How to download music on Xiaomi 8 Pro: the complete guide

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is not just a powerful device with a transparent back, but also an excellent multimedia center capable of playing high-quality audio. Despite the lack of a standard 3.5 mm jack, this device supports Hi-Res Audio and LDAC codecs, making it an ideal candidate for listening to your favorite tracks through Bluetooth headphones or USB-C headsets. However, to enjoy high-quality sound, you first need to transfer files correctly to the device.

Many users have difficulty syncing their library with a new gadget, especially if they are switching from devices with different operating systems or file structure features. Android, the operating system on which MIUI runs, has its own nuances of folder organization and access rights. Understanding these principles will help to avoid confusion and data loss in the future.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of transferring audio files, from classic cable connection to modern cloud technologies and wireless protocols, you will learn how to optimize the work of the built-in player and what file formats are supported by your device without loss of sound quality.

File preparation and format selection

Before you start the download process, you need to make sure that your music files are in the right format. Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro features an advanced audio processor that is capable of decoding a wide range of codecs, including lossless formats such as FLAC, WAV and ALAC. If you are an audiophile, using these formats will unlock the potential of high-quality headphones.

However, for everyday use, MP3 remains the most common and compatible format, providing good sound quality at a relatively small file size, saving the interior space of the smartphone, and the device works seamlessly with AAC and OGG formats, which are often used in streaming services.

⚠️ Note: Avoid downloading files with extension.m4p, Because they are protected by digital rights (DRM) and may not be played by third-party players without authorization in iTunes.

For easy library management, it is recommended to pre-sort tracks by folder, for example, by genre or artist, which will greatly simplify navigation after you have completed the process of transferring data to your phone.

πŸ“Š What type of music do you use most often?
MP3 (standard)
FLAC (no loss)
WAV (maximum quality)
Online streaming without downloading

Method 1: Direct connection through USB-cable

The fastest and most reliable method of transferring large amounts of data is the use of USB-cable that comes with the device. Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro supports the standard USB 3.0 Type-C, which allows you to copy even heavy lossless files at a high speed. First, connect your smartphone to your computer and unlock the device screen.

Once connected, a USB mode notification will appear at the top of the screen. By default, the phone can go to Charge Only. You need to click on this notification and select the File Transfer (MTP) option. This action will open access to the internal memory of the smartphone for the computer operating system.

β˜‘οΈ Checking the connection USB

Done: 0 / 4

Now, on your computer, open "My Computer" and find your device in the disk list. Go to the root directory or the Internal Storage folder. You need to find or create a folder called Music. It's in this directory that the standard MIUI player scans and adds tracks to the library.

Copy the files from your computer and paste them into this folder. Once you've finished copying, safely remove the device or simply turn off the cable. Open the Music app on your smartphone and wait for the playlist to update.

What to do if your computer can’t see your phone?
If nothing happens when connecting, try using another one. USB-It's a cable, preferably original or certified, and it could be the drivers on Windows. 10/11 They are installed automatically, but older versions may require Android installation. SDK Platform Tools or drivers from the official Mi website. Check also the port USB on a computer – sometimes the ports on the front of the system unit do not provide enough power or have poor contact.

Method 2: Using Cloud Storage

If you don’t have a cable on hand or want to sync music between multiple devices, cloud technology is the perfect solution. Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro integrates perfectly with Google Drive, Yandex.Disk and its own Mi Cloud service. Upload your music files to the cloud from your computer in advance.

Then, on your smartphone, install or open the appropriate cloud storage app, find the files you want, and select the option "Download" or "Save to Memory of Device." It is important to specify the way to save: select the Music folder in internal memory, so that the tracks automatically appear in the player.

The advantage of this method is that you can listen to music online without downloading it first, as long as you have a stable Internet connection. Many cloud applications have built-in players that support background downloading and track caching to save traffic.

ServiceFree volumeHi-Res supportFeatures
Google Drive15GBYes.Deep integration with Android
Yandex.Disk.10GBYes.Automatic uploading of photos and music
Mi Cloud5GBYes.Synchronization of system settings
Dropbox2GBYes.High reliability and speed

⚠️ Note: When using cloud storage over the mobile Internet, keep track of traffic consumption, especially if you download albums in high quality.

Method 3: Wireless transmission via Mi Drop

Mi Drop (also known as ShareMe) is Xiaomi’s native solution for fast file transfers between devices without using the internet, a technique that is especially handy if you want to stream music from another Xiaomi smartphone or a computer with a Mi Drop web interface.

To transfer from your computer, open the Mi Drop app on your phone, click on the menu in the upper left corner and select Connect your computer. QR-code FTP-Enter this address into Windows Explorer or any FTP-client.

ftp://192.168.1.55:2121

Once connected, you'll have access to your phone's file system just like you would if you were connected to a cable. Find the Music folder and upload files to it. Wi-Fi transfer speeds can be as high as 10-20MB/s, which is comparable to USB 2.0.

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For maximum transfer speeds via Mi Drop, make sure that both devices (smartphone and router/computer) are in the 5GHz band if your router supports dual-band mode.

This method also allows you to transfer files between two Xiaomi phones instantly, just by scanning. QR-The function works even without Internet access using Wi-Fi Direct.

Set up the audio system and equalizer

Once you’ve successfully downloaded music to the Xiaomi 8 Pro, it’s worth taking the time to tune the sound to get the best experience. MIUI’s shell features a powerful graphic equalizer to tailor the sound to your taste and the acoustics you use.

To access the settings, open the Music app, go to the settings and select Sound Effects, and here you will find presets for different genres: Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classic. There is also manual frequency settings available where you can amplify basses or add clarity to high frequencies.

The Mi Sound Enhancer feature deserves special attention. It software improves the quality of playback, making the sound more voluminous and clean. For owners of Xiaomi headphones, automatic calibration is available for a specific headset model.

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The right equalizer setup can drastically change the perception of familiar tracks, adding depth and detail to them without buying new equipment.

Don’t forget to check the Dolby Atmos settings if they are available in your firmware version, which creates a surround sound effect, which is especially noticeable when watching videos and listening to live recordings.

Solving problems with reproduction

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where files are copied, but the player does not see them or plays them with errors. Most often the problem lies in the wrong folder structure or corrupt file metadata. Make sure that the files are not hidden and have the correct ID3 tags.

If the sound is interrupted or wheezing, try turning off all audio enhancements and check for "No Effects" mode, which will help determine whether the problem is software or hardware, and check whether power saving mode is on, which may limit the background performance of the player.

⚠️ Note: If the file format FLAC Played with a crack, maybe your Bluetooth codec does not support high bitrate. Try to switch the codec in the developer settings or use a wired connection.

In case the built-in player refuses to work with certain formats, it is recommended to install a third-party application, for example, PowerAmp or VLC. These players have their own codecs and are able to play almost any audio format.

Why can’t my phone see music after connecting to USB?
You probably put files in the wrong folder. The standard Android media scanner looks for music in the Music or Audio folder at the root of the internal memory. If you created a folder called "My Music" or put files in the root, the player can ignore them. Move the files to the correct directory and reboot the device.
How to improve the sound quality in Bluetooth headphones?
Go to Settings -> About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version to activate the Developer Menu. Then in Advanced Settings, look for Developer's. In Bluetooth, find the Bluetooth Codec setting and select LDAC or aptX HD if your headphones support these technologies.
Can I listen to music through USB-flash-drive?
Yes, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro supports OTG technology. You can plug a flash drive through the Type-C adapter and play music directly from it through a file manager or a third-party player. However, to add tracks to the main library, they still have to be copied to internal memory.