How to quickly transfer files from computer to Xiaomi: all ways

Transferring files from your computer to your Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that every user faces: someone needs to drop photos from their vacation, someone needs to install an app in.apk, and someone needs to transfer important documents, but how do you do it right so that you don't lose data and not run into errors?

Xiaomi’s latest devices (like Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Mi 13 Ultra supports several ways to share files: from classical connection to the Internet. USB-You can use the cable to make it wireless, like Mi Drop or Nearby Share, depending on the amount of data, the speed of the transfer, even the model of your PC, so MacBook owners may need some extra software, and Windows 11 users may be able to get by with standard tools.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to transfer files, their pros and cons, and give recommendations for solving typical problems. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, there is a solution for any situation.

USB Connection: A Classic and Reliable Way

The most common method is the use of USB-It's a cable that comes with a smartphone, and it's suitable for transferring large files (like movies to a smartphone). 4K But there's a nuance here: since Android 11, Xiaomi has changed its memory access policy, and sometimes the system can block data transfers.

What you need:

• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (it is better to use the branded one from Xiaomi, since cheap analogues may not support data transfer)
• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked screen

⚠️ Note: If you connect your smartphone to a MacBook, you may need to install an Android File Transfer driver. On Windows, drivers are installed automatically via Windows Update.

Step-by-step instruction

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer using a cable. On the Xiaomi screen, a notification will appear "Charge via USB".

2. Deploy the notification bar and select File Transfer (or File Manager on older versions of MIUI).

3. The computer will open a conductor window with the folders of the smartphone.

Internal memory (main storage)

- SD-map (if installed)

4. Drag files to the desired folder (for example, in Download or DCIM/Camera for photos).

Smartphone unlocked and screen active |

Cable supports data transfer (not just charging)|

Current drivers are installed on the PC |

Xiaomi Settings Enables Developer Mode (If Access to System Folders is Required)-->

If the computer does not see the device:

• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port USB 3.0 for speed).
• 🔧 Turn on "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

💡

If the transfer is too slow, check the file system format of the smartphone. Xiaomi defaults to F2FS or ext4, but for external drives it is better to choose exFAT (supports files >4 GB).

Wi-Fi Transfer: Wireless and Fast

If USB-If you're lost or prefer wireless technology, Wi-Fi is a great alternative. Xiaomi offers some built-in tools for doing this:

1. Mi Drop (formerly Mi Share) is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi.

2. Nearby Share is an analogue of Google’s AirDrop, works on all Android devices.

3. FTP-server - for experienced users, allows you to connect to the smartphone as a network disk.

Method 1: Mi Drop (for Xiaomi devices)

1. On your smartphone, open the “Mi Drop” app (if not, download from Google Play).
2. Click "Send" and select the files.
3. At the bottom of the screen will appear QR-code.
4. On your computer, open your browser and go to the address http://drop.mi.com, then scan QR-smartphone-screen.

Advantages:

• 🚀 Speed up to 10 MB/s (depending on the router).
• 🔒 Encrypting traffic.
• 📁 Support for folders and large files.

⚠️ Warning: If Mi Drop can't find the computer, check if both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. VPN — It can block the local connection.

Method 2: Nearby Share (for all Android devices)

1. On your smartphone, turn on Nearby Share in settings (Google → Devices and Exchange → Nearby Share).

2. Select files, click "Share" and select "Nearby Share".

3.On your computer, open the Chrome browser and go to the nearby.share page, then follow the instructions on the screen.

USB-cable|

Mi Drop (Wi-Fi)|

Nearby Share|

Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) |

Another option-->

Bluetooth: Slowly but without internet

Bluetooth

2-3 MB/s

How to transfer files to Bluetooth

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and computer.

2. On a PC (if Windows), open "Settings → Devices → Bluetooth" and add a new device.

3. Confirm the pairing on your smartphone.

4. On your computer, right-click on the file → “Send → Bluetooth Device” and select your Xiaomi.

Limitations:

• ⏳ Slow speed (not suitable for video or large archives).
• 📶 Distance not exceeding 10 metres.
• 🔋 High battery consumption on a smartphone.

Cloud Services: A Universal Solution

If you have a stable internet, cloud storage is the most convenient way. Xiaomi offers its own cloud, Mi Cloud, but also supports Google Drive, Yandex Disk and other services.

Comparison of cloud services for Xiaomi

* In Telegram, files are stored in "Saved Messages" and do not take up space on the device.

How to transfer files through Mi Cloud

1. On your smartphone, open "Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud."

2. Enable synchronization for "Gallery" or "Files".

3. On your computer, go to i.mi.com, log in and download the files you need.

Tip: If the Internet is slow, use the “Night mode” download in Mi Cloud, so as not to load the network during the day.

FTP-Xiaomi server: for advanced users

If you want complete freedom to manage files, you can run it. FTP-This will allow you to connect to it as a network disk through any file manager (for example, Total Commander or FileZilla).

FTP setting up on Xiaomi

1. Install the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer app from Google Play.

2. Open the side menu and select "FTP-server" (or "remote access").

3. Click "Run" and the address of the form ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx appears.

4. On the computer, enter this address into the conductor (Win). + R → ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx) or file manager.

Advantages:

• 📂 Full access to all folders (including system folders if root is available).
• 🔄 Ability to edit files directly.
• 🚀 Speed is limited only by your Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Attention: Don't leave. FTP-The server is constantly on, and this creates a vulnerability to hacking. Always turn it off after you transfer files.

💡

FTP-A smartphone server is the most flexible way to transfer files, but requires a basic knowledge of network protocols. For beginners, it is better to use Mi Drop or cloud services.

Transfer via email or messengers

If the files are small (up to 25-50 MB), you can use email or instant messengers, which is convenient when you need to send files to multiple devices at the same time.

The best messengers for transferring files

• 📧 Email (Gmail, Yandex Mail): Suitable for documents and photos, limiting 25MB per letter (Gmail can upload up to 50MB via Google Drive).
• 💬 Telegram: Maximum 2 GB per file, no quality compression.
• 📱 WhatsApp: 100MB limit, but compresses photos and videos.
• 🔵 Viber: Up to 200MB, but slow loading.

How to send a file via Telegram:

1. Open the Save Messages chat.

2. Click on the paperclip ("Attach") and select the files.

3. On your computer, go to web.telegram.org and download them from there.

Important: when you send via messengers, files can be compressed, for example, WhatsApp reduces the resolution of photos to 1280×960, and video to 720p.

Problem Solving: What to do if files are not transferred

Even with the most reliable methods, sometimes failures occur, and here are the typical mistakes and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods work, try:

• 🔄 Reset network settings on your smartphone (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
• 🔧 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new firmware).
• 🛠️ Use third-party utilities like AirDroid or Pushbullet.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers to Xiaomi