Are you trying to upload a file through a browser to Xiaomi, but the system is blocking access to the device's memory? Or can Google Chrome, Mi Browser or Firefox not see your downloads and can't save photos? This problem is typical for smartphones on MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary shell, where security policies by default restrict app access to storage. In 80% of cases, the solution takes less than a minute, but requires knowledge of the hidden system settings.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to allow your browser to access memory on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (including the models of 2023-2026 on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), learn how to configure permissions manually, bypass the restrictions for specific folders, and what to do if the browser still can not see files, and also – why after updating the system access can disappear and how to prevent this.
Why the browser does not see memory Xiaomi
The problem with the browser access to memory on Xiaomi is due to three key reasons:
- 🔒 Politics MIUI by default: starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi tightened control over app access to storage.Browsers (even system) automatically receive only limited permissions.
- 📂 Split Storage: in Android 11+ Google introduced the concept of a “sandbox” for applications, where each browser by default sees only its Download folder.
- 🔄 Resets after updates: when switching to a new version MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 on HyperOS) system resets some resolutions 'to factory".
Interestingly, the problem is more common with third-party browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Opera) than with the pre-installed Mi Browser. the latter has extended default rights, but its settings can get lost after cleaning the cache or reset.
Method 1: Permissions through application settings
The fastest method is to manually grant the browser permission to access the memory, the instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find your browser (such as Chrome or Mi Browser) and tap it.
- Go to Permits. → Memory.
- Select Allow All Files to be Accessed (or Allow All Files to be Managed in HyperOS).
- Confirm the choice in the dialog box.
If the Memory item is not in the permissions, then your browser uses Scoped Storage (see Method 3).
☑️ Checking browser permissions
⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12) require a device restart after the permissions are issued.
Method 2: Configure access to specific folders
If your browser does not need full memory rights, but only access to certain folders (such as Download or DCIM), use the "Special Access" function:
- Open Settings → Privacy → Special access.
- Select Access to all files.
- Find your browser in the list and activate the switch.
- Go back and access the folders.
- Select a browser and tick the desired folders (for example, Download, Pictures).
This method is safer than full access, as it limits the browser to only selected directories, suitable for the POCO F5, Redmi K60 and other models with MIUI 14+.
| Method | Level of access | Security | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full access to memory | All files and folders. | ⚠️ Low. | Technically savvy users |
| Special access to folders | Only selected directories | ✅ Medium | Most users |
| Scoped Storage (by default) | Only the browser folder. | ✅✅ Tall. | Minimalists who don’t download files |
Method 3: Scoped Storage bypass (for Android 11+)
Since Android 11, Google has implemented Scoped Storage, a mechanism that by default limits apps to their own sandbox. Browsers like Chrome or Firefox only see the /storage/emulated/0/Download folder and cannot save files to other directories.
- Install a file manager with root permissions (such as FX Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- In the manager settings, activate Show Hidden Files and Access to the Root Directory.
- Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ and find your browser folder (e.g. com.android.chrome).
- Copy the desired files from the browser folder to the target directory (for example, DCIM for photos).
On Xiaomi models with HyperOS (2026), this method only works when MIUI Optimization is disabled in the developer settings.
How to turn off MIUI Optimization?
Method 4: Using ADB for forced access
If previous methods have failed, you can force permissions through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 and other models with locked settings:
adb shell pm grant com.android.chrome android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
adb shell pm grant com.android.chrome android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGEFor Mi Browser, replace com.android.chrome with com.mi.globalbrowser. After completing the commands, restart the device.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB requires on-set debugging USB And then you connect to a PC. On some Xiaomi firmware after you use it. ADB-Teams can be protected MIUI Guard Provider, which blocks changes, will need to temporarily disable it via Settings. → Memory. → Three points. → Special access.
Method 5: Reset browser settings
If the browser previously had access to memory, but stopped seeing files after updating or crashing, resetting its settings will help:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select a problem browser and tap Storage.
- Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
- Restart the device and re-issue permissions (see Method 1).
POCO X5 Pro and Redmi K50 may require a re-authorization in your Google account after a reset (if Chrome was used).
💡
Before resetting your browser, export bookmarks through the menu ⋮ → Bookmarks → Export (in Chrome) This will save your saved pages.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even after setting up permissions, users face typical problems:
- 🚫 "No access to the folder": Make sure the folder is not marked as system, DCIM/.thumbnails recordingless.
- 🔄 "Files disappear after downloading": Check browser settings - some (like Opera) save files to a temporary folder by default.
- 📱 "Setting resets after rebooting: It's a bug MIUI 15 on some devices. So the solution is to roll back the firmware or use it. ADB permanent granting.
If the browser still can’t see files, check if the incognito mode is enabled – some restrictions apply even if you have permissions.
💡
On Xiaomi with HyperOS (2026) for stable operation of the browser with memory, you need to disable the option "Personal Data Protection" in the settings of the Mi Account. It blocks access to files for third-party applications.