How to allow Xiaomi Explorer access to SD-map: full instruction

You put it in. SD-card in your Xiaomi, but Explorer stubbornly refuses to show files or asks permissions? this problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi smartphones, POCO and Mi, especially after the update MIUI Unlike internal memory, external drives require separate permission settings, and the algorithm depends on the firmware version and device model.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to provide access, from standard MIUI settings to manual edits through ADB. You will learn why Explorer may not see files even after issuing permissions, how to circumvent Android 11+ restrictions on access to SD root folders, and what to do if the system requires map formatting. Instructions are adapted for MIUI 14/15 and tested on Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and other current devices from 2023-2026.

Why Xiaomi Explorer doesn’t see files on the site SD-map?

Problem with access to SD-Xiaomi cards are usually linked to one of five reasons:

• 🔒 Lack of permissions for Explorer in application settings (most often after updating) MIUI).
• 📱 Limitations of Android 11+: With this version, the system blocks access to the root folders of external drives.
• 🗄️ File system SD-The card is not supported (for example, NTFS instead FAT32/exFAT).
• 🔄 Conflict with other file managers (e.g. Google Files or Solid Explorer).
• 🛠️ Damage to the memory card or mounting error (in this case, the system suggests formatting the drive).

On devices with MIUI 12.5+ Android 11/12/13 The second reason is the most common: Google has tightened its security policy, and now apps only access their folders by default. SD-map (/Android/data/ and /Android/obb/). To allow the Explorer to see all files, you will need manual configuration.

Method 1: Granting permissions through MIUI settings

Let’s start with the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15.This method does not require root rights or a PC connection.

1. Open Explorer (the folder icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
2. In the upper left corner, tap on three horizontal lines (menu) → select Device.
3. Scroll down to the Warehouse section and tap on SD-The card (or the name of your drive).
4. If a permission request pop-up appears, click Allow or Grant Access.
5. Restart Explorer and check if files have appeared.

If there is no pop-up, go to the permissions settings manually:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Explorer (or com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer) and tap on it.
3. Select Permissions → Warehouse.
4. Activate switches to Access Media and Manage all files.

1. Whether storage permissions are open in the application settings

2. Can you see? SD-map in the section "Device" Conductor

3. whether a pop-up window with an access request appeared when the first card was opened

4.Reset Explorer after changing settings-->

It's important! On some models, for example, POCO F4) After permissions are granted, reconnection may be required SD-For this, it's a map:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Tap on. SD-map → Extract (not physically, but programmatically).
3. Wait 10 seconds and press Connect.

Method 2: Use ADB for full access (Android 11+)

If the previous method didn’t work, chances are your device is running Android 11 or later, where there are strict restrictions on access to external drives. ADB-command that gives the Explorer the right to manage all files on SD-map.

You will need to:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on.
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

Instructions:

1. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification you become a developer appears!. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB debugging and confirm the action.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer mode.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
5. Grant permission to the Explorer: adb shell appops set com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer android:legacy_storage allow POCO Launcher use: adb shell appops set com.mi.android.globalminusscreen android:legacy_storage allow
6. Reboot the phone.

On Android 13 and MIUI 14+ devices, this command may not work due to additional limitations, in which case try an alternative method using Shizuku (described in the next section).

Method 3: Shizuku + AppOps to bypass Android 13 restrictions

If ADB-The team didn’t help, and your Xiaomi runs on Android. 13 (MIUI 14/15), Use Shizuku, a tool that takes a little more effort, but it's guaranteed to work on the latest firmware.

Steps:

1. Download and install on your phone: Shizuku (from the official website or Google Play). AppOps (only from the official website, as the application is removed from the Play Market).

ADB

adb shell sh /sdcard/Android/data/moe.shizuku.privileged.api/start.sh

Shizuku

Start

Running

AppOps

Conductor

com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer

legacy_storage

Allow

Reset the device.

After this, the conductor will have full access to the SD-Note that Shizuku requires an active PC connection to work (or purchase a premium version for offline mode).

💡

If Explorer still doesn’t see files after using Shizuku, try clearing its cache: Settings → Apps → Explorer → Storage → Clear the cache.

Method 4: Formatting SD-Maps to the correct file system

If none of the previous methods worked, the problem may be in your file system. SD-Xiaomi devices work correctly only with maps in formats:

• 📁 FAT32 — Compatible with all versions of Android, but limited to files up to 4 GB.
• 📁 exFAT – supports files larger than 4 GB, recommended for cards from 64 GB.
• ❌ NTFS — Not supported on most Xiaomi smartphones (except for some models with the MIUI 13+ and the Linux kernel 4.19+).

To check the current file system:

1. Connect. SD-card to PC via card reader.
2. Open This Computer (My Computer), right-click on the map → Properties.
3. The file system line will indicate the current format.

If the NTFS format or map is damaged, format it:

1. Save important data on the PC.
2. In this computer, right-click on SD-map → Format.
3. Choose FAT32 (for cards up to 32GB) or exFAT (for cards up to 64GB).
4. Click Start and wait until it is completed.

💡

Formatting removes all the data from the card! If it has important files on it, copy them to your computer first.

Method 5: Use of alternative file managers

If Xiaomi Explorer still refuses to work with SD-Installation of a third-party file manager may be a temporary solution. FX File Explorer: How to Bypass Android 11 Restrictions+.

The best options for Xiaomi:

• 📂 Solid Explorer - Supports FTP, SFTP And access to root folders. SD.
• 📂 FX File Explorer – has built-in Root Access (if the phone is rooted).
• 📂 MiXplorer – Lightweight Manager with Support OTG and cloud storage.

Instructions for Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide all the permissions requested.
3. In the side menu, select Warehouse → SD-map.
4. If you have an access request, click Allow.
5. For full access, go to Settings → Access the root directory and activate the option.

⚠️ Note: Some managers (e.g., managers, ES Conductor) may contain advertising software or collect data. Use only verified applications from official sources.

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even after you set up the permissions, you may encounter errors.

If the card is physically damaged (for example, after a fall or contact with water), data recovery is possible only with the help of specialized utilities like Recuva or TestDisk.

1. Do not write new files to the map.
2. Connect it to the PC through the card reader.
3. Use a recovery program (e.g. PhotoRec for Linux/macOS).

⚠️ Attention: If SD-The card started to "spray" with errors (for example, files disappear or get corrupted), immediately copy all the data from it and replace the drive. This is a sign of wear and tear of the flash memory, and soon the card may become completely unreadable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about access to SD-map