How to find and open a file manager on Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide

The file manager on Xiaomi is not just a document viewer, but a real Swiss knife for managing the device’s memory. However, many users face the problem that the standard application is hidden in the depths. MIUI, This is especially true after system updates or resets, when the icon suddenly disappears from the desktop.

In this article, we will not only show you where the file manager is located on different versions of Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO And we'll also show you how to get the file back on the screen if it's gone, what hidden features are in the standard manager, and what can be replaced if you don't like the regular features.

Important: Instructions are relevant to MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions), but most methods work on older firmware.If your device runs Android One (e.g. Mi) A3 or Mi A2), Read a separate section - there are nuances.

Before you go into search, make sure you don't confuse the file manager with other system utilities. For example, Cleaner (memory cleaner) or Security (security) are often located nearby, but do not act as a full-fledged conductor (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) The icon can be called Files or File Manager, which are the same app.

1. Standard method: Search through the application menu

The most obvious, but not always working, method is to search through the installed program list. On most Xiaomi devices, the file manager is preinstalled and simply hidden from view.

Open the application menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen) and type in the search bar query:

• 🔍 File Manager – for global firmware;
• 🔍 Files or Explorer - for Russian versions;
• 🔍 — For Chinese firmware (if you have one, it is better to immediately switch to alternative methods).

If the app is found but is not on the desktop, press its icon and drag it to a free space. MIUI 13/14 You can also add a file manager widget: to do this, hold your finger in the free space of the screen. → Widgets → Find Files or File Manager.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro) the search may not work due to a firmware bug, in which case try updating the system or using the methods in the following sections.

If the search did not give results, check if the application is disabled in the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management;
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. In the list, look for File Manager or Files and make sure it is not disabled.

2. Hidden ways of starting: through settings and system utilities

Even if the file manager icon is not on the menu, it can be opened through other system tools, which are especially useful for devices with highly customized firmware (such as Xiaomi.eu or Custom). ROM).

Method 1: Through "Memory Cleansing"

1. Open the Security app (shield icon);
2. Go to the Cleaner section (Cleaning);
3. At the bottom of the screen, tap on Files or File Management – this is the file manager.

Method 2: Developer Options (not working on all models)

1. Activate the developer mode (if not enabled);
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers;
3. Find the File Manager and tap on it.

Method 3: Through "Storage settings"

1. Open the Settings. → Warehouse;
2. Scroll down and select Explore (View) or Files.
3. This will open the file manager in the internal memory view mode.

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If none of the methods worked, try resetting the launcher settings: keep your finger on your desktop. → Launcher settings → Reset. This will bring back all the standard icons, including the file manager.

3. Alternative file managers: what to choose if the standard does not suit

If the built-in file manager Xiaomi seems to you uncomfortable or not at all, you can install a third-party application.-3 Verified versions with support for all functions MIUI:

• 📁 Solid Explorer is a paid, 14-day trial. Supports cloud storage, FTP, It has a built-in archiver, plus a dark theme and a customizable interface.
• 📂 FX File Explorer is free with the option to buy Pro version. It can work with root folders (root) and has a built-in text editor.
• 🗃️ MiXplorer is completely free and advertising-free, supports tabs, bookmarks and even browsing. APK-file ZIP-Reduced: Requires manual installation (not available on Google Play).

To establish an alternative manager:

1. Download. APK-file from an official website (e.g. MiXplorer);
2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications;
3. Install. APK and provide all necessary permissions (access to storage, media files, etc.).

Important: When using third-party managers, turn off battery optimization for them, otherwise they may not work properly in the background. → Battery → Battery Optimization and Select All Apps, Then Find Your File Manager and Disable Optimization.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 Android 13+ Some managers (like Solid Explorer) may ask for additional permissions to access application packages. That’s fine — without these permissions, you won’t be able to view files in folders like this. /data/app.

4. How to Enable Developer Mode and Why It Can Help

Xiaomi’s developer mode gives you access to hidden system settings, including alternative ways to run the file manager.

Steps to include:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone;
2. Find the item Version. MIUI and tap it 7-10 times in a row until you become a developer!;
3. Return to the main settings menu – there will be a new section for developers.

Now you can:

• 🔧 Run the file manager through Settings → For developers → File Manager (if there is a paragraph);
• 🔍 Enable debugging on USB (Debugging USB), This will allow you to manage files through ADB;
• 📱 Allow access to hidden folders of the system (for example, /data), If you have root rights.

Warning: Do not turn on options in developer mode unless you understand their purpose, for example, activating Do not turn off the screen or background processes without restrictions can lead to a quick battery drain.

Activate the mode (7 taps according to MIUI)

Check for File Manager in the Developer Settings

Disable Battery Optimization for File Manager

Backup of important data

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5.File Manager Problems: What to Do If It Doesn't Open

Sometimes, Xiaomi’s standard file manager may refuse to start or give out errors, and these are the most common problems and solutions:

Problem 1: The app is immediately closed.

• 🔄 Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → File Manager → Warehouse → Clear the cache;
• 📥 Reinstall Updates: In the same menu, click Remove Updates (if the button is active);
• 🔧 Reset the application settings: Settings → Annexes → File Manager → Additionally. → Reset the settings.

Problem 2: No access to the SD-card USB-accumulator

• 💾 Reconnect the memory card or USB-device;
• 🔒 Check the permissions: Settings → Annexes → File Manager → Permits → Turn on the vault;
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.

Problem 3: Files in folders are not displayed

• 🔍 Enable the display of hidden files: open the file manager → three-point → Settings → Show hidden files;
• 📁 Check if filtering is enabled by file type (in some versions) MIUI By default, only images and videos are shown).

If nothing helps, try to delete the app data (not the cache, but the data) through Settings. → Annexes → File Manager → Warehouse → Delete the data. It will reset the manager's settings to the factory, but it won't delete your files.

6. File Manager on Xiaomi with Android One: separate rules

Xiaomi devices on Android One (such as Mi) A3, Mi A2, Mi A1) Use a “pure” Android without a shell MIUI. File Manager is called Files by Google and has a different functionality.

Features of Files by Google:

• 📊 Automatic garbage cleaning (including duplicate files);
• 🔒 No access to system folders (even root ones);
• 🌐 Built-in support for Google Drive and other cloud services.

If you lack functions, you can:

1. Install the standard File Manager from Xiaomi manually (download) APK from the forum Xiaomi.eu);
2. Use alternative managers in Section 3;
3. Activate the developer mode and manage files through ADB.

Important: Android One doesn’t have built-in support for dark theme in Files by Google, but it can be enabled through system settings (Settings) → Display. → Dark subject matter).

7.Manage files without a manager: alternative methods

If the file manager is not available or you prefer other methods, here are some alternative options for working with files on Xiaomi:

Method 1: Through the computer (MTP)

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable;
2. On the phone, select the file transfer mode (MTP);
3. Open the device folder on your computer and manage the files as if on a flash drive.

Method 2: ADB (for advanced users)

1. Install ADB Tools on PC
2. Connect the phone and execute the command: adb shell am start -n com.android.fileexplorer/.FileExplorerActivity
3. This will open up the standard Android file manager (if it is on the system).

Method 3: Through Cloud Services

• 🌥️ Upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk;
• 📱 Manage them through the appropriate applications;
• 🔄 Synchronize changes back to the device.

Method 4: Through the Gallery appendix

In Xiaomi, the Gallery app can view not only photos, but also videos, documents. PDF, and sometimes APK-- For this purpose:

1. Open the gallery.
2. Slip three points up there. → Show all files;
3. Select a category (such as Documents or Audio).

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If you just need to copy files from your phone to your PC, the most reliable way is to use the mode. MTP through USB. This works even if the file manager is completely deleted or faulty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file manager on Xiaomi