How to upload photos from Xiaomi phone to your computer via USB: 5 proven ways

Why? USB-cable is the most reliable way to transfer photos from Xiaomi to PC

Transfer photos from Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable remains the most stable method, despite the abundance of wireless alternatives. Unlike cloud services or Mi Share, wire connection is independent of Internet speed, does not compress images and guarantees 100% preservation of original quality - even for the first time. RAW-Files from Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

However, many users face typical problems: the computer can not see the phone, files are not copied or an error appears "USB-This is often due to incorrect settings. USB-mode, outdated drivers or firmware features MIUI. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of transferring photos through the USB, including hidden functions MIUI, which speed up the process by 2-3 times.

It’s important to understand that even if you’re using a MacBook or a Linux computer, the basics remain the same – Differ is only in the operating system settings. And for owners of older models (Xiaomi Mi A1, Redmi 4X), we’ll separately look at the nuances of working with outdated versions of Android.

Preparing Xiaomi Phone for USB Connection

Before connecting the phone to the computer, you need to properly configure the mode. USB-Connection. Default. MIUI Set up Charge Only mode, which blocks access to files. To unlock data transfer, follow the following steps:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC using the original USB-Cheap cables often do not support data transmission.
• 📱 A notification will appear on the phone screen "USB for.." Slap him on it.
• 🔄 In the menu, select the File Transfer mode (MTP) Photo (PTP). For most tasks, it is suitable MTP.
• 🔒 If the notification does not appear, check the developer settings: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap that 7 times. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB (only if necessary).

On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, POCO F5) You may need to confirm access to files, and if the computer can't see the phone, try restarting both devices or using a different device. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 blue).

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If you frequently connect your phone to different computers, turn on the Settings → Connection and Sharing → USB option “Always use this mode” to eliminate the need to choose MTP each time you connect.

Method 1: Standard transmission through Windows Explorer

This is the simplest method that works on all versions of Windows (from 7 to 11). Once you connect your phone in MTP mode, follow the following steps:

1. Open This Computer (or My Computer in Older Windows)
2. Under the Devices and Disks section, your Xiaomi icon will appear (usually with the model name, such as the Redmi Note 11).
3. Double-click on the device, then go to the Internal storage → DCIM → Camera folder (there are photos taken by the main camera).
4. Select the files you want (you can use Ctrl+A to select everyone) and drag them to any folder on your computer.

Transfer speed depends on the version USB-For example, when connecting Xiaomi 13 Pro to the port USB 3.2 through the original cable speed reaches 40-60 MB / s, while through the USB 2.0 – only 3-5 MB/s. If the transmission is too slow, check the cable for damage or try another port.

Change. USB-port 3.0/3.1 (blue)

Use the original Xiaomi cable

Disable the antivirus during copying

Close background programs (Torrent, cloud synchronizers)

Reboot your phone before connecting-->

Method 2: Using the Xiaomi PC Suite (official software)

For users who regularly sync data between Xiaomi and PC, the company has developed an official application - Xiaomi PC Suite, which not only simplifies file transfer, but also allows you to manage contacts, messages and even install applications directly from your computer.

Advantages of PC Suite over standard conductor:

• 📁 Automatic sorting of photos by dates and albums.
• 🔍 Preview images without copying to PC.
• 📤 Selective transmission (for example, only photos with geotags).
• 🔄 Synchronize deleted files (if you accidentally erase a photo on your phone, you can restore them from a backup copy).

Instructions for use:

1. Install and run the Xiaomi PC Suite.
2. Connect the phone in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. In the main menu of the program, select the Files section.
4. Go to the Inner Memory → DCIM And highlight the right photos.
5. Click Export and specify the folder on your computer.

Note: PC Suite may not support the latest models (Xiaomi 14, POCO X6 Pro) for 1-2 months after their release, in which case use standard conductor or alternative methods from the following sections.

Through USB-cable (Windows conductor)

Xiaomi PC Suite

Cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)

Wireless transmission (Mi Share, Bluetooth)

Another way.-->

Method 3: Command Prompt Transmission (for experienced users)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to MIUI failures or outdated firmware), you can use the Windows or Terminal command line on Mac/Linux.This method requires minimal knowledge of how to work with the console, but guarantees transmission even when the GUI is blocked.

Action algorithm for Windows:

1. Connect the phone in MTP mode.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
3. Enter a command to copy all photos from the folder DCIM: xcopy E:\DCIM\Camera\*.jpg C:\Xiaomi_Photos /E /H /C Here E: is the letter of your phone’s drive (check in “This Computer”), and C:\Xiaomi_Photos — PC destination folder.

For MacOS/Linux, use Terminal and the command cp or rsync. Example:

rsync -avz /Volumes/Xiaomi/DCIM/Camera/ ~/Downloads/Xiaomi_Photos/

Method 4: Alternative programs for file transfer

If the built-in Windows or Xiaomi PC Suite tools are unstable, you can use third-party utilities. They often offer additional features such as format conversion, automatic file renaming or backup.

For maximum speed, we recommend HandShaker - the program is optimized for Xiaomi and supports transmission at speeds up to 80 MB / s when connecting via USB 3.1. If you need wireless transmission, AirDroid or Feem will be a good alternative, but keep in mind: Wi-Fi speeds will be lower (10-20 MB / s).

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Third-party programs are useful if standard methods do not work, but for one-time transfer of photos, built-in tools of Windows or Xiaomi PC Suite are enough.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right connection, Xiaomi users often encounter problems when transferring photos. Let’s consider the most common errors and how to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If the computer makes a connection sound USB-devices, but the phone does not appear in the conductor, the problem lies in the drivers MTP. Windows. 10/11 They are installed automatically, but on Windows. 7 Linux may require manual installation.

• 🚫 Mistake: "USB-Device not recognized" Solution: Turn off phone, go to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting settings USB If it doesn't work, try another cable.
• 🔄 Phone connects, but folders are empty Solution: Enable the display of hidden files in Explorer (View) → Hidden items: Photos can be stored in folders DCIM/.thumbnails or Pictures/Screenshots.
• 🐢 Slow transmission (1–2 MB/s) Solution: Check USB-port (must be 3.0 or higher) and cable (original from Xiaomi or certified) USB-IF). Also close programs that use the drive (e.g. uTorrent or Steam).
• 🔒 Requesting to unlock your phone when connected Solution: This is a security feature MIUI. Turn it off in Settings. → Screen locking → Additionally. → Unlocking when connected USB.

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the settings. USB on the phone or update the firmware MIUI It can be used as a last resort. OTG-Adapter and card reader for direct reading of microSD card (if the photo is stored on it).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions