How to transfer files from Xiaomi phone to computer: all the ways 2026

Why standard copying methods may not work for Xiaomi

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They often encounter unexpected problems when trying to copy files to a PC, and unlike other brands, there are three key features that make it difficult to do so:

First, the data transfer protocol MTP (The Media Transfer Protocol used by default doesn’t always work correctly with Windows. 10/11 Because of the drivers. MIUI (starting 14) Automatically block access to system folders through USB And third, many users forget that to transfer files larger than the size of the file. 4 GB requires formatting of the flash drive in exFAT or NTFS — standard FAT32 It's not gonna work.

This article covers all relevant data transfer methods, taking into account the features of firmware MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS, including workarounds for common errors such as "Device not recognized" or "No folder access" DCIM". We tested each method on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro models+ and POCO F5 — The results are summarized in a comparative table below.

Transfer through USB-cable: step-by-step instructions with nuances for MIUI

The most obvious, but not always the most reliable way, is that the problems start at the connection stage: Windows may not recognize the phone, and Xiaomi may not offer a file transfer mode. Here's how to do it right:

1. Use the original cable (or certified cable) USB-C/USB-A). Cheap cables often don’t support data transfer, only charging.
2. Connect the phone to your PC and unlock the screen – on a locked device, the choice of connection mode is not available.
3. In the drop-down notification on the phone, click "Charging through" USB" → select "File Transfer" (MTP). If this item is not - go to the next section about the developer settings.
4. On PC, open "This Computer" - the phone should appear as a removable drive (e.g., "Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro").+").

If the device is not determined:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices and reconnect.
• 🔧 Install Mi drivers PC Suite (official tool from Xiaomi).
• 🛠️ Turn on "Debugging by" USB" in the developer settings (how to do this - see spoiler below).

Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on "Version" MIUI" (You will see a notification "You became a developer"). Go back to the main settings menu, open "Additional settings" → Developer settings" and activate "Debugging by USB". Confirm permission when connecting to the PC.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the path to developer settings has changed: → The phone. → Assembly number (press 7 times) → Settings → Additionally. → Developer parameters.

☑️ Checklist before connecting to USB

0

Connect the original cable|Unlock the phone screen|Select the "File Transfer" mode" (MTP)|Check drivers on PC

2 Wireless Wi-Fi Transmission: Mi Share vs. Standard FTP-server

If the cable is not available, or USB-The port on the PC doesn't work, wireless technology comes to the rescue, and Xiaomi has two built-in tools for doing this: Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) and the newest. FTP-We'll take a look at both of these.

Method 1: Mi Share (for transfer between Xiaomi devices)

This is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi, optimized for file sharing between the brand’s phones, but works with a PC via a browser. Transfer speeds reach 10-15 MB / s (depending on the router).

• 📱 On your phone, open the Mi Share app (if not, download from the Mi App Store).
• 🖥️ On PC, open your browser and go to the address ftp://[IP-Phone address (it will appear in Mi Share).
• 📁 Select files on your phone → press "Send" → Confirm your PC appointment.

Method 2: FTP-Server through Conductor (universal method)

A more versatile option that does not require additional applications, suitable for transferring large files (for example, video recordings). 4K).

1. On the phone, open "Conductor" → "FTP" (tab).
2. Click "Run" and the address of the form ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx appears.
3. On the PC, open "This computer" → enter FTP-phone address → press Enter.
4. Enter the username (mi) and password (mi by default) when requesting.

⚠️ Attention: FTP-The server on the phone automatically shuts down after 5 minutes of inactivity. To avoid a breakdown in the transfer of large files, periodically "pick" the phone screen or increase the timeout in the settings. FTP.

3. Cloud services: which to choose for Xiaomi

If you need to transfer files to someone else's computer (for example, in the office), or save a backup, cloud services will be the best solution. Xiaomi has its own cloud, Mi Cloud, but it is limited to 5 GB of free space and does not always work consistently outside of China.

To automatically upload photos and videos to the cloud:

1. Install the application of the selected service (for example, Google Photos).
2. In the application settings, enable "Backup and Synchronization".
3. Select folders for synchronization (usually this is the case). DCIM/Camera and Pictures).

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If you need to make room on your phone, Google Photos has a “Free Space” function – it deletes files from the device that have already been uploaded to the cloud.

4. Memory card transfer: when it is profitable

If your Xiaomi supports microSD cards (like Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or POCO X5 Pro, this method could be the fastest and most reliable. Read/write speed on modern maps. UHS-II reaches 90–100 MB/s – 5–10 times faster than the average USB.

How to transfer files:

1. Put the memory card in the phone.
2. In the Guide MIUI select the files you need → press "Copy" → Select a memory card as your destination.
3. Remove the card and paste it into the card reader on your PC (or use an adapter).
4. Copy files from the card to the computer.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Maximum speed among all methods.
• 🔒 Security – Files are not transferred over the network.
• 📱 It doesn’t load the phone (relevant for weaker models like Redmi). A2+).

⚠️ Note: ExFAT memory cards (required for files) >4GB) does not always work correctly with Xiaomi phones based on Android 10 and below. Before buying, check compatibility on the card manufacturer's website (for example, SanDisk or Samsung).

5. Specialized programs: Mi PC Suite and alternatives

For users who regularly sync data between Xiaomi and PC, it is most convenient to use specialized software. PC Suite, but it has limitations (like no macOS support:

Instructions for Mi PC Suite:

1. Download the program from the official website and install.
2. Put the phone on. USB (You do not need to select the file transfer mode - the program will do it automatically).
3. In the main window of the program, select "Files" → mark out → press "Export".

For AirDroid:

• 📱 Install the app on your phone from Google Play.
• 🖥️ Register at web.airdroid.com.
• 🔗 Connect devices to one account and drag and drop files in the browser.

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Mi PC Suite is the only official software for Xiaomi that allows you to update the firmware of the phone via a PC.

6. Transfer via messengers and mail: when justified

If you need to urgently transfer 1-2 files of small size (up to 50 MB), the easiest way to use instant messengers or email is not suitable for large videos or backups, but has its advantages:

• ✅ No need for additional programs.
• ✅ It works even without it. USB-cable or Wi-Fi (via mobile Internet).
• ✅ Files can be sent to any computer, not just your own.

Best options:

• 📧 Email (Gmail, Mail.ru): 25-50 MB limit per letter.
• 💬 Telegram: 2GB limit per file, no quality compression. RAW-photo.
• 📎 Viber/WhatsApp: limit 100–200 MB, but compresses photos and videos (quality is deteriorating).

How to send a file via Telegram:

1. Open the Save Messages chat (or any other chat).
2. Press the paper clip. → select the file → send.
3. On PC, open the web version of Telegram and download the file.

⚠️ Note: When sending sensitive files (document scans, passwords) via messengers, turn on “Secret chat” (in Telegram) or “Password Protection” (in mail) This will prevent data leakage when hacking an account.

Alternative methods: OTG, Bluetooth and NFC

These are suitable for specific situations where other methods are not available, they are slower and less convenient, but sometimes they can help.

Method 1: OTG-adapter + flash-drive

If you have OTG-adapter (adapter with USB-C on USB-A), You can copy files to a flash drive directly from your phone, and then paste it into your PC:

• USB 2.0: up to 30 MB/s.
• USB 3.0/3.1: before 100–150 MB/s.

Method 2: Bluetooth

The slowest method (speed) ~1-3 MB/s), but does not require Internet or cables, suitable for transferring small documents or contacts.

1. Turn on Bluetooth and make it “Visible to everyone.”
2. On PC, open "Parameters" → Devices → Bluetooth and connect to your phone.
3. On your phone, select a file → "Share. → Bluetooth" → select a PC.

Method 3: NFC (Only for small files)

Technology NFC It is supported by most modern Xiaomi (e.g. Xiaomi). 13T Redmi Note 12, but only allows you to transfer files up to 1-2 MB (low resolution photos, business cards:

• 📱 Turn it on. NFC on the phone (Settings) → Connection and sharing → NFC).
• 🖥️ Make sure there is one on the PC. NFC-Module (rarely found, usually on business laptops).
• 🔗 Bring the phone to NFC-tag on the PC and confirm the transfer.

Comparison of all methods: what to choose in 2026

To make it easier, we've put the key parameters of all the ways in one table, and focus on your priorities: speed, convenience, or accessibility.

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For transferring files with a volume of more than 10 GB, three methods are optimal: memory card (maximum speed), USB-cable (universality) or Mi PC Suite (additional features like backup).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when you follow instructions, users have problems, and we've collected some of the most common errors and ways to fix them.

Error 1: The phone is not detected by USB

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Cable/port problem: Try another cable or USB-port on PC (preferably) USB 3.0, marked in blue).
• 🖥️ No drivers: Install Mi PC Suite or download drivers manually from Xiaomi website.
• 📱 Not selected regime MTP: On the phone in the connection notification, click "File Transfer".
• 🔧 Antivirus conflict: temporarily disable antivirus (such as Avast or Kaspersky) and reconnect.

Mistake 2: No access to the folder DCIM download

This is a typical problem for MIUI 13-14 and HyperOS, where the default is hidden access to system folders:

• 🔓 Allow access: When connecting to USB On your phone, click "Allow access to data" (may appear after several attempts to connect).
• 🛠️ Use the Conductor. MIUI: On the phone, open "Conductor" → highlight files → "More. → Send to the computer".
• 📂 Copy files to another folder: For example, create a Temp folder at the root of the memory and move the desired files there.

Error 3: Slow Wi-Fi transmission

If FTP Or Mi Share is too slow to work:

• 📶 Check Wi-Fi Channel: Switch router to 5GHz (speed higher than 2.4GHz).
• 🚫 Disable Other Devices: They can load the network (such as a smart TV or laptop).
• 🔄 Reboot the router: Sometimes a simple reboot helps.

Error 4: Files are not copied to a memory card

If the phone doesn’t see the card or doesn’t let you write files to it:

• 🔄 Formatting: Format the card on your phone (Settings) → Memory. → Memory map → Format).
• 📱 Assign the card as internal memory: In the same settings, select "Use as internal" (deletes all data!).
• 🛠️ Check the file system: The card must be in exFAT or FAT32 (The latter does not support files. >4GB).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions