Xiaomi DATA: what is this section, how to decrypt it and restore data

If you've ever connected a Xiaomi smartphone to a computer via fastboot or tried to understand the structure of internal memory, you've probably encountered a mysterious section of DATA. It's not just a folder with user files, it's an encrypted container where all your applications, settings, cache and even some system data are stored. Without the right approach, it can not be accessed: neither through a standard file manager nor through ADB.

Complicating the problem, Xiaomi uses File-Based Encryption (FBE), a piece-by-piece encryption tied to a device’s hardware key, which means that even if you extract a userdata partition via dd or TWRP, without the right key, the data will remain unreadable. In this article, we’ll discuss legitimate ways to decrypt (to recover your data), and warn about the risks that can turn a smartphone into a brick.

What is the DATA partition on Xiaomi and why is it encrypted

The DATA (or /data) section is the primary store of user data on Android devices, and on Xiaomi smartphones it includes:

• 📁 Annexes and their data (/data/app, /data/data)
• 🔑 System settings (Wi-Fi passwords, accounts, wallpapers)
• 🗃️ Application cache and Dalvik artifacts
• 📱 Media files (unless a separate section is used) /sdcard)

Since Android 7.0, Xiaomi has implemented FBE (File-Based Encryption is a technology where each file is encrypted separately with a unique key. FDE (Full-Disk Encryption, which encrypted the entire partition. FBE:

• ⚡ Fast boot: The system can read only the right files without decrypting the entire partition.
• 🔒 Security: Even if a device is stolen, data remains secure.
• 🔄 Flexibility: Support for multiple users with different keys.

But there's a downside: if you forget your screen lock password or reset your settings through Mi Account, you can't restore access to your data without the original encryption key. This isn't a marketing ploy -- that's how the Android architecture works.

⚠️ Attention: Any manipulation of the section /data This can lead to loss of warranty and “bricking” of the device.If you are not sure about your actions, contact the Xiaomi service center.

DATA Partition Structure: Where to Store It

To understand how to decrypt data, you need to know where it is located. The /data section on Xiaomi has a hierarchical structure:

It is important to understand that even if you access a partition via TWRP, files in /data/data will have names like com.android.providers.settings-1.db-crypt12. These are encrypted containers that cannot be opened without a key.

The encryption keys are stored in:

• 🔑 /data/unencrypted/ — time-key.
• 🔑 /metadata/ — Encryption metadata (available only in TWRP supportive FBE).
• 🔑 Keymaster is a physical chip that never reveals the keys directly.

Preparation for decryption: what you will need

Before you try to decrypt /data, make sure you have:

Unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader)

Installed Custom Recovery (TWRP with FBE support)

Backup copy of section /data (team `adb backup` through TWRP)

Knowing the password/pin of the lock screen (if the device is not reset)

Computer with ADB/Fastboot and drivers for Xiaomi-->

If you lost access to your device (for example, after a reset via Find My Device), the chances of data recovery tend to zero. Xiaomi does not provide decryption master keys - this is contrary to Android's security policy.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and established ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original, with data transmission support).
• 📱 TWRP supportive FBE (For example, the official version for your model).
• 🔐 Lock password (if the device is not reset).

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Account and forget your password, an attempt to reset via fastboot will result in Anti-Rollback activation and possible loss of your password. IMEI. Data recovery will not be possible after this.

If your goal is simply to copy files (photos, videos), try first connecting your smartphone to MTP (file transfer). Many users confuse /data/media/0 (internal memory) with encrypted /data/data.

Method 1: TWRP decryption (if you know the password)

If you have TWRP installed and remember the lock password, you can temporarily mount the /data partition to copy files.

Step-by-step:

1. Download to TWRP (hold Power + Volume Up when enabled).
2. Go to Mount → Enable MTP.
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer.
4. In TWRP, select Advanced → File Manager.
5. Go to /data/data and try to open the folder of any application.
6. If you have a password request, enter it, and then the files will be available for copying.

If TWRP does not request a password, but the files are displayed as *.crypt12, then:

• 🔴 Your version. TWRP supportive FBE.
• 🔴 The device was reset via Mi Account and the encryption keys were removed.

twrp decrypt [your password]

This will force the decryption process to start.-->

To copy data via ADB (if the MTP does not work):

adb pull /data/media/0/DCIM ~/Desktop/photos_backup

Method 2: Retrieving keys via ADB (advanced method)

If you have root access and the device is not locked, you can try to extract the encryption keys through ADB. This method only works on unlocked devices with an active user session.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and allow debugging over USB.
2. Enter the command to get the key list: adb shell su -c "ls -la /data/unencrypted/"
3. Copy key files (if any): adb pull /data/unencrypted/de_keystore ~/Desktop/keys_backup
4. Use utilities like Android Backup Extractor to work with backups.

Note that current versions of MIUI block access to /data/unencrypted even from root, in which case only a physical memory dump via dd will help, but this requires professional equipment.

⚠️ Note: Copying keys from someone else's device is a violation of data privacy law.This instruction is only for the recovery of your own data.

Method 3: Recovering data after reset (if no password is available)

If the device was reset via Mi Account or fastboot and you didn't backup, the chances of data recovery are minimal.

1. Verification of Google backups:

• 🔄 Go to Google Drive and check the Backup folder.
• 📱 Install the same app on a new device – some data (like WhatsApp messages) can be recovered from the cloud.

2. Use of professional tools:

• 🛠️ Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver – can scan internal memory at a low level.
• 💾 Chip-Off – retrieving memory chips and reading through a programmer (expensive, requires a specialist).

Memory card check:

If you've used SD-The card is an internal memory function, which may have been left intact. Connect the card to another device via an adapter.

💡

If a smartphone is reset via Mi Account, all encryption keys in /data/unencrypted are permanently deleted, and data recovery can only be done through cloud backups or physical intervention (often more expensive than a new phone).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with /data, users often face the following problems:

The most common mistake is trying to flash custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader, which leads to the activation of Anti-Rollback and loss of IMEI. Always check the lock status through:

fastboot oem device-info

If Device unlocked: false is in the answer, first unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions