How to enable data transfer via USB to Xiaomi Redmi 4X

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4X It's a popular budget model that's still in use today by many owners. One of the most common challenges that users face when connecting a device to a computer is to transfer files. MIUI, set up the mode of operation USB-port exclusively for charging the battery.

This is done for security reasons, to prevent unauthorized access to data when connecting to public charging stations. However, to fully work with files, photos or videos, the user needs to manually switch the interface mode. In this guide, we will detail how to activate data transfer, what hidden settings exist, and what to do if the computer does not see the phone.

Standard procedure for connecting to a computer

First, you need to perform basic steps that in 90% of cases allow you to establish a connection between Redmi. 4X You'll need a proper PC. USB-cable, preferably original or certified, as cheap counterparts often only support charging and do not have the necessary lines to transfer data.

Once connected, swipe down the notification curtain from top to bottom, and you'll see a system message that the device is connected to charge. Click on this notification to reveal the list of available modes. USB-In the menu that appears, select the option "Send files (MTP).

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Use short cables up to 1 meter long to ensure stable connection, as long wires can cause voltage drops and loss of data packets.

Once you have selected the mode, the system can request permission to access data if you are connecting to this computer for the first time. Confirm the action, and a new removable device will appear in My Computer or Explorer Windows. You can now copy files, install applications or back up contacts.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is only charging when you connect and the notification does not appear even after long waits, try using another one. USB-port on the computer preferably located on the back of the system unit.

Configure USB mode by default through the engineering menu

Xiaomi Redmi 4X owners often face a situation where data mode is reset every time the cable is reconnected. To avoid constant manipulation of the β€œcurtain” notifications, you can change the configuration through the developer menu. To access it, go to Settings β†’ About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times.

Once you activate the optional menu, go back to the main settings menu and select the Additional (or Advanced Settings) section, and a new Developer option will appear. Once you enter it, scroll down to Debug or Network. Find the default USB configuration option.

Why do you need a developer menu?
The developer menu contains hidden system settings designed to test applications and debug code. The average user should be careful when changing parameters marked in red or with warnings, as this can affect the stability of the system.

In the list that opens, select File Transfer (Android) or MTP. Now, every time you connect to a PC, your smartphone will automatically go to the desired mode, bypassing the charging stage, which greatly speeds up the process of working with files.

  • πŸ”Ή Opening the developer menu will unlock access to dozens of hidden system features.
  • πŸ”Ή Change of configuration USB Automating routine activities.
  • πŸ”Ή Settings are saved even after the device is restarted.

Using USB debugging for advanced users

If standard methods don't work or you need access to the file system to debug applications, you need to activate the USB Debugging function. This option is also located in the Developer Menu. Switch the slider to active position. The system will issue a warning about potential security risks - confirm the action.

When you connect Redmi 4X to a debugging computer, you'll see a request for debugging permission from that computer on your smartphone screen, and you'll see a unique RSA key. Click "Allow" and if you want, tick "Always Allow from this computer" to not confirm the action every time, which is especially useful for console utilities like ADB.

πŸ“Š What type of connection method do you use more often?
Just charging.
File Transfer (MTP)
USB debugging
I don't connect my phone to my PC.

Enabling debugging may be required to install drivers manually or use specialized software to restore the system.However, keep this feature off in everyday use unless you connect to third-party chargers, as it opens up deep access to the system.

ParameterDescriptionRecommendation
Charging.Power only, no access to filesSafe for public spaces
MTP (File Transfer)Access to memory as a flash driveBasic regime for work
PTP (Camera)Emulation of a digital cameraFor older PCs without MTP drivers
USB debuggingFull System Access (ADB)Only for trusted computers

Solving driver problems in Windows

Often, the phone is charging, the MTP mode is selected, but the computer is not responding to the connection. Windows Device Manager may display an unknown device or device with an exclamation mark. This means that the operating system does not have the necessary drivers to work correctly with Xiaomi.

To solve the problem, you can try to update the driver manually. Open Device Manager, find your device (often called Android or MTP Device), right-click and select Update Driver. Select the driver search on that computer and point the way to the standard MTP drivers that are available on Windows 10/11.

β˜‘οΈ Diagnostics of connection

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You can also download the official Mi PC Suite utility (although it has not been updated for a long time) or the universal Google USB Driver drivers. Installing the correct software allows the system to recognize not only the phone model, but also its serial number, which is necessary for data synchronization.

⚠️ Note: Do not download drivers from questionable aggregator sites, as they may contain malware. Use only official sources or built-in Windows Update tools.

Alternative methods of data transmission without cable

If a physical USB connection is causing difficulties or a cable is damaged, Redmi 4X owners can use wireless methods.The MIUI shell has a built-in Explorer feature that allows you to transfer files over Wi-Fi. Open the Explorer app, click on the menu and select Access from PC.

Smartphone will create a smartphone FTP-The server will give you an address to enter into the address bar of Windows Explorer, the transfer speed in this case depends on the speed of your router, but for large amounts of data (for example, video in the Windows Explorer). 4K) cable is preferred due to the stability of the connection.

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Wireless transmission is convenient for fast transfer of several files, but for initial setting up of the phone or firmware use USB-The cable is an alternative option.

Another option is to use cloud storage or services like Mi Drop (ShareMe), which use Wi-Fi Direct to create a direct link between devices, which allows for high speeds without the need for a router, but for system operations such as flashing through Fastboot, it will require a cable connection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Redmi 4X Connection

Why does a computer see a phone as a charger?
Chances are you are using a cable that does not support data transfer (charging only), or you have selected Charging Only mode in the USB settings. Check the cable on another device and switch mode in the notification curtain to MTP.
How to enable debugging on USB if there is no β€œDevelopers” item?
The item is hidden by default. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone and 7 times click on the "Version" MIUIΒ». After that, the developer menu will appear in the section "MoreΒ».
Can I run Redmi 4X without data?
For Recovery mode, firmware via cable does not require MTP to be enabled, but Fastboot mode (which is used more often) requires installed ADB/Fastboot drivers that are activated when connected.
The phone is switched on and off, what should I do?
This could indicate a malfunction. USB-port in the phone (shattered connector) or lack of food from the USB-Try connecting the cable to the port behind the system unit directly into the motherboard.