Transfer files from Xiaomi Redmi 9 to your computer via USB: all ways and solutions to errors

Why? USB-Connection is not always an obvious process.

At first glance, transferring files from Xiaomi Redmi 9 to a computer via a USB cable seems like a trivial task: plugged in, copied, disabled. However, in practice, users face a number of nuances that turn a simple operation into a multi-step quest, due to the features of MIUI firmware, Windows drivers, and sometimes the hardware limitations of the cable itself.

The fact that the Redmi 9 (like other Xiaomi smartphones) default uses the protocol MTP (Media Transfer Protocol, which is less stable than traditional data exchange. USB Mass Storage, and often requires additional manipulation on the PC side, in addition, the manufacturer actively promotes cloud services like Mi Cloud, which sometimes leads to the concealment of options. USB-connection in the depths of the menu.

In this article, we will discuss not only the basic method of file transfer, but also alternative methods (including: ADB and PTP), And we'll also solve some of the typical problems, which are when the computer can't see the phone, it gives you a driver error, or it just offers you a charger. USB" into MIUI 12/13, Without which some data transfer modes are simply not available.

Preparing for connection: what to check before connecting to a PC

Before you connect Redmi 9 to your computer, follow a few steps that will save you time and eliminate the need to reconnect your device.

• 🔌 Cable USB: Use the original cable from the kit or certified USB Type-C with data transfer support. Cheap charging cables often don't have contacts to share files.
• 🔄 Port port USB on PC: avoid USB-Hubs and front panels of the system unit, which may not provide enough power. USB 3.0 (blue connectors).
• 📱 Screen unlock: Redmi 9 must have a pattern lock removed or PIN-Otherwise, Windows may not recognize the device.
• 🔧 Drivers: If you have not previously connected Xiaomi to this PC, download the official drivers from the site MIUI (section "PC Suite").

Also check if the phone is activated with Charge Only, which automatically turns on when you connect to some of the devices. USB-port (e.g. in a car or powerbank), but may interfere with data transmission. To turn it off, swipe down the notification bar and tap the message USB-connection.

Transfer of files via MTP (Media Transfer Protocol)

MTP is the standard method of data exchange for Android devices, including the Xiaomi Redmi 9. It allows the computer to interact with the phone's file system as a media player, but with some restrictions (for example, you can not change the permissions to access files).

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC with the original cable.
2. The phone will have a notification on it, "Charge via USB."
3. In the window that opens, select File Transfer (or File Transfer in the English version of MIUI).
4. The computer will open a conductor window with folders of the phone: "Internal memory" and "SD-map” (if installed).

If the option "File Transfer" is not in the menu, then the phone has disabled the developer mode or MIUI lock.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. 7 times tap on the item "Version" MIUI", The message is, “You’ve become a developer!".
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the USB Debugging switch and confirm the action.

Phone screen unlocked |

The original USB Type-C| cable is used.

File Transfer Mode Enabled in Notification |

Xiaomi drivers are installed on the PC (if necessary)|

Disabled. VPN/Firewalls blocking USB-port-->

Important: In MIUI 14+, the option "File Transfer" may be hidden under "Other USB settings." If the computer gives an error "Device not recognized" after you connect, try manually installing the driver through Device Manager (more on this in the error section).

Alternative USB Modes: PTP and MIDI

If MTP is unstable (for example, files are copied with errors or the computer freezes when opening folders), you can use other protocols:

• 📷 PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol: Optimized for photo and video transfer. Computer will see Redmi 9 It's like a digital camera. To activate: Connect your phone to your PC. USB select "Imagine transmission" (PTP). On PC, open the program "Import of photos" (Windows) or use Lightroom/Digikam.

MIDI:

PTP mode often saves you when MTP refuses to work due to driver conflicts.

• ❌ No access to arbitrary files (media only).
• ❌ It is not possible to copy documents (.pdf,.docx) or APK.
• ❌ Slower. MTP transferring large numbers of small files.

Advantages of ADB:

• ✅ It works even when damaged. MTP-stack.
• ✅ Allows you to manage files via the command line (useful for automation).
• ✅ Supports the transfer of hidden and system files (if root-rights are available).

⚠️ Note: Adb pull and Adb push commands do not show copy progress (>1 GB) use adb shell with dd utility or specialized programs like ADB File Explorer.

Cloud and wireless alternatives to USB

If a wired connection is not available for some reason, consider alternative file transfer methods:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Xiaomi's built-in cloud with 5GB of free space.To download files: On your phone, open Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. Enable sync for the right file types (photos, videos, documents). On PC, go to i.mi.com and download files.

LocalSend:

FTP-server:

FX File Explorer

Solid Explorer

FileZilla

ftp://IP_phone:2221

Comparison of methods:

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If you need to transfer files regularly between Redmi 9 and your PC, set up automatic sync via Syncthing. This free software creates an encrypted connection between devices and syncs folders in the background without clouds.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

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For stable file transfer through USB On Xiaomi Redmi 9 always use the original cable, turn on the Debugging USB and avoid USB-If it's a hub. MTP It doesn’t work – switch to PTP or ADB.