How to connect Xiaomi phone – all ways to sync with PC, TV and accessories

Xiaomi smartphones support dozens of options for connecting to other devices – from the classic USB-But not all users know how to set up a connection properly to avoid synchronization errors, slow file transfers or device recognition problems. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to connect Redmi phones, POCO and Xiaomi to computers, TVs, headphones and even other smartphones - taking into account the features of firmware MIUI and hardware constraints.

We'll focus on the typical issues: why Xiaomi isn't defined as a removable drive, how to enable USB debugging for developers, and what to do if wireless headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted. All the instructions are relevant for 2020-2026 models based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, but the majority of tips will also be suitable for older devices.

Connecting Xiaomi to your computer via USB

The most reliable and fastest way to transfer files is a USB Type-C cable (or Micro-USB for older models), but even here, users face problems: the phone does not recognize as a drive, folders do not open or data transfer speeds are too slow, the reasons lie in the MIUI settings and drivers on the PC.

To connect Xiaomi to your computer correctly:

• 🔌 Use the original cable from the kit – cheap analogues often do not support data transfer, only charging.
• 🖥️ On PCs, you must have MediaTek drivers (for Helio, Dimensity processors) or Qualcomm (for Snapdragon) installed. Download them from the official Xiaomi website or through Mi. PC Suite.
• 📱 On your phone, unlock the screen and select Connection Mode: File Transfer (MTP), Photo Photo (PTP) Or just charging. You need the first option to access the memory.
• 🔒 If Windows gives an error "Device not recognized", try to connect the phone to another port (preferably). USB 3.0 blue) or temporarily disable the antivirus.

On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the path to USB settings has changed.

1. Connect the cable to the phone.
2. Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the Charge alert via USB.
3. Select File Transfer → Turn on.
4. On PC, the phone will appear as a removable drive (usually called Xiaomi or Redmi).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI China (CN-ROM) regime MTP It can be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings. → About the phone, tap 7 times on the version MIUI, Then go back to the settings. → Additionally. → Developer mode → Configuration USB by default and select MTP.

Phone screen unlocked

The original cable is used.

MediaTek/Qualcomm drivers are installed on PC

The phone has selected the mode "File Transfer" (MTP)

Port port USB PC is good (check on another device)-->

Wireless file transfer: Mi Share, Wi-Fi Direct and FTP

If you don’t have a cable or need to transfer files up to 10 meters, use wireless technology. Xiaomi offers several built-in solutions:

1. Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is a proprietary file sharing service between Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices. It works via Wi-Fi Direct and does not require an Internet connection. Transfer speeds reach 10-15 MB/s (depending on the model).

• 📲 On both devices, open the Mi Share app (or Quick Transfer to HyperOS).
• 🔄 Click Send on one phone and Receive on another.
• 📊 Select files (photos, videos, documents) and confirm the transfer.

2. FTP-server over Wi-Fi — suitable for transferring large amounts of data (for example, backups) to a PC:

1. Connect your phone and computer to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On Xiaomi, install an FTP Server application (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
3. Launch it. FTP-server in the application and copy the address of the view ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx.
4. On PC, open Explorer, enter the address in the address bar and log in (login and password from the application).

3. Wi-Fi Direct is a universal protocol for transferring files between any device (including Mi TVs).

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi Direct

Mi Share (built into MIUI)

Wi-Fi Direct

FTP via router

Bluetooth

Another option-->

Xiaomi TV connection (Miracast, DLNA, HDMI)

If you want to bring your phone to the big screen, Xiaomi has three main ways: Miracast (wireless duplication), DLNA (streaming video) and HDMI (wired connection).

1. Miracast (Screen Mirroring) - duplicates the phone screen on TV in real time, works on Miracast-enabled TVs (most models of Samsung, LG, Sony and Xiaomi Mi TV).

• 📺 On your TV, turn on Screen Mirroring (in the Network or Connections menu).
• 📱 On Xiaomi phone go to Settings → Connections and sharing → Wireless display.
• 🔍 Choose the name of your TV from the list.
• ⏳ Wait 5-10 seconds – the image from the phone will appear on the TV screen.

2. DLNA is a streaming media file (photo, video, music) without screen duplication, suitable for watching movies or listening to music.

1. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On the phone, open the Gallery or Music, select a file and tap Send → DLNA.
3. Select the TV from the list of devices.

3. HDMI The only way to display the screen with minimal latency (relevant to gaming) is through an adapter. USB-C to HDMI (or micro-USB to HDMI for old models:

• 🔌 Connect the adapter to the phone and HDMI-cable.
• 📺 On TV, select the source of the signal. HDMI.
• 📱 On the phone, you may need to confirm the output of the image (in some models you need to turn on the developer mode and activate debugging by HDMI).

⚠️ Attention: On phones POCO with Snapdragon processors of the 7th and 8th series (for example, POCO F5) when connected through HDMI Solution: use external speakers or connect your headphones to your phone.

Synchronization with headphones and smart watches

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones (like Redmi Buds 4 or Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) and smartwatches (Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch) connect via Bluetooth. However, there are nuances here, from the Bluetooth protocol version to the hardware’s firmware features.

Headphone connection:

1. Open the headphone case cover (they will automatically go into pairing mode).
2. On your phone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on device search.
3. Select headphones from the list (the name will be of the type Redmi Buds). 4_XXXX).
4. Confirm pairing. Some models (Buds 3T Pro) will require firmware updates through the Mi Home app.

Connecting the Mi Band smartwatch:

• 📱 Install the Mi Fitness app (for Mi Band) 7/8) Zepp Life for Xiaomi Smart Band).
• 🔗 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and launch the app.
• 🔍 Click Add Device and select the watch model.
• 📶 Bring the watch to the phone (distance not more than 10 cm) and confirm the pairing.

If the headphones or watch don’t connect despite the right actions, check the Bluetooth version on the phone: models before the Redmi Note 10 often only support Bluetooth 5.0, and Bluetooth 5.2+ is needed for stable operation of the Buds 4 Pro.

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If Xiaomi headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted, try turning off the Absolute Volume function in Bluetooth settings (Section Additional), which will solve the problem with synchronizing sound in games and videos.

Connect to another phone (Xiaomi, iPhone, Samsung)

There are several ways to transfer files or synchronize data between two smartphones. If both are from Xiaomi, Mi Share is the most convenient option. Cross-platform transfer (for example, on an iPhone or Samsung) will be suitable for universal solutions.

1. Mi Share (between Xiaomi):

• 📱 On both phones, open Mi Share (in HyperOS - Quick Transfer).

2. Nearby Share (for Android):

• 🤝 Enable Nearby Share in Google Settings (path: Settings) → Google → Devices and sharing → Nearby Share).
• 📤 Select files in the Gallery or File Manager, tap Send → Nearby Share.
• 📥 On the second phone, take the file.

3. Transfer to iPhone (AirDrop):

• 🍎 On iPhone, turn on AirDrop (at Control Center).
• 📁 On Xiaomi, select files, tap Send → More. → AirDrop (if you don’t have an option, use the cloud, such as Google Drive).

⚠️ Note: When transferring files between Xiaomi and iPhone via cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud),.mov or.mkv videos may not play.mp4 Using the Video Converter app.

Solving Connection Problems

Even with the right settings, users have errors: the phone is not detected on the PC, Miracast can't find the TV, or Bluetooth is permanently disabled. Let's look at typical cases and solutions.

1.The computer cannot see Xiaomi via USB:

• 🔌 Try another cable or port. USB.
• 🖥️ Update drivers through Device Manager (Controllers section) USB).
• 📱 On the phone, turn on the developer mode and activate debugging by USB.
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

2. Miracast is out of service:

• 📺 Make sure your TV supports Miracast (check the instructions).
• 📶 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (even if Miracast works without internet, sometimes it helps).
• 📱 Turn off the phone. VPN and energy-saving regimes.

3. Bluetooth is permanently disabled:

• 🔋 Check the battery power on headphones/hours (at levels below 15%, the connection may break).
• 📱 In Bluetooth settings on your phone, turn off Absolute Volume and HD-audio (if any).
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

Additional features: debugging via USB and ADB

For power users and developers, Xiaomi has advanced connectivity features such as USB debugging and ADB commands. They allow you to control your phone from a PC, install custom firmware or automate tasks.

How to enable debugging by USB:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You became a developer").
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate Debugging via USB and confirm the resolution.

The main ADB teams for Xiaomi:

Adb devices # Checking connected devices


adb pull /sdcard/photo.jpg # Download file from phone to PC




adb install app.apk # Install APK- file




adb shell pm list packages # List of installed applications




adb reboot recovery #Reboot to Recovery Mode

To work with ADB on PC you need:

• 🖥️ Install Platform Tools (download from Google website).
• 📱 Connect the phone with the debugging enabled USB.
• 🔧 Run the command line in the folder with adb.exe.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB Su rights (e.g. adb shell su) require unlocked bootloader and root rights. Their use may result in a loss of warranty or device brik. On HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), some commands are used to ADB It can be blocked by the manufacturer.

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USB and ADB debugging are for power users. Incorrect use of commands can disrupt the system. Always back up data before experimenting.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's connectivity