Have you connected a Xiaomi smartphone to your computer via USB, but nothing is happening? Or you need to enable USB debugging to install custom firmware, but you don't know where to look for these settings? The problem is that the manufacturer regularly changes the layout of the menu in the MIUI shell, and in new versions some items are hidden altogether behind additional gestures.
In this article, we will not only show you where to find USB settings on Xiaomi in different versions of the firmware (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15), but also explain why your phone may not be detected on a PC, how to enable hidden modes (for example, MTP, PTP or RNDIS), and what to do if the desired options disappear after the update, and also – reveal a few undocumented MIUI chips, which are silent even the official guides.
Basic USB settings: Where to look in MIUI 14/15 (2026)
In the latest versions MIUI (starting MIUI 14) the manufacturer has simplified access to USB-I've also been able to set up some of the Advanced options, but I've also hidden them to open the main menu:
- Connect your smartphone to your computer through the original USB-cable (cheap Chinese cords often do not support data transmission).
- Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the Charge message through USB (or USB-connection).
- In the window that opens, select the desired mode: 📱 File transfer (MTP) — PC-based; 📷 Transmission of photographs (PTP) — If you need to import photos in Lightroom or Photoshop; 🔌 Charging only – blocks data exchange; 🖥️ USB-modem (RNDIS) — Internet distribution from the phone (hidden on some models).
If you have Xiaomi 13/14 series or Redmi Note 12/13, after selecting the mode, an additional window may appear with a request for permission to access data - this is normal.
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On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) regime RNDIS To turn it on, go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI And then you tap it 7 times. USB-menu will be an additional item.
2.Where to find USB debugging and hidden options for developers
USB debugging is a key feature for running a phone, getting root rights, or using ADB. In MIUI, it's hidden in a developer menu that's disabled by default. Here's how to activate it:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Find the line MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (you have become a developer!).
- Go back to the main settings menu and find a new item. → For developers (on some models, just for developers).
- Scroll down to the Debugging block and turn on: 🔧 Debugging by USB; 🔄 Unlocking OEM (It is necessary to unlock the loader); 📡 Configuration USB by default (you can set a priority mode here).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C POCO M5) unlock OEM This can cause all data to be reset. Before activation, back up through Settings. → Memory. → Backup.
Activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to MIUI)| Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable | Allow debugging on your smartphone screen (request will appear) | Install ADB drivers on your computer (if necessary)
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Why Xiaomi is not detected via USB: 5 main reasons
If you plug in a phone and the computer can't see it, the problem can be both the MIUI settings and the hardware, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone charges but does not transfer files | Selected mode Charging Only | Switch the notification bar and select File Transfer (MTP) |
| The computer makes the connection sound, but the phone is not displayed. | There are no ADB or MTP drivers | Install Android SDK Platform-Tools or drivers from Xiaomi site |
| There's a mistake. USB-device not identified | The cable or port is damaged. | Try another cable (preferably original) or USB port on PC |
| Phone asks for unlocking when connected | Data protection is on | Unlock the screen and confirm trust in the computer |
| MTP Mode Doesn't Work on Windows 11 | Conflict with the update KB5001567 | Remove the update or install a patch from Microsoft |
💡 Secret life hack: If Xiaomi stubbornly not determined in mode MTP, try to PTP, and then switch back to MTP. Sometimes it throws off protocol glitch.
File transfer (MTP)|Transmission of photographs (PTP)|USB-modem (RNDIS)|Just charging.|Another option
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4. How to change the default USB configuration (hidden function)
There's a little-known option in MIUI that allows you to set a priority USB mode that will activate automatically when you connect, which eliminates the need to manually select MTP or PTP each time.
- Activate Developer Mode (as described above).
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Scroll down to the Network block and find the default USB configuration (in English firmware - Default USB configuration).
- Select the right mode: 📁 File transfer (MTP); 📷 Transmission of photographs (PTP); 🔌 Charging; 🌐 RNDIS (USB Ethernet); 📡 Data transmission only (for the purpose of ADB).
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) post-choice RNDIS The mobile Internet may be lost to get back 4G/LTE, Restart your phone or change the mode back to MTP.
What if there is no “USB configuration by default” clause?
5. USB-customizations on older versions MIUI (before MIUI 12)
If you have a Xiaomi smartphone running a MIUI 9-12 firmware (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9), the USB settings interface will be different.
For normal modes (MTP/PTP/charging):
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Smash the notification panel and tap on the notification USB-connection.
- In the window that opens, select the mode you want. On MIUI 11 and below, there may also be an Additional button with advanced settings.
For debugging over USB:
- Activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to the MIUI version).
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Turn on USB debugging and confirm the permission to connect to the computer.
💡 Expert advice: Xiaomi with Qualcomm chips (for example, Xiaomi) 11T POCO F3) sometimes helps USB-the controller host. ADB:
adb shell echo 0 > /sys/class/android_usb/android0/enableThen restart the phone.
7. USB-settings on Xiaomi tablets (Pad) 5/6 series)
Xiaomi Pad 5, Pad 6 and Pad 6 Pro USB-The settings are slightly different due to the adapted version. MIUI Here's how to find the right options:
- Connect the tablet to the computer.
- Flick the notification panel twice (on tablets it is divided into two parts).
- Tap on the notification. USB-connection (may be called the connection) USB-option).
- Select a mode: 📁 File transfer (analogue) MTP); 🖥️ USB-modem (for distribution of the Internet); 🔌 Charging.
For debugging over USB:
- Activate Developer Mode (7 taps by Build Number in About tablet).
- Go to Settings → About Tablet → MIUI Version → Additional → For developers.
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock (if necessary).
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro when connected in mode USB-The modem may turn off Wi-Fi. To avoid this, before activating the modem, turn on the Access Point mode in the mobile network settings.