If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, You've probably encountered the Explorer app on the device's menu, but what kind of tool is it, how does it differ from the other? MI File Manager, and why is it often confused with other fileymi managers? In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of working with standard Explorer on Xiaomi, its hidden functions and optimization methods for various tasks - from simple viewing photos to managing system files.
Many users mistakenly believe that "Files" and "Conductor» (MI File Manager is the same thing. They're actually two different applications with different functionality. MIUI And the interface and the Explorer's capabilities can be very different from the smartphone models. We tested the tool on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and the other two. POCO F5 — We are ready to share the latest data for 2026.
What is a Xiaomi Explorer and why you need it
Explorer (or Explorer in English version) MIUI) — It's a built-in file manager that allows you to interact with the file system of your smartphone at a low level. MI File Manager, which is focused on user files (photos, videos, documents), Explorer gives access to the user's files:
- 📁 System folders (/system, /data, /vendor)
- 🔧 Hidden application directories (e.g, /Android/data)
- 📱 Internal memory and SD-map (if supported)
- 🔗 Network resources (FTP, Samba - on some firmware)
The main difference is MI File Manager: The Explorer does not have cloud functions (synchronization with Mi Cloud), but allows you to work with files that are usually hidden from the user:
- 🔍 Find and remove the cache of a specific application manually
- 📋 Edit system files (if root rights are available)
- 🔄 Transfer files between memory partitions without restrictions
⚠️ Note: Some activities in the Conductor may disrupt the work MIUI. For example, deleting files from a folder /system without root rights will cause the application to crash and request a reboot.
Where to find Explorer on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO
Depending on the version MIUI And regional firmware may be different, and you can access Explorer, and here are all the ways you can open it:
- Through the app menu: 🔍 Enter the search for applications query "Conductor" or "Explorer». 📱 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) application hidden – it must be added to the main screen manually through Settings → Annexes → Conductor.
Through settings:
Go to Settings. → Memory. → Conductor (on MIUI 14 and newer).
Through quick settings:
On certain devices (e.g, POCO F4 GT) Explorer icon appears in the notification panel after connecting to the PC USB.
If the Explorer is not on the menu, this may mean:
- 📵 You have a lightweight version. MIUI (For example, in the European or Indian market, where the functionality is reduced.
- 🔄 The application has been disabled in the settings (check in Settings). → Annexes → Application management → Disconnected).
- 📱 The device runs on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where the Explorer is replaced by a AOSP File Manager.
How do I get the Guide back if it's gone?
Differences between the conductor and MI File Manager: What is the best way to use
Many users confuse the two file managers on Xiaomi, and let’s look at the key differences in the table:
| Function | Conductor (Explorer) | MI File Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Access to system folders | ✅ Complete (with no root restrictions) | ❌ User files only |
| Cloud synchronization | ❌ No. | ✅ There are (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) |
| Built-in file viewer | ❌ Basic only (text, images) | ✅ Video support, audio support, PDF |
| Management of access rights | ✅ You can change the file permissions. | ❌ There is no such function. |
| Support FTP/Samba | ⚠️ Only on some firmware. | ✅ There are in the latest versions. |
When to use the Explorer:
- 🔧 Residual files must be deleted after uninstallation of the application.
- 📁 Access to hidden folders (e.g..thumbnails to clean sketches) is required).
- 🔄 You need to transfer files between memory parts manually.
When is the best choice MI File Manager:
- ☁️ It needs to sync with the cloud.
- 🎵 You need to play multimedia directly in the manager.
- 📂 You need to sort files by type (photos, videos, documents).
💡
The guide is a tool for experienced users, and MI File Manager is suitable for everyday tasks.
Hidden functions of the conductor: what the tool can do
Most users use Explorer only to view files, but it does a lot more than that. Here are 5 little-known features that will come in handy in 2026:
- Viewing and editing system files: You can open files from the Explorer /system/etc or /vendor (You need root rights or a special application like Mixplorer to edit.
- Access Rights Management (chmod): Long tap on file → Properties → Permissions can be changed (e.g., make a file executable) and are useful for scripts or modified versions. APK.
- Search for the content of files: Unlike MI File Manager, Explorer can search for text inside files (e.g., search ro.product.model string in all folder files) /system).
- Creating shortcuts for quick access: You can create a shortcut for any folder (even system) and place it on the home screen. Useful for frequent operations (such as cleaning the cache). /Android/data).
- Work with ZIP-archives without third-party applications: Explorer can create and unpack ZIP without additional utilities (unlike the MI File Manager where you need it RAR for Android).
⚠️ Note: Changing system files without root rights can result in loss of warranty and device blink. For example, editing build.prop without backup often ends with bootloop (a looped boot).
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data
This will save time searching through the interface.-->
How to set up a conductor for convenient work
By default, Explorer on Xiaomi has a minimalist interface, but it can be adapted to your needs. Here is a step-by-step setup guide:
Enable the display of hidden files|Set up a sorting default|Add frequently used folders to your favorites|Disable warnings about system files (for experienced users)
-->
- Enabling Hidden Files: Go to Explorer Settings → Show hidden files. Now you'll see folders and files whose names start with a dot (e.g.,.nomedia).
- Change the display view: In the top menu, select View → List/Grid/Details: Detailed mode shows file size, date of change and resolution – this is convenient for analyzing memory.
- Sorting setting: Slip by Sorting Icon (↕️) You can select the option by name, date, size or type, and you can use the default sorting option for convenience.
- Add to favorites: Long tap on the folder, select Add to favorites. Now it will be available in the side menu for a quick transition.
- Disabling Warnings: In Settings → Security can be turned off warnings about working with system files (not recommended for beginners!).
For experienced users, it is useful to set up quick actions:
- 📋 Copying the path: Long tap on file → Copy the path (simplifies the work with the ADB scripted).
- 🔄 Creating shortcuts: Through the context menu, you can create a shortcut for a folder on the home screen.
- 🔍 File Filtering: Operators are supported in the search bar (type:pdf, size:>100MB).
Solving problems with Explorer on Xiaomi
The conductor, like any system application, can work incorrectly.-5 problems and ways of solving them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The conductor won't open. | Failure of cache or application data | Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Conductor → Memory. |
| Files are not displayed on SD-map | The map is formatted in NTFS exFAT | Reformat the map into FAT32 (4GB max file or use it MI File Manager |
| No access to system folders | Limitations MIUI rootless | Use it. ADB Or get root (not recommended for beginners) |
| The conductor brakes when opening large folders | Weak processor or little RAM | Turn off animations in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) |
| The Guide icon has disappeared. | Application disabled or hidden by firmware | Restore through ADB (See spoiler above or install Mixplorer |
If the conductor is not in the system at all, this may be due to:
- 📵 Regional Firmware: In versions MIUI Europe (EEA) The conductor is often removed. The solution is to flash the global version.
- 🔄 System Update: After a major update (e.g. with a MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) the application can "break." Solution - reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings).
⚠️ Note: If after manipulating the Explorer smartphone stopped booting (bootloop), do not try to solve the problem through Fastboot without experience.
Alternatives to the standard Explorer on Xiaomi
If the built-in Explorer is not satisfied with functionality or stability, you can install third-party file managers. We tested the 5 best alternatives for Xiaomi in 2026:
- 🏆 Mixplorer: The most powerful manager with root support, FTP, SMB It's free, but it requires manual installation. APK.
- 📁 Solid Explorer: Paid application with dual-panel interface, support ZIP/RAR And cloud storage. 14-day-trial.
- ☁️ FX File Explorer: Convenient Manager with built-in FTP-server-side OTG. Free version with advertising.
- 🔍 Amaze File Manager: Open source, lightweight, root and support APP2SD. Ideal for weak devices (Redmi) 9A).
- 🛡️ Root Explorer: Specialized Manager for root-righted devices, allows you to edit system files directly.
If you want maximum compatibility with MIUI, Choose Mixplorer or Solid Explorer, and Amaze is good for working with system files without root.
💡
Third-party managers often offer more features, but may conflict with optimizations MIUI (For example, with an energy saving regime).