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

Why standard copying methods don’t always work for Xiaomi

Transferring files from a smartphone to a PC seems like a trivial task — until you encounter the features of the MIUI firmware. Owners Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO often complain that when connecting via USB, the computer does not see internal memory, requests drivers or offers only charging. The reason lies in the default settings: the manufacturer activates the Charging mode via USB, not File Transfer (MTP).

Another common problem is the slow speed of copying over USB 2.0 on older models (such as the Redmi 4X or Mi A1), in which alternative methods like Wi-Fi Direct or cloud services may be faster, and if you are transferring hundreds of gigabytes of RAW or 4K video, even USB 3.1 on the Xiaomi 13 Pro will require optimization of the process.

In this article, we will discuss 7 current ways of data transfer – from classical cable to advanced solutions such as FTP-We'll focus on the nuances of the firmware. MIUI 14/15, where USB Changed and problems with Windows drivers 11.

Method 1: Transmission through USB-cable (MTP)

The most reliable method for large amounts of data is direct cable connection, but there are pitfalls in Xiaomi: the firmware defaults to block access to memory if you don't turn on manual file transfer mode. Here's how to do it correctly:

1. Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable (cheap analogues may not support data transfer).
2. The phone will display a USB Charge notification.
3. Select File Transfer (or MTP). On MIUI 14+, path: Settings → Connection and Sharing → USB.
4. On PC, open This computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) – the phone will appear as a removable drive.

If the computer does not see the device:

• 🔌 Check the cable: Try another port USB (preferably USB 3.0 blue).
• 🖥️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite from the official website (relevant to Windows) 7/10).
• 📱 Restart your phone and PC – sometimes resetting the connection helps.
• 🔄 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers.

Use the original Xiaomi cable

Enable MTP mode in the notification curtain

Check the USB 3.0 port on your PC

Install Mi PC Suite if necessary

Reboot both devices when they fail-->

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with unlocked bootloader (Bootloader) mode MTP It may not work smoothly, in which case use alternative methods or run through the official firmware.

The transfer speed depends on the USB version:

Method 2: Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (FTP/HTTP)

If the cable is not available, or USB-The port is damaged, and the built-in MIUI FTP-This method works on all models, starting with Redmi. 4X (2017), and does not require third-party applications. Speed depends on the router: on Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) It can reach up to 900 Mbps.

Instructions for setting:

1. Connect your phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network (important!).
2. On the phone, open Explorer → Networks → FTP.
3. Start with the address of the view. ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx.
4. On PC, enter this address in Explorer (Windows) or Finder → Connect to the server (macOS).
5. To log in, use the anonymous login, leave the password empty.

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If FTP is not connected, check if the Windows firewall is blocking access. Add an exception for port 2121 (the default in MIUI).

The alternative is to use HTTP-The algorithm is similar to the one used in the Mi Drop app (pre-installed on most models). FTP-You'll get a link to download files through your browser, and you'll get the advantage of being able to transfer data to any computer on your local network, even without administrator privileges.

⚠️ Please note: Do not use public Wi-Fi networks (cafes, airports) to transfer sensitive data through the Internet. FTP/HTTP. Traffic on such networks is often not encrypted and files can be intercepted.

Method 3: Cloud storage Mi Cloud

For Mi Account holders, the easiest way to sync is through Mi Cloud. The service offers 5GB of free space (enough for ~2,000 JPEG photos), the main plus: files are accessible from any device, even if the phone is lost or discharged.

How to set up automatic booting:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for Gallery, Notes, Contacts and other data.
3. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
4. In the Gallery section, select files and click Download.

Limitations of the method:

• 📉 Free rate is limited to 5 GB (expands to 200 GB for 990)₽/year).
• 🐢 Download speed depends on the Internet channel (100 Mbit / s 1 GB photo loaded) ~2 minutes).
• 🔒 Files are encrypted, but Xiaomi can theoretically access them (see privacy policy).

Mi Cloud

Google Drive

Yandex Disk

iCloud

Other/Not using-->

For large video transfers (e.g., with Xiaomi 13 Pro in 8K), it is better to use alternatives:

• 📁 Google Photos (unlimited storage for compressed photos, originals for a fee).
• ☁️ Yandex Disk (10GB free) integration with MIUI via).
• 💾 Mega (20GB free, end-to-end encryption).

Method 4: Applications for fast transfer (Xender, Snapdrop)

Third-party apps solve two key problems: cross-platform (Android) ↔ Windows/macOS/Linux) And it's also faster with optimized protocols, and Xender is the market leader, but there are simpler solutions like Snapdrop).

Comparison of popular applications:

Step-by-step instructions for Xender:

1. Install Xender from Google Play.
2. On PC, open web.xender.com in your browser.
3. On the phone tap Connect to the PC and scan QR-computer-screen.
4. Select files and click Send.

⚠️ Note: Applications like SHAREit (formerly popular) have been seen in security vulnerabilities. Use Send Anywhere with encryption to transmit sensitive data (documents, passwords.

Method 5: Transfer via OTG and memory card

If you support Xiaomi OTG (On-The-Go, you can use an external drive as an intermediary, and this method is relevant for models with a microSD slot (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+) or when working with USB-flash-drive.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect. OTG-adapter to the phone, and to it – a flash drive or card reader with a microSD.
2. In Explorer, select files, click Copy and paste them on a removable disk.
3. Remove the drive and connect it to the PC.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 No dependence on the internet or USB-PC-connection.
• 📦 You can transfer terabytes of data (limit only on the volume of the flash drive).
• 🛡️ Security: Files are not transferred over the network.

Disadvantages:

• 💰 Purchase required OTG-adapter (~300₽) and flash drives (from 500)₽ 64GB).
• ⏳ Double copying (telephone) → flash-drive → PC takes longer.

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OTG-Xiaomi has been supported since 2016 (except for some low-end models like Redmi). 5A). To check compatibility, plug in the flash drive – if a notification appears "USB-device connected, the function is working.

Method 6: Export via mail or messengers

For transferring small files (up to 25-50 MB), it is convenient to use email or messengers, which is suitable if you need to send a document or several photos urgently, and there are no other options.

How to send files via Gmail:

1. Open Gmail on your phone and create a new email.
2. Click on the paperclip (Include file) and select the files.
3. Enter your email in the Who field and send the letter.
4. On PC, open your mail and download the attachments.

Alternative messengers and their limitations:

• 📧 Telegram: up to 2 GB per file, no compression.
• 💬 WhatsApp: up to 100MB, photo/video compression.
• 📎 VK Messenger: up to 50 MB, convenient for fast transmission.

⚠️ Note: When sending videos and photos via WhatsApp, they are automatically compressed to permissions. 1280×720 (HD) and 1600×1200 (Use Telegram or cloud services for original quality.

Method 7: ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on custom firmware or broken) USB-You can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires command line skills, but allows you to copy files even when the screen is locked (if debugging is enabled). USB).

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone (see Method 1).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the ADB folder.
4. Follow the commands: adb devices (should display your device) adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ C:\Photos\ (copies a photo from the Camera folder to C:\Photos\ on a PC)

Advantages of ADB:

• 🔧 It works even when the screen is damaged (if the debugging was enabled in advance).
• 📂 You can copy system files (for example, /data/data/ backup).

Risks:

• ⚠️ A command error can result in data loss (e.g. adb shell rm). -rf /sdcard/ delete all files).
• 🛡️ Developer rights are required, which may violate warranty on some models.

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To speed up copying through ADB, use the -a flag to save the file timestamps: adb pull -a /sdcard/C:\Backup\.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring files from Xiaomi to PC