What to do if Xiaomi does not open files: fix format errors and damage

You downloaded an important document, photo or video, but Xiaomi's phone persistently issues a "File is corrupted" or "Format is not supported" error? This problem is familiar to many users of the brand's smartphones, from budget Redmi to flagship Mi 13 Ultra. The reasons can lie in the file itself (incompatible format, broken sectors when loaded) and in the phone's settings (no codecs, file system errors).

It’s important to understand that if a file is physically damaged (e.g., if a flash drive is incorrectly removed or a download fails), the chances of recovery depend on the extent of the damage. But in 70% of cases, the problem is solved software-free, without data loss. We have collected current methods for MIUI 14/15, tested on models from 2020-2026, including the POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 14 Pro.

Why Xiaomi does not open files: the main reasons

Before you start fixing, identify the root of the problem, and here are typical scenarios where files are not available:

• 📱 Unsupported format: The phone does not recognize the extension (for example,.heic for photos or.flac for audio) because the phone does not recognize the extension. MIUI missing the necessary codecs.
• 🔧 Transfer Damage: The file is downloaded with errors due to unstable internet or interrupted copying (e.g., when retrieving) USB-channel without safe shutdown).
• 🛠️ File system failures: errors in the phone's memory structure (often after falls, overheating, or abrupt power outages).
• 🔒 Security constraints: MIUI Blocks the launch of executable files (.apk,.exe) due to the settings "Data Protection».
• 📁 Access rights problems: the file is saved in a secure folder (for example, Android/data), And apps can't read it.

Errors are especially common with multimedia (video in.mkv, audio in.opus) and archives (.rar,.7z). For example, the standard Mi Video player does not support.avi with DivX codecs, and the Gallery may not open.webp due to MIUI optimization.

File format check: Does Xiaomi support it?

If the phone says "Format not supported", the first thing you do is to specify the file extension.

1. Open the Explorer (the Files app).
2. Find the problem file and hold your finger on it → select Properties.
3. See the Type or Extension field (e.g.,.mp4,.docx).

Compare the extension to the list of supported formats in MIUI:

If your format is in the third column, install a specialized application, such as:

• 📷 For.heic: HEIF Viewer or Google Photos (automatically convert).
• 🎬 For.avi/.mkv: VLC or MX Player (with additional codecs).
• 📄 For.pages: Microsoft Word (opens with conversion).

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If the file is downloaded from the Internet, try opening it on your computer – this will help determine whether the problem is in the phone or in the file itself.

How to recover damaged files on Xiaomi

If the file is partially or completely damaged (for example, the video slows down, the document is not paged, the archive is not unpacked), use these methods:

1. Checksum verification (for downloaded files)

If you downloaded a file from the Internet, compare its checksum (hash) with the original.

1. Install the Hash Droid app from Google Play.
2. Select the file → click “Calculate”.
3. Compare the resulting MD5/SHA-1 with what is listed on the source site.

If the amounts don't match, the file is corrupted when you download it, and download it again, preferably through a stable Wi-Fi connection.

2. PC Recovery

For serious damage (for example, broken sectors on a flash drive), connect your phone to your computer and use programs:

• 🖥️ Recuva – Recovers deleted/damaged photos and documents.
• 🎵 Audacity – can pull sound from damaged video.
• 📂 7-Zip — Sometimes unpacks broken archives (the option to "Change" is used»).

3. Correction of File System Errors

If the problem occurs with all files on the memory card or internal memory, check:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open “This Computer” → Right-Click on the phone’s Disk → “Properties” → “Service” → “Check”.
3. Check both boxes ("Automatically correct errors" and "Check damaged sectors").

For SD-The maps will also help format in FAT32 (But it'll delete all the data!).

Conversion of unsupported formats

If Xiaomi doesn't open a file because of the format, convert it to compatible.

For photos and videos

• 📸 Google Photos: Automatically converts.heic to.jpg when uploaded to the cloud.
• 🎥 HandBrake: Convert video to PC.mp4 supportive MIUI.
• 🖼️ Image Converter (Android): A.webp batch conversion →.png.

For documents and archives

• 📑 WPS Office: Opens.pages and.odt with.docx conversion.
• 🗄️ ZArchiver: unpacking.rar/.7z and can correct errors in the archive.

Critical: When converting a video from.mkv to.mp4, select the H.264 codec and the bitrate is no higher than 10 Mbps – otherwise the file may not play on Xiaomi.

MIUI settings that can block files

Sometimes the problem isn't with the file, it's with the limitations of MIUI.

Applicants' permissions

If the file does not open in a particular application (for example, the Gallery does not show a photo):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application (e.g., “Gallery”) → “Permissions”.
3. Turn on access to "Storage" and "Multimedia".

2. Security and confidentiality

MIUI can block the launch of.apk or executable files:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Special permissions.
2. Click “Install Unknown Applications” → select your browser or file manager.
3. Activate the “Allow installation from this source” switch.

3. Battery optimization

If a file is downloaded but not opened (such as a PDF in Google Drive), check:

1. Settings → Battery and performance → Battery optimization.
2. Find the application (such as “Disk”) → select “No Limits”.

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After changing your security settings, restart your phone to help you apply the changes to your system processes.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods have not worked, consider extreme measures:

• 🔄 Resetting the application settings: for Gallery or Explorer go to Settings → Annexes → [name] → Warehouse → Clear the data. ⚠️ Warning: This will remove all application settings, including saved folders and filters.
• 📲 Update MIUI: Some formats (e.g..avif) are only supported in the latest firmware versions. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Factory reset: If errors occur with all files, the file system may be damaged MIUI. Before resetting, make a backup copy!

Physically damaged files (such as after a phone falls into water) may require professional data recovery, and in such cases, contact service centers with chip-off recovery equipment (retrieval of data directly from the memory chip).

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If the file has been deleted and you are trying to restore it, do not save new data to your phone – this reduces the chances of successful recovery!

FAQ: Frequent questions about files on Xiaomi