File Manager on Xiaomi: where to look for it MIUI How to use hidden functions

You have bought a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, But you can't find the standard file manager, or it just disappeared after the update. MIUI? This problem is familiar to many users – the manufacturer often hides or renames embedded utilities, and the shell interface changes with each new version. In this article, we will not only show where the file manager on Xiaomi is located, but also reveal hidden features. MIUI To work with files you may not know about.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi smartphones use two types of file managers – basic (from Google) and advanced (from Xiaomi with proprietary features). MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS, device models and even firmware regions, and we've analyzed all the options and put together universal access methods that work even on the newest devices of 2026.

If you are looking for more than just a file manager, but want to figure out how to open hidden system folders, restore deleted data or configure cloud storage Mi Cloud – here you will find answers to these and other questions. And for those who prefer third-party solutions, we have prepared an overview of the best alternative file manager with support. ROOT-rights and extended functions.

Xiaomi’s Standard File Manager: Where to Look in MIUI

In most cases, the built-in file manager on Xiaomi is called Files and has a blue labeled folder icon, but its location may vary depending on the shell version:

• 📱 MIUI 12/13/14: The icon is located on the home screen or in the Tools folder (unless removed by the user).
• 🔍 HyperOS (2026): The app is renamed File Manager and can be hidden in the All Apps menu (swipe up from the Dock panel).
• 📂 For models POCO: frequently used POCO File Manager is called File Manager by Xiaomi".

If the icon is not on the desktop, try these methods:

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Manage applications and search for "Files" (or "Files").
2. Use the Google Assistant or Xiao voice assistant AI with the command: "Open file manager".
3. Check the “Utilities” or “Utilities” folder in the app menu (relevant to Redmi Note) 12/13).

Important! On some firmware (e.g. the global version for Europe), the file manager can be replaced by Google Files. To return the original, go to Settings. → Annexes → By default. → File Manager and select "Files from Xiaomi".

2. Hidden features of Xiaomi's built-in file manager

Many users do not even realize that the standard File Manager from Xiaomi can do much more than just show files. Here are 5 hidden features that favorably distinguish it from its counterparts:

One of the most useful features is storage analysis, which allows you to find and delete unnecessary files that take up space in seconds. 13 With this tool, users are freed on average. 3-5 GB of memory, removing the cache of applications and duplicate photos.

Another little-known possibility is the built-in SMB-It can connect to network folders on a PC or NAS-This is especially convenient for transferring large files (for example, video in the computer). 4K) between devices on the local network.

3.Why the file manager disappeared after the update MIUI

A common problem after a firmware update is that the file manager icon is missing, and this happens for several reasons:

• 🔄 Replacement with Google Files: In global firmware, Xiaomi sometimes replaces its manager with a solution from Google (especially relevant for Redmi). A2 and POCO C55).
• 🗑️ Settings reset: After resetting to factory settings, some system applications may be disabled.
• 📦 Optimization MIUI: The shell hides rarely used utilities in the menu "All applications".
• 🛠️ Manual Deletion: Users may accidentally deactivate or delete the manager via Settings → Annexes.

To return the file manager, follow the following steps:

Check the folder "All applications" (swipe up from the Dock panel)

Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Filter "Disengaged"

Enable Files or File Manager if it is disabled

Update MIUI via Settings → About Phone → System Update

Install an alternative manager (such as Solid Explorer) from the Mi App Store-->

Attention! ⚠️ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) After upgrading to HyperOS, the file manager can be integrated into the "Mi Share" application, in which case, use the "Local Storage" tab in this application to access files.

4. How to Open Hidden System Folders on Xiaomi

MIUI It hides a lot of system folders that contain important data, like app cache, backups, log files, and it's not enough to just turn on hidden files to access them, you need to do more.

Here are 3 ways to open hidden folders:

1. Through the built-in manager: Open Files → Settings → Show hidden files. Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/). Look for folders with a dot at the beginning of the title (e.g..data,.miui).

Using ADB-Teams (for experienced teams):

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

This team will unlock access to hidden API, After that, the file manager will see additional system directories.

Third-party managers with ROOT:

Apps like Root Explorer or Root Explorer FX File Manager allows you to get full access to system partitions (/system, /data), require an unlocked loader and ROOT-rights.

Warning! ⚠️ Delete or modify files in system folders (for example, /system/app or /data/data) It is recommended to create backup copies before any manipulation.

💡

If you just need to free up space, don’t delete files from folders.android_secure Or.estrongs, which contain data from secure applications. Instead, use the built-in Storage Analysis in the file manager.

For models with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) Access to some system folders may be limited even to ROOT-In this case, only obtaining the rights of Magisk with the module will help. MIUI Hidden Settings Enabler.

5. Alternative file managers for Xiaomi: which is better than the standard

If the built-in file manager doesn’t suit you, consider alternatives. We tested 10 popular file managers and selected the best ones for Xiaomi devices:

For most Xiaomi users, Solid Explorer is the best choice – it integrates perfectly with the new model. MIUI, It supports design themes (including dark mode) and can work with network storage. ROOT-functions, pay attention to FX File Explorer or Root Explorer, but be prepared for more complex setup.

For models with limited memory (e.g. Redmi) A1+ or POCO C40) We recommend MiXplorer – it weighs less 5 MB and at the same time supports all basic functions, including work with the ZIP/RAR-archive.

💡

If you use cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk), choose managers with support for WebDAV. FX File Explorer – They allow you to mount clouds as local folders.

6. Working with files via PC: how to connect Xiaomi to a computer

Sometimes it is more convenient to manage files on Xiaomi via a computer, and there are several ways to do this, each of which is suitable for different tasks:

• 🖥️ USB-connection (MTP): Standard file transfer mode, works on all models without additional drivers.
• 🌐 Wi-Fi (FTP): Wireless access via applications such as WiFi File Transfer or built-in FTP-server in Solid Explorer.
• ☁️ Cloud Sync: Automatic File Downloads to Mi Cloud, Google Drive or Yandex Disk.
• 🔌 ADB-commands: for experienced users, complete control over the file system via the command line.

To connect Xiaomi to the PC through USB:

1. Connect your smartphone and computer with a cable (preferably original).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. On a PC, open "This Computer" - the device will appear as a removable disk.
4. Accessing internal memory may require unlocking the screen on the phone.

Attention! ⚠️ On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) when you first connect to the PC, you need to confirm trust in the dialog window on the smartphone screen.

For wireless file transfer, we recommend using WiFi File Transfer Pro:

• Install the app from Google Play.
• Connect your phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Run the application on your phone and enter the specified address (for example, ftp://192.168.1.100:2221) c Windows Explorer or File Manager on PC.

This method is especially convenient for transferring large files (video, backups), as the speed over Wi-Fi 6 on Xiaomi 14 can reach 900 Mbps.

7. Frequent errors when working with a file manager and how to fix them

Even in standard file manager scenarios on Xiaomi, users are experiencing errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

One of the most frustrating mistakes is “copying error occurred” when moving files between internal memory and the memory. SD-It's connected to security policy. MIUI, which restricts the recording of external drives for some applications:

1. Move files through the PC (in mode) MTP).
2. Use a file manager with ROOT-rights.
3. Reconfigure access rights through Settings → Annexes → Permits → Warehouse.

If the file manager freezes or crashes, try:

• Clear the application cache in Settings → Annexes → Files. → Warehouse.
• Update MIUI to the latest version.
• Install an alternative manager (e.g. Google Files).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi File Manager