How to Open a File on Xiaomi: 7 Ways to Use All Types of Data

Xiaomi devices based on MIUI or HyperOS offer flexible tools for working with files, but it is not always obvious how to open a particular format. Especially if it is a rare extensions, password archives or system files. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard Explorer to specialized applications, including nuances for different versions of firmware.

It's important to understand that how you open it depends not only on the file type, but also on the device model. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with HyperOS, the algorithm may differ from the Poco X3 Pro on MIUI 13. We took these differences into account and put together universal solutions that work on 90% of the brand's devices, and you'll learn how to set up file associations so that they automatically open with the desired application, and what to do if the system gives an error "Not supported."

1. Xiaomi Standard Conductor: Basic Operations

The Files embedded application (or File Manager in global firmware) is the first tool worth trying, and it supports most popular file formats without installing additional software.

1. Launch the Files app** (the folder icon on the desktop or menu).
2. Go to Local Storage (for internal memory) or Devices (for SD- cards).
3. Find the file you want and tap it, and the system automatically suggests applications to open.

If the file does not open, check:

• 📁 Extension: it may be hidden. Enable display in the conductor settings (⋮ → Settings → Show file extensions).
• 🔍 Access Rights: Some folders (e.g., Android/data) require root rights.
• 🔄 Explorer Update: Support for new formats (e.g.,.heic for photos) has been added to MIUI 14+ and HyperOS.

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If Xiaomi Explorer doesn’t see the file, try restarting the device – sometimes file indexing gets lost after a system update.

On devices with HyperOS, the “Category” tab appeared in the Explorer**, where files are automatically sorted by types: Documents, Images, Audio, etc. This speeds up the search, but can hide system files - to display them, turn on the Show Hidden Files mode in the settings.

2. How to open APK- files on Xiaomi

Installing applications from.apk on Xiaomi has its nuances due to the MIUI security policy. Even if the file is downloaded, the system can block the installation.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Package Installer.
2. Enable the “Install Unknown Applications” permission** for the browser or file manager you are downloading APK through.
3. Run.apk through Explorer. If the "Installation locked" warning appears, click Settings in the error window and allow installation.

HyperOS has a simplified algorithm that allows installation from unknown sources in security settings once, but for some models (such as Xiaomi 14), there are additional checks that can be used to request confirmation by SMS or fingerprint.

To install an APK with ADB permissions (e.g., for system applications), use the command:

adb install -r -t path/to/file.apk

Where -r is reinstallation, -t is permission to install in an external storage.

3.Archives: ZIP, RAR, 7Z

Xiaomi Explorer supports viewing.zip and.rar without additional applications, but to extract.7z,.tar.gz or password archives, you will need third-party software.

• 📦 RAR (official application with support for all formats)
• 🔐 ZArchiver (free, supports multivolume archives)
• 🛡️ 7Z (for.7z and encrypted archives)

To extract the archive through a standard conductor:

1. Select the archive → to Extract.
2. Specify the folder for unpacking (by default - the current directory).
3. For password-enabled archives, enter a password in the request window.

Make sure the archive is not damaged:

- Check the file size (does not have to be 0 bytes).

Check the extension (sometimes files are saved as.zip.001,.zip.002).

Try to open on PC if there are errors on the phone.

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HyperOS has added Preview** for archives, so you can view content without fully decompressing it, but you still need third-party software to edit files inside the archive.

4 Opening of documents: PDF, DOCX, XLSX

For office files, Xiaomi offers a built-in solution, the “WPS Office” app, which is pre-installed on most devices.

• 📄 .pdf, .doc/.docx, .xls/.xlsx
• 📊.ppt/.pptx (presentations)
• 📝 .txt, .rtf

If WPS Office is not available (e.g., on European firmware), install it from Google Play or use alternatives:

• 📱 Microsoft Office (full compatibility with.docx/.xlsx)
• 🌐 Google Docs/Sheets (for cloud computing).
• 🔍 Foxit PDF (for advanced work with PDF, including annotations).

To open.pdf with password protection:

1. Open the file in WPS Office or Foxit PDF.
2. Enter the password in the window that appears.
3. If the password is unknown, use PC programs like PDF Password Remover (requires root on your phone).

WPS Office|Microsoft Office|Google Docs|Other-->

5. Multimedia: video, audio, images

The standard Gallery app on Xiaomi opens most graphic formats (.jpg,.png,.webp,.heic), while Music and Video** open up audio and video, respectively. However, rare codecs (e.g..flac,.mkv with AC3) will require additional applications:

To play.mkv with multichannel sound:

1. Install MX Player from Google Play.
2. When you first start the video with AC3/DTS, the application will offer to download an additional codec - agree.
3. In the MX Player settings, enable Software Decoding (⋮ → Decoder → Software).

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On HyperOS devices, the built-in video player supports more codecs than on MIUI 13 and below. For example,.avi now plays with DivX without lags.

6. System and hidden files

Files with extensions.db,.xml,.conf or located in /data, /system folders are usually hidden from the user.

1. Enable the display of hidden files in Explorer (⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files).
2. Restricted folders (e.g., /data/data) require root rights or ADB- commands.
3. Use Root Explorer or FX File Explorer to work with system files.

Note: editing files in /system without root can cause firmware to fail. On HyperOS, protection is enhanced - even with root, some folders are locked for writing.

To view.db files (application databases) use:

• 📊 DB Browser for SQLite (for.sqlite/.db).
• 🔧 SQLite Editor (requires root).

7 Solve errors when opening files

If the file does not open and the system gives an error, check the following points:

⚠️ Warning: On HyperOS devices, the File is corrupted error** may be due to a new integrity check system. Try moving the file to internal memory or using cloud storage (Mi Cloud or Google Drive).

To diagnose a file problem, use the ADB command:

adb shell ls -l /path/to/file

This will show the access rights and the file owner.--r--, The file is readable, but not written.

FAQ: Frequent questions