How to find a file folder on Xiaomi: hidden folders, system directories and alternative ways of access

Why users lose access to the folder “Files” on Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer a handy, built-in file manager, but sometimes users face a problem: a standard Files folder disappears from the desktop or doesn’t appear in the app menu. The reasons can range from accidentally removing the shortcut to MIUI failures after the update.

Especially often, the problem arises after resetting, flashing or installing custom launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Hyperion). In some cases, the folder is simply hidden in the depths of system directories, and in others, you need to restore access rights. This article will help you understand exactly where the file manager is stored on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi devices, and how to return access to it.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi has two types of storage: internal memory (where applications and system files are installed) and external storage. SD-The Files folder works by default with both types of memory, but sometimes access to one of them can be limited. Next, we will look at all possible ways to find and open the file manager, including hidden system methods.

Method 1: Standard Search through the Application Menu

The easiest way to find the Files folder is to use the built-in search by application.

1. Swipe your finger up from the bottom of the screen to open the app menu.
2. At the top of the screen, find the search bar (the magnifier icon) and enter the query: Files or Files.
3. If the app is found but there is no shortcut on the desktop, hold its icon and drag it to the home screen.

If the search didn't work, it might have been disabled or deleted, in which case, check the list of apps that were disabled:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show all apps.
• 🔄 In the filter, select Unplugged and find Files (or File Manager).
• 🔧 Click on the application and select Enable.

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If the search results show multiple apps called Files, select the one whose developer is listed as Xiaomi Inc. – this is the original MIUI manager.

Method 2: Restore the shortcut through MIUI settings

Sometimes the Files app shortcut disappears after updating MIUI or changing the theme to return it:

1. Open the Settings. → Desktop.
2. Select Application Shortcuts or Icon Settings (depending on the MIUI version).
3. Find the Files list and activate the switch next to it.
4. Return to the main screen – the label should appear automatically.

If this method didn’t work, try resetting your desktop settings:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Desktop → Additionally.
• 📲 Select Reset settings (this won’t delete your files, only return the standard icon location).
• 🔍 After reset, check the app menu – the Files folder should appear.

Method 3: Access through system folders (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can try opening the file manager through system directories.

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable and select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. On your computer, open the Explorer (This computer is on Windows or Finder on macOS).
3. Find a connected Xiaomi device and open it.
4. Go to the Internal Storage (Internal Memory) or SD Card (if any).

If you need to find system files (such as screenshots or downloads), look for the following directories:

Important: the Android/data folder is hidden by default and contains critical application data. Deleting files from here without root permissions can cause software malfunctions.

Method 4: Use of alternative file managers

If Xiaomi's built-in file manager is not available or is not working properly, you can install a third-party app.

• 📁 Solid Explorer – Supports cloud storage, FTP and encryption.
• 🔍 FX File Manager – a user-friendly interface with support for root access.
• 💾 Total Commander – a classic two-panel manager.
• ☁️ Files by Google – a simple and easy manager from Google.

After installing an alternative manager:

1. Open the application and give access to the device memory.
2. In the settings, enable the display of hidden files (if necessary).
3. Use built-in search to quickly find the right folders.

Third-party managers often offer additional features such as:

• 🔒 Encrypting files and folders.
• 📤 Automatic synchronization with the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• 🗑️ Recycle Bin for Recovering Deleted Files.
• 📊 Analysis of occupied space.

Method 5: Restoring access via ADB (for advanced users)

If the file manager has been deleted or blocked at the system level, it can be restored using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method requires the developer mode to be enabled and USB-debugging.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.

USB-debugging

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• Turn on the debugging switch over USB.
• Connect your smartphone to your computer and execute the command in ADB: adb shell pm enable com.android.fileexplorer or (for newer versions of MIUI): adb shell pm enable com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer

If the file manager has been removed, it can be reinstalled via ADB using the command:

adb install [path k apk_manager file]

APK-The file of the standard Xiaomi manager can be downloaded from reliable sources (for example, APKMirror) by selecting the version compatible with your firmware.

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Using ADB requires caution — the wrong commands can disrupt the system. If you are not sure about your actions, you should use alternative methods.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Sometimes access to the Files folder is blocked due to MIUI errors or security limitations.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI File Manager Stops Opening External SD-map, check the storage settings. Some firmware versions block removable media by default.

• 🔓 Files folder requires password: If a password request appears when you open the manager, this may be due to the enabled function Application Protection in Settings → Privacy. To reset your password, go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Application protection and disable lock for file manager.
• 📱 Files are not displayed on SD-Map: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Settings SD-Format as internal memory (Warning: this will delete all data from the card!) Alternatively, check if Read Only mode is enabled in the memory card settings.
• 🔄 File Manager is permanently closed: Clear cache and application data in Settings → Annexes → Files. → If that didn't work, try updating. MIUI to the latest version or reset settings (with data saving).

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be the system files are corrupted, in which case it is recommended that:

• 🔄 Perform a soft reset (without deleting data) through Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 📥 Flash your device through the Mi Flash Tool (for power users only!).
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi Service Center for Diagnostics.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions