How to grant file access permission on a Xiaomi phone
How to Give an App Permission to Access Files on Xiaomi
The Main Method (via Settings):
Open Settings.
Go to Apps → Manage apps.
Find and select the desired application (e.g., "Kolobok").
Tap "Permissions".
In the list, find the item "Files and media" (in older versions, it might be called "Files", "Storage", or "Memory").
Choose one of the options:
"Allow" or "Allow all the time" — the app gets constant access to all files.
"Allow only while using the app" (recommended) — access is granted only when the app is active on the screen.
"Deny" — file access will be blocked.
Important Nuances for Modern Android (11 and above) and Xiaomi:
1. The "Files and Media" Permission (Access to ALL Storage)
The method described above gives the app broad access to the entire phone's storage (including DCIM, Downloads, and other folders). This permission is requested by file managers, galleries, and photo editors.
2. Selective Access to Folders (via the System File Picker)
If an app only needs access to specific files (for example, to attach a document or image), modern Android and Xiaomi use a different scenario:
In the app itself, tap the button that requires file access (e.g., "Upload," "Choose photo").
The system "Documents" or "Files" window will open.
Here, you can precisely select the needed files or folders without granting the app full access to all storage. This is more secure.
3. Special "Manage all files" Access (for Android 13/14 and HyperOS)
For apps that genuinely need to manage the entire file system (like powerful file explorers), there is an additional, separate permission:
Settings → Apps → Special app access → Manage all files.
Here, you can grant this elevated permission to selected, trusted apps. For most standard apps (like social media, games), this is not required.