How to allow Xiaomi Explorer access to SD-map: 5 working methods

You put it in. SD-A card in a Xiaomi smartphone, but Explorer (or another app) doesn't see files or asks permission to access?This problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi, Poco and Mi devices - especially after the update. MIUI Unlike internal memory, external drives on Android require additional permissions settings, otherwise the system blocks access to them by default".

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to provide access to the SD-map - from standard settings MIUI manual editing of rights through ADB. You will learn why Xiaomi restricts work with external media, how to get around the error "No access to the device". SD-What to do if the memory card is identified but the files are not displayed. Instructions are suitable for all modern models: from Redmi Note 12 Pro+ poco F5.

Why Xiaomi is blocking access to the SD-map?

MIUI (especially versions 12-14) limits the use of external drives for two key reasons:

• 🔒 Data security: Android has been sharing the rights to access batch storage since version 11 (including: SD-maps) to prevent information leakage through third-party applications.
• 📱 Optimizing performance: Xiaomi artificially slows down the reading/writing to memory cards UHS-I and below if used as internal storage (Adoptable Storage function).
• 🔄 Permissions conflict: After update MIUI or reset settings, the system resets access rights, and applications (including Explorer) require reconfirmation.

It is important to understand that the problem is not in itself. SD-map (if it is correct and formatted in the FAT32/exFAT), It's Android permissions policy, for example, the Gallery app can see a picture on a map, but Explorer can't because they have different levels of access.

⚠️ Attention: If SD-The card is not defined at all (not displayed in Settings). → The problem may be physical damage to the slot, contacts, or the card itself, in which case, check it on another device.

Method 1: Provide access through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It works on all Xiaomi smartphones with a firmware version at least MIUI 10:

1. Open Explorer (the Files application with the folder icon).
2. In the top menu, select the tab "SD-map" (or "External storage").
3. If a notice appears "Allow access to the SD-map?, press "Allow".
4. If there is no notification, tap on three points (⋮) top-right → "Settings" → "Access to SD-map" and switch on the switch.

On some models (e.g. Redmi 10C or Poco X3 Pro) the path may be different:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Files → Permissions → Memory → Allow access to the SD- card

If after these actions files are still not displayed, try to restart the smartphone – sometimes the rights apply only after the reboot.

SD-map FAT32/exFAT|

The card is inserted to the end in the slot (check the click)|

There's no physical damage on the map.|

The smartphone is not connected to the PC in file transfer mode-->

Method 2: Use SD-map as an internal memory

If you want to make the Explorer and other applications work with SD-It's a kind of internal storage system, and it can be linked to the system. A1/A2 (Attention: after this procedure, the map will not be read on other devices without formatting!

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
3. Tap your name on it. SD-map → "Three points (⋮) → Storage settings".
4. Select "Inner Memory" → "Clean and Format".
5. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi with MIUI 13/14 Android 12/13, The internal memory function can be hidden. In this case, try using the ADB (described below) or update the firmware.

Method 3: Allow access via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods fail, you can manually issue permissions via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but is guaranteed to solve the problem on all versions of MIUI.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included "Debugging by" USB" on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to "Additional" → "For developers" → debug).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and select the File Transfer mode.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
4. Issuance of permission to access SD-Adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true
5. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

After restarting, check access to SD-If the files are still not displayed, execute an additional command:

adb shell sm list-disks

Copy the disk identifier (e.g., disk:179.64) and type:

adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 private

Method 4: Update MIUI or reset your settings

If the problem has occurred after the firmware update, it may be in your version. MIUI There's a bug with access to it. SD-In this case, it will help:

• 🔄 Update to the latest version MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update and check for updates, especially for Redmi Note 11 and Poco X4 Pro, where in MIUI 13.0.4 was a bug with external drives mounted.
• ⚙️ Reset application settings: Open Settings → Annexes → Application management → Files. → Warehouse → Clear the data. This will reset the Explorer's settings, but it won't delete the files.
• 📲 Hard reset (if nothing helps): Settings → The phone. → Setting reset. Warning: this will delete all data from internal memory!

Before resetting, back up important files. SD-The card is used as internal memory and will need to be formatted again.

MIUI 14|

MIUI 13|

MIUI 12 or lower |

I don't know my version.-->

Method 5: Alternative File Managers

If Xiaomi Explorer persistently does not see SD-map, try third-party apps with extended access rights:

• 📁 Solid Explorer: Supports the ROOT-access and work with encrypted partitions, and in the settings you need to enable "Show hidden files" and "Montage how to do this". R/W".
• 🔍 FX File Explorer: Can bypass Android's restrictions on reading external drives. After installation, go to Settings → Access to the storage and activate "Full access to the storage" SD".
• 🛠️ Mixplorer: Lightweight Manager with Support FTP and SFTP. To access SD-The map must be manually indicated. /storage/XXXX-XXXX (where XXXX — ID of your card).

When you first run any of these applications, the system will ask for permission to access the memory — be sure to confirm it. If the application still can’t see the files, check if it has been blocked by MIUI Antivirus (Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Auto Run).

💡

If you often work with SD-By maps, disable the Battery Optimization function for the file manager.This will prevent the application from automatically closing in the background: → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Select an application → No restrictions.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even after you set up the permissions, you're going to have some common problems.

If none of these methods helped, check. SD-It may have failed, especially if it was often removed without being safely disabled.

💡

On Xiaomi smartphones with Android 13+ (MIUI (14) access SD-The default maps are restricted because of Google's policy. ADB Or configure the card as an internal memory.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions