How to quickly and safely transfer photos from your computer to Xiaomi: all ways

Transferring photos from your computer to your Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that every user faces. Whether you just bought a new Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or use a proven POCO X5, sooner or later you need to make room on your PC or just have your favorite shots at hand. Fortunately, MIUI and HyperOS have some built-in tools for this, and alternative methods make the process even easier.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer photos, from classic USB connection to modern cloud services, you will learn which method is the fastest, which preserves the original quality of images, and which is suitable if you do not have a cable at hand, and we will pay special attention to the hidden MIUI settings, which speed up the transfer by 2-3 times and prevent errors when copying large files.

Transfer through USB-cable: a classic and reliable method

Connecting a smartphone to a computer via cable remains the most versatile method — it works even without the Internet and does not require the installation of additional programs. However, many Xiaomi users face the problem when the phone is not defined as a drive or asks for permission every time they connect, and let’s take a step-by-step look at how to avoid these difficulties.

To start, check the quality of the cable: original wires from Xiaomi (especially from the Redmi or Mi 11 series) support high-speed data transfer (USB 2.0/3.0). Cheap uncertified cables often work only for charging. If the connection appears a notification “Charge via USB”, and the file transfer icon does not appear, the problem is precisely in the cable.

• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your PC with USB-cable (port) USB-C Micro-USB, depending on the model).
• 📱 A notification will appear on the phone screen «USB To transfer files – tap on it.
• 🔄 Select File Transfer Mode (MTP) Photo (PTP) (The second option is needed for older versions of Windows).
• 🖥️ The computer will open a conductor window with the folders of the smartphone. Photos are usually stored in Internal Storage. → DCIM → Camera.

If the DCIM folder is not displayed, check the visibility settings for hidden files in MIUI:

1. Open the Files app on your smartphone.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Activate the option to show hidden files.

⚠️ Note: When sending a large number of photos (more than 500 files) MTP Copying errors are possible. To avoid this, split files into batches of 200-300 pieces or use an archiver (for example, use an archiver, ZIP).

Make sure the cable supports data transmission

Unlock the smartphone screen before connecting

Select MTP mode in the USB notification

Check the availability of free space on Xiaomi

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2. Wi-Fi transmission: no wires and restrictions

If you don't have a cable on hand or you often throw photos, setting up Wi-Fi transmission will save time. Xiaomi offers two built-in ways: through MIUI+ (for Windows) and the Wi-Fi File Transfer feature in the Files app. The first method is faster, but requires software installation, the second works without additional programs.

Let us consider both options in more detail.

Method 1: MIUI+ (Windows 10/11)

MIUI+ is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi that not only transfers files, but also synchronizes notifications, clipboards and even allows you to control a smartphone from a PC.

1. Download MIUI+ for Windows and install it.
2. On your smartphone, open Settings → Connection and Sharing → MIUI+ and turn on the function.
3. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. On the PC, the MIUI+ icon will appear in the taskbar - click on it and select File Transfer.

Method 2: Built-in function "Wi-Fi transmission"

This method does not require software installation, but the speed of transmission depends on the quality of the network.

1. Open the Files app on Xiaomi.

MIUI+ (official SO)

Built-in transmission through QR-code

FTP-server (application side)

Another method-->

3. Cloud services: Google Photos, Mi Cloud and Yandex.Disk

Cloud storage is convenient because photos are automatically synchronized between devices and are available from any gadget. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud service, but it has limitations: only 5 GB is available for free, and download speed depends on Xiaomi servers (sometimes slower than competitors). Alternatives are Google Photos (unlimited storage in compressed quality) and Yandex.Disk (10 GB for free).

We'll take every option.

Mi Cloud: a proprietary solution from Xiaomi

To upload a photo to Mi Cloud:

1. On your smartphone, open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on the gallery sync.
3. On your computer, go to i.mi.com and log in.
4. In the Gallery section, select a photo and click Download.

The downside is that with a lot of photos, synchronization can take hours, plus files are automatically optimized to save space.

Google Photos: Automatic Synchronization

If you use Google Photos, photos can be downloaded from your PC via your browser, and they will appear automatically on your smartphone:

1. On your computer, open photos.google.com.
2. Drag the photo into the browser window or click Download.
3. On your smartphone, install the Google Photos app and log in to the same account.
4. Photos are synchronized in the background (you can speed up the process by opening the application).

⚠️ Note: In the free version of Google Photos compressed to a resolution of 16 MP. to maintain the original quality, you will need a subscription to Google One (from 139). ₽/month for 100GB).

4.Messaging and social media: a fast, but not perfect way

Send photos via Telegram, WhatsApp or VK is the easiest way to do this if you want to resend 10 to 20 images, but there are serious limitations to this method:

• 📏 Quality compression: Most instant messengers automatically reduce photo resolution (for example, WhatsApp compresses to a higher resolution). 1200×1600 pixel).
• 🚫 Size limit: Telegram maximum 2 GB per file, in VK — 50MB.
• ⏳ Time: When sending a large number of photos, you will have to wait for each file to download.

If these shortcomings are not critical, the instructions are simple:

1. Open the messenger on your computer (web version or desktop application).
2. Create a chat with yourself (for example, in Telegram find the @Saved_Messages).
3. Drag the photo into the chat window or click on the clip icon.
4. On your smartphone, open the same chat and save the photo to the gallery.

There’s a trick for Xiaomi: sending photos through Mi Drop (the built-in file sharing app) will keep the quality better than messengers. However, Mi Drop only works between Xiaomi devices and requires a connection to the same Wi-Fi network.

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To preserve EXIF-Use Telegram in File mode (not Photo) to do this, hold your finger on the file before sending it and select Send as a file».

5. Use of third-party applications: AirDroid, Send Anywhere, etc.

If the built-in methods are not satisfied, third-party applications offer advanced functions: transfer without size restrictions, support for all formats, cross-platform.-3 solution.

AirDroid: a universal file manager

AirDroid allows you to control your smartphone from your PC, transfer files, respond to messages and even mirror your screen. The free version limits the transfer speed (5 MB/s), but this is enough for photos.

1. Install AirDroid on your smartphone and computer (or use the web version).
2. Sign up or sign in via Google/Facebook.
3. On PC, select the device and drag the photo into the transfer window.

Send Anywhere: Transfer without registration

The main advantage of Send Anywhere is that there are no file size restrictions and no need to create an account.

1. Install the application on your smartphone and computer.
2. On PC, select files and click Send – code is generated.
3. On your smartphone, enter this code in the Receive field.

Pushbullet: for lovers of automation

Pushbullet syncs notifications, SMS and files between devices, which is suitable if you often share photos and want to do it in one click.

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The side of the application is convenient for regular file transfer, but requires installation of software on both devices. For a one-time transfer of photos, it is better to use built-in methods (USB or Wi-Fi).

Problems and Errors: What to Do If Photos Are Not Transmitted

Even if you do the right thing, you sometimes fail, and let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.

Problem 1: The computer can’t see Xiaomi via USB

If the smartphone is not defined as a drive when connecting:

• 🔧 Check the Mode. USB on the phone (should be) MTP).
• 🖥️ Update Xiaomi drivers on PC (download from the official website).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0, usually blue).

Problem 2: File copying error

If the message appears during the transfer “File failed to copy”:

• 📁 Check if there is enough space on your smartphone (in Settings) → Warehouse).
• 🔍 Make sure that file names do not contain prohibited characters (?, *,:, | etc.).
• 🛠️ Format the memory card (if the photos are copied to the SD) ExFAT format (supports files) >4GB).

Problem 3: Slow Wi-Fi transmission

If the speed of transmission via MIUI+ or FTP is too low:

• 📶 Reconnect both devices to a 5GHz network (if the router supports it).
• 🚫 Close background apps that consume traffic (torrents, online games).
• 🔧 In the router settings, turn on the mode WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia to prioritize file transfer.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using VPN On a computer or smartphone, disable it before transferring files over Wi-Fi. VPN It can block local connections, which is why MIUI+ or FTP-The server will not work.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions