Xiaomi Explorer: What is this application and how to use it in 2026

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed an app called Files or Explorer on the menu, which is a standard file manager that is installed on all shell devices. MIUI. But many users do not suspect that behind the modest folder icon hides a powerful tool for working with files, cloud storage and even system settings.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what Xiaomi Explorer is, how it differs from third-party file managers (such as Total Commander or the likes of the file manager). ES Explorer, and why it's often underrated, you'll learn how to open hidden folders, connect cloud services, clean up your smartphone memory, and even recover accidentally deleted files without installing additional software.

We will pay special attention to the new functions that have appeared in the MIUI 14/15 (For example, Mi Cloud integration and real-time garbage analysis, and the common bugs that make it impossible for a Explorer to open files or forget settings. If you think the standard file manager on Xiaomi is inferior to third-party counterparts, this article will change your mind.

What is a Xiaomi Explorer and Why You Need It

Explorer (or Files application) is a built-in file manager in the shell MIUI, It allows you to manage all the data on your smartphone: photos, videos, documents, music files and even system folders. Unlike many Android devices, where the file manager often has to be installed separately, Xiaomi has it out of the box and is deeply integrated into the system.

The main tasks that the conductor solves:

• 📂 File management: copying, moving, renaming, deleting.
• 🔍 Search for smartphone content (including text inside documents).
• ☁️ Cloud: Mi Cloud, Google Drive, OneDrive and more.
• 🗑️ Cleaning up garbage: analysis of unnecessary files (cache, duplicates, large files).
• 🔒 Access to hidden folders (for example, Android/data or MIUI/backup).

It is important to understand that Xiaomi Explorer is not just a folder viewer, it is closely related to other system services, for example:

• 📱 Gallery: Photos and videos taken on camera are automatically sorted in the guide by dates and albums.
• 🎵 Music: audio files are grouped by artists and genres.
• 📄 Downloads: All files downloaded through the browser or messengers fall into the Download folder.

How to open a guide on Xiaomi: 3 ways

Find and run the conductor on the Xiaomi smartphone in several ways. Let's consider each of them taking into account the features of different versions. MIUI.

Method 1. Through the application menu

The most obvious option is to find the Files icon in the general list of applications, which usually looks like a blue folder with a white label inside, if the icon is not on the home screen:

1. Swipe up the screen to open the app menu.
2. In the search bar (top), type “Files” or “Files”.
3. Click on the app you found.

Method 2. Through the notification panel

In some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 13/14) Quick access to the conductor through the notification panel:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Files icon (usually next to Settings or Cleanup).
3. Touch the icon and the conductor will open.

Method 3. Through the settings of the phone

If for some reason the Files application is hidden or deleted, it can be launched through system settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find the Files.
3. Press "Open."

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If the Files icon has disappeared from your desktop, try rebooting your smartphone – sometimes it helps bring back hidden system apps.

Main functions of the Xiaomi Explorer: what does the standard application

Many users mistakenly believe that the built-in conductor Xiaomi inferior to third-party analogues like Solid Explorer or other devices. FX File Manager. It actually has a lot of functionality that goes unnoticed:

One of the most useful features is memory analysis, and the conductor automatically scans the smartphone and shows you:

• 🗑️ Unnecessary files: application cache, temporary data, empty folders.
• 📸 Duplicate photos: same or similar images.
• 🎬 Large files: Videos, games or archives larger than 100MB.
• 📄 Uploaded files: old ones APK, messenger-book.

V MIUI 15 has a Smart Cleanup feature that itself suggests removing unnecessary files when memory runs out (e.g. when installing a major update) that eliminates the need to manually search for what can be deleted.

How to set up Xiaomi Explorer: Hidden Opportunities

Xiaomi Explorer has flexible settings that allow you to adapt it to your needs. Many options are hidden in the depths of the menu, but setting them can make it much easier to work with files.

1. Show hidden files and system folders

By default, Explorer does not display hidden files (those that start with a dot) and system directories.

1. Open the conductor and tap on three horizontal lines (☰) top-left.
2. Select "Settings" (cog icon).
3. Activate options: “Show hidden files” “Show system files” (requires superuser rights on some devices).

2. Change the way the files are displayed

The conductor supports several viewing modes:

• 📁 List: Compact view with file names and sizes.
• 🖼️ Tiles: large icons with previews (convenient for photo / video).
• 📊 Details: Advanced information (date of change, file type).

To change the view, press three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select the desired option.

3. Set up file sorting

By default, files are sorted by name, but you can change this setting:

1. Open any folder.
2. Tap on three points (⋮) → «Sorting».
3. Select one of the criteria: By name (A-I or I-A); by date (new or old first); by size (bigger to smaller); by type (folders, images, videos, etc.).

Enable the display of hidden files

Choose a convenient display (tiles or list)

Set up sorting by date or size

Connect to cloud storage (Mi Cloud, Google Drive)

Activate memory analysis for automatic cleaning-->

How to connect cloud storage in Xiaomi Explorer

One of the key benefits of Xiaomi Explorer is that it can work with cloud services directly from the app, so you don't have to install separate clients for Google Drive, OneDrive, or Mi Cloud, and let's see how to set that up.

1. Connecting Mi Cloud

Mi Cloud is a proprietary cloud from Xiaomi that gives you 5GB of free space.

1. Open the conductor and tap on three lines (☰) top-left.
2. Select "Mi Cloud."
3. Enter your Xiaomi account details (if not authorized).
4. Once connected, you will see all files synced to the cloud.

2. Connect Google Drive, OneDrive and others

Xiaomi Explorer supports third-party clouds.

1. Open the side menu (☰) → «Cloud».
2. Slip on "Add Account."
3. Choose a service (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.).
4. Log in through the browser (the entrance window will open).

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Connecting cloud storage in the Xiaomi Explorer allows you to save space on your smartphone, automatically backing up important files (photos, documents) on the Internet.

⚠️ Attention.

When files are deleted from the cloud through the Explorer, they disappear irrevocably (unless the Recycle Bin is configured), unlike local files that first enter the Recycle Bin folder (you can turn it on in the Explorer settings).

How to Clean Your Phone Memory Through Xiaomi Explorer

One of the most popular features of conductor is memory cleaning, which allows you to quickly free up space on your smartphone without using third-party tools like Clean Master.

1. Rapid garbage clean-up

To remove unnecessary files:

1. Open the conductor and go to the "Cleaning" tab (broom icon).
2. Wait for the scan to be completed (usually 10–30 seconds).
3. The Explorer will show the categories of files that can be deleted: 🗑️ Application cache (temporary data). 📁 Empty folders. 📸 Duplicate photos. 🎬 Large files (video, archives).

Clean up

2. Search and delete large files

If the smartphone runs out of space, the explorer will help you find the “heavy” files:

1. Go to the Cleanup. → Large files».
2. The system sorts files by size (from the largest).
3. Check the list – often there are old videos that are unused. APK backup.
4. Select the unnecessary files and delete them.

3. Removal of duplicate photos

The guide can find the same or similar photos:

1. Open "Cleaning up" → Duplicate photos».
2. Press "Scan."
3. The system will show groups of duplicates – you can choose which pictures to leave and which to delete.

⚠️ Attention.

When cleaning the app cache through Explorer, do not delete the data of messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram).This can lead to the loss of chats and media files. It is better to clear the cache for each application separately in the Android settings.

Frequent problems with Xiaomi Explorer and how to solve them

Despite the convenience, Xiaomi Explorer sometimes doesn't work properly, and let's look at the typical problems and ways to solve them.

Problem: The conductor does not see the flash drive or SD-map

If you have connected an external storage device (USB-flash drive or microSD, but the conductor does not display it:

1. Check if the card/flash drive is inserted correctly.
2. Reboot your smartphone.
3. Open the Settings. → Memory and see if the drive is determined by the system.
4. If the card is new, format it in FAT32 or exFAT via computer or computer.

Solution: Close all applications that work with the file, or try to rename it via your computer (by connecting your smartphone to the file). USB).

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If Xiaomi Explorer is unstable, the first thing you do is clear its cache and data in your Android settings.This solves 80% of the problems without resetting your phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Explorer