Explorer on Android Xiaomi: features, settings and hidden features

Have you ever walked into Explorer on your Xiaomi smartphone and wondered why you needed it when you had Google Files or other managers? MIUI often remains in the shadows, although the functionality is not inferior to many third-party analogues - and in some ways even surpasses them. In this article, we’ll go into detail about what Explorer is on Xiaomi, how to use it to manage files, what hidden features it offers, and why it’s sometimes best not to remove it from your device.

Many users mistakenly believe that Explorer is just a "folder viewer," but in fact it is integrated into the system deeper than it seems. MIUI manages the access of applications to the storage, and also implements functions such as MIUI+ (PC syncs, or cloud backups, moreover, in newer versions. MIUI 14/15 The conductor has received tools to work with APK-Files, archives and even basic support FTP-If you've never used it consciously, it's time to find out what you've been missing.

What is a Xiaomi Explorer and why you need it

File Manager is a standard file management application preinstalled on all Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO shelled MIUI. Unlike third-party managers (such as Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer). FX File Manager, it's optimized for firmware and is closely linked to system services:

• 📁 Access to root folders without root rights (unlike many alternatives).
• 🔄 Integration with MI Cloud for Automatic Backup.
• 🔍 Search for file content (including text within documents).
• 🛠️ Built-in tools for working with ZIP/RAR, APK and media files.

But Explorer's main advantage is that it prioritizes access to system partitions that third-party applications often don't see, such as the one that can safely delete the app cache, manage files in the folder. /MIUI/ Or configure access rights for Work Profile (if you use it). MIUI:

It's important to understand that Explorer is not just a viewer, but part of the Xiaomi ecosystem, for example, if you use Mi Account to sync, it's through this application that you can restore deleted files from the cloud or set up automatic uploads of photos to Mi Cloud.

Where to find Explorer on Xiaomi smartphone

You can find the application in several ways - it all depends on the version. MIUI And the smartphone models. Here are the most reliable options:

1. Through the App Menu: Scroll down the list of installed programs – the Explorer icon is usually called Files or File Manager (the icon is a yellow folder with a blue tag).
2. Search by system: Swipe down on the home screen, type in the search bar "Conductor" or "File Manager".
3. Through Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management and find in the list of "Files".

If the icon isn't on the screen, it might be hidden to bring it back.

1. Click the empty space on the main screen → select "Widgets".
2. Find the Files list and drag the shortcut to the screen.

💡

In some models (for example, POCO F5 Redmi Note 12: The conductor may be called "MI File Manager. If you don't find it, check the Utility folder in the app menu.

It is also important to remember that on devices with MIUI Global Market (Global) ROM) and Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The Explorer interface may differ, for example, in the Chinese version there are often additional features such as integration with Baidu Cloud or support for local network drives.

Main functions of the conductor: what can be done

Xiaomi Explorer is not just a file viewer, but a full-fledged manager with a wide range of features. Let's look at the key features that will be useful in everyday use.

1. Managing files and folders

Basic operations are no different from other file managers:

• 📂 Creating/rename/deletion of folders and files.
• 🔄 Copying, cutting and pasting (including mass operations).
• 🔍 Sorting by name, date, size or type.
• 📎 Securing important files at the top of the list.

But there are some unique things. MIUI 14+ The function "Category" appeared - files are automatically grouped into types: "Images", "Video", "Audio", "Documents", etc. This is convenient if you need to quickly find everything. PDF or APK device-wise.

Work with archives

The conductor supports the creation and unpacking of archives ZIP and RAR No additional applications. To archive files:

1. Select the files/folders you need with a long tap.
2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner → "Squeeze".
3. Choose the format (ZIP or RAR) compression.

To unpack, you just tap on the archive and select "Extract", while the Conductor can process multivolume archives (for example, part1.rar, part2.rar) and password files.

3. Cloud storage and backups

If you are logged in to Mi Account, Explorer provides access to Mi Cloud directly from the interface.

• ☁️ View files uploaded to the cloud.
• 🔄 Synchronize local folders (for example, "DCIM" or Downloads").
• 🗃️ Recover deleted files from the cloud basket (up to 30 days).

Also, through Explorer, automatic backups of system data (contacts, messages, settings) are configured. To do this, go to the Backup section and select which data to save.

4. Built-in FTP-server

One of the most useful, but little-known features is the ability to run FTP-It allows you to transfer files between devices over a local network without any need for a server. USB-to activate the cable:

1. Open the Conductor. → press three points → "FTP".
2. Enable the server and write down the address (for example, ftp://192.168.1.100:2121).
3. Connect to this address from another device (PC, laptop, other phone).

Transfer speeds vary with Wi-Fi, but they are usually higher than Bluetooth or Mi Share.

💡

FTP Xiaomi Explorer works without root rights and does not require third-party applications, but is available only on the local network (not via the Internet).

The hidden possibilities of the guide, which few people know

Many of the features of Explorer are hidden or not obvious, and here are some life hacks that will make it easier to work with files:

1. Access to system folders without root rights

The Explorer can show hidden system folders that are not normally available. For example, you can go to:

• /data/data/ — Application data (authorization required).
• /MIUI/ — System themes and shell settings.
• /sdcard/Android/ — game-cache folders.

To enable the display of hidden files:

1. Open the Conductor. → press three points → "Settings".
2. Activate the option "Show hidden files".

Do not delete files with unknown extensions (.odex,.so,.jar)

First, make a backup copy of the folder.

Do not change files in /system/ rootless

After the changes, restart the device-->

2. Protected folders (Private Safe)

V MIUI 14+ And we have Secure Folders, which is the same as Safe Folder in Google Files, and you can move sensitive files (photos, documents) that are hidden from other apps and users to configure them:

1. Open the Conductor. → Go to the "Protected" section".
2. Set a password or use a fingerprint.
3. Move the files to the folder (they will disappear from the main storage).

Important: If you forget your password, it will be impossible to restore access to files – they are encrypted locally.

3. Review and editing APK-file

The conductor can not only install APK, but also to view information about them (permissions, version, certificate:

1. Find it. APK-conductor.
2. Put it on him. → select "Information".
3. Look at the details: hash, signature, permission list.

This is useful if you downloaded the application from an unreliable source and want to check it before installing it.

4. Rapid garbage clean-up

Explorer has a built-in tool to clean up unnecessary files:

1. Go to the "Cleaning" section (Broom icon).
2. Select the categories: "Cash", "Dublicates", "Large files".
3. Press "Clean."

This tool often finds garbage that third-party cleaners don’t see (for example, the remnants of remote applications in the app). /data/local/tmp/).

💡

If Explorer does not find duplicate photos, try sorting files by size – often duplicates have the same weight in bytes.

How to set up a guide to your needs

The conductor on Xiaomi is flexible in settings, but many users don’t even look at its settings. Meanwhile, the right configuration can save time and space on the device.

1. File display settings

To change the type of folders and files:

1. Open the Conductor. → press three points → "Settings" → "species".
2. Choose:

You can also include:

• 🔢 Sorting by default (by name, date, size).
• 📌 Frequently used folders at the top of the screen.

2. Storage management

In the "Storage" section (available via the side menu) you can:

• 📊 View the statistics of memory use by category.
• 🗑️ Clear the application cache selectively or completely.
• 🔄 Transfer files to SD-card (if supported).

Storage Analysis is especially useful – it shows which folders take up the most space (for example, Telegram cache or downloads from TikTok).

3. Sync with Mi Cloud

If you use Mi Account, set up automatic sync:

1. Go to "Mi Cloud" in the side menu.
2. Select which folders to sync (e.g. Camera or Downloads).
3. Set a traffic limit (useful when using mobile internet).

Note that Xiaomi only gives 5GB for free by default, and if you need more, you’ll have to buy a subscription.

4.Tune in. FTP and network access

To make it easier to access files from other devices:

1. Turn it on "FTP-server in the conductor settings.
2. Set the static. IP-Address for phone in Wi-Fi settings (so that the address does not change).
3. Use applications like this. ES Conductor (on another device) for connection FTP.

For safety reasons, it is recommended:

• ⚠️ Set a complex password for FTP.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the server after use.
• ⚠️ Don't use FTP on public Wi-Fi networks.

Frequent problems with the conductor and how to solve them

Despite optimizing for MIUI, The conductor sometimes doesn't work properly. Let's look at the common mistakes and how to fix them.

1.The conductor does not open or depart

If the application crashes or does not start:

• 🔄 Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Files. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔙 Reset settings: In the Explorer settings, select "Reset settings".
• 📥 Update. MIUI: Sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions of firmware.

If nothing helps, try removing Explorer updates (if it was updated through Google Play):

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Files. → Three points. → Remove updates.

2. Files or folders are not displayed

If the Explorer does not show some files:

• 🔍 Check if hidden files are displayed (Settings) → Show hidden files).
• 📁 Make sure that files are not moved to Protected folders.
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the system does not have time to update the file index.

If the file is missing DCIM Or Downloads, maybe it was accidentally deleted:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and check through Windows Explorer.
2. Use file recovery applications (such as DiskDigger).

3. Mistakes when working with Mi Cloud

Synchronization problems are usually associated with:

• 🌐 No Internet or Mi Cloud locking firewall.
• 🔑 Mi Account login issues (try logging out and re-entering in).
• 📶 Lack of space in the cloud (check in Settings) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud).

If files are not uploaded to the cloud:

1. Check if sync is enabled for a specific folder.
2. Make sure the file does not exceed the limit (usually up to 200MB for free accounts).

4. FTP-The server is not working.

If you can't connect to the FTP:

• 🔌 Check that your phone and other device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🔒 Make sure that the phone allows traffic for Explorer (Settings) → Annexes → Files. → Mobile data).
• 📡 Try to turn it off. VPN or proxy on both devices.

If FTP connects, but files are not displayed, check access rights in the server settings (sometimes you need to manually allow access to specific folders).

💡

If FTP It is slow, try to connect to the cable. USB file transfer mode" (MTP) — It's usually faster.

Should you remove the conductor and how to replace it?

Many users prefer third-party file managers (such as Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer). FX File Manager) and they're thinking about removing the standard Explorer, but there's a couple of reasons why you shouldn't:

System integration

The conductor is closely related to MIUI and is responsible for:

• 🔗 Applications access to storage (for example, when a program asks permission to access files).
• ☁️ Backup of system data in Mi Cloud.
• 📲 File exchange through MIUI+ Or nearby share.

If you remove the Explorer, these functions may not work properly or may stop working altogether.

2. Risk to the system

On some devices, Explorer is a system application, and its removal may result in:

• 🚨 Errors in updating MIUI.
• 📱 Problems with access to SD-map.
• 🔄 Failures in other applications that depend on it.

If you still want to get rid of the Explorer, it is better not to remove it completely, but simply turn it off:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Files. → Shut down.

3. Alternatives: Which File Manager to Choose

If you lack the standard Explorer features, consider these alternatives:

If you choose a third-party manager, pay attention to:

• 🔒 Security: Some apps collect data about your files.
• 📱 Support MIUI: Not all managers work correctly with Xiaomi firmware.
• 💰 Cost: Many advanced features are only available in paid versions.

💡

Even if you use a third-party manager, do not remove the standard Explorer – it is necessary for proper operation. MIUI and system functions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Explorer on Xiaomi