Memory Access on Xiaomi: How to Allow and Configure Rights to Xiaomi MIUI

Xiaomi smartphones based on firmware MIUI They are known for their strict restrictions on access to system partitions and user files. Even after obtaining root rights or unlocking the bootloader, many people encounter errors such as Denied Access when trying to open folders through a file manager or connect the device to a PC. In this article, we will analyze all methods of access permissions - from the basic settings MIUI Advanced Methods for Developers.

The problem is complicated by the fact that Xiaomi regularly updates the security policy: what worked in the company. MIUI 12, may not work in MIUI 14 or HyperOS. We took into account the current changes in 2026 and collected solutions for different scenarios: from simple connection to simple. MTP beforehand ADB And we'll focus on application settings, storage access rights, and circumventing restrictions. MIUI loss of guarantee.

Why is Xiaomi blocking access to memory?

Restrictions on access to the file system MIUI — It's not a developer's whim, it's part of a layered security system:

• 🔒 Protection against malware: MIUI By default, it blocks applications from accessing system folders (for example, /data or /system), To prevent the modification of critical files.
• 📱 Google policy: Starting with Android 11, Google has tightened the requirements for differentiating access to storage (Scoped Storage.
• 🛡️ Personal Data Protection: Folders like DCIM Downloads are available by default only to trusted applications (gallery, browser).
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: Newer versions (e.g. HyperOS) add mechanisms MIUI Optimization that override even the rights of the superuser.

It is important to understand that locks are divided into two types:

1. Programmatic – Limitations at the level MIUI (resolve through settings or ADB).
2. Hardware – bootloader lock, which requires official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Note: If you see a message saying, “This device is locked. Unlock it via Mi Account” when you connect to your PC, the problem is not access rights, but the binding of your Mi Account.

Basic settings for accessing memory in MIUI

Before you resort to complex methods, check the basic settings. Often the problem is solved in several taps:

1. Access permission for file manager

By default, even the standard Files by Google or Mi File Manager application may not have full permissions to enable them:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Files (or your file manager) and tap it.
3. Go to Permits. → Storage and enable "Allow access to all files».
4. Go back and activate the Change System Settings option (if available).

2.Tune in. MTP-PC-connection

If your computer doesn’t see files on Xiaomi or if it gives you a “Device not recognized” error, follow these steps:

• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your PC via the original cable (failed cables often cause failures) MTP).
• 📱 On the phone in the notification curtain, select the "File Transfer" mode» (MTP). If the option is inactive, reconnect the cable.
• 🖥️ On PC, install Mi drivers PC Suite (download from the official website).
• 🔄 If the files are not displayed, restart both devices.

Original cable connected|Selected “File transfer” mode"|Mi drivers installed PC Suite|Is the problem still there? (if so, see the section on the subject). ADB)-->

If after these actions the PC still does not see the folder (for example, DCIM or Pictures, the problem may be in settings USB-debugging MIUI Optimization. This is discussed in the following sections.

Permitting access through ADB (rootless)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge is a universal tool for managing Android devices via the command line, which allows you to unlock memory without getting root rights. MIUI, including HyperOS.

Preparation for working with ADB

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔧 Utility. ADB (download from the official website).

Commands to unlock access

Connect your phone to your PC, open the terminal (or Command Prompt) and execute commands in order:

adb devices

(Your device should show up. If not, check the drivers and allow debugging on your phone.)

adb shell


settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

This team is disabling the restrictions on hidden API, which MIUI uses to block access.

settings put global storage_manager_enabled true

Includes full storage access for all applications.

exit

After you execute the commands, restart your smartphone. Now the file manager and PC must have access to all folders, including the folders. Android/data and MIUI.

⚠️ Attention: Teams hidden_api_policy If access is still restricted, try an alternative method using pm grant (see next section).

💡

After the teams ADB Access to folders appeared, but after a few days disappeared – repeat the procedure. MIUI Sometimes resets these settings after updates.

Getting root rights for full access

If you need full control of the file system (for example, to edit system files or backup) /data), You can't do without root rights, but this is a risk:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unblocked unofficially).
• 🔄 Data reset when unlocking the loader.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities (root opens access to system files for all applications).

Official method: unlocking the loader

Xiaomi allows you to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, but with limitations:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device (Settings) → Mi Account → Synchronization).
2. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
3. Run the utility on your PC, log in to your account and follow the instructions. Importantly, once unlocked, all data will be erased!
4. Install custom restoration (TWRP) and firmware with support for Magisk for root.

Informal methods (for experienced users)

If official unlocking is not available (for example, on HyperOS devices), you can use:

• 🔓 Exploit methods (e.g., DirtyPipe for older versions of the kernel).
• 📦 Modified firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS) where restrictions are MIUI removed.
• 🛠️ Patched boot images with pre-installed Magisk.

Detailed instructions for each method are published weekly on the forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA. However, remember: informal ways can lead to device blinks or problems with the device. OTA-update.

Yes, successfully.|Yeah, but it's a brick.|No, I'm afraid I'll lose my guarantee.|I'm planning on trying.-->

Solving problems with access to external memory (SD-map)

If Xiaomi can't see SD-the card or block the record on it, the problem may be:

• 📁 Formatting: MIUI supports FAT32 exFAT. NTFS doesn't work!
• 🔒 Access Rights: By default, applications cannot write files to SD-map.
• 🔄 File system errors: If a card is defined as “damaged,” it must be formatted.

How to set up SD-map as an internal memory

If you want to use SD-map as part of the internal storage (Adoptable Storage function), do the following:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → [Name of name SD-map] → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
3. Select "Inner Memory" and follow the instructions. Attention: all data on the map will be erased!
4. After formatting, transfer data from internal memory to SD-map (optional).

Recording permission for applications

If an application (such as a camera or file bootloader) cannot store data on the SD-map:

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application].
2. Go to Permits. → Warehouse.
3. Activate the option to “Allow access to” SD-map».
4. If there is no option, use it. ADB:

adb shell pm grant package.applications android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

Overcoming restrictions MIUI Optimization

MIUI Optimization is a set of system services that optimize performance but block access to certain features at the same time. For example, even with root rights, you may encounter a Read-only file system error when trying to change files to a file. /system.

How to turn off MIUI Optimization

The method works with most devices MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Activate the Developer Mode (as described above).
2. Turn on USB debugging and connect the phone to the PC.
3. Follow the command:

adb shell


settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1

Now, many of the restrictions will be removed, but some features MIUI (For example, gestures or animations may not work smoothly.

Restoring access to system folders

If after optimisation is disabled, access to /system or /vendor It's still locked, you can do it:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




mount -o rw,remount /vendor

These commands will temporarily rewire partitions to write mode. Be careful: changing system files can cause system failure!

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after all the settings, users are faced with typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

1. "Rejected access" when opening the folder

Reason: MIUI Blocks access to system folders (for example, /data/data) even for root applications.

Decision:

• Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
• Perform in ADB:

adb shell


su




chmod 777 /data/data/package.applications

2. the PC does not see files through MTP

Reason: Driver failure or conflict with Mi PC Suite.

Decision:

• Remove all Xiaomi drivers through Device Manager (Windows).
• Install universal Google drivers USB Driver.
• Try connecting via another port. USB cable.

3. "Storage is full" error, although space is ample

Reason: MIUI reserve part of the memory for system needs (cache, logs).

Decision:

• Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• Remove unnecessary files from /MIUI/debug_log (root).
• Disable log collection: adb shell setprop persist.logd.size 0.

💡

If none of the methods worked, check the integrity of the file system through fsck in recovery mode (TWRP).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions