Where to Find a Hidden Folder on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to System Directories MIUI

Xiaomi smartphones based on firmware MIUI They hide a lot of system files and folders from users, and they do this to protect data and prevent the accidental deletion of important components. For example, to restore deleted photos, manually install firmware or search for backups, unlike Android in its pure form, where hidden files are displayed after you turn on the appropriate option, in the case of a new version of the device. MIUI It is more complicated because of the additional protection from the company.

Many users mistakenly believe that root rights are necessary to view hidden folders. In fact, most of the functionality is available without them – just know the right paths and use standard file manager tools. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to find hidden directories on Xiaomi, from basic to advanced, and explain what data is stored in them and whether it can be safely changed.

If you have never worked with system files, be careful: wrong actions can lead to malfunctions in the smartphone. MIUI 14/15 (including HyperOS), but some paths may differ on older firmware.

What are hidden folders on Xiaomi and why do you need them?

Hidden folders in MIUI — These are system directories that are not displayed in the standard file manager by default:

• 📁 System Files – Critical Components of Firmware (/system, /vendor), Changes that cannot be made without root rights.
• 🔄 Backup copies – automatically created MIUI copies of settings, messages and applications (MIUI/backup).
• 📱 Application data – cache, settings and temporary program files (/data/data), root-only.

The main reason for hiding these folders is to protect against accidental deletion, such as deleting files from the files. /system can cause a "brick" of the device (complete inoperability), and the folder cleanup MIUI/backup It will deprive you of the opportunity to restore SMS But sometimes, you need to access that data:

• 🔍 Recovering Deleted Photos from the Folder DCIM/.thumbnails.
• 📲 Manual installation of firmware through downloaded_rom.
• 🔧 Transferring backups to another phone.
• 🛠️ Diagnostics of application problems (logs in the /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log).

⚠️ Note: Even if you see system folders through the file manager, most of them will be read-only. Trying to change files without root rights will lead to the error "Permission denied".

On the new versions MIUI (starting MIUI 12) some of the hidden data has been moved to a secure storage facility, which further restricts access, but there are still workarounds, which we'll talk about later.

Method 1: Enable the display of hidden files in a standard file manager

The easiest method is to use Xiaomi’s built-in Explorer (or Files), which, despite its limitations, allows you to see some hidden folders without additional software.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Categories tab (or Browser in older versions).
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Settings".
4. Activate the "Show hidden files" switch.
5. Go back to the root catalogue (/storage/emulated/0/) and update the list (swipe down).

After that, you will see folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (for example,.thumbnails,.miui (/data, /system) They will still be hidden – other methods will be required to view them.

Check the version. MIUI (starting MIUI 12.5 The path may be different)

Restart the Files app after changing your settings

Make sure you have sufficient rights (guest mode restricts access)

Try an alternative file manager (see Method 2)-->

If you need backups or system logs, look for the following paths (available without root):

⚠️ Attention: Folder downloaded_rom It's only created after you first download the firmware through System Update. If you don't, download any firmware for your model, and the directory will automatically appear.

Method 2: Using third-party file managers (without root)

The standard "Conductor" from Xiaomi is limited in functionality, so it is better to use third-party applications to access hidden folders.

• 📂 Solid Explorer supports Root and FTP, has a built-in archiver.
• 🔍 FX File Explorer – shows hidden system files (including the file file) /data reading-on).
• 🛠️ MiXplorer – optimized for Xiaomi, works without the Internet.

Instructions for Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the side menu and select "Settings" → "Display".
3. Activate options: "Show hidden files" "Show system files" (requires confirmation)

/storage/emulated/0/

With Solid Explorer, you can see more folders than in a standard manager, including:

• .android_secure — application-data.
• .cache is a cache of system processes.
• .estrongs are temporary files of some file managers.

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If you need system logs to diagnose crashes, look for files with the.log or.txt extension in folders. /MIUI/debug_log and /sdcard/log. They can be sent to support Xiaomi for analysis.

Note: Even with these apps, changing system files (/system, /vendor) You can't have root rights without them. You can only view their content in read mode.

The standard "Files" from Xiaomi|Solid Explorer|FX File Explorer|MiXplorer|Other-->

Method 3: Access to hidden folders through ADB (for advanced users)

If you need full rights to read hidden directories (for example, for diagnostics or backup), you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method does not require root, but involves connecting the smartphone to a computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the assembly number → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Commands to view hidden folders:

adb shell


ls -la /storage/emulated/0/ # View the root directory with hidden files




cd /data/data/ # Attempt to go to the application data folder (requires root)




pull /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/backup C:\Backup\# Backup copying on PC

With help. ADB You can copy hidden files to a computer, but you can't change them, for example, to save error logs:

adb pull /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log/ C:\Xiaomi_Logs\

⚠️ Note: Adb shell su will not work unless Magisk or another root manager is installed on your smartphone. Without root, you can only view files with current user rights.

Method 4: Search for hidden folders through TWRP (for users with an unlocked loader)

If your Xiaomi has custom recovery installed TWRP, You get full access to all parts of the system, including the hidden parts:

• 🔧 Hand-held backup section. /data.
• 📁 Recovering deleted files from /sdcard.
• 🔄 Modified firmware installations.

How to find hidden folders in TWRP:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press the volume up. + Food for entry TWRP.
2. Select "Advanced" → "File Manager".
3. Go to section. /data/media/0/ (analogue /storage/emulated/0/ regular-android).
4. Click on the folder and select "Copy" to save it to an external drive.

V TWRP You will see all the hidden directories, including:

• .android_secure — application-data.
• .estrongs are temporary files.
• MIUI/backup/AllBackup — full backups of the system.

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TWRP It allows you to copy hidden folders even without root rights, but it requires an unlocked bootloader. /data/data without a superuser.

Please note: in TWRP You cannot change files in sections. /system or /vendor — This will cause a download failure. Use this method only to copy the data.

What hidden folders can be safely changed and which can not

Not all hidden directories are equally critical, and here is a table of permitted and prohibited actions:

The only folder that is almost always safe to change — MIUI/backup. It can be cleaned to free up space, but copy important backups to your PC before you do.

If you need to vacate space, first check the following directories:

• 🗑️.thumbnails – can be removed (miniatures will be restored automatically).
• 🗑️.cache - cache of system processes (cleaned without consequences).
• 🗑️ downloaded_rom — If the firmware is already installed, the folder can be cleaned.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete the Android folder or MIUI The entire file will cause a malfunction of Xiaomi applications and services, and only delete specific files inside if you are sure of their purpose.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with hidden folders, users often face the following problems:

• 🚫 "Folder won’t open – check access permissions (maybe root is needed).
• 🔒 "No access" - use ADB or TWRP copy.
• 🗃️ "The folder disappeared after the reboot — some directories (for example, downloaded_rom) They are created only when the firmware is loaded.
• 📱 "The phone stopped turning on — most likely, the files were changed to /system.

How to Recover Your Phone After Errors:

• If the smartphone does not turn on, try to log in to Fastboot (Loudness down). + Power) and reflash the device via the Mi Flash Tool.
• If the data disappears, check the folder. MIUI/backup Or use programs like DiskDigger to restore your system.
• If the applications are not working, clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management.

To minimize the risks:

1. Always backup before changing hidden files.
2. Use it. TWRP to create a full copy of the section /data.
3. Do not modify files with the extension.apk,.odex or.so are system components.

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If you accidentally delete an important hidden folder (for example, MIUI/backup), Try to restore it through Recuva or 7-Data Recovery on PC. Connect your phone in mode. MTP And scan your internal memory.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Hidden Folders