Xiaomi Redmi 4X is still a popular budget smartphone, but its owners often face the problem: how to open files of non-standard formats? MIUI system does not always recognize.pdf,.rar,.apk or even.docx out of the box. In this article, detailed instructions for all types of files, including the hidden nuances of working with the Redmi 4X file system.
The main difficulty lies in two points: first, MIUI 8/9 on Redmi 4X by default blocks APK installation from unknown sources even after permissions in the settings, and second, the standard Explorer does not support many formats. We will analyze not only the installation of third-party applications, but also alternative methods - from cloud services to manual mounting of files through ADB.
1.Why Redmi 4X doesn't open files: The main reasons:
The problem with opening files on Redmi 4X is usually due to one of three reasons:
- 📱 Lack of suitable application: MIUI It does not include built-in programs for working with.pdf,.rar or.epub.
- 🔒 Security lock: Even after installation permission APK In Settings → Additionally. → Privacy system can block launch.
- 🗃️ Faulty File System: If files are downloaded with errors or stored on a damaged microSD, they will not open in any application.
Especially often, users encounter an “Application not installed” error when trying to open.apk, although the file is downloaded correctly, this is due to the fact that Redmi 4X based on Android 6.0/7.1 has strict restrictions on installing third-party packages, the solution is to use alternative file managers or change the developer settings.
How to Open PDF and DOC on Redmi 4X: Best Apps
For working with documents on Redmi 4X suitable:
- 📄 WPS Office: Lightweight analogue of Microsoft Office with support for.docx,.xlsx,.ppt and.pdf. ~50MB.
- 📖 Foxit PDF Optimized for weak devices, opens even damaged PDF.
- 📑 Google Drive: If files are stored in the cloud, you can view them directly in the browser without installing additional programs.
To install any of these applications:
- Download APK from the official website (for example, wps.com).
- Go to Settings → Additional → Privacy → Unknown Sources and enable permission.
- Open the downloaded file through Explorer or Downloads.
- If the installation is blocked, try renaming the file to.zip, unpacking it, and then installing.apk from the archive.
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If the PDF doesn’t open even after you install the reader, try converting it to an image via online services like iLovePDF. This will work even on the weak Redmi 4X hardware.
3. Work with archives: RAR, ZIP, 7z
Redmi 4X does not support unpacking archives out of the box, but there are a few reliable ways to do this:
| Method | Annex | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard archiver | RAR for Android | Supports all formats, integration with conductor | Paid version for RAR5 |
| Cloud service | ZArchiver | Free, working with passwords | The interface is overloaded |
| Through the PC. | WinRAR/7-Zip | 100% compatibility | Requires a connection to a computer |
If the archive is password protected and not unpacked on your phone, try:
- Copy it on PC and open it via WinRAR.
- Use ADB to mount the file system: adb pull /sdcard/Download/archive.rar C:\temp\cd C:\temp\unrar x archive.rar
What to do if the archive is damaged?
4. APK installation: bypassing MIUI locks
Even after turning on the Unknown Sources option, Redmi 4X can block APK installation.
- 🔓 Through ADB: Connect the phone to the PC and execute: adb install path\to file.apk
- 📲 Use an alternative installer: Applications like APK Installer bypasses restrictions MIUI.
- 🌐 Install via browser: Some APK (For example, with APKMirror, install directly from Chrome.
⚠️ Attention: If during installation APK The "Parse Error" error appears, which means that the file is intended for a newer version of Android.
Enable "Unknown Sources" in Settings | Check Android (6.0/7.1) | Download APK only from trusted sources | Try renaming the file to.zip and unpacking-->
5. Problems with video and audio: MKV, FLAC, AAC
The standard Mi Video player on Redmi 4X does not support many formats, including.mkv,.flac or.aac.
- 🎬 VLC Android: Universal Player with support for all codecs.
- 🎵 Poweramp: For high-resolution audio (.flac,.ape).
- 📺 MX Player: Optimized for weak devices, supports hardware acceleration.
If the video is slowing down even in VLC, try:
- Convert the file to.mp4 at 720p resolution via HandBrake.
- Disable hardware decoding in the player settings.
- Transfer the file to a microSD (if the video is slowed down due to internal memory).
6. Hidden files and system folders: how to access
By default, MIUI hides system files and folders with a dot at the beginning (such as.nomedia) to see them:
- Install FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
- In the file manager settings, enable the option "Show hidden files".
- To access the system folders (/system, /data) you will need root rights.
⚠️ Note: Delete or modify files in /system If you don't have root, you can make a device blink. ADB For backup: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab
7.Alternative methods: cloud, PC and ADB
If none of these methods worked, try:
- ☁️ Google Drive / Yandex Drive: Upload the file to the cloud and open through the web interface.
- 🖥️ PC Connection: Use Redmi 4X how USB-drive and open files on the computer.
- 🐧 Termux: Install this Linux emulator and use commands like unrar or pdftotext.
To work with ADB on Redmi 4X:
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute: Adb devices adb shell
- To copy files: adb pull /sdcard/Download/file.pdf C:\temp\
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If the file is not opened in any way, there is a high probability that it is corrupted. Try to download it again or check the checksum (MD5/SHA-1) through utilities like Hash Droid.