How to transfer a file to the Xiaomi desktop: from USB-cable-to-cloud services

Xiaomi's desktop is not just a background image, it's a full-fledged space for quick access to files. But many users are faced with the problem of how to put a document, a photo or an archive there, if the MIUI system by default hides this option? Unlike Windows, where it is enough to drag a file to the desktop icon, Xiaomi will have to use workarounds - and there are at least five of them.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including connecting to the Internet. USB, Cloud services, file managers and even ADB-We'll focus on the nuances of different versions. MIUI (from 12 before 14) model Redmi/POCO, If you need to put a file on the home screen in an emergency, start with the first method (the easiest one). If you need automation or system folders, read it all the way.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 and later, the File Shortcuts feature on the desktop is disabled by default. Trying to just drag a file through Explorer won't work - you'll need to create an application shortcut (see Method 2).

Method 1: Through USB-cable (for PC)

The classic method that works on all Xiaomi models – from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra. You will need only a USB-Type C cable (or Micro-USB for older devices) and a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux.

Connect your smartphone to your PC, unlock the screen and select file transfer mode:

1. In the notification curtain, tap on the option Charge via USB.
2. Select File Transfer (or FTP if you need network access).
3. On the PC will open folder internal memory of the smartphone.

Now, find the Desktop folder (or Desktop in Russian). If you don't have one, create it manually. Copy the files you want there. Importantly, after you turn off USB, the files will appear on your desktop as shortcuts (in MIUI 13/14, they are displayed as thumbnail icons).

Turn off “Charge Only” in the notification curtain |Allow access to files on your smartphone | Make sure the Desktop folder exists (or create it) |Use the original cable (cheap may not support data transfer)

-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global POCO F4) Desktop folder can be hidden. To see it, turn on the hidden files in the Explorer settings on your PC (Windows: View) → Hidden elements).

Method 2: Through a file manager (without a PC)

If you don’t have a computer at hand, you can do with the built-in Explorer from Xiaomi, which is suitable for files that are already downloaded to the memory of the smartphone (for example, downloaded from Telegram or Browser).

Open the Files app (Folder icon) and follow the steps:

1. Find the file you want in the Downloads, Images, or Documents folders.
2. Tap and hold the file, then select More → Create a shortcut.
3. In the list of locations, select the Desktop.
4. Confirm the creation of the shortcut - it will immediately appear on the main screen.

This also works for folders: you can shortcut an entire directory (like Screenshots) to quickly open it from your desktop. Limitation: MIUI 14 can’t create shortcuts for files larger than 50MB, but it requires a cloud-based method.

💡

If the shortcut doesn't appear on your desktop, try rebooting your smartphone or updating Explorer through Google Play.Sometimes a bug occurs after you update your MIUI.

Method 3: Through Cloud Services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive)

Cloud storage allows you not only to transfer files to the desktop, but also to sync them between devices. Consider two options: the official Mi Cloud and universal Google Drive.

Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi account holders)

If you are logged in to Mi Account, do:

1. Upload the file to Mi Cloud via your browser (i.mi.com) or mobile app.
2. On your smartphone, open Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
3. Enable synchronization for the Files section.
4. Return to Explorer, open the Mi Cloud tab and find the downloaded file.
5. Create a shortcut to the desktop (see Method 2).

Google Drive (Universal Method)

For files that need to be transferred from another device:

1. Upload the file to Google Drive from a PC or other smartphone.
2. On Xiaomi, open the Drive app and download the file to local memory.
3. Use Explorer to create a shortcut (as in Method 2).

⚠️ Note: Labels from cloud services may disappear after logging out or resetting settings. USB-connection.

Mi Cloud|Google Drive|Yandex Drive|Dropbox|No cloud use

-->

Method 4: Through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, on custom firmware or Xiaomi.eu), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires the inclusion of USB debugging and is suitable for mass file transfer.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
4. Open Command Prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and do:

adb push C:\path\to\file.txt /sdcard/Desktop/


adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE -d file:///sdcard/Desktop/ file.txt

Replace C:\path\c\file.txt with a real path to the file on the PC. Once the command is executed, the file will appear on the desktop. The advantage of the method is that it works even if the Desktop folder is missing - ADB will create it automatically.

Method 5: Through Third Party File Managers (Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer)

Xiaomi’s standard Explorer has limitations, but third-party applications (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) allow you to manage files flexibly, including creating shortcuts on your desktop.

Example for Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open Solid Explorer and find the file you want.
3. Tap and hold the file, select Create a shortcut.
4. In the list of locations, select Desktop (or Desktop).
5. Confirm - the label will appear on the main screen.

Pros of the method:

• 🔹 Support ROOT-Access (if the device is unlocked).
• 🔹 Ability to create shortcuts for files of any format (including.apk).
• 🔹 Integration with cloud services (Dropbox, OneDrive).

⚠️ Note: Some file managers (e.g, ES Explorer may ask for unnecessary permissions. Check reviews on Google Play before installing.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

Critical information: On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14 and later, file shortcuts on the desktop are automatically deleted after rebooting if the file has been moved or deleted from the original folder. To avoid this, use the Desktop folder at the root of internal memory - it is protected from cleaning by the system.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even simple actions can go wrong. Here are the typical problems and solutions.

• 🚫 Shortcut does not appear on the desktop: Check if Light Desktop mode is enabled in the launcher settings (Settings) → Desktop → Display mode. Reboot your smartphone -- sometimes MIUI Does not update the icons immediately.
• 🚫 You can’t see the Desktop folder when connecting to USB: Create it manually via PC (right button) → Create → Make sure your smartphone is on File Transfer Mode, not File Transfer Mode. MTP.
• 🚫 File does not open from desktop: Check if the application is installed for this format (for example, WPS Office for.docx. If the file is corrupted, try restarting it to your smartphone again.

💡

If file shortcuts disappear after the MIUI update, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear Data. This will return the standard icons, but remove the user shortcuts.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions