Transferring data from Xiaomi to a computer is a challenge that every user faces, whether it's vacation photos, important documents or application archives, how to choose depends on the size of files, the availability of cable and Internet speed. In 2026, owners of Redmi smartphones will have a choice of ways to do it, POCO or Mi has at least 7 proven methods - from the classical USB-Connection to wireless technologies.
The main problem is that not all methods are equally convenient. USB 2.0 It can take hours for large video files, and cloud services limit free space. In this article, we'll break down each method with regard to its speed, compatibility, and the ability to use the same method. Windows/macOS/Linux And the potential for errors, and we'll focus on the hidden settings. MIUI, which block the transmission of data through USB on new Xiaomi models 14/13 Ultra.
Transfer through USB-cable: classics with pitfalls
The most obvious way is to connect Xiaomi to your computer via cable, but even here, users are facing problems: the phone is not defined as a drive, MIUI It asks for unlocking, or it just doesn't show up. USB-mode.
To avoid errors, follow the algorithm:
- π Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable (cheap analogues may not support data transfer).
- π± On the Xiaomi screen, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) (if notice is given).
- π₯οΈ On your computer, check if the phone is defined as a removable drive in this computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS).
- π If the device is not visible, restart both devices and reconnect.
Use the original cable|Select a regime MTP phone-on|Check the drivers on the PC (Mi) PC Suite)|Deactivate "Debugging by" USB" in the developer settings (if enabled)-->
Windows 10/11 may require Mi PC Suite drivers to be installed (downloaded from Xiaomiβs official website); macOS owners will need to use Android File Transfer, the standard application for working with Android devices; Xiaomi 13T and later require you to confirm access to files through unlocking the screen when you first connect, otherwise the PC will only see an empty folder.
β οΈ Warning: If the phone is charging but the files are not being transferred, check the cable for damage. DATA-Try another cable or port. USB computer-based.
2. Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi: speed vs stability
If you don't have a cable and you need to transfer files urgently, Wi-Fi Direct or local area network comes to the rescue. The method works on all Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 14 Pro) and does not require Internet, transfer speeds up to 10-15 MB / s β this is enough for a pack of photos or a small video.
Instructions for Windows:
- On your phone, open Settings β Connection and Sharing β File Transfer.
- Select Send, then specify files and press Wi-Fi Direct.
- On the PC, open the Explorer, enter in the address bar ftp://[IP-Phone address] (displayed on Xiaomi screen).
- Download files as usual FTP-server.
For macOS/Linux fits any FTP-The main disadvantage of the method is the instability of the connection: if the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the transmission can be interrupted. FTP-server 5 minutes of inactivity.
USB-cable|Wi-Fi (FTP/locale)|Bluetooth|Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)|Other-->
| Method | Speed. | Max. File size. | Internet is required | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB (MTP) | 40-60 MB/s | Not limited. | No. | Windows/macOS/Linux |
| Wi-Fi Direct (FTP) | 10-15 MB/s | 4GB | No. | Any OS. |
| Bluetooth | 1-3 MB/s | 50MB | No. | Any OS. |
| Google Drive | Depends on the Internet. | 15GB (free) | Yes. | Any OS. |
| Mi Cloud | Depends on the Internet. | 5GB (free) | Yes. | Only with a Xiaomi account |
Bluetooth 3: When speed is not important
Bluetooth is the slowest but most versatile way to transmit, and it's suitable for small files (up to 50MB): contacts, notes or screenshots. Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later supports Bluetooth 5.3, which speeds up the process a little, but not drastically.
How to transfer files:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and computer.
- Connect devices (on Xiaomi: Settings β Bluetooth).
- On your phone, select a file β Share β Bluetooth.
- Accept the file on your PC (in Windows, files are saved to C:\Users\[Name]\Downloads).
On macOS, the received files automatically enter the Download folder, the main drawback is the file size limitation and low speed (about 1-3 MB / s).
β οΈ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) when transmitted via Bluetooth files may lose metadata (date of creation, geotagged). USB cloud.
4. Cloud services: convenience vs limitations
Cloud storage is suitable for transferring files without cables and without size restrictions: Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk. This method is ideal if you need to transfer files to multiple devices or save a backup.
- π Google Drive: 15 GB (shared with Gmail and Photos).
- βοΈ Mi Cloud: 5GB (only for Xiaomi account holders).
- πΎ Yandex Disk: 10 GB (with the option of extension for invitations).
Instructions for Google Drive:
- On your phone, open the Google Drive app and tap + β Download.
- Select the files and wait for the download to be completed.
- On your computer, go to drive.google.com and download the files.
Mi Cloud is integrated into MIUI, It only works with files from the gallery, notes and contacts. APK-It's not a good file, and also note that download speeds depend on your Internet rate -- on your mobile network. 4G 1GB transmission can take 10-20 minutes.
π‘
If you want to transfer a lot of small files (like photos), archive them in ZIP on your phone before uploading to the cloud.
5. Specialized applications: faster than the cloud
For regular file transfer, it is worth considering third-party applications:
- π² Send Anywhere: Direct link or QR-No registration code, up to 20MB/s.
- π LocalSend: Open-source analogue of AirDrop for Android/PC. It works through a local network.
- π₯οΈ Pushbullet: Synchronizing notifications + File transfer (limit 25MB in the free version).
For example, LocalSend doesn't require the Internet, and it encrypts the transmission. Install the app on your phone and the desktop version on your PC, then:
- On your phone, select a file β Share β LocalSend.
- On the PC, confirm the file acceptance in the desktop client.
The advantage of these applications is that there are no limitations on file size (as opposed to Bluetooth) and high speed, but to work LocalSend, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
How to get around the limit of Mi Cloud 5 GB?
6. ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods donβt work (e.g., on Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires command-line skills, but allows you to transfer files even when MTP crashes.
Instructions:
- Install ADB Tools on your PC (download from Googleβs website).
- On your phone, turn on USB Debugging (Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version β 7 times press to unlock the developer menu).
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Photos\ (this will copy the DCIM folder from the photo to the C: disk).
ADB supports transfer of any files, including system files, but requires caution. A command error can lead to data loss. For mass transfer, it is more convenient to use scripts or Total Commander with the ADB Plugin plugin.
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) K60 Pro) ADB It can block access to the folder. /data No root rights. You'll need to unlock the bootloader to get around the restrictions.
7. Transfer via memory card (if there is a slot)
If your Xiaomi supports microSD (Redmi Note, POCO M), the easiest way is to extract the card and paste it into your computer through a card reader.
- π’ Class 10 / UHS-I: up to 90MB/s.
- π‘ Class 4: Up to 4MB/s (slow for video) 4K).
Advantages of the method:
- β‘ No need for cable or internet.
- π Files are not compressed (unlike cloud services).
- π You can transfer folders without losing structure.
Disadvantages:
- π« Not suitable for models without a microSD slot (Xiaomi) 13/14, Mix Fold).
- π Physical retrieval of the card (risk of damaging contacts with frequent use).
π‘
Memory card is the only way to transfer files from Xiaomi to your PC if USB-The port of the phone is damaged, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth switched off.