How to transfer files from your computer to Xiaomi: all ways in 2026

Transferring files from your computer to your Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that every user faces. Whether you want to upload vacation photos, transfer important documents or install.apk apps, choosing the right method saves time and nerves. In 2026, Redmi owners will have to take a look at the new technology, POCO Xiaomi 14 flagship models have at least 7 working ways – from the classic USB-Cable to cloud services with artificial intelligence.

The main problem is that not all methods are equally effective. For example, USB transmission can slow down due to outdated drivers, and Wi-Fi Direct requires network configuration. In this article, we will examine each option with nuances: where to look for hidden settings in MIUI, how to circumvent the restrictions of Windows 11 on access to files, and why it is sometimes easier to use Google Drive than mess with cables.

Transfer through USB-cable: step-by-step instruction

The most reliable, but often problematic way, is that modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 12) require additional steps to recognize the device as a drive.

1. Connect the cable to the USB port of your computer (preferably USB 3.0 blue). Use the original Xiaomi cable or a certified USB-C (for models after 2020).
2. The smartphone screen will show a notification "Charge via USB."
3. Select File Transfer (or MTP in older versions of MIUI).
4. On your PC, open “This Computer” and your Xiaomi will appear as a removable drive (e.g., “Redmi Note 12 Pro”).

If the device is not determined:

• 🔌 Check the cable – cheap uncertified wires often don’t support data transmission.
• 🖥️ Update drivers through Device Manager (section "Portable Devices").
• 📱 Turn on "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers.

Use the original cable |Enable MTP mode on your phone |Update drivers on PC |Deactivate blockers (antivirus, firewall) |Reboot both devices-->

The transfer speed depends on the USB version:

USB 2.0: up to 40 MB/s (older Redmi 4/5 models)

USB 3.0: up to 400MB/s (Xiaomi 13/14, POCO F5)

USB 3.1: up to 800 MB/s (flagships with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3)

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If the transmission is interrupted (Chinese characters mean "suddenly interrupted"), try turning off Battery Optimization for Media in the MIUI settings.

2. Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (Mi Drop, Snapdrop)

If you don't have a cable and you need to move your files quickly, use a local network. Xiaomi offers a built-in solution, Mi Drop, but it only works between devices in the same ecosystem. ↔ Xiaomi is better off using Snapdrop or LocalSend.

Mi Drop (for Xiaomi → Xiaomi):

1. Open the Mi Drop app (pre-installed on all MIUI smartphones).
2. Click "Send" → select files → "Connect to the computer".
3. On PC, open your browser and go to the address ftp://[IP-Phone address (displayed in Mi Drop).

Snapdrop (Universal Method):

1. On your PC and phone, open snapdrop.net (does not require installation).
2. Make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Drag files to the phone icon in the PC browser.

Mi Drop|Snapdrop|LocalSend|No other service |Not using-->

When you transfer large files (>1 GB) over Wi-Fi, there may be breaks. If the network is unstable, break the archive into parts of 500-700 MB.

3. Cloud Storage: Google Drive vs Mi Cloud

Cloud services are convenient for backing up and transferring files between devices. Xiaomi offers its own solution - Mi Cloud (5 GB for free), but it has speed limits. Google Drive is more versatile, but requires authorization.

Mi Cloud:

• 📁 Free: 5GB (expands to 100GB for 99)₽/month).
• ⚡ Speed: up to 10 MB/s (depending on region).
• 🔒 Encryption: Basic only (not suitable for sensitive data).

Google Drive:

• 📁 Free: 15 GB (shared with Gmail).
• ⚡ Speed: up to 50 MB/s (with good internet).
• 🔒 Encryption: End-to-end for some file types.

Instructions for Google Drive:

1. On PC, upload files to drive.google.com.
2. On the phone, open the Disk app and log in to the same account.
3. Find the files in the "My Discs" section → download them (long press → "Download").

⚠️ Note: When downloading files >2GB in Mi Cloud via Xiaomi mobile network automatically compresses video to resolution 720p. To avoid quality loss, use Wi-Fi or Google Drive.

4. Bluetooth transmission (for small files)

Bluetooth is convenient for sending contacts, small documents or photos in low resolution, but the speed rarely exceeds 2-3 MB / s, and on new Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra), this feature is often disabled by default.

How to turn on:

1. On the phone: Settings → Bluetooth → turn on visibility.
2. On PC: Add a new device through Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Confirm the pairing (code must match on both screens).
4. On PC, right-click on the file → “Send → Bluetooth Device”.

Limitations:

• 📎 Maximum file size: 50 MB (some models have 100 MB).
• 🐢 Speed: 1-3 MB/s (depends on the Bluetooth version).
• 🔋 Battery consumption: up to 15% per hour of continuous transmission.

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Bluetooth is only suitable for transferring small files (up to 50MB) and contacts. For everything else, use USB or Wi-Fi.

5.Use of FTP-servers on Xiaomi (for advanced servers)

If you want speed and flexibility, set up FTP-It's a server right on your smartphone, and it allows you to manage files through any device. FTP-Customer (e.g. FileZilla or Total Commander).

Instructions:

1. Install an FTP Server application (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Start the server and write it down. IP-address (e.g, ftp://192.168.1.10:2221).
3. On PC, open FileZilla and enter the connection details: Host: 192.168.1.10 Port: 2221 Username: anonymous Password: (leave empty)
4. Drag files between your PC and phone like you would in a regular file manager.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Speed: up to 80 MB/s (wi-fi 6).
• 📂 Access to all folders (including system folders if root is available).
• 🔄 Packet transmission (for example, 1000 photos at a time).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use FTP For sensitive data (passwords, bank documents) the protocol does not encrypt traffic, you should choose SFTP or WebDAV with SSL.

6. Transfer via instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)

The easiest, but not the most reliable way, is to send 1-2 files when you don’t have cable or Wi-Fi on hand. Telegram is best, it supports files up to 2 GB and maintains original quality.

How to send:

1. In Telegram on PC, drag and drop files into the Saved Messages chat (or any contact).
2. On the phone, open the same chat and download files (long tap → “Save to the gallery”).

Limitations of messengers:

When sending via WhatsApp, videos are compressed to 480p resolution, and photos are compressed to 12 MP. Use Telegram or cloud services to maintain quality.

7. Alternative methods: OTG, SD-map, AirDroid

If standard methods don’t work, try workarounds:

• 📱 OTG-Adapter: Connect the flash drive to the phone via USB-C → USB-A Adapter and copy files from PC to drive, and then to Xiaomi.
• 💾 SD-Map: Insert the card into the phone, connect it to the PC USB, Transfer files to the card, then disable and use files on the phone.
• ☁️ AirDroid: Install the app on your phone and PC for remote file management (there is a feature "Unlimited transfer" for premium users).

When to use:

• OTG: If you don't have a cable, but you have a flash drive.
• SD-map: for transferring large amounts of data (e.g. movies).
• AirDroid: For regular synchronization between PC and phone.

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If your Xiaomi does not support OTG, check the settings in Settings → Additional → OTG. On some models (Redmi 9A), this feature must be enabled manually.

FAQ: Frequent questions