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

Transferring files from smartphone to PC is a task that users of Xiaomi, Redmi and other companies regularly face. POCO. You need to free up your memory before you go, back up your photo, or just copy your paperwork for work. It would seem that it could be easier? But in practice, many people face problems: The computer can’t see the phone, the transfer is too slow, and cloud services require payment for additional space.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of transferring data from Xiaomi to Windows or Mac – from the classic connection to the Internet. USB And we're going to focus on the hidden settings. MIUI, You'll also learn which method is the fastest and which is the most reliable for large amounts of data.

If you are using a smartphone older than 2020 (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi) 9T), Some of the ways may require additional action, which we will mention as well. for newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) All instructions are valid without change.

Transfer of USB: Classical Method and Its Pitfalls

Connection through USB-The cable remains the most versatile way — it works even without the Internet and does not depend on the speed of Wi-Fi. However, Xiaomi has one feature: by default, the phone may not display as a drive due to the settings. MIUI. Here's how to fix it:

Check the cable first. Cheap or damaged wires are often the cause of problems. Xiaomi's original cables (especially those with the Redmi Note 12 or later) support the cables. USB 3.2 and provide speeds up to 5 Gbps, while uncertified can limit speeds to up to USB 2.0 (480 Mbps).

Connect your phone to your PC, unlock the screen, and swipe down to open the notification panel. USB". Slip it and pick it:

• 📁 File transfer (MTP) — phone-memory;
• 🖥️ Transmission of photo (PTP) — If you only need to copy the images;
• 🔌 Charging only – disables data transfer.

If there is no "File Transfer" item, then in the settings MIUI switched off USB-Debugging or activating developer mode to return the option:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone;
2. Tap 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI", Notice: “You have become a developer!";
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers;
4. Activate "Debugging by" USB" and “Installation through USB".

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The path to developer mode has changed: Settings → The phone. → HyperOS version (tap 7 times) may also require password/fingerprint confirmation when connecting to a PC.

After the regime's selection MTP The phone should be defined as a removable disk in "This Computer" (Windows) or "Finder" (Mac:

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 - usually blue);
• 🔧 Update Xiaomi drivers through the official website;
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable the antivirus – it can block access.

Connect the original cable|Unlock the phone screen|Select the "File Transfer" mode" (MTP)|Check drivers on PC|Disable the antivirus (if necessary)-->

2. Wireless transmission through FTP: faster than USB 2.0

If you don’t have a cable on hand or want to transfer files without a physical connection, FTP-The server on the phone is a great solution, and this is a method that works over a local Wi-Fi network and allows you to reach speeds up to speed. 30-50 MB/s (depends on the router) The main advantage is that you can transfer files in a packet without wasting time connecting the cable.

For activation FTP Xiaomi:

1. Connect your phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network
2. Open Explorer (or Mi File Manager)
3. Slip on three points in the upper right corner. → "FTP";
4. Click "Run" - the address of the view will appear. ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx;
5. Enter this address in the address bar "Conductor" on PC (Windows) or Finder → Connect to the server (Mac).

For convenience, you can use programs like FileZilla or WinSCP - they support drag and drop files and show the transfer speed: FTP It is not encrypted, so do not use this method for sensitive data on public networks.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro) FTP-The server can automatically shut down after 10 minutes of inactivity. To avoid this, activate the "maintain active" option in the settings. FTP.

Transmission speed FTP depending:

• 📶 Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac (5 GHz) will give up to 50 MB/s and 802.11n (2.4 GHz) - not more than 15 MB/s;
• 📱 Phone models: flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have a more powerful Wi-Fi module;
• 💻 PC network card: laptops with Wi-Fi 6 will show the best results.

3. Mi Share: Transfer without router over Wi-Fi Direct

Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is Xiaomi’s proprietary technology for sharing files between devices without an internet connection. It uses the Wi-Fi Direct protocol, which allows data to be transmitted at speeds up to a distance. 30 MB/s (in practice — 10-20 The main advantage: no router is needed, just turn on Wi-Fi on both devices.

To transfer files to the PC:

1. On the phone, open Mi Share (the icon in the application menu or through Explorer) → Send. → Mi Share);
2. Select files and click "Send";
3. On PC, open your browser and go to share.mi.com;
4. Scan it. QR-PC screen code with a phone camera;
5. Confirm the transmission on both devices.

Mi Share supports the program:

• 📸 Photos and videos (without loss of quality);
• 📄 Documents (.pdf,.docx,.xlsx);
• 🎵 Music and upkeep files;
• 📁 Folders (archived automatically).

⚠️ Attention: On a Windows PC 7 or macOS Mi Share is not working, Windows is required 10/11 with the installed application Mi PC Suite (you can download on the official website) and the function can also be disabled on custom firmware.

Mi Share automatically compresses video when transmitting if the video is larger than 500 MB. To disable compression, go to the Mi Share settings before sending and deactivate the "Optimize for Transfer" option.

💡

If Mi Share doesn't find a PC, check that your computer is on Wi-Fi and has "On the Plane" disabled. Also try restarting the Detection Provider Host service on Windows (click Win).+R → Enter services.msc → Find the service and restart).

4. Cloud services: when there is no cable at hand

If you need to transfer files remotely (like from work to your home PC), cloud storage will be the best choice, with Xiaomi offering two main options: Mi Cloud (5 GB free) and Google Drive (15 GB).

Mi Cloud is integrated into MIUI synchronize:

• 📱 Contacts, notes, SMS;
• 📸 Photos and videos (with original quality);
• 📁 Backup copies of applications.

To upload files to Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud;
2. Enable synchronization for the desired data types;
3. Download files manually through the Gallery → Select → More. → Download to Mi Cloud;
4. On PC, go to i.mi.com and download the files.

Google Drive is more document-friendly and compatible with any device, and automatically uploads photos:

1. Install Google Photos from the Play Market
2. In the application settings, enable "Backup and Synchronization";
3. Choose the quality ("Original" or "High");
4. On PC, open drive.google.com or install Backup and Sync.

Comparison of cloud services for Xiaomi:

⚠️ Note: When uploading photos to Google Photos in the "High Quality" mode, images are compressed to a resolution of 16 MP, and videos are compressed to a resolution of 16 MP. 1080p. To keep the original quality, choose “Original”, but this will take up space in your cloud storage.

5. Specialized programs: Snapdrop, SHAREit, AirDroid

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party applications, which often offer additional features, such as Bluetooth transmission, creation of a new system. QR-codes for fast connection or even transfer of files between different operating systems (Android) ↔ iOS ↔ Windows/Mac).

Snapdrop (snapdrop.net) is a web service that runs directly in the browser. It does not require installation, but both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. 5-15 MB/s.

SHAREit (ushareit.com) is a popular Wi-Fi Direct app that allows you to transfer files at up to 20 MB/s, but has aggressive advertising.

AirDroid (airdroid.com) is the most functional solution:

• 📲 Managing a PC phone (SMS, notice);
• 📁 Transfer files via Wi-Fi or account;
• 🔍 Finding a phone when you lose;
• 🎮 Duplication of screen on PC.

The free version limits speed to 5MB/s and shows ads.

For maximum speed in AirDroid:

6. Transmission via OTG and external drives

If you do not have access to the PC, but you need to reset files to a flash drive or hard drive, you can use it. OTG-Most Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 5) support USB OTG, plug-in:

• 💾 USB-flash-drive (FAT32/exFAT/NTFS);
• 🖥️ External HDD/SSD (Additional power is required for the discs 2.5");
• 📷 Cardreaders (for SD-map).

To copy files to a flash drive:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to the phone and to it - drive;
2. In the notification, tap "Open folder";
3. Through Explorer, drag files to the drive folder;
4. Securely remove the device (Settings) → Warehouse → Extract).

Pay attention to the file system formats:

• 📁 FAT32: Supports up to 4GB of files (suitable for photos and music);
• 📁 exFAT/NTFS: No size restrictions (required for video) 4K or large archives).

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3, Redmi 9A) plug-in OTG-The drive may have a "Device not supported" error, which means that the flash drive is formatted into the NTFS, And the Android kernel has no drivers. Solution: reformat the drive to exFAT via PC.

HyperOS smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi 14) support NTFS out of the box, but to do this, you need to enable the option in the developer settings: Settings → For developers → Configuration USB default → NTFS.

7. Backup through Mi PC Suite: for full synchronization

Mi PC Suite is Xiaomi's official software for controlling your phone from your computer, and it allows you to not only transfer files, but also to transfer files:

• 📱 Install/remove applications;
• 🔄 Create backup copies (.mbk);
• 📞 Manage SMS contact;
• 🔧 Update firmware.

To copy files through Mi PC Suite:

1. Download the program from the official website;
2. Put the phone on. USB (select mode MTP);
3. In the main window of the program go to the tab "Files";
4. Select the files you need and click Export.

Advantages of Mi PC Suite:

• ✅ It works even if the PC doesn’t see the phone as a storage device;
• ✅ Supports the transfer of system files (e.g. backup copies);
• ✅ You can control your phone from the PC keyboard.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Slower than direct access through MTP;
• ❌ It doesn’t always work well with macOS;
• ❌ Requires driver installation.

💡

Mi PC Suite is the only official way to transfer files if the phone is disabled MTP (For example, because of the company’s security policy).

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring files from Xiaomi to PC