deeper option.

1. Find Files and click Storage → Clear Data** (this will reset the manager’s settings).

Method 2: Using Third-Party File Managers

If the standard MIUI manager doesn't show hidden folders even after you turn on the option, install an alternative app.

Instructions for Solid Explorer (similar to other managers):

.data

.android_secure

💡

If you are using MiXplorer, enable the “Show hidden files” option in the settings, then go to /storage/emulated/0/ and manually enter the name of the hidden folder in the address bar (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/.thumbdata).

Third-party managers are also useful for working with SD-maps MIUI often hides folders like.android_secure (Here are stored data applications transferred to the map).

Method 3: Search for hidden folders through ADB (no root)

If files are not displayed even in third-party managers, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root rights, but you need to activate debugging over USB:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version** (you will be notified "You are a developer").

USB-debugging

V TWRP You can see folders that are not available even through ADB, for example, /data/app/ (a) or (a) the appendixes specified /data/user_de/0/ (User data. However, be careful:

• 🚫 Do not delete files with the.odex or.apk extension – this can break apps.
• 🔧 If you need to change system files, first make a backup in the TWRP («Backup» → Select the "System" and "Data" sections»**).