How to quickly and safely transfer data from a flash drive to a Xiaomi phone: all working methods

Transfer of files from USB-drive on the smartphone Xiaomi only seems a trivial task – in practice, users are faced with the lack of a connector USB-A, Compatibility problems of the file system (NTFS vs FAT32), This is especially true for owners of modern models of Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Xiaomi 14, where the manufacturer abandoned the classic USB-Type-C port.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods of data transfer – from direct connection through the Internet. OTG-Adapter to cloud services and wireless protocols, you'll learn how to get around the limitations MIUI Read external drives, what formats of flash drives are supported out of the box, and why sometimes the phone does not see files even after successful disk mounting. 4X or Mi A2) We will give individual instructions taking into account the features of their firmware.

Important: methods tested for MIUI 14 (Android 13/14) It is applicable to all Xiaomi lines, including Redmi, POCO And Black Shark, if your smartphone works on MIUI Global or MIUI China – no difference in algorithms, but the paths in the settings menu may differ.

1. Direct connection via OTG-Adapter: step-by-step instructions

The most reliable way is to physically connect the flash drive to the phone through OTG-Modern Xiaomi smartphones support this technology, but there are nuances:

• 🔌 Adapter type: For USB-C You need a Type-C adapter. → USB-A (or Type-C. → Micro-USB for older models. POCO F5 Xiaomi 13T Any certified person will do. OTG-adapter (cost from 200) ₽).
• 💾 Flash drive format: FAT32 The exFAT is read without any problems. NTFS Requires manual mounting (instruction below).
• ⚡ Power: Some flash drives (especially 128 GB)+) They may not be detected due to lack of energy. OTG-feed-in.

How to connect:

1. Put it in. OTG-Adapter to the port of the phone and flash drive to the adapter.
2. A notification will appear on the screen "USB-The drive is connected.
3. Select "Use as a media device" (MTP) or "Transfer files" (depending on version) MIUI).
4. Open the "Conductor" (the "Files" app) and go to the section "USB-accumulator".

The flash drive is formatted in FAT32/exFAT|

Adapter supports USB 2.0/3.0 (check the markings)|

The phone's debugging on. USB (for NTFS)|

Battery charge >30% (for stable employment)

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If the phone doesn't see the flash drive:

• 🔄 Reconnect the adapter (sometimes it helps to change the port on the flash drive).
• 🛠️ Check the flash drive on your PC – it may be damaged.
• ⚙️ Turn on "Developer Mode" and activate "Debugging by" USB" (Path: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 12.5+ first-connection OTG You may have a request to allow access to files, and if you ignore it, you'll see the flash drive, but you won't be able to copy the files. → Annexes → Permits → Warehouse.

2. Connecting a flash drive to the file system NTFS

By default. MIUI supportive NTFS — The most common file system for flash drives >64GB. There are workarounds, however:

Method 1: Use Total Commander + plugin

Total Commander (free on Google Play) can mount NTFS via an additional plugin:

1. Install Total Commander.
2. Download the plugin NTFS Plugin.
3. Connect the flash drive through OTG, Open Total Commander and select "ntfs" in the list of plugins.
4. The flash drive will appear in the root catalog with a mark [NTFS].

Method 2: Reformat the flash drive to exFAT

If the data on the flash drive is not critical, it is easier to reformat it to exFAT (supports files). >4GB, unlike the other FAT32):

1. Connect the flash drive to a Windows PC.
2. Open "This Computer" and click on the right-hand button → "Format".
3. Select exFAT, leave the cluster size by default.
4. Click "Start" (all data will be deleted!).

💡

If you want to save data, copy it to your PC first, and then format the flash drive (>10 GB) use TeraCopy – it speeds up the process and checks checksums.

3. Wireless transmission through FTP-phone-side

If OTG-The adapter is not available, you can organize FTP-The server is directly on your smartphone and connect to it from a PC that has a flash drive inserted, which works even for large files (video, disk images) and does not require additional hardware.

Instructions:

1. Install the WiFi FTP Server application on your phone.
2. Run it and press "Start." Remember the address of the view. ftp://192.168.x.x:2221.
3. On the PC, open the "Conductor" and enter this address in the address bar.
4. Log in (logins/passwords are listed in the app on the phone).
5. Drag files from a flash drive (connected to a PC) to a folder on your phone (e.g. Internal) Storage/Download).

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Transfer speeds up to 10 MB/s (depending on the router).
• 📁 Support for files of any size (unlike Bluetooth).
• 🔒 No risk of damage to the phone port (relevant to Xiaomi) 12S Ultra with a brittle connector).

⚠️ Note: When transferring large files (>1 GB through FTP You may have a network timeout error, and to avoid this, you may have a WiFi app settings. FTP Upgrade the Timeout to 300 seconds.

OTG-adapter|

FTP/Wi-Fi|

Bluetooth|

Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) |

Another option-->

4.Use of cloud services: Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Telegram

Cloud storage is convenient for transferring small files (photos, documents) or when you need to sync data between multiple devices.

Option 1: Mi Cloud (built-in solution)

Mi Cloud offers 5GB of free and deep integrated content MIUI:

1. On the phone, open Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Activate synchronization for Files.
3. On PC, go to i.mi.com, log in and upload files from the flash drive to the File Storage section.
4. On the phone files will appear in the application "Files" → "Mi Cloud".

Option 2: Google Drive (for large files)

If you need to move the video or archives >5GB:

• 📤 Download files to Google Drive (up to 15GB free).
• 📥 On the phone, install the Drive app and download files.

Option 3: Telegram (for fast transfer)

Instant method without registration:

1. Create a chat with @SavedMessages (note-book).
2. From PC, send files from the flash drive to this chat (limit - 2 GB / file).
3. Open Telegram on your phone and save the files to the gallery.

5. Bluetooth Transfer: When Justified

Bluetooth is the slowest method (speed) ~1-3 MB/s), but it helps if not on hand OTG Wi-Fi is suitable for transferring small files (photos, documents up to the previous one). 50 MB).

How do I tell you?

1. On the phone, turn on Bluetooth (Settings) → Connections → Bluetooth).
2. On a PC (where the flash drive is inserted), enable Bluetooth device detection.
3. Connect devices (confirmation code is usually 0000 or 1234).
4. On PC, click on the file with the right button → "Send. → Bluetooth Device and Choose Your Xiaomi.
5. On the phone, confirm the file's acceptance.

Limitations:

• ❌ Maximum file size: ~100 MB (depending on the Bluetooth version).
• ⏳ Video transmission speed 4K: ~5 minutes on 1GB.
• 🔋 High battery consumption (up to 15% per hour of continuous transmission).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 When transmitting via Bluetooth, there may be a "File Failed to Accept." Solution: Before transferring, disable "Battery Optimization" for the "Bluetooth" application in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Bluetooth → Optimizing the battery → No restrictions).

Alternative methods: SD-map, QRC-codes, Nearby Share

If standard methods don’t work, consider these options:

Method 1: Transfer through SD-map

Suitable for phones with a microSD slot (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro).+):

1. Copy the data from the flash drive to SD-card through the card reader on PC.
2. Insert the card into the phone and transfer the files to internal memory.

Method 2: Nearby Share (Fast Transfer Between Android Devices)

If you have a second Android smartphone:

1. On both phones, turn on Nearby Share (Settings) → Google → Devices and exchanges → Nearby Share).
2. On the first phone (with a flash drive) select files → "Send" → "Nearby Share".
3. Select your Xiaomi from the list and confirm acceptance.

Method 3: QRC-codes

To transmit text, contacts or links:

• 📌 Generate. QR-Data code on the PC (use) QR Code Generator).
• 📱 Scan it with Xiaomi's camera (in) MIUI built-in scanner QR).

💡

Nearby Share only works between devices with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. >1GB Both Phones Must Be Connected to the Same Wi-Fi Network.

7. Problem Solving: Phone doesn't see flash drive

If Xiaomi doesn't recognize USB-The storage device, check the following:

Critical information: On Xiaomi phones with MIUI 13/14 plug-in OTG Virus protection can work to block access to executable files (.exe,.apk). To get around this, temporarily turn off Virus Protection in Settings. → Security → Scanning.

FAQ: Frequent questions