How to open a file manager on a Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways

Why Xiaomi doesn’t have a file manager and how to find it

The file manager on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a standard application for working with documents, photos, videos and other data. However, many users experience the icon of the file manager suddenly disappearing from the desktop or not appearing in the application menu. The reasons can vary from accidental deletion to features of the MIUI shell.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to run a file manager, from standard to alternative solutions. You will learn how to return the application to the screen if it is missing, how to turn it on through the system settings, and which third-party file managers should consider if the standard option does not suit. 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO F4/F5, where the interface is different.

If you have tried to open a file manager through My Files or Explorer before, but nothing has worked, do not rush to reinstall the firmware. 90% of the time, the problem is solved in 1-2 minutes without losing data.

Method 1: Standard run through the Files icon

The most obvious method is to find an app icon on your desktop or menu. On Xiaomi smartphones, the standard file manager is called Files or File Manager. The icon usually looks like a folder with a document inside.

If the icon is not on the main screen:

• 📱 Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen to open the app menu.
• 🔍 Enter the word files or files in the search box (in English layout).
• 📁 If the application is found, hold its icon and drag it to the desktop.

On some models (such as the POCO X5 Pro or Redmi K60), the icon may be hidden in the Utilities or Tools folder. Check its contents if the search does not yield results.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI 14+ Your smartphone can automatically hide infrequently used apps. To return them, go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Hidden applications and uncheck the Files.

Method 2: Quick access through “Conductor” in settings

If the application icon is missing but it has not been deleted, you can open the file manager through system settings, which works on all versions of MIUI, including MIUI 13 and MIUI 14:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select Memory.
3. Click on the internal memory or device.
4. At the top of the screen, tap the Explorer or Open button.

This path will automatically run the standard Files app.** If there is no Explorer button, then the manager has been disabled or removed, move to the next method.

On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), instead of a button, there may be a file management bar. Click on it to go to the manager.

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If there is no Explorer button in the memory settings, try clearing the Files app cache through Settings → Applications → Application Management → Files → Clear the cache.

Method 3: Run through Google Search or MIUI

Built-in search is another reliable way to find a file manager, even if it is hidden. Xiaomi has two options for searching:

• 🔍 Search MIUI: Swipe down the main screen to open the search bar. Enter files or file manager.
• 🔎 Google Search: Open the Google widget (usually at the bottom of the screen) and type in the same query.The system will show the app even if it is hidden.

If the search yields multiple results, select Files** from developer Xiaomi Inc. Avoid third-party managers with similar names (like Files by Google) if you want the standard option.

On the POCO F4 GT and other POCO Launcher shell models, search might work differently. Try holding your finger in the free desktop space and select Launcher Settings → App Search to enable deep search.

Method 4: Recovery through Application Settings

If the file manager has been disabled or deleted (for example, after resetting), it can be returned via the application management menu. MIUI 11 and newer:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
3. In the list, look for Files** (com.android.fileexplorer or com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer).
4. If the application is disabled, click Enable.
5. If it is removed, click Install (Internet required).

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI for Europe), the standard manager may be called Explorer. If you don't find it on the list, try searching for the word explorer in your application.

⚠️ Note: On custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the standard file manager from Xiaomi may not be available. In this case, you will have to install a third-party application (see Method 5).

Make sure your smartphone is connected to the internet.|Check the space in your memory (need to be filled). ~50MB)|Open "Settings" → Accounts and log in to Mi Account|Close all background applications-->

Method 5: Install an alternative file manager

If the standard file manager is not satisfied or can not be restored, you can install a third-party application.

• 📂 Solid Explorer is a paid, trial-based, cloud-based, and cloud-based. FTP.
• 📁 FX File Explorer is free, open source (ideal for root users).
• 🔍 Files by Google – simple and easy, but with limited features.
• 🖥️ MiXplorer is an analogue of a standard manager, but with advanced features (for example, working with a computer). ZIP-archive).

To establish an alternative manager:

1. Open the Play Store.
2. Enter the name of the application in the search.
3. Click Set and wait until it is completed.
4. After installation, open the manager and allow access to the memory (Allow).

On Xiaomi with MIUI for China (without Google services), apps can be downloaded via GetApps or APKMirror. Be careful: install APKs only from trusted sources to avoid viruses.

Solving problems with access to the file manager

Sometimes the file manager opens but doesn't show the files or gives out errors.

If after all the manipulations the file manager still does not work, try resetting the application settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Files → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Redmi K50 Pro models with MIUI 14, after resetting the manager’s data, you may need to re-authorize in Mi Account to access cloud files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file manager on Xiaomi

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If none of the methods worked, check your smartphone for viruses (for example, through Security → Scan) or reset your settings to factory settings (with data saved).