How to make Xiaomi phone not charge from your computer via USB: all working methods

Connecting Xiaomi smartphone to your computer through USB This causes problems ranging from slow data exchange to battery overheating during long synchronization, especially for laptop owners with weaker laptops. USB-Ports or users who want to save battery life.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to disable USB charging, from standard MIUI settings to hidden engineering modes. The methods are suitable for all models: Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others. Importantly, some solutions require superuser (root) rights, but most work without them.

The problem isn’t limited to Xiaomi β€” Samsung or Realme have similar settings, but the brand with the β€œMi” logo has unique features, such as the hidden option in Settings β†’ Special features that few people know about.

Before you start, check:

  • πŸ”Œ Whether you use the original Xiaomi cable (low-quality wires may ignore charging lock commands).
  • πŸ“± Version MIUI (In older firmware before version 12, some methods are not available).
  • πŸ’» Type USB-port (USB 3.0 can deliver more current than USB 2.0).

If the phone charges even when the screen is off, that's normal MIUI behavior, but it can be changed. Let's start with the simplest ways.

1. Disable charging via File Transfer Only (MTP)

The fastest way is to change the type. USB-plug-in MTP (In this mode, most computers limit the current to the minimum values (100-200 mA), which is enough only to maintain the level of charge, but not to fully charge.

How to do this:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
  2. Swipe down the notification bar on Xiaomi.
  3. Click on the Charging Notification via USB (or USB-connection).
  4. Select File Transfer (MTP)

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) mode MTP It's still charging, but it's slower. If this is your case, move on to the next one.

Advantage of the method: does not require root rights and works on all versions of MIUI. The disadvantage is that when you actively transfer data (for example, copying movies), the phone can charge slightly due to increased power consumption.

πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi (Note/Pro series)
POCO (F/X/M)
Mi (11/12/13)
Black Shark
Other

2.Use of the "Charge Only" mode (reverse method)

Paradoxically, sometimes turning on Charging Only helps turn it off, because in this mode, Xiaomi blocks data transmission, but some PCs take this as a signal to reduce the current.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the computer.
  2. In the notification panel, tap Charging via USB.
  3. Select Charging Only.
  4. Turn off and reconnect the cable.

πŸ“Œ Why does it work? Some of them. USB-PC motherboard controllers interpret Charging Only as "device needs no power." The efficiency of the method is about 30%, depending on the phone and PC model.

If it doesn't work, try the combination: first select File Transfer, then again Only Charge, which resets the data exchange protocol between devices.

3. Set up a hidden engineering menu (for advanced)

Xiaomi has a hidden menu ##4636##, where you can limit charging over USB. This method does not require root, but you need to carefully follow the instructions so as not to confuse other settings.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##4636##.
  2. In the menu that opens, select Battery Information.
  3. Scroll down to the section. USB-connection.
  4. Click on Disable Charging (or Limit USB charging in English firmware).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 and later) this item may not be available. Do not change other options in the engineering menu - this can cause malfunctions in the smartphone.

If there is no item, try the alternative code:

##2846579## β†’ ProjectMenu β†’ Background Settings β†’ USB Settings

Make a backup copy of the data

Charge your phone at least 50%

Use the original USB-cable

Do not interrupt the setup process-->

4. Disable charging via ADB (no root)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to send commands directly to Android, a method that works on all Xiaomi models, but requires pre-configuring on a PC.

What needs to be done:

  1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
  2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings β†’ About phone).
  3. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC and in the command line (in the folder with ADB) type: adb shell dumpsys battery set usb 0

πŸ”Ή How it works: The set usb 0 command forcibly disables charging on USB. To get it all back, use it:

adb shell dumpsys battery reset

⚠️ Attention: After the phone restarts, the settings will reset. For permanent effect, you need to create a script or use Tasker to automatically execute a command when connecting to a PC.

5. The use of magnetic USB-power-lock

If the software doesn't work, you can solve the problem hardwarely. USB-power-locked cables (e.g. SyncWire or UGREEN), They physically break the charging circuit, leaving only data lines.

Pros of the method:

  • πŸ”Œ 100% guarantee of disconnecting charging.
  • πŸ“± No changes to the phone settings are required.
  • πŸ”„ It works with all devices, not just Xiaomi.

Cons:

  • πŸ’° Additional expenses (cable costs from 500 to 1500 rubles).
  • πŸ”Œ You need to carry a separate cable with you.

Do not confuse these cables with "normal" cables" USB-Look for models marked "Data-only" or "No charge".

Model cableLengthPrice (β‰ˆ)Compatibility
UGREEN Data Sync1m600 rubles.USB 2.0/3.0
SyncWire Data-Only1.5 m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m800 rubles.USB-C, Micro-USB
Anker PowerLine (modif.)0.9 m m1200 rubles.USB-C (no charge)

6. Modification of firmware (root only)

If you have root rights, you can edit the system files that control power, which is the most radical and only suitable for advanced users.

Instructions:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/etc/.
  3. Find the file. usb_device_config.xml (or similar in your firmware).
  4. Open it in the text editor and find the line: <usb:config> <usb:powerDelivery enabled="true" /> </usb:config>
  5. Replace enabled="true" with enabled="false".
  6. Save the file and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to a brick (breakdown) of the phone. Before making changes, make a backup through the phone. TWRP.

An alternative way for root users to install a Magisk module called USB Charge Disabler, which automatically blocks charging when connected to a PC.

What if the phone does not turn on after editing system files?
If Xiaomi stopped loading after changing files, try: 1. Log in Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume up). 2. Select Mount β†’ System and return the original file via ADB. 3. If it doesn't help - reflash the phone via Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

Alternative solutions: USB-hubs

If you need to constantly connect your phone to your PC without charging (for example, for debugging or streaming), consider using it. USB-A power switch hub, which allows you to physically shut down the current to a particular port.

Examples of devices:

  • πŸ”Œ Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub (with individual switches).
  • πŸ“± Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub (with power adjustment).
  • πŸ’» Baseus USB Hub (budget option with a button to disable charging).

How it works:

  1. Connect the hub to the PC.
  2. Put the phone in the hub port.
  3. Turn off power to this port using a physical switch.

The advantage is that you don't have to set anything up on your phone, and the disadvantage is that the hub takes up extra space on the table.

πŸ’‘

If you often connect Xiaomi to different PCs, buy it. USB-It reduces interference and sometimes reduces charging current to safe values.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking USB charging

Can I turn off USB charging on Xiaomi without root?
Yes, most of the methods in this article (MTP, ADB, The most reliable way to do this without root is to use a data-only cable or ADB-team.
Why does the phone still charge in MTP mode?
It depends on it. USB-PC motherboard controllers, some models (especially with USB 3.1/3.2) Ignore Android restrictions and supply current to 500 In this case, only a hardware solution (cable without charging or hub) will help).
Will the battery be damaged if you constantly connect your phone to your PC?
Yes, if the phone is kept on 100% charge for a long time when connected to USB, it accelerates battery degradation. It is optimal to keep the charge level in the range of 20-80%. Use the methods from the article to avoid constant recharging.
Can I turn off USB charging on the POCO X3 Pro?
Yes, all of the methods described work on POCO (it is a sub-brand of Xiaomi). For the POCO X3 Pro, the ADB method is especially effective, since there are bugs with engineering menus in the firmware.
How to check if charging is via USB?
Connect your phone to your PC and open Settings β†’ Battery. If you have a USB tag on your graph, you're charging, and you can use apps like AccuBattery to monitor current.

πŸ’‘

The most versatile methods are ADB and data-only cable, which run on 90% of Xiaomi models and do not require in-depth knowledge.