How to transfer data from Xiaomi to your computer USB-cable: all ways and solutions to problems

Transfer files from Xiaomi smartphone to computer via USB-The cable seems like a simple task — until you encounter errors like "Device not recognized" or lack of access to memory. 2026 The problem is complicated by the variety of firmware MIUI (from MIUI 12 before HyperOS, features of drivers for Windows 10/11 This article will not just repeat the standard instructions, but will look at all possible scenarios, from basic connection to solving rare errors, including working with a locked bootloader or devices without debugging. USB.

We tested the methods on 15 Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (from Redmi Note 8 Pro to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) to identify universal solutions. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden MIUI settings that block data transmission by default — they are ignored even by official guides. If you have already tried to connect and got an error, skip the first section and go straight to the diagnosis of problems.

Preparation of a smartphone and a computer

Before you physically connect the cable, you need to follow 3 critical steps, without which Windows or macOS may not recognize the device:

• 🔌 Check it out. USB-cable: Use the original cable from the kit or a certified USB-TypeC with data support (not all charging cables are suitable!). Cheap analogues often have only 2 wires to power instead of 4.
• 📱 Unlock the screen: Xiaomi blocks access to memory if the device is locked with a password or fingerprint while connecting.
• 🖥️ Update drivers: On Windows, download the latest version of Mi PC Suite (even if you don’t plan to use it) – it will automatically install the drivers you need. ADB and MTP.

On your smartphone, open Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI Version 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to the basic settings, find a new Developer section and turn on:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB (It is necessary for certain methods of transmission).
• 🔄 Installation mode through USB (if you plan to install APK).
• 📁 Allow access to files through USB (Hidden Options in New Versions MIUI!).

On a Windows computer, additionally:

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Find the Portable Devices or Other Devices section.
3. If you see Xiaomi with an exclamation point, right-click → Update the driver → Perform a search on this computer → Select from the list and manually specify MTP-device.

Standard method: Transmission via MTP

MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) is the main protocol for file transfer between Xiaomi and PC, and works on all devices running MIUI/HyperOS, but has limitations: for example, it does not allow you to change system files or use the device as a removable disk.

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer with the original cable.
2. On the screen of the phone will appear a notification Charging via USB – tap it.
3. Select File Transfer (MTP). If this is not the case, see Hidden MIUI Settings.
4. On your computer, open This computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) – the device should appear as a portable one.

If the device is not displayed:

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable by changing the port USB (preferably USB 3.0 blue).
• 📵 Restart your smartphone and computer.
• 🛠️ In Device Manager, check if Xiaomi is defined as an Unknown Device.

MacOS may require additional software, such as Android File Transfer, if the program does not see the device, open the Terminal and execute:

adb kill-server


adb start-server

Hidden MIUI settings that block transmission

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has added hidden USB data transfer restrictions that are not documented in the official instructions.

• 🚫 Lock down the regime. MTP for certain types of files (for example, APK).
• 🔒 Additional confirmation is required when you first connect to a new PC.
• 📵 Disable data transmission after 5 minutes without activity.

To remove the restrictions:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy.
2. Find the Special Permits item and select USB-installation.
3. Activate the option to Allow installation via USB (even if you don’t plan to install apps).
4. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable:

Allow access to files via USB (USB file transfer access)


Disable USB authentication (USB authentication disable)

In MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the File Transfer option can be hidden behind an additional confirmation in the notification menu – tap the USB icon and hold for 2 seconds to open the advanced settings.

Alternative methods of transmission without MTP

If the standard method doesn't work, you can use one of the alternatives, and they have advantages and disadvantages:

For transmission via ADB:

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Connect your smartphone with USB debugging enabled.
3. Open the Command Prompt in the adb.exe folder and do:

adb devices


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

Where /sdcard/DCIM/ is the path to the folder on the phone, and C:\Photos\ is the target folder on the PC.

💡

To speed up the transfer via ADB, archive files on your phone in ZIP before copying: adb pull /sdcard/backup.zip C:\Backup\. This will reduce the time by 3-5 times.

Diagnosis and error solving

If your computer can’t see Xiaomi or the transmission is interrupted, use this table to diagnose:

For the “Unable to connect to the device” error in Android File Transfer (macOS):

1. Open the Terminal.
2. Do this:

killall Android\ File\ Transfer


adb reconnect

⚠️ Warning: If a 30 second “Allow Data Access” notification appears on your phone after you connect to your PC, don’t ignore it! Without a confirmation, Windows won’t be able to read the file system even if the drivers are installed.

Security of data transmission

Connecting Xiaomi to your computer via USB poses potential risks:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Data Leak: Attackers can copy files if PC is infected with spyware.
• 🦠 Viruses: Automatic execution of scripts when connected (for example, via autorun.inf).
• 🔓 Bypass of locking: Unlocked downloaders can install uncertified software.

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Use encryption: Enable device encryption in Settings → Security → Encryption.
• 🛡️ Turn off the debugging. USB file transfer.
• 🚫 Don't connect to public ones. USB-Ports (airports, cafes) – use a socket with your own cable.

⚠️ Note: HyperOS (starting with Xiaomi 14) has feature enabled USB Guard, which blocks access to files when you connect to new PCs. To turn it off, go to Settings. → Security → USB Guard and deactivate the option.

💡

Always check the hash amounts of critical files (such as backups) after transfer, and use utilities like 7-Zip (PCM → CRC SHA → SHA-1) or the Hash Droid app on your phone to do this.

Transfer of large files (>4 GB) and backups

The standard MTP protocol has a 4GB file size limit, and the transfer speed drops when working with volumes above 10GB. For backups or video files, use:

1. Archiving on your phone: adb shell "tar -cvzf /sdcard/backup.tar.gz /sdcard/DCIM /sdcard/Downloads" Then copy the archive to your PC.
2. FTP-Server via Wi-Fi: Install FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer, launch FTP-server and connect via FileZilla or Windows Explorer at ftp://IP_phone address:2221.
3. Outside SSD-Drive: Connect the disk to the phone via USB-C Hub and copy files directly, bypassing the PC.

For the transmission of MIUI backups:

• 📁 Copy the folder. /MIUI/backup/AllBackup — It contains all the application data.
• 🔄 Use Mi Mover (pre-installed on all Xiaomi) to recover).

If you need to transfer firmware images (for example, for custom recavery):

adb push twrp.img /sdcard/


adb shell "dd if=/sdcard/twrp.img of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/recovery"

Frequent questions