Standard Conductor MIUI On Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones, the app not only takes up space in memory, but also regularly sends notifications, duplicates the functions of Google Files, and sometimes even opens spontaneously when connecting. USB-If you want to get rid of this system file manager, you've come to the right place.
In this article, we will analyze all current methods of disabling the Explorer: from simple hiding the icon to complete removal of the system. APK (including options without root rights. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions. MIUI (12/13/14) and popular models - Redmi Note 11, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13T You will also learn what consequences can have the removal of the system application and how to avoid them.
Why Users Want to Disable Explorer on Xiaomi
At first glance, Xiaomi’s standard file manager seems harmless, but it has a few critical flaws that make users look for ways to get rid of the app:
- 📱 Duplication of features: if you use Google Files, Solid Explorer or FX File Manager, Conductor MIUI ballast.
- 🔔 Intrusive notifications: The app often offers to “optimize files,” clear cache, or scan the device for viruses (although there are separate tools for this).
- 🔌 Automatic start: When connecting a flash drive or an external drive, the Explorer can open over all windows, interrupting work.
- 📦 Inability to delete completely: Unlike third-party applications, the file system manager does not have a “Delete” button in the settings.
- 🛡️ Privacy concerns: Some users suspect that Explorer collects file structure data (although Xiaomi officially denies this).
Interesting fact: MIUI 14 (based on Android 13) has a feature called "Secure folder" that encrypts files, but this option duplicates the capabilities of Google Files and Mi Security, making it redundant for most users.
Method 1: Disable Explorer through settings (without root)
The easiest and safest method is to deactivate the application in the system settings. This will not remove Explorer completely, but will stop it from working and hide the icon from the menu. MIUI 12/13/14:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, type "Conductor" (or "File Manager" in English firmware).
- Tap on the application com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer (this is the system name of the Explorer).
- Click "Disable" (or "Disable").
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After the shutdown:
- 🔹 The Explorer icon will disappear from the app menu.
- 🔹 Background processes and notifications will stop.
- 🔹 When connected USB-The system will offer to select another file manager.
☑️ Preparation for the Disconnection of the Conductor
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global Stable for Redmi 9A) The "Disable" button may be inactive, in which case try the method of resetting the application settings (section 4) or use the "Disable" button. ADB.
Method 2: Remove Explorer through ADB (without root but with PC)
If the shutdown did not help or you want to completely remove the Explorer, you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method does not require root rights, but it will require a computer and a computer. USB-Advantage: the application will be removed at the system level, not just deactivated.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times until “You’re a developer” appears) Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB (enable)
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Download ADB Tools (for example, the official package from Google) and unpack it into a folder.
- Open the command line in the ADB folder and type in: Adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
- Execute the deletion command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer
If the command is successful, the Explorer will be removed for the current user (without affecting system files).
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.mi.android.globalFileexplorerWhat if the ADB can’t see the device?
| Xiaomi model | Does the shutdown support ADB? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | ✅ Yes. | It works on all versions of MIUI. |
| Poco X3/X4/X5 | ✅ Yes. | Poco Launcher may need to be rebooted |
| Xiaomi 11/12/13 | ✅ Yes. | MIUI 14 sometimes requires SMS confirmation |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | ⚠️ Partially. | It may be necessary to unlock the loader |
| Black Shark 4/5 | ❌ No. | Uses a customized JoyUI shell |
Method 3: Complete removal of the root-righted Explorer
If you have root access (e.g., through Magisk), you can physically remove Explorer APK from the system partition, which is the most radical method, but it gives a 100% guarantee that the application will not return after updates.
Instructions for Root Explorer or FX File Manager:
- Open a file manager with root access.
- Go to /system/app/GlobalFileExplorer or /system/priv-app/GlobalFileExplorer.
- Delete files: GlobalFileExplorer.apk GlobalFileExplorer.odex (if any)
Reboot the phone.
Alternative method through Terminal Emulator:
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
rm -rf /system/app/GlobalFileExplorer
rm -rf /system/priv-app/GlobalFileExplorer
mount -o ro,remount /system
reboot⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK It can lead to unstable work. MIUI, Especially if Explorer is integrated into other services (e.g., Security or Cleanup) TWRP Or OrangeFox.
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If files from applications (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp) have stopped opening after removing the Explorer, install a third-party manager and select the “Open by default” option in its settings.
What to do if the conductor does not shut down
Sometimes standard methods don't work because of firmware or Xiaomi policies, and here are some alternative solutions:
- 🔄 Resetting the app settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Conductor → Warehouse → Clear the data + Clear the cache. Then try turning it off again.
- 📦 Use Disabler: Applications like Package Disabler Pro (requires) ADB) can forcibly deactivate the Explorer even if the "Disable" button is inactive.
- 🔧 Install custom firmware: Firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu does not include Explorer MIUI default.
- 🛠️ Manual editing of build.prop file: Add a line ro.miui.has_fileexplorer=false /system/build.prop (root).
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 🔹 Have security updates been installed to block changes to system applications.
- 🔹 Is the developer mode activated with OEM blocking (may interfere with the development) ADB-team).
- 🔹 Is your device corporate (with policies) MDM, prohibitive).
Consequences of disabling the Conductor: what breaks and what does not
Many users are afraid to disable system applications for fear of failure, let’s see which functions will stop working and which will remain available:
| Function | Works after the blackout? | The alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Opening files from the gallery | ✅ Yes. | Systemic Intendents are used |
| Connection USB-accumulator | ✅ Yes. | The system will choose another manager. |
| "Secure folder" (encrypted files) | ❌ No. | Use Google Files or Solid Explorer with encryption |
| Clearing the cache at Security. | ✅ Yes. | The feature is built into Mi Security |
| Viewing system logs (logcat) | ⚠️ Partially. | Root or ADB is required |
An important nuance: on some firmware (e.g. MIUI for POCO), Explorer is integrated into the recovery menu (when downloaded in Recovery Mode), and its removal may make it impossible to access this menu without a custom recovery.
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Disabling Explorer does not affect the basic functions of Android (calls, SMS, Internet). However, if you use the "Secure folder" MIUI, transfer files from there in advance - after deactivation, access to them will be closed.
Alternatives to MIUI Explorer: Which File Manager to Choose
If you decide to abandon the standard Explorer, here are the best alternatives to take into account the features of Xiaomi:
- 📁 Google Files: Pros: Free, integrated with Google Drive, has built-in garbage cleaning.Cons: no support FTP-servers and cloud storage other than Google.
- 🛡️ Solid Explorer: Pros: dual-panel mode, support ZIP/RAR, built-in text editor. Cons: paid version (~$2) fully functional.
- 🔍 FX File Manager: Pros: working with root, built-in hex-editor, support SMB. Cons: a complex interface for beginners.
- 🌐 MiXplorer: Pros: Complete Replacement of the Explorer MIUI (Supports themes, clouds, archives. Cons: requires manual installation APK (No, Play Market).
For users Xiaomi is especially relevant MiXplorer – it copies the design MIUI It supports all features of the original Explorer (including the Safe Folder if root is available). XDA Developers.
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If you often connect your phone to your PC, set up an option in the alternative manager "FTP-This will allow you to transfer files over Wi-Fi without any USB-cables (e.g. in Solid Explorer: Menu) → FTP-server → Start).