How to create a file on a smartphone or tablet Xiaomi: all available ways

File creation on Xiaomi devices is a basic task that every user faces, but even this simple task can raise questions about where new documents are saved, how to choose the right format, and why files sometimes disappear after a reboot. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to create files on smartphones and tablets of the brand, from the standard MIUI Explorer to work through ADB and cloud services.

We will pay special attention to the nuances of different firmware versions: MIUI 14, MIUI 15 and the new HyperOS. For example, HyperOS changed the location of the “Create” button in the conductor, and MIUI 15 introduced integration with Mi Cloud Drive, Xiaomi’s own cloud.

1. Create a file through standard MIUI Explorer

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Explorer (the Files app) that is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices and supports basic file operations. Here's how to create a document:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
2. Go to the Local Storage or Internal Memory section (in HyperOS, the Device tab).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner (⋮) and select Create → File (older versions MIUI may be referred to as New File).
4. Enter the file name with the extension (such as notes.txt or data.json) and click OK.

⚠️ Warning: If you don't specify an extension, the file will be created without it, and the system may not recognize its type. For example, a report document without an extension will not open in WPS Office or Google Docs.

Specify the correct extension (.txt,.docx,.json, etc.)|Select a folder to save (not a root directory)|Check the free space on the device (minimum 100 MB)|Disable battery optimization for Explorer (if files are not saved)-->

The HyperOS interface has changed a little: the Create button is now in the bottom menu (+ icon), and when choosing a file type, templates for text, tables and presentations are available (integration with WPS Office).

2. Use of applications to work with files

Xiaomi’s standard Explorer is inferior to third-party file managers. For example, in Solid Explorer or FX File Manager, you can create files with avanzed rights, edit them with a built-in text editor, and even connect to FTP- servers.

• 📲 Install Solid Explorer from Google Play (or GetApps for Chinese firmware).
• 🔓 Give access to the storage (permission to Manage all files in Android settings).
• 📁 Go to the folder you want, click + → File and enter the name with the extension.
• 📝 To edit text immediately after you create, click on the file and select "Open as → Text."

In HyperOS, third-party file managers can request additional permission to access the Android/data folder – it must be confirmed manually in the application settings.

Advantages of third-party managers:

• 🔍 Support for root folders (if root-access is available).
• 🔄 Built-in archivers (ZIP, RAR, 7z).
• 🌐 Connect to Google Drive (OneDrive) directly from the interface.
• 📋 Editing system files (e.g. build.prop for power users).

Standard Conductor MIUI|Solid Explorer|FX File Manager|Total Commander|Other-->

3. Create files through cloud services

If you need to create a file that will be available on multiple devices, it’s more convenient to use cloud services. Xiaomi offers two options: its own Mi Cloud Drive cloud and integration with Google Drive.

Method 1: Mi Cloud Drive

1. Open the cloud application (Mi Cloud).
2. Sign in to your Xiaomi account (if not authorized).
3. Go to the Drive tab (in HyperOS – Drive).
4. Click + → Create a file and select a type (document, table, text).

Method 2: Google Drive

If you prefer Google Drive, install the app and:

1. Press "+" → "Create."
2. Select the file type (e.g., “Google Document”).
3. The file will open in the corresponding editor (Google Docs, Sheets, etc.).

⚠️ Warning: Files created in Mi Cloud Drive are only synced when you are actively connected to the Internet. If you are editing a document offline, the changes may not be saved. For critical data, use Google Drive with Offline Access enabled.

4. Create files through ADB (for power users)

If you need to create a file in a system folder or automate the process, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for developers or users with root access.

Before starting work:

• 🔧 Enable Debugging with USB in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI → Press 7 times to unlock).
• 🖥️ Install ADB on your computer (e.g., via Google’s Platform Tools).
• 📱 Connect the device to USB and confirm trust in the computer.

Commands for creating a file:

Transfer to the desired directory (e.g., /sdcard/Download)


adb shell cd /sdcard/Download




Creating an empty file



adb shell touch newfile.txt




Recording text into a file



adb shell echo "Hello, Xiaomi!" > greeting.txt




Viewing the contents of the file



adb shell cat greeting.txt

⚠️ Warning: Touch and echo commands only work in folders that are available for write. Trying to create a file in /system without root will result in a Permission denied error.

5. Automatic File Creation with Tasker or Shortcuts

If you need to create files on a schedule regularly (such as a transaction log or backup), you can automate the process using Tasker or the built-in Shortcuts app in MIUI.

Method 1: Tasker

1. Install Tasker from Google Play.
2. Create a new task (+ → New task).
3. Add the action "File → Write a file".
4. Specify the path (e.g., /sdcard/Logs/log_%DATE.txt) and the text to write.
5. Set up the trigger (for example, by time or when connecting to Wi-Fi).

Method 2: MIUI Labels

MIUI 14+ and HyperOS have a built-in shortcuts app that allows you to create automatic actions:

1. Open “Tags” (or “Automation” in HyperOS)
2. Select “Personal → Files” → “Create a file”.
3. Specify the name, path and contents of the file.
4. Set the start condition (for example, when the battery is low).

%DATE - current date (2026-05-15)

%TIME - current time (14-30-45)

- %RANDOM is a random number

Example of file name: backup_%DATE_%TIME.txt-->

6. Where the created files are saved and how to find them

One of the common problems is that the user creates a file but can't find it, so let's look at where to look for files depending on how they're created:

• 📁 Explorer MIUI: Files are saved to the folder that was opened when you created it. By default, it is /storage/emulated/0/ (internal memory).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud Drive: Files are stored in the cloud and displayed in the Cloud app under the Drive tab. You need to download them manually to access them offline.
• 🤖 ADB: Files are created in a directory you specify (e.g., /sdcard/Download/). You can view them through the Explorer or Adb shell ls command /sdcard/Download/.
• 📱 Application side: Many programs (e.g., WPS Office) save files to their folder: /Android/data/com.kingsoft.office/app_files/.

If the file is "disappeared", check:

1. Recycle Bin folder in the Explorer (files are stored there for 30 days).
2. Filters in the conductor (possibly only images or videos are included).
3. Cloud sync settings (autosynchronization may be disabled in Mi Cloud).

💡

In HyperOS, files created through cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) are not displayed in standard Explorer by default, but you need to download files to local storage or use the application of the corresponding service to see them.

7. Frequent errors and their solution

When creating files on Xiaomi, users face typical problems.

⚠️ Warning: If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (e.g., for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for export), some system folders may be locked even for ADB.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions