Resolved: Unable to transfer or copy files to SD Card issue on MI phone using ES File explorer

ES File Explorer is probably the most popular Android File Manager for Android devices. It has many advanced features than a regular file manager. That is why it is loved by many who want more features. However, on Mi Phones, you may encounter issues when attempting to transfer files from the phone storage to SD CARD using ES File Explorer. I did not do an extensive research on this but I can confirm that this issues did not occur on MiUi version earlier than 7.5. I started to see file transfer issues after MIUI version 7.5. This prevents us from creating new files and folders using the ES File Explorer. While attempting to create, copy-paste or move files, we normally get a prompt to allow permission to let ES File Explorer have to access SDCARD Root. In this post, we shall see how to resolve this problem of transferring, creating files and folder using ES File Explorer.

Here is what the prompt says when attempting to transfer files using ES File Explorer to SD CARD:

Please choose the root directory 'SDCARD NAME' of Ext-SD Card to grant ES Permission to operate

Anyways, whatever the version of MIUI may be, if you are facing issues transferring or copying files to SD CARD specifically when using ES File Explorer, then resolve it by following the steps explained in the video below.

Check out this video how to resolve: Unable to transfer or copy files to SD Card issue on MI phone using ES File explorer

As explained in the video, the steps to resolve the issue of file transfer on MI Phones using ES File Explorer is by enabling "documents" under "installed apps" in Settings, and enabling access to the root directory of the SD Card in ES File Explorer. After which, you should be able to transfer or move files to the SD Card. Detailed steps are given below:

• First, open settings on the Mi Phone, then navigate to "Installed Apps"
• In "Installed Apps", find "Documents" and tap "Enable"
• After enabling "documents", go back to ES File Explorer
• Try to copy a file from internal memory to SD CARD
• When the prompt appears again, tap menu and select the root of the SD Card

If in case you do not see "Documents" under "Installed Apps", it is probably hidden from view. In which case, tap on the menu (three vertical dots), and then select "Show All Apps". You should now be able to see "Documents". You may sort the list of apps by "App Name" for easier find or use the search option.

NOTE:

• This solution is particular to Mi Phone and ES File Explorer. I am not sure if ES File Explorer throws this prompt on other phones. MiUi version as on the date of making this video is 7.5 (Stable).
• You might need to do the same process if your have inserted another SD Card or while attempting to transfer files to pen drives plugged in to the phone via OTG. 

Update: Unable to find "Documents" under Installed Apps?

When attempting to transfer files to SC CARD, ES File Manager prompts the user to enable permission to access the root of the SD CARD. After that, an error occurs and a message is prompted asking the user to enable "Documents" under Installed Apps.

Some users have commented on the YouTube video above that they could not find "Documents" app under Installed Apps.

Watch this short video how to find and enable Documents in Mi Android Phone:

If you are using Mi Phones, do the following to find and enable Documents:

• First, open settings, then navigate to "Installed Apps"
• In "Installed Apps", find "Documents" and tap "Enable"
• If you are unable to find "Documents, it may be hidden
• At the "Installed Apps" screen, tap on the menu (three vertical dots at top right corner)
• Then tap on "Show all apps"
• You should now be able to find "Documents" (you can also use the search tool to find documents)
• Tap on "Documents" and then tap on "Enable"
• When the prompt appears again, tap menu and select the root of the SD Card.

After this the  user should be able to do the file copy / transfer using ES File Manager.