Have you just bought a new Xiaomi Redmi or upgraded your MIUI firmware but can’t find a standard file manager? This problem is familiar to many users — especially after resetting or installing a custom shell. The fact is that in recent versions of MIUI 14/15, the app icon may be hidden in the Tools folder or not at all on the home screen.
In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to find the integrated file manager on Redmi Note 12/11/10, Redmi A2/A1, POCO X5/X4 and other models. If it is not in the system, we will tell you how to return or replace it. Without further ado, let’s get to the practice!
1. Standard File Manager Location in MIUI
In most cases, Files (or File Manager in global firmware) is hidden in the Desktop Tools folder. Here's how to find it:
- 📱 Scroll through all desktop screens left/right – sometimes the Tools folder is hidden on the last one.
- 🔍 Search the system: scroll down the main screen and type Files (in English firmware – Files or File Manager»).
- 📁 If the Tools folder is not available, check Settings → Annexes → Manage applications and find in the Files list (the icon is the blue folder).
On Redmi with MIUI firmware for Russia (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G), the application can be called File Manager. In the global version (Redmi 10C, POCO M5), Files with a yellow folder icon.
Important! On some models (e.g. Redmi A1/A2 with MIUI Go) the file manager can be replaced with a simplified version without cloud storage support, in which case we recommend installing an alternative (more on this below).
2. If the icon is missing: how to return the file manager to the screen
Often users accidentally delete the app shortcut from the desktop, thinking they have uninstalled it. In fact, the embedded file manager in MIUI can't be completely removed - it can only be hidden. Here's how to return access:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search box, type "Files" or "Files".
- Click on the app found and select “Add to the home screen”.
If this method does not work, try resetting the desktop settings:
- Click the empty space on the home screen → click on “Screen settings”.
- Select “Reset the layout” (or “Restore by default”).
- After rebooting, check the Tools folder.
Label not manually removed|The application is not disabled in the settings|No restrictions on “Digital Well-being"|Searched through the system-->
On Redmi 9/9A/9C models with MIUI 12 and below, the file manager may be called Explorer and have a green icon. If you don't find it, try upgrading to the latest version of the firmware - the interface is unified in new builds.
3. Where else the file manager might be hiding: non-obvious places
The manufacturer sometimes moves system applications to illogical sections.
| Place. | How to open | For which models are relevant |
|---|---|---|
| Notification panel | Swipe down from the top edge of the screen → click Files in Quick Settings (if any) | Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5 |
| Gallery (when viewing the photo) | Open any image → Click “More details” → “Open in file manager” | All models on MIUI 13+ |
| Storage settings | Go to Settings → Storage → Click on any file | Redmi A1/A2, Redmi 10A |
| Mi Video/Music | Open the video or audio file → Open the folder menu | All models. |
On Redmi with a MIUI shell for POCO (e.g., POCO X3 Pro), the file manager can be integrated into the Tools app. Run it and find the Files tab.
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If you work with files often, add the file manager widget to the home screen. To do this, press the empty space on the screen → “Widgets” → find “Files” and drag it to a convenient place.
4.What to do if the file manager is not in the system
In rare cases, a standard application can be disabled or removed (for example, after rooting or installing custom firmware).
Method 1: Enable via ADB (for advanced users)
If the file manager is disabled but not deleted, it can be activated via ADB:
adb shell pm enable com.android.fileexplorer
adb shell pm enable com.mi.android.globalFileexplorerFor global firmware, use the second command, for Russian, the first command. After you do it, restart the device.
Method 2: Install the APK manually
If the application is removed, download the original MIUI file manager APK from a trusted source (such as APKMirror) and install it.
- com.android.fileexplorer – for Russian firmware;
- com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer - for global.
How to check if the file manager is completely removed?
⚠️ Attention, installation APK from unreliable sources can lead to virus infection. Always check the hash file and reviews before installing.
5.The Best Alternatives to a Standard File Manager
If you can not restore the built-in application or it does not suit you, consider these options:
- 📂 Solid Explorer is a paid, 14-day trial, FTP, encryption and two-panel mode.
- 🔗 FX File Explorer – free, with root access support and built-in archiver.
- 🌐 MiXplorer – a powerful manager with support for network protocols (SMB, WebDAV) and design themes.
- ☁️ Files by Google – simple and light, with garbage cleaning function.
For Redmi with a small amount of memory (for example, Redmi 9A 2/32 GB), we recommend Simple File Manager – it weighs less than 1 MB and has no advertising.
| Annex | Size | Features | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Explorer | ~15MB | Two-panel mode, cloud, encryption | Advanced users |
| FX File Explorer | ~10MB | Root access, archiver, FTP-server | Developers, Rooted Devices |
| MiXplorer | ~8MB | Topics, network protocols, built-in text editor | Users who need the Total Commander functionality |
| Files by Google | ~5MB | Cleaning up garbage, simple interface | Beginners and devices with small memory |
⚠️ Attention, Redmi with firmware MIUI Go (e.g. Redmi) A1) Some alternative file managers may not work well due to system limitations.
6. How to open hidden files in the MIUI file manager
By default, the standard Files app hides system folders and files with a dot at the beginning (such as.nomedia).
- Open the file manager.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Settings”.
- Activate the option “Show hidden files”.
On some versions of MIUI (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13), the path may be different:
- Go to the Categories section (bottom of the screen).
- Scroll to the left to the "Others" tab.
- Click on “Settings” → “Show hidden files”.
Do not delete or change files in folders:
- /system/ - System files;
- /data/ – Application data;
- /vendor/ - drivers and modules.
This can lead to a system crash or loss of warranty.
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Enabling the display of hidden files may be required to edit.nomedia files (to hide media files from the gallery) or access application configuration files.
7. Frequent problems and their solutions
Let’s analyze the common mistakes that Xiaomi Redmi users face when working with a file manager:
Problem 1: File Manager does not open SD-map
Reason: In MIUI, access to external drives may be disabled by default.
Decision:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions.
- Find Files and enable Storage permission.
- If it doesn't help, format it. SD-map FAT32 or exFAT via PC.
Problem 2: Files are not displayed in the Download folder
Reason: It is possible that the files are downloaded to another location (for example, to the internal memory of the application).
Decision:
- Check the /storage/emulated/0/Download/ folder.
- If there are no files, open the browser → “Downloads” → click on the file and select “Show in the folder”.
Problem 3: File Manager is constantly shutting down
Causes: Cache damage, conflict with other applications, or firmware error.
Decision:
- Clear the cache: Settings → Applications → Files → Storage → Clear the cache.
- Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone → System update.
- If the problem persists, reset the app settings (in the same menu).
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If the file manager is lagging when opening large folders (for example, with a photo), try turning off animations in the developer settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the "Version" MIUI». Then go back to "Settings." → Additionally. → For developers" and disable "Window animation" and "transition animation».