How to transfer files from Xiaomi to your computer USB-cable: full guide

Contents

• Why? USB-cable is the most reliable way?
• Preparation of telephone and computer
• How to enable file transfer mode (MTP)
• 3 ways of transmitting data through USB
• Common mistakes and their solution
• Alternatives USB: When the cable is not working
• Security in the transfer of files
• Frequent Questions (FAQ)

Transfer files from Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable seems like a simple task, but in practice, users face a lot of nuances: the phone is not defined as a drive, Windows does not see a folder, and the transfer speed leaves much to be desired. MTP to solve rare errors that are not described even in the official documentation of Xiaomi.

Feature of Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO Black Shark - its own shell MIUI, It sometimes blocks standard data protocols, for example, in versions. MIUI 12-14 By default, Charging mode can be activated instead of File Transfer. 30 seconds.

Important: if you're using a Mac or Linux, the process will be different from Windows, which we'll talk about later, and for owners of older models (e.g. Redmi). 4X or Mi A1) We will give some recommendations for compatibility with modern OS.

Why? USB-cable is the most reliable way?

In the Age of Cloud Services and Wireless Technology USB-cable is the only transmission method that guarantees 100% data security and maximum speed:

• 🔌 Speed: USB 3.0/3.1 transmit files at speeds up 5 Gbit/s (in) 10 It's faster than Wi-Fi Direct. 4 GB is copied by 1-2 minute 10-15 minutes in the air.
• 🛡️ Security: Data does not pass through third-party servers (unlike Google Drive or Mi Cloud), which eliminates the risk of leakage.
• 📂 Mass transmission: thousands of small files can be copied (e.g., photos in a photo file) DCIM) without the failures that often occur when synchronizing over Bluetooth.
• 🔋 Charging. + Transfer: while copying files, the phone will charge (relevant for models with fast charging Quick Charge or HyperCharge).

However, the method has disadvantages: the cable can be damaged, connector. USB-C The phone is dirty, and the drivers on the PC are outdated, and we'll look at all of these issues in the bug section.

Preparation of telephone and computer

Before you connect Xiaomi to your PC, follow 4 mandatory steps:

1. Check the cable. Use the original cable, either from the kit or certified. USB-C/Micro-USB (Cheap Chinese cables often only support charging, but not data transmission.
2. Update. MIUI. In older versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 10) There may be no drivers for Windows 10/11. Update your phone through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
3. Install drivers on your PC. Download Mi for Windows PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) or drivers ADB via Android Studio.
4. Unlock the screen. Many Xiaomi models block access to files if the phone is locked with a password or fingerprint.

For Mac, you will additionally need to install Android File Transfer – without this, the phone’s file system will not appear in the Finder.

Advice for owners POCO: model POCO F3/F4/F5 Charging only can be enabled by default. To turn it off, pull down the notification bar when you connect to your PC and select File Transfer.

How to enable file transfer mode (MTP)

Protocol MTP (Media Transfer Protocol is the standard way to share files between Android and a computer, and in Xiaomi, activation depends on the version of the file. MIUI:

Method 1: Through the notification panel (MIUI 12-14)

1. Connect your phone to your PC with a cable.
2. Unlock the Xiaomi screen.
3. Swipe down to open the notification panel.
4. Slip on the charger notification through USB (or USB charger).
5. Select File Transfer (MTP).

Method 2: Developer settings (for older models)

If the paragraph MTP Not in the notices (relevant to Redmi) 5/Mi 8 and older, do it:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the default USB configuration and select MTP.
4. Connect the phone to the PC – the transfer mode is activated automatically.

Note: on some models (e.g. Black Shark 4) instead of MTP The file manager is an analogue.

💡

If, after the choice, MTP The computer still can't see the files, so try rebooting the phone with the cable connected. 30 percent of the time, that solves the driver problem.

Table: Regime compatibility USB Xiaomi

3 ways of transmitting data through USB

After activation MTP You can start copying files. Let's look at three methods, from the simplest to the most advanced.

Method 1: Standard File Manager (Windows/Mac)

1. Connect Xiaomi to a PC. The phone should display a notification Connected as a media device.
2. Open on your computer: Windows: This computer → Your phone will appear as a removable drive (like Redmi Note 12). Mac: Launch Android File Transfer.

Internal storage

SD card

Copy → Insert

Where to look for media files:

• 📷 Photos and videos: DCIM → Camera or Pictures
• 🎵 Music: Music or Media → Audio
• 📄 Documents: Documents or Download
• 📱 Screenshots: Pictures → Screenshots

Method 2: Using Mi PC Suite (official software)

Mi PC Suite is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi that allows you not only to transfer files, but also to manage contacts, messages and backups.

1. Install and run the Mi PC Suite.
2. Connect the phone through USB (regime MTP Midlink).
3. In the main window of the program, select Files.
4. Drag files between windows or use the import/export buttons.

Advantages of Mi PC Suite:

• 🔄 Automatic synchronization of photos when connected.
• 📱 Backup SMS call.
• 🔍 Search for duplicate files.

Method 3: ADB (for advanced users)

If MTP Do not work or you need to copy system files, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

1. Install. ADB-Drivers and turn on debugging by USB developer-setting.
2. Connect the phone and open the command line (Win) + R → cmd).
3. Enter the commands: adb devices (should display your phone) adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ C:\Xiaomi_Photos (Copy photos from the Camera folder in C:\Xiaomi_Photos PC-only)

⚠️ Attention: ADB Do not delete or change folders with the names system, vendor or data - this can lead to a knock (inoperability) of the phone.

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ADB — The only way to copy files from a phone that has a broken screen is to USB-port.

Common mistakes and their solution

Even with the right setup MTP There may be failures. TOP-7 errors and ways of correcting them:

1 The computer cannot see the phone

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Try another connector on the PC).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and computer.
• 🖥️ Update drivers via Windows or install Android File Transfer (Mac).
• 📱 On your phone, go to Settings. → Memory. → Settings (⚙) → Connection USB and reset the settings.

2. folders are empty or not opened

It's because of permits. MIUI. Decision:

1. On the phone, open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Files (or File Manager) and give all permissions.
3. Reconnect. USB-cable.

3. Slow transmission speed

If files are copied at speed 1-2 MB/s instead of expected 40-100 MB/s:

• 🔌 Use the port. USB 3.0 (usually blue) on PC.
• 📱 In the developer settings, turn off debugging by USB (Sometimes it limits speed).
• 🗑️ Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.

4. "Device not recognized" error (Windows)

That means the drivers are not installed.

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually in the Other Devices section).
3. Right-click → Update the driver → Search on this computer.
4. Select Install from the list → MTP-device.

⚠️ Note: if after updating the drivers, the phone stopped charging through USB, Check the cable for damage. Cheap cables often only have 2 wires (power), whereas data transfer requires 4.

Table: Error codes USB and their importance

Alternatives USB: When the cable is not working

If USB-The port on your phone is damaged or there is no cable at hand, use one of these methods:

1. Wi-Fi transmission (FTP)

This is the Mi Drop app (pre-installed on most Xiaomi) or FX File Explorer.

1. Open Mi Drop on your phone.
2. Select Send Files → Computer.
3. Scan the scanner. QR-PC screen code (or enter the address manually).
4. Upload files through the browser.

2. Cloud services

Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk are the best.

• 📁 Upload files to the cloud from your phone.
• 🖥️ Download them to your PC through a browser or desktop application.
• ⚠️ Cons: Limiting the volume (e.g. 15GB in Google Drive).

3. Bluetooth (for small files)

Suitable for transferring documents or multiple photos:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC.
2. Match the devices.
3. Select files on your phone → Share. → Bluetooth.

Comparison of methods:

Security in the transfer of files

Transfer of data through USB It can be risky if you don't take precautions. Here are 5 safety precautions:

• 🔒 Do not connect your phone to public PCs (in Internet cafes, airports) and attackers can install malware through the Internet. ADB or copy your data.
• 🛡️ Use an antivirus. Before copying files to your PC, check them through Windows Defender or Kaspersky.
• 🔐 Encrypt sensitive data. Use password archivers for documents (e.g., file files, 7-Zip coded AES-256).
• 📱 Turn off the debugging. USB after-use ADB. This closes a potential loophole for hackers.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI. New versions close vulnerabilities related to data transfer.

⚠️ Note: If you connect Xiaomi to your computer in a public place (such as a university or office), always choose Charge Only instead of Charging. MTP. This will prevent the automatic installation of unwanted software.

How to check if your data has been copied:

1. After disconnecting from the PC, check the connection log: Settings → Google → Account management → Security → Your devices.
2. Use an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) to scan your phone for spyware.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)