How to turn on the Explorer on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 12/13/14

You try to open files on a Xiaomi smartphone, but the Explorer icon disappeared from your desktop? Or does the system give you a "No access to storage" error? This problem is familiar to many users after updating MIUI or resetting. 80% of the time, the com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer system application is disabled or access rights are crippled.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to return Explorer to Redmi, POCO or Mi – from basic actions to hidden settings for power users. We will also discuss why the application may disappear after MIUI 14 updates and how to prevent re-disappearance. All instructions are relevant for models from 2020-2026, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13T.

Why does the conductor disappear on Xiaomi?

Before you can restore access to files, it is important to understand the cause of the problem. In MIUI, the conductor can disappear in several scenarios:

• 🔄 System Update: After installing the new version MIUI (particularly 12 on 13/14) Some system applications are automatically deactivated.
• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Using Optimization or Deep Cleaning features in Security can remove the conductor label.
• 🔧 Manual Shutdown: The user could accidentally deactivate the application in the settings or through ADB.
• 🛠️ Reset: After hard reset, some system utilities do not automatically recover.
• 📱 Third-app conflict: Google or Samsung file managers can block standard Explorer.

A critical feature of MIUI 14: In this version, the Explorer is integrated into the Google Files app (on some models).If you delete it, the standard file manager will stop working.

Before you proceed to recovery, check:

1. Do you have a Tools folder in the app menu – sometimes the Explorer hides there?
2. Is there a third-party file manager installed (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Manager).
3. Is the mode for children activated - it blocks access to system utilities?

Method 1: Enable through application settings

The simplest method is to activate the Explorer in the list of all applications, which works on 90% of devices with MIUI 12-14:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. In the search bar, enter a explorer or file explorer.
4. Find the Explorer (or File Manager) app and tap it.
5. Click Enable if the button is active.

If an application is not listed, it has been removed or hidden at the system level, in which case move to Method 3.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) It can be called Explorer or Mi File Manager, and if you don't find it, try these options.

Method 2: Adding a shortcut to the desktop

Sometimes the conductor isn't removed, but his badge is missing from his desktop.

1. Open the Apps menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the Tools or Utilities folder (if any).
3. Hold your finger on the Explorer icon and drag it to your desktop.

If the Tools folder is not:

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Desktop → Desktop setting.
• 📱 Enable the option to Show all applications.
• 🔄 Go back to the app menu and try to find the explorer again.

On POCO and some Redmi, the shortcut can be hidden behind a long tap on the desktop → Widgets → Tools.

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If the Explorer still doesn’t show up, try restarting your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Restart in Safe Mode) this will disable third-party apps that can block system utilities.

Method 3: Recovery through ADB (for experienced)

If the conductor has been disabled at the system level or removed, it can be returned using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a computer and enabled debugging over USB.

Step 1: Preparation

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
• 📱 On the phone, activate Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode).
• 🔌 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.

Step 2: Recovery teams:

adb shell pm enable com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer


adb shell cmd package install-existing com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer

If the conductor does not appear after executing the commands, try reinstalling it via APK:

1. Download the original APK Explorer for your version of MIUI (e.g. with APKMirror).
2. Set it through adb install name file.apk.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use ADB to remove system applications if you're not sure what the consequences are (MIUI China) this can lead to bootloop (locked download).

Method 4: Resetting application settings

If the conductor doesn't turn on through settings but isn't removed, it can help to reset the cache of all applications, and it will return the system utilities to factory status without losing data:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (password or pattern lock may be required).

After discharge:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📂 Check the app menu – the explorer should appear.
• 🔧 If not, try Method 3 (ADB).

This method also solves problems with:

• 🚫 Lack of access to DCIM download.
• 🔒 The error of "No right to read" SD-map».
• 📁 Undisplayable hidden files.

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Resetting application settings does not delete personal data (photos, messages), but resets permissions and cache for all programs.

Method 5: Installation of an alternative conductor

If you can’t restore the standard Explorer, install a third-party file manager.

Full access to system folders (/data, /system) requires root rights, and without them, third-party guides will not be able to open secure directories.

How to install MiXplorer (if you don’t have Google Play):

1. Download APK from XDA Developers (check the hash file!).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
3. Install APK and provide all permissions.

How to Prevent the Disappearance of a Guide in the Future

To prevent the conductor from disappearing after updates or resets, follow these recommendations:

• 📱 Do not remove pre-installed applications through ADB Titanium Backup, if you are not sure of its purpose.

If you work with files often, consider an alternative explorer (like Solid Explorer) that doesn’t depend on MIUI updates and offers more features.

Important for MIUI 14: In this version, Explorer may conflict with Google Files. If you notice lags when you open files, disable automatic Files updates from Google in the Play Store.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the conductor on Xiaomi