Xiaomi’s File Manager is a standard MIUI application that allows you to manage documents, photos, videos and other data on your device. However, many users face a problem: the app icon suddenly disappears from the desktop, and it is not always possible to find it through search, and this problem is especially relevant after upgrading to MIUI 14/15, where the interface has undergone changes.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can run a file manager on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from basic to hidden methods through system settings. You’ll learn how to return an application to the screen if it’s gone, how to open it through third-party file managers, and what to do if the file manager refuses to start.
1. Standard method: search and shortcut on the desktop
The easiest method is to use the built-in search system. Swipe down the home screen to open the search bar and type in the query:
- 🔍 "File Manager" (Russian version)
- 🔍 "File Manager" (English version)
- 🔍 "Files” (abbreviated name)
If an application is found but is not on your desktop, press its icon in search results and drag it to a free space. On some MIUI firmware, the shortcut may be hidden in the Tools folder - check its contents.
⚠️ Attention: POCO F5 redmi K60 HyperOS search may not show system applications, in which case use the methods in the following sections.
If the search does not yield results, try an alternative path:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the list, look for File Manager (or Files).
- Slip it and select Open it.
2. Launch through storage settings
File Manager is closely integrated with the storage partition in MIUI settings, and this method works even if the application icon is deleted or hidden:
- Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
- Scroll down to the Files block and tap it.
- The system will automatically open the file manager in the Internal Memory section.
This is especially useful for devices with MIUI 15, where the storage interface has been redesigned. If nothing happens after tap, check if the application is disabled in the settings (for more on this in the next section).
| Xiaomi model | The way to the dispatcher through the vault | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13 | Settings → Storage → Files | It works on all versions of MIUI. |
| POCO F4/F5 | Settings → Storage → Files | HyperOS can open in a simplified form |
| Xiaomi 13/14 | Settings → Memory → File Management | You need to scroll to the end of the page. |
| Redmi 10A/12C | Settings → Additional → Storage | On budget models, the path may be different. |
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If the Files partition in the storage is inactive, try clearing the File Manager cache through Settings → Applications → File Manager → Clear the cache.
3. Recovery of remote or disabled dispatcher
Sometimes users accidentally disable or delete updates to the File Manager, causing it to disappear, to return the application:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Show System.
- Find File Manager (or "com.android.documentsui" for older versions).
- If the button is active, press it and confirm the activation.
- If you have a Restore button, use it to return the factory version.
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU), the file manager can be replaced by Google Files.
- 📁 Install the original APK file manager MIUI (Choose a version for your model).
- 🔧 Turn off Google Files in your app settings to avoid conflicts.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, restoring system applications may require flashing through Fastboot.
Backup of important files|Verification of the version MIUI In Settings → The phone.|Shutdown VPN (It can block access to the system. APK)|Battery charge > 50%-->
4. Alternative methods: through ADB and third-party applications
If standard methods don’t work, you can run the file manager via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or third-party file managers.
Method 1: ADB teams
Connect your phone to your PC, turn on USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap on version, then return to Additional → For developers) and execute in the command line:
adb shell am start -n com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer/.FileExplorerActivityFor older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5), use:
adb shell am start -n com.android.documentsui/.FilesActivityMethod 2: Third-party file managers
Install any alternative application (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Manager) and use its Open as function by selecting System File Manager. Some managers (e.g. MiXplorer) can integrate directly with MIUI.
The advantage of this method is that you can manage files even if the system application is corrupted. However, be careful: third-party managers may request unnecessary permissions (for example, access to the system application). Android/data, which is unsafe).
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
5 File Manager not open: reasons and solutions
If an application is found but not launched, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|
| The app immediately closes. | Clear cache and data in Settings → Applications → File Manager → Storage |
| Error "Application not installed" | Restore APK through Settings → Applications → Remote Updates |
| Black screen when opening | Restart your phone to Safe Mode (press the power button → “Reboot in Safe Mode”) |
| No access to the folders. | Check permissions in Settings → Privacy → Permissions → File Manager |
On devices with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6), there may be a conflict with Google Files Go.
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Find Google Files Go and turn it off.
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Note: If the File Manager is damaged due to a failed update MIUI, The only reliable way to recover is through Recovery or Fastboot. Use the official firmware from Xiaomi Firmware.
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Before resetting or firmware, always back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root).
6 Features on different versions of MIUI and HyperOS
The interface and location of the File Manager differ depending on the firmware version:
- 📱 MIUI 12-13: The icon is hidden in the Tools folder or available through Settings → Warehouse → Files.
- 📱 MIUI 14: File Manager is combined with Google Files on some regional firmware (e.g., Google Files, MIUI Global).
- 📱 HyperOS (MIUI 15+):** The icon may not be on the home screen, but is available through a search system or swipe down gesture. → utility panel → Files.
On POCO with HyperOS (like POCO X6), the File Manager is often replaced by POCO File Manager, a separate application with advanced features (including Mi Cloud cloud storage). If it is not installed, download it from GetApps (the Xiaomi store).
For root-access devices, you can use Titanium Backup or App Cloner to back up the File Manager and restore it in the event of a failure. However, this requires technical skills and can disrupt MIUI.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When working with a file manager on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems:
- 🚫 Error "No access to" SD-Card: Check that the memory card is formatted as internal memory (Settings) → Warehouse → SD-map).
- 🚫 No hidden files displayed: Enable them to be displayed in the Manager settings (triangle in the upper right corner) → Show hidden files).
- 🚫 Impossible to delete files: Make sure you have permission to write to a folder (e.g. system folders) /data root).
- 🚫 File Manager can't see. USB-Driver: Connect the flash drive through OTG-Adapter and select File Transfer mode in notification curtain.
On a Redmi with a small amount of memory (for example, Redmi 9A 32 GB), the file manager can slow down when scanning the storage.
- Clear the app's cache.
- Turn off automatic scanning in the dispatcher settings.
- Use Lite versions of the file manager (e.g. Files by Google Go).
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On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), File Manager supports integration with Mi Cloud and Google Drive. Set up sync in the Cloud section of the app to automatically back up important files.