How to allow the browser to access memory on Xiaomi Redmi 7: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is still a popular smartphone due to its balanced features and support for MIUI. However, many users face a problem: the browser (be it Google Chrome, Mi Browser or Firefox) can not save downloaded files, giving an error β€œNo access to memory” or β€œResolution denied”, the reason lies in the security policy of Android 9 Pie and the features of the firmware MIUI 10/11/12 for this model.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods to give the browser permission to write to the memory of the device, from standard settings to manually editing configuration files. 7, which are not found on other Xiaomi models (e.g. restrictions on operating with the /storage/emulated/0/Download). You will also learn how to bypass the lock without root rights and what to do if after the update MIUI re-entry.

Why the browser can not save files on Redmi 7

The memory access problem on Redmi 7 is due to a combination of three factors:

  • πŸ”’ Android 9 Pie Policy: Starting with this version, apps are not allowed to arbitrarily write data to shared folders (such as Download or Download). DCIM) without the express permission of the user.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ MIUI Xiaomi firmware adds an extra layer of protection that can block even those permissions you gave manually.
  • πŸ“ Storage separation: on Redmi 7 folder /storage/emulated/0 Virtually divided into access zones for different applications, which creates conflicts when downloading files.

The error most often occurs in the following scenarios:

  • 🌐 When you try to download an image or document from Google Chrome (a notification appears β€œFailure to download a file” is receivedΒ»).
  • πŸ“₯ When you save videos from social networks via Mi Browser (file does not appear in the Download folder).
  • πŸ”„ After updating MIUI (previously resetting these permits).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-The card as the main storage, the problem may be associated with the settings of adoptable storage. In this case, the browser requires separate permissions to work with the external drive.

Method 1: Standard permissions in Android settings

The first and most obvious method is to check the basic browser resolutions. On Redmi 7, this path may be different from other devices due to customization of MIUI.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find your browser (such as Chrome or Mi Browser) and tap it.
  3. Go to the Permissions section.
  4. Activate the switches next to: πŸ“ Warehouse (or β€œMemoryΒ») πŸ“Ž Managing all files (if any)

Go back to the browser and try to re-upload the file.

If the "Storage" item is not in the permission list, then the browser already has basic access, but it is blocked by MIUI Security Center.

Find your browser in "App Management" | Check "Storage" | Activate "Manage all files" |Reset your browser-->

Method 2: Permissions in MIUI Security Center

MIUI has its own security center that can override standard Android resolutions. On Redmi 7, this module often blocks access to memory even after manual setup.

How to check:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ PapaSSWORD & SECURITY β†’ Privacy (or Privacy).
  2. Select Special App Access (or β€œSpecial Access”).
  3. Find Install Unknown Apps (or Install from Unknown Sources) – even if you don’t install an APK, this section manages file access.
  4. Slip on your browser and activate the permission.
πŸ“Š What browser is you using on Redmi 7?
Google Chrome
Mi Browser
Firefox
Opera
Other

Method 3: Manual editing of a configuration file (without root)

Redmi 7 with MIUI 10-12 has a hidden ability to edit access rights via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that does not require root rights, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification β€œYou’ve become a developer” appears.

USB debugging

Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers

command-line

Terminal

adb shell pm grant com.android.chrome android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE


adb shell pm grant com.android.chrome android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser ID:

  • 🌐 Chrome: com.android.chrome
  • 🦊 Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
  • 🌍 Mi Browser: com.android.browser

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI These permissions can be reset. To secure them, add a command to boot via Tasker or MacroDroid.

What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Make sure that Xiaomi drivers are installed USB Drivers (you can download from the official website) also try using the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transfer). If the problem persists, turn on Debugging on the developer settings USB (security settings) and select Always Allow from this computer.

Method 4: Using a file manager with root rights

If previous methods have failed, you can use an advanced file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) that is suitable if you have root access or are willing to temporarily access it.

Instructions:

  1. Install Magisk (to get root) or use temporary root through KingRoot (not recommended for permanent use).
  2. Open a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
  3. Cross the path. /data/data/[browser-pack]/shared_prefs.
  4. Find the file. com.android.chrome_preferences.xml (or similar to your browser) and open it in the text editor.
  5. Add a line: <boolean name="download_directory_access" value="true" />
  6. Save the file and restart the device.

On the Redmi. 7 s MIUI 12 The path to browser settings may be different: check the folder /data/user_de/0/[browsing package] if the standard path does not work.

browserApplication packageThe path to settings
Google Chromecom.android.chrome/data/data/com.android.chrome/shared_prefs
Mi Browsercom.android.browser/data/data/com.android.browser/shared_prefs
Firefoxorg.mozilla.firefox/data/data/org.mozilla.firefox/files/mozilla
Operacom.opera.browser/data/data/com.opera.browser/app_opera

Method 5: Alternative solutions (if nothing worked)

If none of these methods worked, consider alternatives:

  • πŸ“² Use a different browser: For example, Kiwi Browser or Brave have built-in tools to bypass restrictions. MIUI.
  • πŸ“₯ Upload files via Telegram: Send the file to your bot @SaveAsBot, and then save it through the Telegram app, which MIUI usually trusts more.
  • πŸ”„ Reverse Firmware: If the problem has occurred after the update MIUI, You can return the old version via Fastboot (but it is risky and requires a backup).
  • πŸ“ Change the download folder: In the browser settings, manually specify the path to another folder, for example, /storage/emulated/0/Downloads_Browser.

Redmi 7 is also a solution through Xiaomi Cloud:

  1. Upload the file to the cloud via the browser.
  2. Open the Xiaomi Cloud app on your phone.
  3. Download the file from there – it will automatically be saved to /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/CloudBackup.

πŸ’‘

If you often experience memory access issues, create a separate folder (such as BrowserDownloads) and specify it as the default save location in your browser settings. MIUI is less likely to block custom folders.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When configuring memory access on Redmi 7, users often make the following mistakes:

  • πŸ”§ Do not restart the device after changing the permissions. MIUI caches some settings, and without rebooting, they do not apply.
  • πŸ”„ They use outdated browsers, like Chrome 80.+ It has different storage mechanisms than versions 70-79.
  • πŸ“΅ Block background browser activity in battery settings. Go to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Select applications and make sure that the browser does not turn on power saving mode.
  • πŸ”’ Not updated. MIUI Security. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Update the system and check the relevance of the Security component.

Another common problem is antivirus conflict, where applications like Avast or 360 Security can block access to memory, and try to temporarily disable antivirus or add a browser to exceptions.

πŸ’‘

On the Redmi 7 with MIUI 12+, the most reliable way is to combine standard resolutions + ADB commands. This ensures that the rights do not reset after the reboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I access memory without a computer?
Yes, but with limitations. Try: Clear browser cache and MIUI Security in Settings β†’ Applications. Use an alternative browser (like Bromite, which has built-in workarounds for MIUI); Install AppOps (permissions management app) through ADB, and then disable the restrictions manually. However, you will need root to completely solve the problem without a PC.
After the MIUI update, access is gone again. How do you secure permissions?
MIUI Resets some permissions when you update. To avoid this: Use Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically apply commands ADB after restarting. Turn off automatic updates. MIUI In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system β†’ βš™οΈ β†’ Auto Update. Install Magisk and module MIUI Optimizations Disabler that prevents permission resets.
The browser saves files, but they don't show up in the gallery.
This is because MIUI scans media files only in certain folders. Solutions: Move files to /storage/emulated/0/DCIM or /storage/emulated/0/Pictures. Use a file manager with the Scan Media feature (e.g. Files by Google). Install Rescan Media from Google Play - this application forcibly updates the Android media base.
Can I solve this problem without root and ADB?
Yes, but with limitations. Try: Use Kiwi Browser, which has built-in support for circumventing MIUI restrictions. Download files via Telegram or Xiaomi Cloud, as described above. Install FX File Explorer and activate Access root without root in its settings. However, for a full solution without ADB or root, bypassing the limitations of MIUI is almost impossible.
Why is the Redmi Note 7 more difficult to solve?
Redmi Note 7 runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, while Redmi 7 runs on Snapdragon 632.This affects: MIUI Version: The Note 7 more often installed MIUI 11+, where access policies are softer. Permissions implementation: On Snapdragon 632 (Redmi 7) MIUI tighter controls access to /storage. Support for Android 10: Redmi Note 7 got an update to Android 10, where the permission mechanism changed, and Redmi 7 stayed on Android 9. In addition, Redmi Note 7 had more modifications from the community, where the problem was fixed.