How to download photos from Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to your computer USB: Complete guidance with error solutions

Transfer photos from Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 computer USB-The cable seems like a simple task, but in practice, users face a lot of nuances, from the lack of reaction when connecting to errors in reading files. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard way to transmit through the wire, but also alternative methods if something goes wrong. We will pay special attention to settings MIUI, which often block access to files, as well as common driver errors on Windows 7/10/11.

The Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) was released in 2017 and is still in active use today, but its firmware is still in use. MIUI 8-12 has specific features of working with USB-For example, the default phone can be defined as a charger, not as a drive, and we'll show you how to fix it in 30 seconds, and you'll also learn why a computer sometimes doesn't see a photo in a folder. DCIM, It is on your phone and how to get around this restriction.

1. Preparation of the phone and computer for the transfer of files

Before connecting Redmi Note 4 to your PC, check two key points: USB-Use the original Xiaomi cable or certified cable. USB Type-C (not all cheap cables support data transmission) Also make sure that the connector is available. USB on the phone clean – dust or oxidation of contacts can cause connection interruptions.

On the computer:

  • πŸ–₯️ Upgrade Windows to the latest version (especially for Windows 7, where drivers for Redmi Note 4 are often missing).
  • πŸ”Œ Connect the cable to the back. USB-System unit port (if you use a PC) – front ports sometimes do not provide enough power.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Temporarily disable antiviruses (Avast, Kaspersky) – they can block access to the phone’s file system.
πŸ“Š What operating system do you use?
Windows 10/11
Windows 7/8
macOS
Linux
other

On the Redmi Note 4 phone:

  1. Unlock the screen (connection in the locked state will not give access to files).
  2. Open the Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers and enable debugging by USB (If this item is missing, tap 7 times on the version MIUI in the section About the telephone).
  3. In the Settings section β†’ Connection and Sharing Select USB-Connect and set the file transfer mode (MTP).

πŸ’‘

If the phone is not defined as a drive, try switching mode. USB on PTP (Camera, and then back to MTP. This resets the connection and often solves the problem.

2. Standard method: Transmission through Windows Explorer

If the preparation was successful, when you connect Redmi Note 4 to the PC, you will see a Charge notification via the USB β€” Tap it and select File Transfer. On your computer, the phone should be defined as a removable disk (usually called Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 or mido).

Further action:

  1. Open this computer (or my computer in Windows 7).
  2. Find the Redmi Note 4 device in the list of disks and double-click on it.
  3. Go to the Internal Storage folder β†’ DCIM β†’ Camera (here are photos taken by the regular camera).
  4. Select the files you need (use Ctrl)+A to select all) and drag them to a folder on your computer or copy them through the context menu (Ctrl).+C β†’ Ctrl+V).
Folder on the phone.ContentsNote
DCIM/CameraPhoto and video from the main cameraThe files are called IMG_20231225_123456.jpg
DCIM/ScreenshotsScreenshotsFormat PNG, name begins Screenshot_
PicturesImages uploaded from the InternetMay contain subfolders from applications (e.g. Telegram)
DownloadFiles downloaded through the browserSometimes there are photos from messengers.

Important: If the folder DCIM empty, but you are sure that the photos are, check the settings of the camera in the MIUI. In some versions of the firmware, the photos are saved by default on SD-card (if installed) and not in the internal memory.

Make sure your phone is unlocked|Select a regime MTP notice USB|Check for a folder. DCIM|Disable charge saving (it can break the connection)|Use the back. USB-port-->

3. Problem Solving: The computer can't see the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4

If the phone is not defined as a drive, the reason may lie in drivers, settings MIUI We're going to look at the most common scenarios and their solutions:

Drivers for Windows

Windows 10/11 Usually, drivers for Redmi Note are automatically installed. 4, But if it didn't happen:

  1. Open Device Manager (Win+X β†’ Device Manager).
  2. Find in the list Portable devices or Other devices item with an exclamation mark (for example, MTP or ADB Interface).
  3. Right-click β†’ Update the driver β†’ Search on this computer.
  4. Select Install from the list of available drivers and manually specify MTP USB Device.

If that doesn’t work, download the official Xiaomi drivers from en.miui.com (Tools section). for Redmi Note 4, MiPhoneManager package will do.

Settings MIUI

In the firmware MIUI 9-12 is a hidden option that blocks access to files through the USB. To turn it off:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Special access.
  3. Choose. USB-Installation and Enable Media File Permission.
What if the phone is defined as a β€œcharging” but not as a storage device?
1. Connect the phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). 2. Restart your phone and computer. 3. In Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers, turn off debugging by USB, Then turn it on again. 4. Try another cable (preferably original from Xiaomi). 5. If nothing helps, reset your settings. USB: Enter the dialer code ##874## (not available on all versions) MIUI).

Problems with cable or port

If the phone is charging but not transmitting data:

  • πŸ”Œ Try another one. USB-cable (cheap cables often only support charging).
  • πŸ–₯️ Connect your phone to another computer – if the problem is recurring, a fault in your phone or cable.
  • πŸ”„ Switch the mode. USB phone-wise MTP on PTP back and forth.
  • πŸ”§ Clean it up. USB-Port of the phone from dust with a toothpick (carefully!).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is constantly restarting or is giving an error USB The device is not recognized, this may indicate damage to the controller. USB In this case, file transfer via cable is not possible - use alternative methods (Wi-Fi, cloud).

4. Alternative ways to transfer photos (if USB does not work)

If the standard method is USB If it doesn't work, you can use one of these options. They're less fast, but they're reliable:

4.1 Wi-Fi transmission via FTP-server

MIUI built-in FTP-server that allows you to access your phone files via a local network:

  1. Connect your phone and computer to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. On the phone, open the Explorer. β†’ Network disk β†’ FTP (or use the app ES Conductor).
  3. Launch it. FTP-server and write down the address of the view ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx.
  4. On the computer, open the Explorer β†’ Network environment and enter this address.
  5. Copy files as if they were from a regular network drive.

4.2. Use of cloud services

The most common method that does not require cable:

  • πŸŒ₯️ Google Photos: Automatically uploads all photos to the cloud (configure in the Backup app.
  • ☁️ Mi Cloud: Xiaomi's built-in cloud (5GB for free). upload photos through Gallery β†’ Select β†’ Download to Mi Cloud, then download from i.mi.com.
  • πŸ“¦ Telegram: Send photos to yourself in Save Messages, then download them to your PC via the desktop version of Telegram.

Transmission via Bluetooth (for a small number of files)

It is suitable for 5-10 photos, but not for mass transmission:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and computer.
  2. Connect devices (on PC: Settings β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth).
  3. In the gallery of the phone highlight photos β†’ Share. β†’ Bluetooth.
  4. Take the files on the computer.

⚠️ Note: When transmitted via Bluetooth, photos are compressed to resolution ~2 MP (even if the original is 16 MP). Use other methods to maintain quality.

5. Process Optimization: How to Speed Up Transfers and Maintain Folder Structure

Thousands of photos are transmitted through USB It can take hours, especially if you use slow USB 2.0 ports. To speed up the process:

  • ⚑ Use it. USB 3.0: Connect your phone to the blue port USB 3.0 on a computer (transfer speed will increase from 10-15 MB / s to 40-60 MB / s).
  • πŸ“ Archive before copying: On the phone, select a folder with photos in the Explorer, click More β†’ Archive, then copy one. ZIP-This will reduce the transfer time by 30-40%.
  • πŸ”„ Turn off preview: In Windows Explorer, turn off View β†’ Preview Panel – This will speed up the display of the list of files.
  • πŸ› οΈ Use third-party managers: Programs like Total Commander or TeraCopy copy files faster than standard Explorer.

To keep the folder structure (for example, if photos are scattered across the board) DCIM, Pictures, Download):

  1. Create a folder on your computer (for example, Redmi Note 4 Backup).
  2. In Windows Explorer, go to the phone’s root directory (Internal storage).
  3. Select the folders DCIM, Pictures, Download and drag them to the created folder on PC.
  4. Wait until the copy is completed (do not extract). USB-cable!).

πŸ’‘

For maximum transmission speed, use a combination: USB 3.0 port + file-archiving + TeraCopy program, which will speed up the process by 2-3 times compared to standard copying.

6.Security: How to protect photos when transferring

When copying personal photos, it is important to make sure that they do not fall into the wrong hands.

  • πŸ”’ Archive Encryption: If you archive photos before transferring them, set a password to ZIP-file (in the Conductor) MIUI or through WinRAR on PC).
  • 🚫 Turn off autoboot: In Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Disable permission for apps like Gallery or Google Photos to upload files to the cloud without your knowledge.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Delete temporary files: After transfer, clean the Download folder and the basket on your computer if you copied intermediate files there.
  • πŸ“± Screen lock: Never leave your phone unlocked during transmission if there are strangers nearby.

If you are transferring photos over public Wi-Fi (for example, in a cafe), use the VPN or give preference USB-For additional protection, you can turn on Incognito Mode in Settings β†’ Wi-Fi β†’ This does not guarantee complete anonymity.

⚠️ Warning: When connecting to other computers (for example, in the photo lab), always use the Only Charging mode in the settings USB. This will prevent automatic data transmission without your knowledge.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the right connection, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
The phone is connected as a β€œcharging”, but not as a driveMTP mode not selected or drivers missingTap on the notification. USB β†’ Select File Transfer. If it doesn't work, install the drivers manually (see Section 3.1).
folder DCIM It's empty, but there are photos.Photo saved on SD-mapCheck the camera settings (Storage) β†’ Device memory) and folder /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM (for SD-map).
Error "Device not recognized" (code 43)Problem with drivers or USB-portUpdate drivers through Device Manager or connect your phone to another port.
Files are copied very slowly (1–2 MB/s)Used. USB 2.0 or a fragmented file systemConnect to USB 3.0 port or archive files before copying.
The computer "hangs" when opening the folder with the photoToo many files or damaged thumbnailsTurn off the preview in the Explorer or copy files in small batches (100-200 pieces each).

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the USB settings on your phone:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Resetting settings.
  2. Select Network Settings Reset (this will also reset settings). USB).
  3. Reboot the phone and reconnect.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I transfer photos from Redmi Note 4 to Mac?
Yes, but this will require the installation of additional software: Download Android File Transfer from the official website android.com/filetransfer. Connect the phone in mode MTP. Run the program and it will display the phone's file system. If Android File Transfer doesn't work, try OpenMTP (an alternative solution for macOS).
Why are some photos not copied and make a mistake?
This can happen for several reasons: Files are corrupted (check them on your phone - if they don't open, delete); File names contain inadmissible characters (e.g.,?, *). Rename them on your phone. Photos are protected. DRM (So, you can't copy those files, so you can copy the problem files to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) and then download them to your PC.
How to transfer photos from Redmi Note 4 to PC without USB-cable?
Use one of the wireless methods: Wi-Fi Direct: Enable settings on your phone β†’ Wi-Fi β†’ Wi-Fi Direct and connect from PC. Email/Messengers: Send photos to your mail or Telegram (limit – to the end) 2 Local area network: Install the Portal by Pushbullet app on your phone, which creates a temporary web server to download files through the browser.
Can I transfer it? RAW-Photos from Redmi Note 4?
Redmi Note 4 It does not support shooting in format RAW In the regular camera app, however, if you use third-party apps (like Google Camera with ported settings), RAW-file (.DNG) will be stored in the folder DCIM/Google Camera. To transmit them: Connect your phone in mode MTP. Copy the files.DNG Like normal images (they weigh) ~20–30 MB each. Pay attention: RAW-Files take up a lot of space, so copy them in small batches.
How to recover deleted photos after transfer?
If you accidentally deleted photos from your phone before or after copying: Check the folder DCIM/.thumbnails β€” Sometimes there are thumbnails left. Use the recovery software: DiskDigger (for Android) or Recuva (for PC, if the files were on the computer). SD-Check the basket in the gallery. MIUI (files are stored there 30 Important: the less you use your phone after deleting, the better the chances of recovery!