Transfer photos from Xiaomi to your computer via USB-The cable seems like a simple task, until you have the typical problems: the phone is not detected, files are not displayed, or the system requires the installation of drivers. Even experienced users sometimes lose hours to find a solution when Windows persistently ignores the connected device, and the system is not visible. MIUI It makes some mysterious mistakes, like «USB-device not identified».
In this article, we will analyze not only the basic algorithm for transferring photos, but also hidden settings. MIUI, which block access to files, as well as alternative ways to use MTP-Xiaomi Cloud protocol to cloud services. Particular attention will be paid to Redmi Note 12 models, POCO X5 And Xiaomi 13, where the connectivity logic is different from the older versions, and if you've tried the standard method before and it didn't work, here's the solution.
Why Xiaomi doesn’t connect to your computer via USB?
The problem with Xiaomi’s cable identification is 60% due to the wrong data mode; by default, smartphones on MIUI 14/15 set Charging mode, which blocks access to memory.
- 🔌 Damaged cable or port: Even if the phone is charging, the data transfer may not work due to contact interruptions D+/D-.
- 🖥️ Lack of drivers MTP: Windows 10/11 Sometimes they don’t automatically install them, especially on older builds.
- 📱 Lockdown MIUI: In the developer settings, debugging can be disabled USB or activated option to disable access to data.
- 🛡️ Antivirus or firewall: programs like Kaspersky or Avast block the connection as a “suspicious device».
On Xiaomi 12T and later, there is also a bug that automatically resets USB after rebooting. If you plugged in your phone, chose File Transfer, but after a minute access is lost, check the settings for developers (more on this in the next section).
Preparation of the phone: turn on the file transfer mode
Before connecting to a PC, you need to configure Xiaomi to work correctly with the PC. USB-Follow the instructions:
- Connect your phone to your computer using the original cable (or USB-C/USB-A certified cable).
- Unlock the Xiaomi screen – on a locked device, file access is impossible.
- In the USB notification that appears for... select File Transfer (MTP). If the notification does not appear, swipe down the notification bar and tap the Charge message via USB.
If the file transfer item is not in the list, it means:
- 🔧 Developer mode is turned on and it's turned off. MTP (correct in the next block).
- 📵 Uses a non-original cable without data transmission support.
- 🖥️ There are no drivers on PC (the solution is in the section about Windows).
☑️ Checking before connection
Configure the developer mode for stable connection
Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has hidden some of the USB settings in the developer menu. If the phone is undetectable or resets mode constantly, follow these steps:
- Open Settings → About the phone and tap on the MIUI version 7 times until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
- Go back to the main settings menu, find a new section for developers (usually at the bottom of the list).
- Scroll down to the Debugging block and turn on: 🔧 Debugging by USB (necessarily!). 🔄 Configuration USB default → Select File Transfer (MTP). 🚫 Withdrawal of permits USB (If you have one, turn it off.
Reboot the phone and reconnect.
On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F5, the MTP protocol can conflict with the Quick Charge function. If file transfers stop, turn off fast charging in the battery settings.
What to do if there is no “USB Configuration” option?
Computer-side problem solving (Windows/macOS/Linux)
If Xiaomi charges but doesn’t show up as a drive, the problem lies in the PC settings.
| Operating system | Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 | Device not identified (code 43) | Open Device Manager (Win) + X → Device Manager.Look for Portable Devices or Other Devices → Xiaomi with an exclamation point. → Update the driver → Perform a search on this computer → Select from the list → MTP-device. |
| macOS | Android File Transfer does not see files | Install Android File Transfer. Connect Xiaomi, unlock the screen, and select File Transfer. If it doesn't work, restart the program with administrator privileges. |
| Linux (Ubuntu/Debian) | No access to files (authorizations error) | sudo apt install mtp-tools sudo modprobe -r usb-storage sudo modprobe usb-storage quirks=0x2717:0xff40:u (replace 0x2717:0xff40 with your device ID found via lsusb) |
⚠️ Attention: If you are using USB-Hub or dock, try connecting Xiaomi directly to the port on the motherboard. MTP-protocol.
Alternative ways to transfer photos (if USB does not work)
If the cable connection never works, use one of these methods:
- ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: On the phone: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery → On PC, go to i.mi.com, log in and download the photos. ⚠️ Warning: Free Mi Cloud account only gives 5GB – check the free space before downloading.
- 📤 Google Photos: Install Google Photos app on Xiaomi. Enable autosynchronization (Settings) → Backup. On PC, open photos.google.com and download albums.
Local Area Network (FTP)
- Install the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer app on Xiaomi.
- Turn it on. FTP-server in application settings.
- On PC, connect to the address. ftp://[IP-phone]:2221 (login/password - from the application).
💡
The fastest way is a combination. USB 3.0 + file-arching DCIM. For example, 2000 photo-format JPEG (down 5 MB each) carried over ~5 minute 20-30 piece-copy.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even after successful connectivity, users face typical problems:
- 📷 Photos are not displayed in the folder DCIM: Reason: MIUI hides thumbnails in the.thumbnails folder. Solution: In Windows Explorer, enable the display of hidden files (View) → Hidden elements).
- 🔒 Read-only files: This is a feature MTP-To edit a photo on a PC, copy it to a disk and then work with a local copy.
- 🔄 Connection breaks during transfer: Power saving mode on Xiaomi or PC is to blame. Turn it off in both devices' battery settings.
- 📱 Phone overheats when copying: On models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13) When you're in a data-intensive environment, you can trottle. 500-1000 break-in.