Transferring files from Xiaomi to your computer via Wi-Fi is a convenient alternative to wires, especially when you need to quickly download dozens of photos, high-resolution videos or documents. Wireless technology saves time, eliminates the need to search for cable and is suitable for devices without any need to search for cables. USB-port (e.g., ultrabooks with a single Type-C connector). MIUI Offers several built-in tools for such transfer, and third-party applications extend the capabilities to the level of “one click».
In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways, from standard Xiaomi features to universal solutions that work on any device: how to transfer files without loss of quality, what settings you need to check in advance, and why transfer speeds sometimes fall to unacceptable values, and how to circumvent the MIUI restriction on transferring files larger than 4 GB through embedded tools.
1. Built-in function "File Transfer" (Mi Drop)
The easiest way to do this is to use Xiaomi’s proprietary tool, Mi Drop (formerly Mi File Transfer), which is pre-installed on all smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, including Redmi and POCO models, which works on a P2P (device-to-device) basis, does not require an Internet connection, and creates a local network between the phone and the computer.
To activate the transmission:
- 📱 Open the Files app on your smartphone, go to the Transfer tab (or Mi Drop in older versions).
- 🖥️ On your computer, open your browser and enter the address that will appear on the phone screen (for example, http://192.168.1.100:8080).
- 🔗 Confirm the connection on both devices by selecting Accept in the window that appears.
- 📁 Drag files in the browser or select them through the Mi Drop interface.
Advantages of the method: there is no limit on the number of files, folders are supported, transfer speeds up to 10-15 MB / s (depending on the router), but there is a caveat: Mi Drop does not work in the background – if you fold the application on the phone, the connection will break, and the function may not be available on some global firmware (for example, for the European region).
Transfer through FTP-server (without applications)
If Mi Drop is not available or is unstable, you can run on Xiaomi built-in FTP-This is a universal method that works even on older models with MIUI 8. FTP It allows you to connect to your phone as a network drive and copy files through Windows Explorer or Finder (on macOS).
Instructions for setting:
- Connect your phone and computer to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On your smartphone, open Settings → Connections and Sharing → File Transfer over FTP (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
- Activate the switch. FTP-server and remember the displayed data: IP-address, port, user name and password.
- On your computer, open Explorer, enter ftp://192.168.x.x:port (replace with your data) and press Enter.
- Enter your username and password from your phone screen, and you can now copy files like you would from a regular folder.
The speed of transmission via FTP is lower than that of Mi Drop (3-8 MB / s), but the method is more reliable with large amounts of data. The main disadvantage is an unencrypted connection, so it is not recommended to transfer confidential files on public networks.
☑️ Preparation for transfer FTP
3.Use of the “Send Anywhere” application (cross-platform solution)
If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't work, look for a third-party Send Anywhere app that works on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and even through a web browser, making it a universal solution. P2P-technology for direct transfer of files without downloading to the server, which guarantees confidentiality.
How to transfer files:
- 📲 Install Send Anywhere on your phone and computer (or use the web version on PC).
- 🔑 On the phone, select files, click Send and generate a 6-digit key or QR-code.
- 💻 On your computer, enter this key in the Receive field - the transfer will begin automatically.
The benefits of Send Anywhere:
- 🚀 Up to 20MB/s (faster than Mi Drop).
- 🔒 Encryption of data during transmission.
- 📁 Support for folders and files of any size (as opposed to limitations) MIUI).
One disadvantage is that you need to install third-party software, but the application is free and does not contain advertising in the main features.
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If the Send Anywhere transmission is interrupted, try disabling the Windows firewall or antivirus – they may block the transmission. P2P-linkage.
4. Transfer via the Mi Cloud (for backups)
For users who regularly sync data with Mi Cloud, this will be the easiest way to do it: Xiaomi’s cloud automatically backs up photos, contacts and documents, allowing them to be downloaded to your computer via a web interface. However, the method has limitations: only 5GB of storage is available for free, and download speed depends on your Internet connection.
How to download files from Mi Cloud on PC:
- On the phone, make sure that the synchronization of the necessary data is enabled (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud).
- On your computer, go to i.mi.com and log in under the same account.
- Select a section (such as Gallery or Files) and download the data you want.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| ✅ Automatic backup | ❌ Limit 5GB on free fare |
| ✅ Access from any device | ❌ Slow loading in case of poor internet |
| ✅ Ability to selectively synchronize | ❌ No file support >2 GB in the web version |
Attention! If you delete files from your phone, they will also disappear from the Mi Cloud unless marked as "forever saved." Check your sync settings before clearing the device's memory.
5. Alternative methods: Snapdrop and local web server
If standard methods don't work, you can use web services like Snapdrop or run a local web server on your phone through the Servers Ultimate app, which requires no registration and works directly between devices.
Snapdrop is an analogue of AirDrop for Android and Windows:
- 🌐 Open snapdrop.net on your phone and computer (both devices must be on the same network).
- 📤 On your phone, select a file and click on the computer icon in the Snapdrop interface.
- 📥 On the PC, confirm the file acceptance.
To run a local web server:
- Install the Servers Ultimate app from Google Play.
- Select the HTTP server type and specify the file folder for shared access.
- On your computer, type the address generated by the application in your browser (e.g. http://192.168.1.101:8080).
These methods are useful when you want to transfer files to devices without MIUI support (for example, on an iPhone or MacBook).However, the speed will be slower than Send Anywhere, and the setup will require more action.
Why can't Snapdrop see the devices?
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on your tasks:
- 📸 For photos and small files – Mi Drop or Send Anywhere.
- 📂 For the big archives (>4GB) — FTP local web server.
- ☁️ For backup – Mi Cloud (if there is enough space).
- 🔄 For cross-platform transmission – Snapdrop or Send Anywhere.
When transferring files over Wi-Fi, the speed depends on the standard of your router:
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) – up to 5-10 MB / s;
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) – up to 15-20 MB / s;
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) – up to 25+ MB/s.
If the speed is lower than expected, try reconnecting to a 5GHz network (if the router supports it) or reducing the distance between devices.
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For maximum transfer speed, use a router with Wi-Fi 6 support and connect devices to a 5 GHz network. Avoid public networks - they often limit the number of people who use them. P2P-linkage.