Many users of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones are faced with the desire to clean the operating system from preinstalled software. Often the question is how to remove the conductor in Xiaomi to replace it with a more functional counterpart or simply get rid of visual noise in the menu. The standard File Manager application is a system component of the MIUI or HyperOS shell, so there is no simple uninstalling through the settings.
However, there are proven methods to hide an icon, disable background processes, or completely uninstall a package with special tools. It is important to understand the difference between simply hiding a label and deeply removing system components. Wrong actions can lead to unstable interface operation, so you need to follow the instructions clearly and be aware of the risks.
In this article, we will look at all the available methods: from safe concealment to use. ADB-You'll learn what alternatives to install in advance and how to get the system back to its original state if necessary. Deep customization of Android requires care, but the result is worth it.
Why you can’t just delete the app through settings
Xiaomi’s Android operating system has a rigid dependency structure. The standard file manager is not a regular application that can be uninstalled through the program management menu. It is a system component integrated into the shell, and its absence can disrupt other services, such as the image uploader or download manager.
When you try to find the "Delete" button in the application information, it's either missing or inactive. It's a security mechanism to prevent inexperienced users from accidentally damaging the system. However, having root rights or using USB debugging opens up access to hidden packet management functions.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to force the deletion of system files without creating a backup can result in a cyclical device reboot (bootloop).
There are several levels of interference, and the safest level is to hide the icon, the middle level is to freeze the application when it stops running, but the files stay in place, the top level is to delete the entire application. APK-The choice of method depends on your purpose and level of training.
Safe method: hiding the icon and disabling
If your goal is simply to remove an extra icon from your desktop or from the app menu, then using the built-in shell features is the smartest step. Newer versions of MIUI and HyperOS have the ability to hide applications in a special section, and then go to Settings and find the App section.
Next, select Hidden Apps (the path may vary slightly depending on the OS version). By clicking on a plus, you can select Explorer from the list. After that, the icon will disappear from the home screen and menu, but the application will continue to work in the background, ensuring the system works correctly.
Alternatively, third-party launchers, which you can use, if you install an alternative shell like a Nova Launcher or a Microsoft Launcher, you have complete control over the visibility of the elements, and you can hide any application, including the system, in the launcher settings.
- 📱 Open your phone settings and go to the Apps section».
- 🔍 Find the Hidden Apps feature or use a third-party launcher.
- ✅ Select “Conductor” and confirm the action of concealment.
- 🔄 Restart the device to make the changes effective.
This method does not free up the device's memory because the files remain in place, but it is completely secure and reversible. If you need a standard file manager again, you can always return the icon through the same settings or temporarily disable the launcher.
Advanced method: Freezing through ADB
For those who want to completely stop the application processes, but are afraid to delete files forever, the ideal method is “disable” through Android Debug Bridge. This tool allows you to send commands to the system directly from your computer. You do not need root rights, just enable debugging over USB.
First, activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI build number seven times. After the message “You’ve become a developer” appears, go back to the menu and select Additional Settings → For developers. There you need to activate the Debugging switch over USB.
☑️ Preparation for work with ADB
After connecting the smartphone to the computer and confirming the access key on the phone screen, you can go to the command line.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mi.android.globalFileexplorerExecuting this command will instantly stop the application from working, it will disappear from the list of installed programs for the current user. It's important to note that these applications are not deleted, they just become inaccessible. It's a great trade-off between functionality and cleanliness.
Complete removal of the system component
The radical method involves physical removal. APK-This requires root rights or the use of special utilities like System App Remover. ADB Uninstall command for system packages is often blocked.
If you have root rights, you can use file managers with access to system folders, such as Root Explorer or Root Explorer. MT Manager, we need to go to the directory. /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/ and find the folder associated with the file manager (often containing the words FileExplorer or FileMgr). APK-The file will cause the application to disappear.
⚠️ Warning: Deleting critical system files can make the phone unusable. Always have a recovery file on hand (stock) ROM).
There is also a method of deleting via ADB with the --uninstall flag, but it only works for applications installed for the current user, and does not delete the file itself from the /system partition. When reset to factory settings, the application will return.
Consider the differences between the methods of influence on the application:
| Method | Root rights | Recovery | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiding the icon | Not necessary. | Instantly. | Absent. |
| Freeze (ADB) | Not necessary. | Team enable | Minimum |
| Removal (Root) | Needed. | Difficult. | High. |
| Modification of ROM | Needed. | Flip-flashing | Critical |
Alternative File Managers
Before you remove the standard tool, you need to find a worthy replacement. Android offers many powerful file managers that are more functional than the stock solution from Xiaomi, they support archives, cloud storage, have built-in media player and access to FTP/SFTP servers.
One of the best alternatives is Total Commander, a classic two-panel manager that is fast and minimalist, and that doesn't overload with advertising and allows you to flexibly customize plugins to work with different protocols.
Another popular option is Solid Explorer, which has a modern Material Design interface, supports file encryption and cloud services, and the visual component plays a major role in making file management a fun experience.
- 📂 CX File Explorer – Lightweight, with excellent memory visualization.
- 🔒 Files by Google – Clean Code, Integration with Google Ecosystem.
- 🎨 X-plore File Manager – a tree structure, ideal for technicians.
- 🚀 Material Files – open source, no advertising.
Why should you choose a third-party manager?
Recovery of the Remote Conductor
If you've been experimenting with it, if you've discovered that you've deleted the extra one, or if the system is not working properly, you have to return the application. If you use the ADB freezing method, just type in a command to replace the disable-user with enable, and that will return the application to active state in seconds.
If a complete removal has been made APK-file, the situation is more complicated. APK-The file from the Internet may not work because the new version will not have system signatures, which would require the device to be reset to the factory settings (Wipe Data), which will restore the original set of programs.
For advanced users, you can extract the original APK from the firmware, download the firmware archive for your model, unpack it, and find the FileExplorer.apk file in the system/app folder. Then, having root rights, you need to copy that file back to the phone with the right permissions.
⚠️ Note: When recovering system files, make sure the version of the application matches the version of your firmware to avoid version conflicts.
Always back up important data before you start any manipulation of system applications. Using cloud services or local copying on a PC will take several minutes, but save you from losing information in the event of a failure.
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Save the original APK of the system application before removing it, allowing you to quickly restore work without completely flashing the device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to remove the standard Xiaomi Explorer?
Do you need root rights to remove?
What happens if you remove the conductor and not put another?
Will the application return after the system update?
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The best solution for most users is not to remove, but to freeze the standard application through ADB and install a high-quality third-party analogue.