Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to transfer media files to the big screen for editing or safe storage. Freeing internal memory of the device is a critical task for the stable operation of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system. Modern synchronization methods allow you to do this as quickly as possible and without loss of quality of the original images.
There are many ways to organize the exchange of data between a mobile gadget and a personal computer running Windows, macOS or Linux. USB-port, Internet connection speeds and data volume. In this article, we will discuss both wired and wireless options in detail so that you can choose the most convenient for your situation.
Some users prefer the traditional cable method for its reliability, while others value wireless technology for the lack of unnecessary wires. MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) is the standard for multimedia transmission in the Android environment, ensuring compatibility with most operating systems without installing an additional driver.
Connection through USB-cable MTP
The fastest and most stable way to transfer large amounts of data is the use of the Internet. USB-First, connect your Xiaomi smartphone to your computer using an original or quality certified cable. Android can charge by default, so you need to manually change the mode of operation. USB-port-notification.
Lower the notification curtain on the phone screen and find the message “Charge through” USB» or «USB-Connection. Click on it to open the settings menu, and select File Transfer or MTP. After that, a new device will appear on the computer in the conductor, which is available for reading and writing.
⚠️ Note: If your computer can’t see your phone after selecting a file transfer mode, try using another one. USB-cable or port switch USB 2.0, as some older cables only support charging.
For advanced users, debugging mode is available, which requires inclusion in the developer menu. Go to Settings → About Phone and seven times click on the MIUI version to activate advanced settings. Then, in the Additional → For developers, activate Debugging over USB.
☑️ Connection check USB
Using a wired connection guarantees maximum copy speed, which is especially important when working with video in 4K resolution. However, this method requires the physical presence of the device next to the computer, which is not always convenient. For regular backup of small batches of photos, it is better to consider wireless alternatives.
Sync through Google Photos and Cloud Services
Cloud technology has become the standard for auto-saving important moments. Google Photos is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices and allows you to instantly sync your photos with your Google account. To activate the feature, open the app, click on your profile avatar and select Photo Settings, then turn on Autoboot.
The main advantage of the cloud method is that you can take a picture, and then open it on your computer in a minute, even if the phone is in another city, and you can adjust the compression quality in the application settings by choosing "Saving space" or "Original quality."
- 📸 Automatic booting only occurs when connected to Wi-Fi so as not to waste mobile traffic.
- ☁️ Access to the archive is possible from any device where you log in to your Google account.
- 🗑️ Free up space removes photos from your phone that are already stored in the cloud.
In addition to the Google ecosystem, Xiaomi users can use Mi Cloud or third-party solutions like Dropbox and OneDrive. Integrating these services into the standard Gallery app allows you to choose the default cloud for backup, which creates an additional layer of security in case of loss or breakage of your smartphone.
What to do if the synchronization is suspended?
Wireless transmission over FTP through a Explorer
Unique shell function MIUI You can turn your smartphone into a network drive without installing third-party software. In the standard Explorer app, go to the Service tab or click on the menu to find the Access option. FTP. By pressing the “Start” button, you will receive IP-plug-in.
Enter the displayed address (e.g., ftp://192.168.1.5:2121) into the address bar of any conductor on a computer that is on the same Wi-Fi network. This will create a direct connection through which you can copy files at any speed supported by your router.
This is ideal for users who want to avoid installing unnecessary software on a PC. FTP provides direct access to the phone's file system. You can drag and drop photos with your mouse, creating folders and structuring the archive directly on your computer's hard drive.
| Parameter | Meaning/Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | FTP / FTPS | Use standard FTP for your home network |
| Port by default | 2121 | Can be changed in the conductor settings |
| Speed. | Depends on the Wi-Fi router | 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) and higher standard recommended |
| Security | Access via local IP | Do not use public Wi-Fi networks without a password |
💡
FTP-server MIUI — the fastest wireless way to transfer files without compressing quality and installing additional software on the computer.
Use of Mi PC Suite and Mi Share
The official Mi PC Suite software provides deep access to the phone’s system, allowing you to make full backups, update firmware and manage files. However, it is worth noting that support for the official version for new models is limited, and often users turn to modified versions from the community.
The alternative is Mi Share (or Xiaomi Share), which works on the principle of Apple AirDrop. To transfer photos, make sure that the computer has the appropriate utility installed or uses the web version through the browser. The technology uses a combination of Bluetooth for search and Wi-Fi Direct for fast data transfer.
Transfer through ecosystem instruments is usually as follows:
- 📡 Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices.
- 📲 Open the gallery on your phone and select the photos you want.
- 🖥️ Click “Send” and select your computer from the list of available devices.
⚠️ Attention: When using Mi PC Suite make sure you only download the program from proven resources, as older official versions may not support new smartphone models and cause driver conflicts.
Transfer data via Bluetooth and Nearby Share
Although Bluetooth is slow for video transfer, for a few photos, this method remains relevant. In modern versions of Android and MIUI, the classic Bluetooth is complemented by the Nearby Share feature, which significantly speeds up the process.
To send a photo, open the image in the gallery, click Share and select Nearby Share or Bluetooth. On a Windows 10/11 computer, the Surrounding Sharing feature must be active in the system settings. The device will automatically detect each other when Bluetooth is enabled.
The downside is that it's slow to transfer large files, and a single 10MB image can be transmitted for a few seconds, which is acceptable for a couple of photos, but uncomfortable for entire albums, but it's a great option when you don't have a cable on hand and the Internet is off.
Solution: Computer can't see photo or phone
A common problem is when you connect the cable, the computer makes a connection sound, but the photo folders don't show up. 90% of the time, it's USB mode. Make sure the phone screen is unlocked and you actually choose File Transfer (MTP) mode rather than Charging Only.
If the problem persists, check the device drivers in Windows Task Manager. Right-click on the exclamation point device and select Update Driver → Auto Search. Installation of the universal Android USB Driver driver from the developer’s website can also help.
Sometimes an antivirus or firewall can block a connection over an FTP or local area network. Try temporarily disabling protection or adding an exception to the Explorer app on your phone. Checking your router settings for client isolation (AP Isolation) will also be useful if wireless methods do not work.