The Explorer app on Xiaomi Redmi Note: a complete guide to features and settings

If you own a Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphone (any model – from Redmi Note 4 to Redmi Note 13 Pro)+), You probably noticed an app called “Conductor” (or File Manager in English). MIUI). At first glance, this is a standard file manager, but in fact it hides a lot of useful features that many users do not even know about.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what Xiaomi Explorer is, why it is needed, how to use it effectively, and why it should not be deleted or disabled. You will learn about the hidden possibilities that go beyond just viewing files, from working with cloud storage to deep cleaning of the system. And we will answer frequent questions: can it be replaced with a third-party file manager, how to restore deleted files through Explorer, and why it sometimes “brakes”.

We will pay special attention to the unique function of "Deep Cleaning" in the MIUI, This section is available only through Explorer and allows you to free up to 30% of memory without manually deleting files. If you have ever encountered a shortage of space on the Redmi Note, this section will be especially useful for you.

What is the Explorer app on Xiaomi Redmi Note and why you need it

Explorer (or File Manager) is a standard system application from Xiaomi, which is included in the shell. MIUI. It is designed to manage files and folders on your device, but its capabilities are much wider than those of regular file managers from Google or third-party developers.

Here are the key tasks that Explorer solves on Redmi Note:

• 📁 File Management: Copying, moving, renaming, deleting and archiving files and folders.
• 🔍 Search by device: quick search for documents, photos, videos and music by name or type.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Integration with Mi Cloud, Google Drive, OneDrive and Other Services.
• 🗑️ Cleaning up garbage: removing cache, duplicates, temporary files and residues of remote applications.
• 🔗 File transfer: data exchange via Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth or Mi Share (similar to AirDrop).
• 🔒 Security: Hiding confidential files in a protected folder (“Private Storage»).

It is important to understand that the guide in MIUI — It's not just a file viewer, it's a full-fledged tool for optimizing your smartphone:

• 📊 View the statistics of memory usage (which applications occupy the most space).
• 🔄 Manage application startup (which affects system speed).
• 📥 Configure downloads (change the folder for downloaded files by default).

Moreover, in the latest versions MIUI 14 and HyperOS Explorer got the function “Smart sort”, which automatically groups files by type (photos, videos, documents) and even offers to remove unnecessary duplicates.

Where is the Explorer on Xiaomi Redmi Note and how to open it

There are several ways you can find the Explorer app on the Redmi Note. Here are the fastest ones:

1. Through the App Menu: Swipe up the home screen to open a list of all installed programs, and find an icon called Explorer (a blue-tag folder icon).
2. Through Search: Swipe down the home screen to open the search bar and type in “File Manager” or “File Manager.”
3. Through Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications, find “Conductor” in the list and tap it.

If you can't find the Explorer, it may be hidden or disabled to bring it back:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select “Show System Processes”.
3. Find the "Conductor" list (or com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer).
4. If the application is disabled, click "Enable".

On some Redmi Note models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi Note 12), the Explorer can be integrated into the Cleanup section in the settings to get into it:

1. Open Settings → Cleaning.
2. Scroll down and tap on File Management – that’s the Explorer.

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If you use Explorer frequently, pin its icon on the home screen: long-press icon → «Fix it on the main screen».

Main features of Explorer on Xiaomi: what does a standard application

The guide in MIUI — It's a multi-functional tool that replaces several third-party applications.

1. Managing files and folders

The basic function is to work with the file system of the device.

• 📂 Create, rename and delete folders.
• 📄 Copy, cut and paste files (including between internal memory and SD-card).
• 🔒 Hide files in a secure folder (“Private Storage”) with a password or fingerprint.
• 🗜️ Archiving and unpacking.zip and.rar files.

2. Waste cleaning and memory release

One of the most useful features is Deep Cleaning, which allows you to:

• 🧹 Remove the cache of applications (including system).
• 🗑️ Clean the Downloads folder from unnecessary files.
• 📊 Find and delete duplicate photos and videos (Smart cleaning function»).
• 📦 Clean the remnants of remote applications (folders) Android/obb and Android/data).

To start a deep cleanup:

1. Open the Conductor.
2. Go to the "Cleanup" tab.
3. Slip "Deep Clean" and wait for the analysis.
4. Select files to delete and click “Clear”.

3. Work with cloud storage

The Explorer supports integration with popular cloud services:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud (cloud from Xiaomi).
• 📁 Google Drive.
• 💼 OneDrive (from Microsoft).
• 🌐 Yandex Drive and others (via WebDAV connection).

To connect the cloud:

1. Open Explorer and go to the Cloud tab.
2. Select the right service and log in.
3. Once connected, files from the cloud will appear as local folders.

4. File transfer without the Internet

Through Explorer, you can share files with other devices:

• 📶 Mi Share (similar to AirDrop) - Wi-Fi Direct transmission at speeds up to 20 MB/s.
• 📞 Bluetooth for small files.
• 🔌 USB-OTG — Connection of flash drives and external drives.

For transmission via Mi Share:

1. Open Explorer and select files.
2. Tap "Share» → «Mi Share».
3. Select the recipient device from the list.

Set up autocleaning the cache|Connect to Google Drive|Hide personal photos in a private storage|Transfer files to another Xiaomi via Mi Share|Remove duplicate photos-->

Hidden Explorer features on Xiaomi that few people know about

In addition to the standard features, the guide MIUI There are several “secret” features that can make it much easier to work with a smartphone.

1. Private storage: how to hide files from strangers

If your Redmi Note has sensitive documents or photos, you can hide them in Private Storage, a folder that is password-protected or biometrically protected and does not show up in standard browsing.

How to set up:

1. Open the Explorer and go to the "Private" tab.
2. Tap “Set up” and create a password (or use a fingerprint).
3. Move the files to this folder – they will disappear from the main storage.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from Private Storage, it will be impossible to restore access to files - even through resetting settings. Xiaomi does not provide tools to unlock this folder.

2. Smart sorting of files by category

The Smart Sort function automatically groups files by type:

• 📷 Photos and videos (with the possibility of removing duplicates).
• 🎵 Audio (music, call recordings, voice notes).
• 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel, TXT).
• 🎮 Installers (APK-file).
• 📦 Archives (ZIP, RAR).

To enable smart sorting:

1. Open Explorer and go to the Categories tab.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Enable the option of "Automatic sorting".

3. Recovery of deleted files

Few people know, but Explorer on Xiaomi has a built-in Recycle Bin, where deleted files are taken for 30 days, which allows you to recover accidentally erased data without third-party programs.

How to recover files:

1. Open the Explorer and go to the "Basket" tab.
2. Select the files you need and tap “Restore”.
3. The files will be returned to the folder from which they were deleted.

⚠️ Note: The Recycle Bin clears automatically after 30 days, and it also doesn’t work for files deleted through third-party apps (such as a gallery or messengers).

4. Analysis of memory use

Through the Explorer, you can analyze in detail what takes up space on the device:

1. Open the "Analysis" tab.
2. The system will show a memory usage diagram by category (applications, multimedia, cache, etc.).
3. Tap on any category to see details and delete unnecessary files.

This tool is useful if your Redmi Note is constantly writing “Not enough memory,” but you don’t know what exactly is taking up space.

How to set up Explorer on Xiaomi Redmi Note for maximum convenience

To make the Explorer work better, you can customize it to your needs, and here are the key parameters that you need to change:

1. File display settings

By default, Explorer shows files as a list, but you can change the view to:

• 📋 List (compact view with details).
• 🖼️ Grid (preview of miniatures for photos and videos).
• 📊 Detailed (with the size, date of change, etc.).

To change the view:

1. Open any folder in the Explorer.
2. Slip on the three-point icon → «species».
3. Choose the format you want.

2. Change the default download folder

If the internal memory is running out, you can transfer the Download folder to SD-map:

1. Open the Explorer and go to Settings → Download folder.
2. Choose «SD-map” (if installed).
3. Confirm the change.

3. Autocleaning setup

To automatically delete unnecessary files:

1. Go to Settings. → Autocleaning.
2. Enable the option “Automatic Cache Cleaning”.
3. Set the frequency (for example, once a week).

4. Connecting cloud storage

If you are actively using Google Drive or Mi Cloud, you can connect them for quick access:

1. Open the Cloud tab in the Explorer.
2. Tap “Add Account” and select the service.
3. Log in and allow access to the files.

Once connected, cloud files will appear directly in Explorer as if they are stored locally.

5. Set up a Private Storage

To protect confidential data:

1. Go to the "Private" tab.
2. Tap “Set up” and set a password or fingerprint.
3. Move important files to this folder.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone to factory settings, files from Private Storage will be deleted without recovery.

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Set up autocleaning cache and transfer the folder “Downloads” to SD-Map – two of the most effective ways to free up space on the Redmi Note without manually deleting files.

Problems with Explorer on Xiaomi Redmi Note and how to solve them

Despite its usefulness, the Explorer sometimes doesn't work properly, so let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

1.The conductor does not open or depart

If the application does not start, try:

• 🔄 Restart the device – often helps with temporary crashes.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Conductor → Clear the cache.
• 📥 Update Explorer via Google Play (if available) or update it MIUI last-minute.
• 🔧 Reset the application settings: Settings → Annexes → Conductor → Warehouse → Reset the settings.

If nothing helps, you can try to remove the updates (if they have been installed):

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Conductor.
2. Tap on three points. → «Remove updates».

2.The conductor can't see SD-map

If the external drive is not displayed:

• 🔌 Check the physical connection – remove and paste the card again.
• 📱 Rewire it. SD-Map: Settings → Memory. → SD-map → Extract → Connect again.
• 🔄 Format the map (Warning: All data will be deleted!).
• 🛠️ Check the card for errors through PC.

If you still can't see the card, try inserting it into another device. SD-map.

3. the conductor brakes or works slowly

Slowdowns are usually associated with:

• 🗃️ Large number of files in one folder (for example, thousands of photos in a folder «DCIM»).
• 🧹 Completed cache (clear it in the application settings).
• 📉 Lack of RAM (close background applications).

To speed up the work:

1. Clear the Explorer cache (Settings) → Annexes → Conductor → Clear the cache).
2. Turn off automatic file scanning in Explorer settings.
3. Break up large folders into subfolders (for example, photos by year).

4. File transfer via Mi Share does not work

If Mi Share does not find devices or files are not transferred:

• 📶 Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
• 🔗 Make sure that the distance between the devices is not more than 10 meters.
• 🔄 Reboot both smartphones.
• 📱 Update. MIUI last-minute.

If the problem persists, try transferring files through another application (e.g. Xender or Send Anywhere).

5. Files from the Recycle Bin are not restored

If files are missing from the Recycle Bin or are not restored:

• ⏳ Check the shelf life – files are only stored in the Recycle Bin for 30 days.
• 🗑️ Make sure the cart is not manually cleaned.
• 🔍 Try to find files through a search in Explorer (maybe they didn’t make it to the Recycle Bin).

If files are critical, use third-party recovery programs (such as DiskDigger or Recuva on PC).

Should you replace Explorer on Xiaomi with a third-party file manager?

Many Redmi Note users are wondering if alternative file managers (e.g. Solid Explorer) should be installed, FX File Manager or Google Files instead of standard Explorer? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of this solution.

Advantages of a Standard Conductor

When to Use a Third-Party Manager

Despite the advantages of a standard Explorer, alternative solutions may be more useful in some cases:

• 🔧 Extended Features: If You Need FTP-server, SFTP, WebDAV or Root Rights Work.
• 🌐 Support for rare formats: Some managers work better with.iso,.tar.gz, and other archives.
• 🎨 Flexible interface configuration: in Solid Explorer or FX You can customize panels, gestures and hot keys.
• 📱 Cross-platform: if you use not only Xiaomi, but for example Samsung or iPhone, the universal manager will be more convenient.

Best Alternatives to Explorer for Xiaomi

If you still decide to try a third-party manager, here is the top-3 variant:

1. Google Files (Files by Google) is a lightweight, with the function of cleaning garbage and transferring files without the Internet.
2. Solid Explorer is a paid, but with a dual-panel interface, support for clouds and FTP.
3. FX File Manager – Free, Open Source and Root Support.

⚠️ Note: If you remove or disable standard Explorer, some features MIUI (For example, cleaning memory or working with Mi Cloud may stop working correctly, and we recommend leaving it on the system, even if you use a third-party manager.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Explorer on Xiaomi Redmi Note