How to find and configure USB mode on Xiaomi smartphones: from MTP to charging

You connected your Xiaomi smartphone to your computer through USB-cable, but the file manager does not see the internal memory, and the notification bar appears the inscription “Charge through” USB»? This means that the device defaults to charging only, blocking data transmission. In this article, we will look at where to look for settings for mode of operation. USB on all current models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — From budget devices to flagships.

Problem with the definition of a regime USB It is relevant for users who want to transfer photos, music or backups to their PC but encounter errors such as “Device not recognized” or «MTP-It's not installed. We're going to look at more than just standard mode switching (MTP, PTP, MIDI, RNDIS), but also hidden settings for developers that will help solve the problem on custom firmware or after resetting to factory settings.

What are USB modes and why do they need them?

When you connect a Xiaomi smartphone to your computer, the system automatically selects one of the data protocols.

• 🔌 Just charging — USB used solely to power the battery (data not transmitted).
• 📁 MTP (Media Transfer Protocol - standard mode for file sharing (photos, videos, documents) runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.
• 📷 PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol – Optimized for photo transfer (often required for older versions of Windows or cameras).
• 🎵 MIDI — Connecting musical instruments or audio equipment.
• 🌐 RNDIS — It allows you to use the smartphone as USB-modem «USB-tetering»).

Xiaomi often sets Charge Only mode by default, especially if you're connecting your device to a new computer for the first time, which is for security, so that viruses from the PC won't automatically enter your phone's memory, but you'll have to manually choose MTP or PTP to transfer files.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5), the list of available modes may differ due to the features of the MIUI firmware. Also, it is worth considering that MTP does not always work correctly on macOS - in this case, PTP or special drivers (for example, Android File Transfer) will help.

Where to find USB settings on Xiaomi: the standard way

The easiest way to change USB mode is through the notification bar. Here's a step-by-step instruction:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer using the original cable (preferably from the kit).
2. Unlock the Xiaomi screen (if it is locked, no notification will appear).
3. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
4. Find a notification that says “Charge via USB” or “USB to transfer files” and tap it.
5. In the window that opens, select the desired mode (for example, File Transfer for MTP).

If no notice appears:

• 🔄 Check the cable – some cheap wires only support charging.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port on the computer (preferably) USB 3.0 blue).
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and reconnect.

On models with MIUI 14 and newer, the interface may be slightly different. For example, on Xiaomi 14, after tap, a notification window will appear with the choice:

Use USB to:


Charging the phone




[ ] File transfer




[ ] Photo Transfer (PTP)




[] USB-tetering

How to Enable Developer Mode for Advanced USB Settings

If the standard method doesn’t work (for example, there is no notification or the desired mode is not in the list), you will have to activate the developer mode, which will allow you to access hidden settings, including forced MTP or PTP.

Instructions for activation:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (you will receive a notification “You became a developer!”).
3. Return to the main Settings menu and open a new Developer section (usually at the bottom of the list).
4. Find the default USB configuration option and select the desired mode (MTP, PTP, etc.).

After that, when connecting to a PC, the smartphone will automatically use the selected protocol. Please note: on some firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU), this item may be called USB-configuration USB-default.

⚠️ Note: If the developer menu does not have the option Configuration USB, refresh MIUI check to the latest version or check if it is hidden in additional settings (use Settings search).

USB modes on different Xiaomi models: features and differences

The manufacturer regularly updates the MIUI interface, so the location of USB settings may vary depending on the model and firmware version.

On Android 12+ devices (such as Xiaomi 12T), you may need additional data access confirmation when you first connect. If you see a request for “Allow data access?”, be sure to click “Allow” or MTP will not work.

For POCO owners with POCO Launcher firmware, the path to settings may be different. For example, on a POCO F4 GT, you need to go to Settings → Special Features → Physical Buttons → USB Mode.

1. Disconnect and reconnect the cable.

2. restart the PC (sometimes the MTP drivers “hang”).

3. Use another file manager (e.g. Total Commander instead of the standard Explorer»).-->

Problems with USB modes and their solutions

Even after setting up the USB mode correctly, let’s look at the common errors and how to fix them:

1 The computer does not see the smartphone in MTP mode

Causes and solutions:

• 🖥️ There are no drivers - download Mi PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website or install Google USB Driver for Windows.
• 🔌 Cable problems – try the original cable or check it on another device.
• 📱 Lockdown MIUI — Turn off Data Protection in Settings → Privacy.

2.PTP mode is not displayed in the list

On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A), the PTP is hidden to enable it:

1. Activate the developer mode (see section above).
2. In the Developer Settings, find the USB Configuration Choice and select PTP.
3. Reconnect the device to the PC.

3. USB-tetering doesn't work

If, in the choice, USB-Internet tetering does not appear on PC:

• 🌐 Check if mobile data is enabled on your smartphone.
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📋 Make sure that drivers are installed on the PC RNDIS (come in the Mi package PC Suite).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with unlocked bootloader (bootloader) modes USB They can be reset after rebooting, and then you have to re-select. MTP or PTP every time you connect.

How to Reset USB Settings to Factory

If you've been experimenting with USB modes and now your smartphone is not defined by your computer, you can go back to the original settings.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm action. This will reset permissions for all applications, including USB system services.

After discharge:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📱 Connect it to the PC and select the mode MTP notice.

If the problem persists, perform a full reset (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset), but note that this will remove all data from the device.

💡

Resetting USB settings does not remove files from the smartphone’s memory, but may require re-authorization in some applications (e.g., banking services).

Alternative ways to transfer files without USB

If you can’t set up USB mode, use alternative methods:

• 🌍 Mi Drop – a proprietary application from Xiaomi for transferring files over Wi-Fi (available in the app). MIUI default).
• ☁️ Cloud Services – Upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk, then download them to your PC.
• 📶 FTP-server – use applications such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer FTP-local-network.
• 🔗 OTG-adapter – connect a flash drive or external drive to your smartphone and transfer files without a PC.

For the transfer of large amounts of data (for example, backups), it is most convenient to use Mi Drop or FTP. Wi-Fi 5/6 transfer speed can reach 300-500 Mbit / s, which is comparable to USB 3.0.

FAQ: Frequent questions about USB modes on Xiaomi