How to find and show hidden files on Android: a complete guide with pictures

Have you ever tried to find an important file on your smartphone, but it seems to have disappeared? Hidden files on Android are not a bug, but a feature of the system. They are hidden by default to prevent users from accidentally deleting system data or disrupting applications. But sometimes access to them is simply necessary: ​​to recover deleted photos, edit configuration files, or clear the cache manually.

In this article we will examine all current ways to display hidden files from standard tools to advanced methods using ADB. You will learn how to enable the display of hidden folders in popular file managers (Files by Google, Mi File Manager, Solid Explorer), what to do if files are not displayed even after enabling the option, and how to safely work with system data. And also - a unique method for devices with root access, which allows you to see even protected Android files.

Why files become hidden and where to look for them

In Android, hidden files and folders are indicated by a dot at the beginning of the name (for example .nomedia or .thumbnails). This is a legacy of Unix systems, where such a prefix signals a service purpose. The main reasons why files are hidden:

• 📁 System data: folders /data, /system or /cache contain critical files for the operation of the OS. Changing them without root access may lead to failures.
• 🔒 Application privacy: messengers (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) hide media files in folders like .Statuses or .Telegramso that they are not displayed in the gallery.
• 🗑️ Cache and temporary files: browsers, games and social networks create hidden folders for storing temporary data (for example, .com.android.browser).
• 🛠️ User Settings: some applications (for example, Termux or KDE Connect) store configuration files in hidden form (.config, .ssh).

Where to look for hidden files? In 90% of cases they are located in the root directory of the internal memory (/storage/emulated/0/) or on SD card (/storage/XXXX-XXXX/). Less often - in folders of specific applications (/Android/data/com.package.name/). Important: not all hidden files are safe to delete! For example, deleting .nomedia will lead to media files from the folder starting to appear in the gallery again.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ access to some hidden folders (for example, /Android/data/) is limited even for file managers. This is due to policy. Scoped StorageTo bypass the restriction, you will need root or ADB.

Method 1: Standard file manager (without root)

The easiest method is to use the built-in file manager. On most smartphones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo) it is pre-installed. The instructions are universal, but there may be minor differences in the interface.

Open the application "Files" (or Mi File Manager, File Manager+ depending on the brand). Next:

1. Click on the three dots (⋮) or swipe to the right to open the side menu.
2. Select Settings → Show hidden files (or Show system files).
3. Go back to the root directory - now folders with a dot at the beginning of the name will be visible (they are translucent or gray).

If the option is not in the menu, try alternative path:

Settings → Advanced → Show hidden files and folders

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS on Oppo/Realme) you may need to enable Developer mode (7 taps by build number in Settings → About phone) to unlock additional options in the file manager.

Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings|Reboot the device|Update the file manager via Google Play|Try another manager (for example, Solid Explorer)|Check if files are hidden via .nomedia-->

Method 2: Total Commander - an advanced manager with advanced functions

Total Commander is one of the most powerful file managers for Android. It supports working with FTP, ZIP archives and, of course, hidden files. The advantage over standard solutions is its flexible settings. display and the ability to edit system files (with root).

How to enable the display of hidden files in Total Commander:

1. Download and install the application from Google Play.
2. Launch it and tap on the icon ⋮ (menu) → Settings.
3. Go to section Display and activate the options:
   • 🔹 Show hidden files
   • 🔹 Show system files (requires root)
   • 🔹 Show files without extension

There is useful information. function Total Commander there is a useful function Multi-selection (long press on the file → checkmark). With its help, you can quickly delete unnecessary hidden folders (for example, .thumbnails - image thumbnail cache) or archive them before deleting.

Standard (from the smartphone manufacturer)|Total Commander|Solid Explorer|FX File Explorer|Other-->

⚠️ Attention: In Total Commander when the mode is enabled Show system files you can accidentally delete critical data For example, deleting. folder /data/dalvik-cache will lead to a reboot cycle of the device. Always make a backup copy before making changes!

Method 3: Using ADB (for advanced users)

If the file manager does not show hidden files even after enabling the option, or you need access to protected system folders (for example, /data/data/will help Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a connection to a PC, but gives maximum control.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed drivers ADB.
• 📱 Smartphone with switched on USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Number assembly → 7 taps → return to Settings → System → For developers).
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Download Platform Tools from Google and unpack archive.
2. Connect your smartphone to the PC and in the terminal (or command line) do:

   adb devices

   If the device is displayed in the list, enter:

   adb shell

3. To see hidden files in the current directory, use:

   ls -la

   Flag -a shows all files (including hidden ones), and -l displays detailed information.

4. For navigation, use the commands:

   cd /storage/emulated/0/ # go to internal memory
   cd .. # go to level above
   pwd # show the current directory

To copy a hidden file to a PC, use:

adb pull /path/to/file C:\folder_on_pc\

For example, to copy file .bashrc:

adb pull /data/data/com.termux/files/home/.bashrc C:\backup\

adb kill-server
adb start-server

Method 4: Root access - full control over hidden files

If you have root access, you get unlimited access to all files on the system, including hidden and protected ones. This allows you to edit system configs, delete unnecessary cache or restore deleted data. However root voids the warranty and increases the security risk.

How to enable showing hidden files with root:

1. Install a file manager with root support, for example Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. When you first start, give the application root access (a request from SuperSU or Magisk).
3. In the manager settings, activate:
   • 🔹 Show hidden files
   • 🔹 Mount as R/W (read/write for system folders)
   • 🔹 Show files without extensions
4. Now you can view and edit any files, including:
   • 📂 /data/data/ - application data
   • 📂 /system/ — Android system files
   • 📂 /dev/ —devices and drivers

With root you can, for example:

• 🔧 Remove unnecessary system applications (/system/priv-app/).
• 📱 Change files build.prop for performance tweaks.
• 🗃️ Recover deleted files from folders like /data/media/0/.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of files in /system/ or /data/ may result to brick (complete inoperability) of the device. Always make a backup copy through TWRP or Titanium Backup before changes!

Method 5: Alternative methods (ES Explorer, FX File Explorer, Termux)

If standard methods do not help, try specialized applications. They often have unique functions for working with hidden ones. data.

1. ES Explorer (outdated, but functional)

ES File Explorer was once the leader among file managers, but after advertising scandals its popularity fell. However, it still supports working with hidden files:

1. Open ES Explorer and swipe right to access the menu.
2. Go to Settings → Display.
3. Activate Show hidden files and Show system files (the latter requires root).
4. To access root folders (/data/, /system/) click Root Explorer in the side menu.

2. FX File Explorer (with support for cloud storage)

FX File Explorer is distinguished by support for Nextcloud, Dropbox i SFTPTo show hidden files:

1. Tap on the icon ⋮ → Settings.
2. Select Display and Icons → Show hidden files.
3. For root access, go to Access Mode and select Root.

3. Termux (to work via the console)

Termux - this terminal emulator for Android. You can use it to manage hidden files through Linux commands:

1. Install Termux from Google Play or F-Droid.
2. Update packages:

   pkg update && pkg upgrade

3. To view hidden files in the current one directories:

   ls -la

4. For navigation use:

   cd /storage/emulated/0/ # internal memory
   cd ~/ # home directory Termux

B Termux possible install mc (Midnight Commander) for convenient file management:

pkg install mc
mc

This will give you a two-panel interface, like in Total Commander, but with support for all Linux commands.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after enabling the option, hidden files may not be displayed. Let's consider typical situations and ways to fix them.

1. Files are not visible, although the option is enabled

Possible reasons and solutions:

• 🔄 File cache manager: clear the application data in Settings → Applications → [Manager] → Storage → Clear cache.
• 📱 Android 11+ limitations: on new versions of Android, access to some folders (for example /Android/data/) is blocked. Use ADB or root.
• 🔍 The files are really deleted: check the trash in the file manager or use recovery apps (DiskDigger, Recuva via PC).
• 🛡️ Antivirus blocks access: temporarily disable real-time protection (for example, c Avast or 360 Security).

2. You cannot delete or edit a hidden file

If the file is protected from changes:

• 🔐 Check access rights via ls -l v Termux or ADB. If there is d-------at the beginning of the line, you do not have rights.
• 🛠️ To change rights, use:

  chmod 777 file_name

  (root required).

• 📌 If the file is in use by the system, reboot the device into Safe Mode (hold down the power button → Reboot in Safe Mode).

3. Hidden files take a lot space

Most often space is occupied by:

• 📸 .thumbnails — cache of image thumbnails (can be deleted).
• 🎵 .nomedia —do not delete, otherwise media files from the folder will appear in the gallery.
• 🗑️ .cache in application folders — cache of games and social networks.
• 📥 Download/.unconfirmed —underloaded files.

To clear unnecessary hidden files, use the command in ADB:

adb shell rm -rf /sdcard/.thumbnails/*
adb shell rm -rf /sdcard//.cache/

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

mv file.txt .file.txt