How to transfer files from Xiaomi to your computer via USB: all ways and solutions to problems

Transfer data from Xiaomi to a computer via USB-The cable seems like a simple task, but in practice, users face a lot of nuances: the phone is not defined, files are not displayed, and the system requires the installation of drivers. MTP alternative methods for cases where USB-connection fails.

Feature of Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO and Black Shark - branded shell MIUI, This is a device that sometimes blocks data transmission by default, and we'll tell you how to set up your phone and your computer correctly, what drivers you might need for Windows. 10/11, What to do if, after the update, MIUI 15 Android 14 USB-The connection stopped working. We'll also look at hidden functions, like transferring files through the Internet. ADB Using Xiaomi File Manager to speed up the process.

1. Preparing Xiaomi phone for data transfer

Before you connect to your computer, you need to configure the smartphone itself. The main problem is that the default USB mode in Xiaomi is often on Charging, rather than File Transfer. Here's how to fix this:

📱 Open the Settings. → Connections and sharing → USB (older MIUI The path may be different: Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Configuration USB).
🔄 Select File Transfer Mode (MTP). If there is no such item, turn on Developer Mode (more on this below).
🔒 Unlock the phone screen when connected - some versions MIUI Block access to files if the device is blocked.
🛡️ Turn off data protection. MIUI (if enabled: Settings → Confidentiality → Special permits → Data protection.

If you don't have MTP on the menu, your Xiaomi has disabled developer mode to activate it:

Go to Settings. → The phone.
Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version (you will be notified “You became a developer”).
Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and turn on the switch.
Find the USB Configuration option and select MTP.

📊 What Xiaomi model do you use?

Redmi Note 12/13

POCO X5/X6

Xiaomi 13/14

Black Shark

Another model

2. Connecting Xiaomi to a computer: step-by-step instructions

Now connect your phone to your PC using the original USB-Type C cable (or Micro-USB for older models). Using unoriginal cables can lead to a connection error or slow data transfer.

Use the original USB-cable

Unlock the Xiaomi screen

Select MTP mode in USB settings

Disable MIUI data protection (if enabled)

Update the driver on the PC (if necessary)-->

Once connected, a USB notification will appear on your phone screen to transfer files. Click on it and confirm the choice of MTP mode.

🖥️ Windows: Open This Computer – The phone should appear as a removable drive (e.g. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12).
🍎 MacOS: Install Android File Transfer (official software from Google) as macOS does not support MTP «box».
🐧 Linux: Connect your device and use a file manager (such as Nautilus or Dolphin) by pre-installing the mtp-tools package.

If the phone is not identified, check:

🔌 Port port USB on your computer (try another connector, preferably) USB 3.0 for speed).
🔄 Regime. USB on the phone (sometimes after connecting it is reset to Charge»).
🛠️ Drivers (more on this in the next section).

💡

If file transfers are too slow, try disabling USB debugging in the developer settings – sometimes this speeds up the process.

3. Installation of drivers for Xiaomi on Windows

A common cause of connectivity problems is the lack or outdated drivers. Windows 10/11 usually automatically installs universal MTP drivers, but Xiaomi may need to manually install.

Download the official drivers from Xiaomi or use the universal Mi PC Suite (link to the official website: pcsuite.mi.com). Alternatively, Google USB Driver drivers for Android devices.

Problem.	Decision	Driver reference
Phone's not being determined.	Install the Mi PC Suite	pcsuite.mi.com
MTP USB Device failed error	Update the driver manually through Device Manager	Google USB Driver
Slow file transfer	Use USB 3.0 port and original cable	—
The phone connects as a media device, but the files are not visible	Disable debugging by USB in the developer settings	—

If the drivers are installed but the problem remains, follow the following steps:

Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
Find a Xiaomi device under Portable Devices or Other Devices (may appear as MTP or with an exclamation point).
Right-click → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer.
Select the driver from the list and select the MTP USB Device.

What to do if Windows gives an error "Device not recognized"

This error occurs due to a driver conflict. Try: 1. Disable the phone and delete all devices called Xiaomi/Redmi in Device Manager. 2. Reboot the PC. 3. Connect the phone again - Windows must install the drivers automatically. If it doesn't help, download the USBDeview utility and delete all entries related to Xiaomi, then reconnect.

4. Alternative ways to transfer files if USB is not working

If USB still fails, use alternative methods that may be even more convenient, such as wireless transmission eliminating the need to use cable.

🌐 Mi Drop (ShareMe): Xiaomi's Wi-Fi file transfer app. Up to 20MB/s, without internet. Install Mi Drop on your phone and PC (available at sharemi.com). Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. Select files on your phone and send to your PC.

Cloud services

Google Drive

Mi Cloud

Yandex Disk

Cons: requires Internet and time to download / download.

FTP-server

FX File Explorer

Solid Explorer

1. Install FX File Explorer.


2 Go to the → FTP- server.




3. Launch the server and connect to it from your PC via browser or FileZilla.

ADB (for experienced users)

Example of a command to copy files:

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Photos\

💡

For large files (video, backups) it is better to use USB or FTP. Cloud services are limited by Internet speed and free storage quotas.

5. Solving specific problems in data transmission

Some errors occur only on certain Xiaomi models or MIUI versions.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi phones with MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14 Personal Data Protection that blocks access to files through USB. To turn it off, go to Settings. → Confidentiality → Special permits → Data protection and deactivate the option.

Problem 1: The phone is plugged in, but the DCIM or Download folders are empty.

Check if files are hidden (enable the display of hidden folders on the PC).
Open a Gallery or Files on your phone – sometimes MIUI creates virtual folders that are not visible through MTP.
Use Xiaomi File Manager to export files to the Download folder, which is usually available via USB.

Problem 2: When you connect, a message appears USB-Device not recognized (code 43).

Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
Turn off all others. USB-computer-operated.
Update chipset drivers (such as for Intel or AMD) on the motherboard.

Problem 3: The phone is connected to the MacOS, but the files are not copied.

Make sure that you have installed Android File Transfer (download from the official website).
Restart the phone and Mac.
Try using a USB-C → USB-A adapter if you connect to a new MacBook.