Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are equipped with powerful cameras that can capture high-resolution images. However, the device’s internal memory is often not enough to store thousands of photos and hours of video. Sooner or later, every user wonders how to effectively and quickly vacate space or transfer the archive to a computer.
There are many ways to do this, from traditional cables to wireless cloud technology, depending on the amount of data, the availability of a PC and the speed of the Internet connection, and in this article we will discuss all the current options so that you can choose the most convenient for your situation.
Before you start any data transfer procedure, it is important to make sure that the connection is stable. If you are working with wireless methods, check the Wi-Fi network. When using the cable, make sure that it is good and supports data transfer, not just charging.
Transfer of files through USB-computer-mount
The fastest and most reliable way to copy a large amount of data is to use it. USB-And you'll need a standard Type-C cable that came with your smartphone, or a quality cable. Connect it to a computer or laptop port.
Once connected, the default phone can only charge. To make the computer see the files, you need to change the USB mode. Swipe from top to bottom to open the notification curtain, and find the message "Charge via USB." Click on it and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
On your computer, open "My Computer" or "This Computer." Your smartphone will appear in the list of devices. Go to the DCIM → Camera folder, where the main camera images are stored, or to the Pictures folder for screenshots and images from messengers.
☑️ Pre-copying check
Select the photos you want and drag them to your hard drive, and the speed of copying depends on the version of the USB port and the quality of the cable, and this method is ideal for backing up the entire photo archive at once.
Using Google Cloud Storage Photos
Google Photos is pre-installed on all Google-certified smartphones and is one of the most convenient ways to sync, automatically backing up your images in the cloud, allowing them to be accessed from any device.
To activate, open the app, click on your profile avatar, and select “Photo Shooting Settings.” Make sure Autoupload and Sync is enabled. You can choose the “Saving Space” quality for free unlimited storage or “Original” based on your Google One account space.
⚠️ Note: When you delete photos from the gallery after synchronization, they can also be removed from the cloud if you do not disable the sync beforehand.
To transfer a photo to another phone or PC, you just need to go to photos.google.com or install the app on a new device under the same account, all images will be instantly available with the Internet.
How do I make room on my phone?
Xiaomi’s Mi Cloud App
Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers its own cloud service, Mi Cloud, which is deeply integrated into the shell of MIUI and HyperOS. It is a great alternative for those who prefer the services of the manufacturer.
Go to your smartphone settings, select the "Mi Account" section, and go to the "Cloud" section, where you can activate gallery sync, and the system allows you to set up automatic uploads of photos over Wi-Fi so that you don't waste mobile traffic.
Files can be accessed via a browser on any device at i.mi.com. The web interface allows you to not only view but also download photos in single files or entire albums, a convenient way to quickly transfer several pictures without cable.
Free storage is limited to 5GB. If your archive is large, you'll have to buy a subscription or combine it with others, but for critical documents and personal images, it's a reliable, complementary storage channel.
Wireless transmission via ShareMe
ShareMe (formerly Mi Drop) is a powerful tool for transferring files between Xiaomi devices and beyond.It works on the principle of Wi-Fi Direct, providing high speed without using Internet traffic.
To transfer a photo to another phone, install the app on both devices or use the built-in feature in the gallery. Click "Send", select the recipient from the list of nearby devices or scan. QR-Transmission speeds can reach tens of megabytes per second.
To connect to your computer, run ShareMe on your phone, open the menu, and select Connect Computer. FTP-server. Enter the displayed address (e.g, ftp://192.168.1.5:2121) to the address bar of the Windows Explorer.
- 🚀 High transmission speeds hundreds of times higher than Bluetooth.
- 📶 No Internet connection, works on a local network.
- 📱 Compatible with Android and iOS, as well as the ability to work with PC.
This is especially good when you want to quickly upload a heavy video or a packet of photos to your laptop, and the cable is lying across the room, and FTP allows you to manage your phone's file system like a regular folder.
Comparison of data transmission methods
To make it easier for you to decide on the method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method depending on your current tasks and the equipment available.
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Cable | Very high. | No. | Medium (wire required) |
| Google Photo | Depends on the network. | Yes. | High (automatically) |
| Mi Cloud | Depends on the network. | Yes. | High (integration) |
| ShareMe (FTP) | Tall. | No (locally) | High (no wires) |
As you can see from the table, cable is the best fit for one-time operations to transfer the entire archive; for daily synchronization and access from different devices, cloud services are optimal; Local Wi-Fi transmission is the golden mean for working without the Internet.
💡
Use the cloud for regular backups, and for one-time transfer of gigabytes of data — USB-cable FTP.
Transfer to memory card and external drives
Many Xiaomi models support microSD card installation, which allows you to physically transfer files to an external medium. SIM) or use OTG-flash-drive adapter.
Open the Explorer app on your smartphone. Find a folder of photos, highlight them, and select Copy or Move. As your target directory, specify a path to the memory card, such as: /storage/emulated/1 external SD-map.
⚠️ Note: Formatting the memory card as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage) will make it unreadable on other devices without reset. For easy storage, format the card as a portable medium.
Use of the OTG-The cable allows you to connect the usual USB-The phone automatically recognizes the drive, and the notification curtain will show the corresponding icon. This is a quick way to download a photo if you don't have a computer on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can’t your computer see photos of Xiaomi when you connect?
How to repost photos without losing quality?
Can I take a photo with a broken screen?
Where are the screenshots on Xiaomi stored?
💡
Use the Cleanup feature in the Security app to find duplicate photos and similar shots that take up space before moving the archive.
Now you know all the basic ways to share photos with Xiaomi, combine these methods to maximize the security of your data, and regular backup will save you from losing important points in the event of a device breakdown.