Where and how to enable document access in Xiaomi app settings: the full guide

Have you installed a new app on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, but it doesn't see files in your phone's memory? Or does it ask permission to access documents but you don't know where to issue it? This problem is typical of smartphones based on MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary shell, where application rights management is put on a separate menu. Unlike "pure" Android, settings are scattered across several sections, and the logic of working with permissions often changes in new versions of the firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can enable access to documents for Xiaomi applications, from standard permissions in settings to hidden options for system utilities. You’ll learn how the rights for Memory, Files and Media differ, why some applications require additional permissions even after they are issued, and what to do if the desired switch suddenly disappears from the menu. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions) and are tested on models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Why Xiaomi apps don’t see documents: The main reasons

The file access problem on Xiaomi is usually due to one of three reasons:

• 🔒 Lack of basic resolution – the application did not get the right to work with storage in Android settings.
• 📁 Lockdown MIUI — Even with Android resolution, Xiaomi’s shell can restrict access to certain folders (e.g., Download or Google). DCIM).
• 🔄 Resetting permits after updating — MIUI sometimes resets the application rights after the firmware update or the software itself.

Unlike other vendors, Xiaomi adds its permission management layer on top of standard Android.This means that even if you give an application access to files in Android settings, MIUI can have a separate switch that blocks this feature. For example, MIUI 14 requires some applications (such as file managers) to enable the option “Allow access to manage all files” – it is not in the stock Android, but without it, the program will not see system folders.

Another feature is the separation of permissions into file types:

• 📄 Documents (PDF, DOC, TXT)
• 🎵 Media (photo, video, music)
• 📥 Downloads (Download folder)

In some versions of MIUI, these permissions are set up separately!

Method 1: Android Standard Resolutions (for all applications)

The first thing to check is the basic Android resolutions, and even if you use MIUI, the basics of the system remain the same, and without those permissions, the application won't be able to work with files.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the desired application in the list and tap it.
3. Go to the Permits section (or Rights in older versions).
4. Activate the switches: 📁 Storage (or Files and Media) 📎 Documents (if any) 🖼️ Media and files (for photo/video)

If the Warehouse switch is missing or inactive, this may mean:

• 🔴 The application did not request this permission (you need to open it and wait for the request).
• 🔴 Permission blocked at level MIUI (see method 2).
• 🔴 You have a Chinese version installed. MIUI, where some permissions are hidden (reflashing to the global version is required).

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 Some applications (e.g. Google Drive or Telegram) may require double confirmation: first in Android settings, then in the Special Permissions menu (see next section).

Method 2: Special MIUI permissions (hidden settings)

MIUI adds an extra layer of permissions that is not visible in standard Android settings, where you can enable access to system folders, manage all files, and even circumvent some restrictions.

To open this menu:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Special Permissions (in some versions, the path: Settings → Privacy → Special Permissions).
2. Find the Manage all files (or Access all files) section.
3. Turn on the switch for the desired application.

If this section is not available, try the alternative path (relevant to MIUI 12-13):

Settings → About the phone → MIUI version (shap 5 times)


→ Additional → Application Permissions → Manage all files

In this menu, you'll see a list of apps that may request extended access, which is usually displayed here:

• 📁 File Manager (Mi File Manager, Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer)
• 🔄 Backup (Titanium Backup, Swift Backup)
• 📱 Applications for data transfer (Xiaomi Mover, Send Anywhere)

⚠️ Warning: Enabling Control of all files for unreliable applications can lead to data theft or damage to system files. Use this permission only for proven software (for example, Mi File Manager or Titanium Backup).

Method 3: Permissions for specific folders (MIUI 13–14)

Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi added the flexibility to configure access to individual folders, so you can now allow the app to work only with Download, but you can deny access to DCIM (photo/video) or Documents.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → App Permissions.
2. Select Storage (or Files and Media).
3. Slap it on the right app.
4. Enable switches for specific folders: 📁 Internal storage (full access) 📥 Downloads (Download folder) 🖼️ Images and video (folder) DCIM) 🎵 Audio (Fader Music)

If the folder is not in the list, it means that:

• 🔴 The folder is system (for example, /data/app) — To access it, you need permission to manage all files.
• 🔴 The application did not request access to this type of file (try opening a file in this file format).
• 🔴 You're using it. SD-map - for it access settings are placed in a separate menu (see Method 5).

💡

If the application does not see files even after all permissions have been granted, try moving files from system folders (e.g, DCIM/Camera) to the user folder (for example, Documents/MyFiles). MIUI Often blocks access to folders created by system applications.

Method 4: Access configuration for system applications (Gallery, Music, Downloads)

Xiaomi’s system utilities (Gallery, Music, Downloads) have their own access settings that are not always synchronized with shared permissions. For example, even if you gave Google Photos access to storage, MIUI Gallery can block the display of photos in other applications.

How to set up:

1. For the Gallery: Open the Gallery → Settings (⚙️) → Privacy. Enable Show Hidden Folders (if necessary). Under Media Access, select All Files or Specify Specific Folders.
2. For Music: Run Music → Settings → Media Scanner. Add folders that should be scanned for music.
3. For Downloads: Open Downloads → Settings → Folders to scan. Make sure that the desired folders (such as Download or Telegram) are ticked.

If the files are not displayed after these actions:

• 🔄 Update the media base: go to Settings → The phone. → Update Media (or use the Media Storage app).
• 📛 Clear the cache of system applications: Settings → Annexes → All applications → Gallery/Music → Clear the cache.
• 🔍 Check Hidden Files: In Mi File Manager, enable the display of Hidden Folders (Settings) → Show hidden files).

💡

Xiaomi system applications often ignore Android’s global resolutions, and always check their settings separately – especially if you’re talking about media files (photos, videos, music).

Method 5: Configure access to SD-map (external storage)

If you use a memory card, you need a separate permission to access it. MIUI turn SD-Cards are stricter than internal memory: by default, applications are forbidden to write data to an external drive.

How to enable access:

1. Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone and wait for its recognition.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Tap on Settings (⚙️) → Applicants' authorizations.
4. Select the application from the list and activate the Allow Access switch.

If SD-The card is not defined or the application does not see the files on it:

• 🔄 Format the card as an internal storage (delete all data!): Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Format as internal. After formatting, transfer the files back.

Check the file system.

exFAT

FAT32

NTFS

Update the firmware

MIUI 13+

⚠️ Note: If you are formatting SD-The card is like an internal storage device, and it's going to be tied to this phone, and it's not going to be read on other devices without re-formatting, and it's not going to be retrieved without losing data.

Method 6: Problem Solving with ADB (for power users)

If standard methods do not work, you can force permissions through ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

• 🔧 Applications that do not require permission (e.g., some modified applications) APK).
• 📱 Devices with Chinese firmware, where there are no menus.
• 🔄 System utilities that need extended rights (e.g. Titanium Backup).