Why Xiaomi users are looking for Root Explorer and what is the danger
Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often face the limitations of the standard file manager MIUI. Even after unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights, system folders remain hidden - without a special conductor with superuser support, access to them is impossible. Root Explorer (or its analogues like Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer) solves this problem, but its setting on Xiaomi has nuances.
It is important to understand that working with system files through Root Explorer can lead to permanent firmware damage if you remove or change critical MIUI components. For example, erroneous file editing in /system/build.prop often causes bootloop (logo fixation when booting).
In this article, we will learn how to properly configure Root Explorer on Xiaomi, what alternatives exist, and what risks are important to consider. Instructions are relevant for devices on MIUI 12-15, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5 and flagship Xiaomi 12/13/14.
Smartphone Preparation: What to Do Before Installing Root Explorer
Before installing Root Explorer, your Xiaomi device must meet two key requirements:
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader: Unblockable without root right, new Xiaomi devices take up to 7 days to unlock due to security policy.
- 🛠️ Root rights can be obtained through Magisk or SuperSU, but the former is preferable to the former. MIUI.
If these conditions are not met, Root Explorer will not be able to provide access to the system folders. ADB:
fastboot oem device-infoIn the answer, look for Device unlocked: true. If it's false, you'll have to unlock the bootloader first through the official Mi Unlock Tool. More on that in our unlock manual.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ Some root methods can block access to banking applications (due to SafetyNet). Before you start, check whether the use of Sberbank Online, Tinkoff or Google Pay is critical for you.
Top.-5 Root-supported conductors for Xiaomi
Not all file managers are equally good at rooting Xiaomi, and we tested popular options and ranked them for reliability and functionality:
| Conductor | Support for MIUI | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Explorer (classic) | ✅ Stable. | Two-panel interface, build.prop editor, APK backup | ~300 rubles. |
| Solid Explorer | ✅ With reservations | Cloud storage support, built-in FTP-The server sometimes loses root access. | Free + Pro for 250 rubles. |
| FX File Explorer | ✅ Recommended | Best compatibility with Magisk, built-in terminal, support for zip archives | Free of charge. |
| MiXplorer | ⚠️ Partially. | Modular architecture, but requires manual rights configuration for system folders | Free of charge. |
| Total Commander | ❌ Problems | Outdated interface, often not seeing /system even with root | Free of charge. |
For most tasks, we recommend FX File Explorer – it is free, regularly updated and works correctly with Magisk 26+. If you need advanced functionality (for example, editing init.d scripts), look for a paid Root Explorer.
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Before installing any root conductor, disable MIUI Optimization in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → Back to Additional → For developers) This will reduce the risk of conflicts with system processes.
Step-by-step: how to open Root Explorer on Xiaomi
Suppose you already have root rights (via Magisk) and an unlocked bootloader.
- Install Root Explorer from Google Play or XDA Developers (for older versions).
- Launch the application and provide root access when you first request (click Grant in the Magisk window).
- Configure the display of system files: 📁 Open the menu (three dots on the top right). 🔧 Choose Settings → Root settings. 🔒 Enable Mount as options R/W (mount for recording) and show root folders.
Reset the device
/vendor
/odm
After this, the root directory (/) will have system folders: /system, /data, /dev, etc. Changes to /system require rewiring to write mode, otherwise the files will be read-only.
Installed application with support for root|Superuser rights granted in Magisk|"Mount as" settings enabled R/W" and "Show root folders"|Catalogue seen /system file-wise|Successfully created a test file in /system (check-up)-->
What to do with Root Explorer (and what not to do)
With Root Explorer, you get almost unlimited control over Xiaomi's file system, but some actions have consequences.
- ✅ Removing embedded applications (bloatware): you can safely remove /system/priv-app/MiBrowser or /system/app/MiMusic, But make a backup copy first.
- ✅ Edit build.prop: changing lines like ro.product.model or persist.sys.ui.hw to fine-tune performance.
- ✅ Backup: Copying folders /data/app (user programs) or /efs (IMEI, modem settings).
- ❌ Deletion of files from /dev or /proc: These are virtual file systems, and changing them will lead to the failure of the OS.
- ❌ Editing /system/bin: Even a small error in executable files (su, sh) will make the device inoperable.
Be especially careful with /data/data, which stores application data. For example, deleting /data/data/com.android.providers.settings will reset all system settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, screen brightness).
What if Root Explorer can’t see the system folders?
How to Recover Your System from Errors in Root Explorer
If after changes through Root Explorer Xiaomi stopped booting or there were failures, act on the algorithm:
- Soft-reboot: Press Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds, sometimes it helps when you're hanging on your logo.
- Recovery through TWRP: 🔄 Load into the Recaveri (Power buttons) + Volume up). 📁 Choose Mount → System and backup (if any) or replace corrupted files. 🔧 If there is no backup, run the Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik / ART Cache.
Fastboot flashing through Fastboot
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash boot boot.imgDownload the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
If the device is loading but not all functions are working (for example, a mobile network is missing), check the /efs folder. Its damage is a common cause of loss of IMEI. Data can only be recovered from a backup or using the QCN Rebuilder tool (requires a Qualcomm chipset).
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro) restoration through SP Flash Tool can lead to hard-brick (complete download failure).Use only official Xiaomi tools!
Root Explorer: When you don’t want to take risks
If you only need basic features (delete embedded applications, backup), you can do without Root Explorer.
- 🧹 ADB AppControl (removal of bloatware without root): works through ADB, Deletes applications with pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.package. does not require unlocking the bootloader.
- 📱 Shizuku + AppOps: allows you to manage system application permissions (e.g., disable ads in Mi Browser) without root.
- 🔄 TWRP File Manager: Built-in Explorer in TeamWin Recovery gives access to the /data and /system, but only in recovery mode.
Magisk Module can be used to edit system files without the risk of bootloop, for example, the MiDebloater module removes unnecessary Xiaomi applications safely, without manual intervention, and can be installed via Magisk → Modules → Install from storage.
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If your goal is to simply make room or remove ads, start with the NO-root (ADB, Shizuku) methods. Root Explorer is only for deep system changes that can't be done otherwise.