Where is the conductor in the Xiaomi Redmi phone: the complete guide

Many smartphone owners, when they first encounter the shell of MIUI or HyperOS, wonder where the standard icon for managing files has gone? Unlike “pure” Android, where the Files app is often displayed on the home screen, the Xiaomi ecosystem has its own features of naming and locating system utilities. A user can spend hours searching for a familiar folder icon, unaware that the system already contains a built-in tool for working with data.

The problem of search is quite simple if you know exactly what the component is called in Chinese or global firmware. Most often, we are talking about the Explorer (or File Manager) application, which is hidden by default in the Tools folder or renamed Files. The absence of an explicit label on the desktop often confuses those who are accustomed to a different logic of organizing space.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all possible locations where a system file manager can be located, learn how to find hidden system folders, what makes standard Explorer different from Google Files, and what alternative methods of accessing internal memory exist in modern Redmi smartphones.

Standard location of the application Explorer

In most cases, the built-in file manager is already installed on your device and waiting for its time. By default, the MIUI system groups system utilities into a special folder called Tools, which is usually located on the second or third screen of the desktop, and inside this folder you will find a yellow icon signed as Explorer.

If you use a global firmware version, the name may differ. In some regions, the app is called Files or File Manager. The icon can also range from a classic yellow folder to a blue folder with the Mi logo. It is important not to confuse this application with the Mi Cloud cloud storage, which serves other purposes.

⚠️ Note: If you have removed the standard Explorer app accidentally or intentionally, it will not be possible to find it through a search system until you restore it through the GetApps store or Google Play.

To quickly access frequently used features, you can shortcut the home screen, and then you can pinch the empty space on your desktop, select Widgets, and find Explorer in the list. By dragging the widget onto the screen, you can access recent files or specific folders directly without having to open the full app.

System Prompt Search and Global Search

The fastest way to find any hidden element in Xiaomi’s interface is to use the built-in search function. On the home screen, swipe top-down (or swipe right, depending on the launcher settings) to open the Google or Mi Search bar. Type the word “Files,” “File,” or “File” in there.

The system will instantly analyze the installed applications and suggest running the found ones, if the application is installed but hidden, the search will still find it and show its location, which is especially true for those who prefer a minimalist desktop without unnecessary folders and widgets.

In addition, the launcher itself has an application search feature, which, if you activate it, will show a search bar when you move your finger up from the center of the screen (in the application menu mode), and you can enter the name of the system utility in this field, which also allows you to instantly start the file manager.

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Use Google Assistant or Xiao AI by simply saying “Open Explorer” if voice control is set up and active.

Differences between MIUI Explorer and Google Files

Redmi smartphones today often have two different file applications pre-installed, which creates confusion: the first is the native MIUI Explorer, developed by the company's engineers, which is deeply integrated into the shell, can hide files, compress data, and has a built-in storage analyzer.

The second option is Files by Google, a third-party but certified application that Xiaomi has been actively implementing in recent years to meet Android requirements, focused on cleaning up garbage and securely sharing files offline, visually different: Google Files has a simpler, Google-like design, and MIUI has a more functional tab interface.

It is important for users to understand which application they are running, for example, the function “Second Space” or “Hidden Files” works only in native Explorer from Xiaomi. Google Files does not have such features, although it may be more convenient for simple sorting by category (images, videos, documents).

Access to hidden system folders

One of the main functions of any conductor is access to system directories. 11 version, access to the folder Android/data and Android/obb It's limited to security policies. MIUI may request special permission or not display the contents of these folders without additional manipulation.

To get full access, you sometimes need to use special commands or third-party file managers with ADB rights. However, for most tasks (porting photos, music, documents), standard rights are quite enough. It is important not to delete files from system folders unless you are sure of their purpose, as this can lead to unstable applications.

The table below shows the main paths to frequently used directories that you can find through the address bar of the explorer:

⚠️ Note: Modifying or Deleting Files in Folders Android/data It can cause app settings to reset or loss of progress in games.

Use of commands and address bar

For advanced users who need to quickly navigate to a specific directory, MIUI Explorer has an address bar. To activate it, click on the current folder name at the top of the screen (for example, where it says "Internal Shared Drive"), and opens a field for manual path entry.

Knowing the exact path, you can instantly navigate between file system partitions, which is especially useful when working with archives or when connecting your smartphone to your PC in debugging mode, and you can also use relative paths, such as typing in../ to return to a higher level.

If you need to do bulk file operations, it's more convenient to use an ADB connection. The adb shell command allows you to access the file system through a computer, which gives you more freedom than a graphical interface, but requires caution.

adb shell ls /storage/emulated/0/Download

This command will display a list of all files in the download folder. You can use the adb push command to copy files from your computer to your phone, and you can use the adb pull command to reverse the action.

Alternative File Managers

If a standard tool doesn’t suit you with its functionality or interface, the Google Play store offers a variety of alternatives. Popular options include Solid Explorer, X-plore, and Total Commander, which often feature dual-panel mode, cloud storage support, and more flexible access rights settings.

Installing a third-party explorer doesn't require removing the system one. You simply assign a new application by default to open certain types of files, for example, when you run a video file, the system will ask which player or explorer to open it through.

When choosing an alternative, consider the permissions you request. A good file manager should not require access to contacts, microphones, or geolocations to work with files. Native MIUI Explorer has priority access to system partitions that are difficult to fully emulate with third-party applications without root rights.

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Third-party file managers are often more stable on newer versions of Android, as they are more adaptable to changes in Google’s security policy than built-in solutions from Xiaomi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)