Manage a smartphone, tablet or even a smart TV Xiaomi from a computer convenient in a dozen situations: from transferring files without USB-It's a cable before it debugs applications or restores the system after a failure, but most users are limited to a standard connection through a system. MTP (Media Transfer Protocol, without even knowing about the more advanced features.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways - from official utilities Mi. PC Suite and Mi Assistant to Hidden Features ADB You will learn how to control the screen Xiaomi from a PC in real time, transfer files at the speed of the local network, and also configure the device without physical access to it. MIUI (including MIUI 14/15) and models from the Redmi Note 12 Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
Important: the methods vary in access level, for example, for basic file transfers, Mi Share is enough, and for full control of the system, you will need to unlock OEM Unlock and turn on developer mode, we noted all the pitfalls in each section.
Xiaomi's official utilities: Mi PC Suite and Mi Assistant
The safest and easiest way is to use Xiaomi’s proprietary software, which supports most models (except the newest ones, where functionality may be limited) and does not require root rights.
Mi PC Suite – the main tool for managing smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO It's Windows. It's a way to do that:
- 📱 Manage files (photos, videos, music) through a conductor-like interface.
- 🔄 Backup and restore data (including SMS call logs).
- 📲 Install applications from.apk files directly from the PC.
- 🔧 Update the firmware (including to beta versions) MIUI).
Mi Assistant is a lighter version for macOS and Windows, focused on file transfer and basic management, and is useful if the Mi PC Suite does not recognize your model (relevant to the Xiaomi 13/14 series).
⚠️ Note: Both utilities may conflict with antivirus (e.g. Kaspersky blocks MiPCSuite.exe as "suspicious software"). Add the program to exceptions before installation or temporarily disable protection.
2 Remote screen control via Mi Remote (without USB)
If you need to see the Xiaomi screen on your computer and control it with your mouse/keyboard, use the built-in Mi Remote feature (available on devices with MIUI 12+).
Instructions:
- On your smartphone, open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Remote management.
- Turn on the "Remote Control" switch and confirm the resolution.
- On PC, go to remote.mi.com (the official Xiaomi web service).
- Scan it. QR-code from the computer screen with the smartphone camera.
After connecting, you will see the device screen in the browser with the ability to:
- 🖱️ Control the cursor (emulates touches).
- 📝 Enter text from the PC keyboard (convenient for long messages).
- 📁 Drag files directly into the browser window.
💡
If the image is slowing down, reduce the broadcast quality in the Mi Remote settings (optimize for speed).
⚠️ Note: This function only works on the local network. If your PC and smartphone are connected to different routers, use a mobile hotspot or VPN (for example, ZeroTier).
3. ADB-Teams: Full control of Xiaomi
For experienced Android users, Debug Bridge (ADB) offers the ultimate in everything from custom firmware installation to automation, which requires enabling developer mode and unlocking OEM Unlock (on new devices).
Steps for connection:
- On your smartphone, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item to activate the developer mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (if available)
Connect your device to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).
Win + R → cmd
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list, the connection is established.
Examples of useful ADB-team:
| Team team. | Description |
|---|---|
| adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Photos\ | Downloads all photos from the device to the PC. |
| adb install app.apk | Set up APK-computer-file. |
| adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png | Takes a screenshot of the screen and saves it on the device. |
| adb shell input text "Hello" | Enters the text "Hello" in the active field (keyboard emulation). |
How to enable OEM Unlock on locked devices?
On devices with MIUI 14+ and the Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 2/3 some ADB-commands may require additional authorization through the Mi Account (even when the bootloader is unlocked).
4. Scrcpy Control: Low-latency Screen Mirroring
Scrcpy is a free, open source utility that broadcasts Xiaomi’s screen to your PC in real time with minimal latency (ideal for gaming or debugging). Unlike Mi Remote, it runs on USB or Wi-Fi and supports:
- 🎮 Control of the gamepad (connect the joystick to the PC and play on your smartphone).
- 🖥️ Screen recording in high resolution (up to) 1080p@60fps).
- 🔊 Transfer audio from device to PC (requires Android 11)+).
Instructions for setting:
- Download Scrcpy and unpack the archive.
- Connect your smartphone via USB and allow debugging (as in the ADB section).
- Run scrcpy.exe (for Wi-Fi, add the flag --tcpip).
To improve productivity, use commands:
scrcpy --bit-rate 8M --max-size 1280 # Reduces resolution for smoothness
scrcpy --no-audio --turn-screen-off # Turns off sound and turns off the smartphone screenDebugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB|Smartphone connected with original cable|Firewall is disabled on PC (if it blocks the connection)-->
5. Cloud services: management without cables and programs
If you don't have access to USB-Cable or you want to manage Xiaomi remotely (for example, from work), use cloud solutions:
1. AirDroid (airdroid.com):
- 📲 File transfer, SMS and notifications.
- 🎥 Real-time screen viewing (with delay) ~1 sec).
- 🔒 Encrypted connection (important for security).
2. TeamViewer QuickSupport:
- 🖥️ Full Remote Access (like on a PC).
- 📡 It works even through the mobile Internet (3G/4G).
- ⚠️ Requires the installation of the application on the smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Cloud services transmit data through their servers. Do not use it to work with sensitive information (bank applications, passwords). ADB or scrcpy.
6.Manage Xiaomi Smart Devices (Mi Home)
If you have Xiaomi smart lamps, robot vacuum cleaners or Mi Home cameras, you can also monitor them from your computer:
Method 1: Web version of Mi Home
- Go to home.mi.com and log in.
- All connected devices will be displayed in the dashboard.
- 🔄 Manage automation scenarios (e.g., "If the camera detects motion" → light up").
Method 2: Home Assistant (for Advanced)
The open platform Home Assistant allows you to integrate Xiaomi devices into a single smart home system.
- Install Home Assistant on PC or Raspberry Pi.
- Add Xiaomi Miio integration through the device token (it can be obtained through the Mi Home app and the Mi Home Token Extractor tool).
- Set up automation with a visual editor.
💡
To manage Xiaomi smart devices through Home Assistant, you don’t need a Mi Account — local network is enough.
7 Problem Solving: Why the PC Can't See Xiaomi
If the device is not detected when connecting, check:
1. USB cable and port:
- 🔌 Use the original cable (cheap cables often don’t support data transfers).
- 🔄 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 on the back of the PC).
Drivers:
- 🖥️ For Windows, download the official Xiaomi drivers.
- 🐧 Install Android-tools-adb on Linux:
sudo apt install android-tools-adb # For Debian/Ubuntu
Sudo pacman -S android-tools # For Arch Linux3. Smartphone settings:
- 📱 B Settings → Connection and sharing → USB Select the "File Transfer" mode" (MTP).
- 🔧 If you're connecting to ADB, select "Debugging by" USB" (will appear after the activation of the developer mode).
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ When you first connect to a new PC, you may need to confirm via Mi Account (even if you debug the device). USB Check the notifications on your smartphone!