MiXplorer: Q&A and FAQ (User Manual)

[nicospanas]

Do you get a mixplorer pop up asking if you want to add a shortcut where you can name it and choose contents or full path? When i tap ok nova launcher starts and lets me position it on the homescreen,
I am not familiar with the poco launcher, but am suggesting that may be where the problem lies, if you could get a log it would help see whats going on

I get the mixplorer pop up, but no pop up from the launcher. On my other phone (samsung) I also don't get a launcher pop up, but the folder is added to home screen. You are probably right about the launcher. I'll try to pull a log later, when she is not using it.

 

[IronTechmonkey]

[Disregard]

 

[J.Michael]

I get the mixplorer pop up, but no pop up from the launcher. On my other phone (samsung) I also don't get a launcher pop up, but the folder is added to home screen. You are probably right about the launcher. I'll try to pull a log later, when she is not using it.

Could you have more than one "home screen"?

On my tablet, there can be more than one page that looks like a home screen, you have to swipe left or right to view the others. I think there's usually a hint in the form of a set of small dots in a line near the bottom of the screen, with one dot noticeably larger than the others.

 

[nicospanas]

Could you have more than one "home screen"?

On my tablet, there can be more than one page that looks like a home screen, you have to swipe left or right to view the others. I think there's usually a hint in the form of a set of small dots in a line near the bottom of the screen, with one dot noticeably larger than the others.

It does not appear to any of the home screens.

I am not familiar with the poco launcher, but am suggesting that may be where the problem lies, if you could get a log it would help see whats going on

I have attached the last log after trying to add the folder to the home screen.

 

[bombadier]

It does not appear to any of the home screens.


I have attached the last log after trying to add the folder to the home screen.

I am no expert but this error possibly means the default Poco launcher cannot create shortcuts from mixplorer

Spoiler: Error code

31 D/BROWSE> INTENT > Intent { act=android.intent.action.MAIN cat=[android.intent.category.LAUNCHER] flg=0x10600000 cmp=com.mixplorer/.activities.BrowseActivity bnds=[837,2061][1038,2262] (has extras) }
‌32 I/MiX> RESUMED
‌33 D/HUB> ITEM >> /storage/emulated/0/Android
‌34 E/Explorer> COUNT obb > exceptions.NotExistsException

Someone with more knowledge will confirm the meaning of the error

 

[J.Michael]

I am no expert but this error possibly means the default Poco launcher cannot create shortcuts from mixplorer

Spoiler: Error code

31 D/BROWSE> INTENT > Intent { act=android.intent.action.MAIN cat=[android.intent.category.LAUNCHER] flg=0x10600000 cmp=com.mixplorer/.activities.BrowseActivity bnds=[837,2061][1038,2262] (has extras) }
‌32 I/MiX> RESUMED
‌33 D/HUB> ITEM >> /storage/emulated/0/Android
‌34 E/Explorer> COUNT obb > exceptions.NotExistsException

Someone with more knowledge will confirm the meaning of the error

I would have guessed the error is in counting obb -- I'm not sure what that means, but Android/obb is a troublesome directory, maybe permission to access it has not (can not?) been granted.

 

[nicospanas]

I would have guessed the error is in counting obb -- I'm not sure what that means, but Android/obb is a troublesome directory, maybe permission to access it has not (can not?) been granted.

Mixplorer has access to Android/obb folder and Poco launcher seems to have enabled by default to add icons to home screen. There's probably some incompatibility issue, because I get the mixplorer pop up to choose between Content URI/File Path, but not the next pop up that asks "Add to Home Screen?", like on my other phone.

 

[i420piate]

I keep getting pop-ups asking for permissions and to add SD card on Chromecast w/ Google TV. I've had this on here before with no issues after initial permissions were granted. Also, I see export for settings but no import. I have a setting export file from Chromecast before I reset it to defaults and want to import it. But why is it constantly asking me for permissions and to add storage even right after I grant them

 

[IronTechmonkey]

I keep getting pop-ups asking for permissions and to add SD card on Chromecast w/ Google TV. I've had this on here before with no issues after initial permissions were granted. Also, I see export for settings but no import. I have a setting export file from Chromecast before I reset it to defaults and want to import it. But why is it constantly asking me for permissions and to add storage even right after I grant them

Much of what you want to know is documented through the OPs of this thread or recent discussion in the main thread, but to get you started.... To import any previously exported MiXplorer settings bookmarks or skins:

Open MiX > tap the previously exported file > select import.
(If you are running beta and regular versions side-by-side make sure to select the correct import activity).

As to the permissions, what you describe sounds similar to some issues reported from android TV and Google TV after an OS update. There has been a recent related possible fix in MiXplorer which has recently been discussed in the main thread, and there has been an update to the documentation. I suggest reviewing recent pages of the main thread and searching that thread for "google tv" and "Android TV" (see my signature for tips about search). This is not a mere "go and search" nag. You would be better able to interpret the details than I, and better able to decide whether or not to test the beta version which contains the potential fix.

Whether or not you are on the beta it is worth trying the workaround. See this section:

"Issues with SD as adopted storage, and possibly other cases, sch as after an OS update there may be the need to redo some permissions. "

in this post:

https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/mixplorer-q-a-and-faq-user-manual.3308582/post-87626419

Depending on the details of your device, other workarounds listed there might be applicable.

 

[IronTechmonkey]

Regarding a new prompt about MiX accessing list of apps on device, see:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...y-featured-file-manager.1523691/post-87989571

 

[cRaWnEr]

MiX Nugget: Troubleshooting SD card & USB OTG access, accessing /android/data, creating Document Providers, accessing folders on Andriod TV or Google TV, accessing folders in Android 13 and up, other things.

--------------------
Questions about accessing certain folders on a non-rooted devices and about accessing USB OTG drives, and about the need to create document providers have become more frequent. There is a group of relatively noninvasive troubleshooting steps for those scenarios, in particular not being able to see a drive and write files to it. Here is what I’ve got so far. Other suggestions for steps that would fit into this troubleshooting workflow are welcome.

--------------------
Use newest MiX version:
XDA beta, XDA stable or Playstore Silver version of MiX. Do not use versions packaged as Magisk module. Make sure that native OS file manager is not disabled (required in many cases).

--------------------
Confirm that MiX has required Android permissions.
This can typically be done through the properties of the app or tin the Android permissions manager (varies by android version).

--------------------
Issues with SD as adopted storage, and possibly other cases, sch as after an OS update there may be the need to redo some permissions. Depending on the OS and ROM variant, the specific permission or its label may vary but it should be something like one of these:

- OS Settings > Apps > MiXplorer > Permissions > Storage > toggle on
- OS Settings > Apps > MiXplorer > Permissions > Files and Media > All (not media or none)
- OS Settings > Apps > MiXplorer > Permissions > Files and Media > Allow all the time.

In general this is a good troubleshooting step. (Thanks @binglejellsx2) and @Retrial

--------------------
Reset Storage and Cache: (thanks @storm119):

- Long press the MiXplorer and tap info
- Tap the "Storage and cache"
- Tap the "Clear access"
- Close (clear recent) and relaunch MiXplorer
- Internal storage --> Android --> Data --> choose which dir/folder (app)
- Once you tap dir/folder (ie: telegram)...it will redirect to OS file manager and choose "Use This Folder" = this will allow MiXplorer to "grant access" to this folder
- Repeat this process (no.6) to other folder/dir in "/Android/Data" if you want to have access to other folder/dir

--------------------
Manually add document providers:
This can be done as needed but for some folders it may help to add document providers right away as part of MiX's initial installation: Those folders are /android/data and /android/media and /android/obb on both internal and external SD. There are 2 ways to do this, through the tool bar or the bookmarks drawer:

- Add (+ plus sign in tool bar) > storage > document provider > navigate to the folders (not the root of the drive but rather the specific folders) > allow access.

or

- Open bookmark drawer > overflow menu (hamburger) > Add storage > document provider > navigate to the folders (not the root of the drive but rather the specific folders) > allow access.

--------------------
Review existing document providers:
If you've created document provider but think something else may be preventing access you can see what document providers have been configured in this section of a MiX log

[EXAMPLE]
[LINE #] D/Storage> --- Documents -----------------------------
[LINE #] D/Storage> /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb
[LINE #]D/Storage> -------------------------------------------

--------------------
Alternate Paths
If you have trouble accessing SD cards or internal storage locally or through FTP you can try different paths. Note: The availability and effectiveness of these paths may vary by ROM and nature of permissions. These are just some possibilities.

/storage/[name of internal storage]
/storage/[name of external storage]
/storage/emulated/0
/mnt/shell/emulated/0
/mnt/media_rw/[name of external storage]
/data/media/0/

Similarly if you are having trouble accessing USB drives you can look in

/storage/
/mnt/media_rw/

--------------------
Reset Root in MiX:
If MiX loses root in spite of device being rooted and MiX having root enabled. Tanks @Nimueh).

Uncheck "Allow root", exit MiX + clear it from Recents, start it again and select "allow root".

--------------------
Other info related to document providers and OTG: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/mixplorer-q-a-and-faq-user-manual.3308582/post-85878051

I'm trying the Add document provider in AndroidTV to get access to Android/data but when I click Add storage there is no 'Document provider' option, just cloud services, samba, FTP, Bluetooth and WebDav.
I deleted data and re-tried with latest version and still the same

 

[IronTechmonkey]

I'm trying the Add document provider in AndroidTV to get access to Android/data but when I click Add storage there is no 'Document provider' option, just cloud services, samba, FTP, Bluetooth and WebDav.
I deleted data and re-tried with latest version and still the same

AndroidTV seems to have more problems with google's new restrictions and has them at different version changes than do "regular" Androids, and there is on permission that may need to be reset. See the post that is 2 posts above yours (which was directed at someone with same issue) and try the suggested workaround in the linked FAQ post which is here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/mixplorer-q-a-and-faq-user-manual.3308582/post-87626419

In short: as per developer, first try document provider (which the reset permission may or may not fix in your case) and then try alternate paths, then other possible workarounds.

 

[i420piate]

Much of what you want to know is documented through the OPs of this thread or recent discussion in the main thread, but to get you started.... To import any previously exported MiXplorer settings bookmarks or skins:

Open MiX > tap the previously exported file > select import.
(If you are running beta and regular versions side-by-side make sure to select the correct import activity).

As to the permissions, what you describe sounds similar to some issues reported from android TV and Google TV after an OS update. There has been a recent related possible fix in MiXplorer which has recently been discussed in the main thread, and there has been an update to the documentation. I suggest reviewing recent pages of the main thread and searching that thread for "google tv" and "Android TV" (see my signature for tips about search). This is not a mere "go and search" nag. You would be better able to interpret the details than I, and better able to decide whether or not to test the beta version which contains the potential fix.

Whether or not you are on the beta it is worth trying the workaround. See this section:

"Issues with SD as adopted storage, and possibly other cases, sch as after an OS update there may be the need to redo some permissions. "

in this post:

https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/mixplorer-q-a-and-faq-user-manual.3308582/post-87626419

Depending on the details of your device, other workarounds listed there might be applicable.

Everything is working now and I was able to import my config file, Thanks!

 

[IronTechmonkey]

Everything is working now and I was able to import my config file, Thanks!

Thanks for doubling back to share that. I'm glad it's working. As I don't have Android TV I find such feedback helpful for the FAQ. With that in mind, do you recall which particular action got it working, or if it was just a bunch of stuff tried all at once? Thanks again.

 

[Tanaka13]

I have been trying to play multiple music files on Nas in MixPlayer, but they are not playing in order. Is there any solution?

I'm new to using Xda, so sorry if I'm writing in the wrong place.

 

[IronTechmonkey]

I have been trying to play multiple music files on Nas in MixPlayer, but they are not playing in order. Is there any solution?

I'm new to using Xda, so sorry if I'm writing in the wrong place.

This is the right place, as would be the main MiX thread, and that is a good question, not that I have a good answer because I don't usually use MiXplorer's player. That being said I have an idea about fiddling with a playlist but it may not be applicable to your situation. Also I'm having trouble playing a group of files in any order (no less proper order) when starting by accessing one file directly or by creating a playlist. Could you please describe how you are opening the file?

FWIW I'm testing with one album of 20 files which have names (not "titles") that keep them in proper order when sorted by name, and which live on a USB attached SMB share on an RPi4 box running Linux Ubuntu.

 

[cRaWnEr]

AndroidTV seems to have more problems with google's new restrictions and has them at different version changes than do "regular" Androids, and there is on permission that may need to be reset. See the post that is 2 posts above yours (which was directed at someone with same issue) and try the suggested workaround in the linked FAQ post which is here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/mixplorer-q-a-and-faq-user-manual.3308582/post-87626419

In short: as per developer, first try document provider (which the reset permission may or may not fix in your case) and then try alternate paths, then other possible workarounds.

Unfortunatelly I tried all of those with noi luck. Deleted data, restored permissions, review permissions to Storage are set to Always, tried to add the provider but it does not appear, tried to use other routes for /storage or /mount... nothing appears to work in Android TV, I supose it won't in ChromecastTV either, though did not tried yet.
And latest version of MiX Silver, very sad that this latest Android update is messing so much

 

[IronTechmonkey]

Unfortunatelly I tried all of those with noi luck. Deleted data, restored permissions, review permissions to Storage are set to Always, tried to add the provider but it does not appear, tried to use other routes for /storage or /mount... nothing appears to work in Android TV, I supose it won't in ChromecastTV either, though did not tried yet.
And latest version of MiX Silver, very sad that this latest Android update is messing so much

It's a bummer that it didn't work in your case, as it seems to do the trick for other situations. If you've not already done so you might consider searching the main MiXplorer thread for googleTV and AndroidTV to see if there are any additional suggestions that did not make it into the FAQ. Also, somewhere there is a link to a thread created by a MiXplorer user who was trying to crack this same nut. There is not much info in that thread but it might be worth a peek. If I can find the link I will share it here. Also, if you've not already done so you could post your question and details in the main thread where it will come under more eyes and more knowledgeable eyes.

[EDIT] Here is the link but it seems that the FAQ suggestions have not made it to that thread and there has been no other movement. https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/google-tv-file-manager-problem.4478099/

 

[Traffik]

Hey guys, I just bought this app for my Nvidia Shield as I wanted an all-in-one file manager and media player setup for my SMB shares from my PC (movies and pictures).
Everything is great apart from I cant get any thumbnails to show. I have a folder.jpg image in each of my folders but I cant get the image to show up as a thumbnail in the app. I have tried renaming to .preview and also edited the share to state "thumbnail=true" but Im getting nothing.
Ive seen in this thread that its maybe been disabled by default as caching the images is too slow..?
Its a shame because everything about this app is perfect apart from this.

 

[IronTechmonkey]

Hey guys, I just bought this app for my Nvidia Shield as I wanted an all-in-one file manager and media player setup for my SMB shares from my PC (movies and pictures).
Everything is great apart from I cant get any thumbnails to show. I have a folder.jpg image in each of my folders but I cant get the image to show up as a thumbnail in the app. I have tried renaming to .preview and also edited the share to state "thumbnail=true" but Im getting nothing.
Ive seen in this thread that its maybe been disabled by default as caching the images is too slow..?
Its a shame because everything about this app is perfect apart from this.

If I'm understanding correctly what's missing for you is the folder preview which, although technically a thumbnail, is not a thumbnail regarding other settings. The thumbnail parameter to which you refer in the bookmark advanced settings controls thumbnails of the individual files; Similarly there is the View > show thumbnails setting. I don't know if those are prerequisites for the folder preview but it makes sense to leave those enabled until sorting out the folder preview

Coincidentally the developer may be working on a tweak for folder preview over SMB share in recent beta versions, in response to a recent request which you may be able to find in this thread and the main thread. The user that requested recently reported that it was working. You may find those posts by searching this thread and the main thread for recent posts mentioning folder preview and SMB share. See my signature for tips about working around XDA search engine glitches, desktop browser recommended.

[EDIT] Here is the confirmation that folder preview over SMB seems to be working: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...y-featured-file-manager.1523691/post-88031353. You can find out more of the history of that request by reviewing that user's recent posts. There are also some posts from last year from someone who was seeking to do the same thing but it may not be worth digging into those if the new fix works for you.