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

Why is the standard method of c USB-The cable doesn't always work.

You connected Xiaomi to your computer via cable, but instead of folders with files, you only see a charging notification? This is a typical problem for owners of Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones - the manufacturer by default blocks data transfer over MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) for security. Even if you previously successfully copied files, after updating MIUI, the settings could be reset.

Another trap is the unoriginal cables, which are often low-cost cords that only support charging, not data transfer, and if you use USB Type-C on the new Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+, the problem may lie in the lack of drivers on a PC. Windows 10/11 usually installs them automatically, but sometimes requires manual configuration.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer files, from the classic USB to cloud services and wireless protocols, focusing on the hidden MIUI settings that interfere with data transfer, and bypass the restrictions without root rights.

Method 1: Transmission through USB-cable (unlocked) MTP)

This is the fastest method, but it requires you to set up your phone correctly. If you only see a phone icon in the conductor without access to files, follow these steps:

1. Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable (preferably from the kit). Use the USB 3.0 port on your computer (usually blue) for maximum speed.
2. Unlock the Xiaomi screen – data transfer via MTP only works with an active display.
3. Swipe down the notification bar and tap on the option “Charge via USB” (or “USB for file transfer”).
4. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP). If this is not the case, read the decision below.

If you don't have MTP on the menu, you've disabled the MIUI settings to enable it:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and tap on the “MIUI version” 7 times to activate the developer mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option "Configuration" USB by default and select MTP (Media Transfer Protocol).
4. Connect the phone again – now the file transfer mode should appear.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO F5) post-update MIUI 14th option MTP It might disappear. In this case, resetting the settings will help. USB: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Reset application settings.

Use the original Xiaomi cable

Unlock the phone screen

Select the MTP mode in the notification

Check the drivers on your PC (install Mi PC Suite if necessary)

Restart your phone if it is not determined-->

Method 2: Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (without cables)

If you don't have a cable or a USB-C port on your phone is damaged, you can transfer files over the LAN.

• 📁 Built-in FTP-server MIUI (It works on all models, including Redmi 12 and Xiaomi. 13T).
• 🌐 Web interface via Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop).
• 🔗 Specialized applications like Portal or Send Anywhere.

Let’s consider the first option — FTP-server MIUI:

1. Connect your phone and computer to the same Wi-Fi network (or create an access point on Xiaomi).
2. On the phone, open the Explorer (the Files app).
3. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → "FTP" → "Run server".
4. Write down the address of the view ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx.
5. On PC, open Explorer, paste the address in the address bar and press Enter.
6. Enter the anonymous login (or the one listed on the phone screen) and the password (usually blank).

Wi-Fi transmission speeds will be lower than USB (about 5-10 MB/s vs. 40-60 MB/s for USB 3.0), but you don’t need to connect cables. For large files (video in 4K or archives), it is better to use a wired connection.

Through USB-cable

Wi-Fi (FTP, Mi Share)

Google Drive (Mi Cloud) and Google Drive (Mi Drive)

Other Apps (Send Anywhere, Shareit)

Don't transfer files to PCs.-->

Method 3: Cloud storage (Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Yandex.Disk)

If you need to transfer files to a different computer (like a work PC or a friend’s laptop), cloud services are the best solution. Xiaomi offers its own cloud, Mi Cloud, but it has limitations:

To upload files to Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Cloud app on Xiaomi.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (if not registered, create it in Settings → Mi Account).
3. Slip on "+" → "Download" and select the files.
4. Go to i.mi.com and download them.

⚠️ Note: Mi Cloud automatically compresses photos when downloading if you have the option "Storage Optimization" enabled. To transfer the originals, turn it off in the cloud settings.

Google Drive or Yandex.Disk have a similar algorithm, but these services have no restrictions on photo size, but keep in mind that downloading 10 GB of data over the mobile Internet (if there is no Wi-Fi) will “eat” up to 30 GB of traffic (due to encryption protocols).

Method 4: Mi Share (Fast Device-to-Device Exchange)

Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is Xiaomi’s proprietary technology for wireless file transfer between devices. It works on the Wi-Fi Direct protocol, so it does not require a connection to the network. Speeds reach 20 MB / s (faster than Bluetooth, but slower than USB 3.0).

How to use:

1. On your phone, open Files → select the files you want → Share → Mi Share.
2. On your computer, open your browser and go to the address ftp://connect.mi.com (or scan. QR-phone-screen).
3. Confirm the connection on both devices.
4. Select the files on the phone and wait for the transfer to be completed.

Mi Share supports transfer of any files, including APK, ZIP-archives and videos 4K), but there are nuances:

• 🔋 Battery consumption is higher than when USB-connection (before) 15-20% for a high-volume transmission session).
• 📡 In some models (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro) Mi Share may conflict with Google's Nearby Share. disable the second in the settings.
• 🛑 If the transfer stops, try to turn on "Flight Mode" on your phone, then activate Wi-Fi again.

💡

If Mi Share does not find your computer, check that your PC has enabled SMB 1.0/CIFS in the "On or off Windows Components" (for Windows 10/11) protocol.

Method 5: Specialized applications (Send Anywhere, Portal, Snapdrop)

If the built-in methods don’t work (e.g., on Xiaomi with custom firmware or after resetting), use third-party utilities. They don’t require registration and often bypass the limitations of MIUI.

Top.-3 file-transfer:

• 📲 Send Anywhere - generates 6-digit code for the connection. Supports files up to 10 GB at a time.
• 🌐 Portal (by Pushbullet) – transfer via browser QR-Maximum 1 GB at a time, but without installing the software on the PC.
• 🔗 Snapdrop is the equivalent of AirDrop Android/PC. Works through a local area network, with no size restrictions.

Example from Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on Xiaomi from Google Play.
2. Select files → click “Send” → “Generate code”.
3. On your computer, open send-anywhere.com, enter the code and download the files.

⚠️ Note: When transferring sensitive data (documents, passwords) through third-party services, use encryption. Send Anywhere automatically turns it on, and Snapdrop files are transmitted in plain form (suitable only for home networking).

Problem Solving: What to Do When Files Are Not Portable

Even after you set it up correctly, you can still get errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 Cable and port USB — Try another cord or port on your PC.
• 📱 Developer Mode – Sometimes Option MTP hidden if it's off. USB-debugging.
• 🔄 Rebooting devices is banal, but helps in 30% of cases.

💡

If Xiaomi is defined as a “Media Device” but files are not copied, try manually updating the driver through Device Manager by selecting “Update Drivers" → "Search for drivers on this computer" → "Install from the list" → "MTP-device".

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring files from Xiaomi to PC