Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 4X have excellent cameras that allow you to take hundreds of high-resolution images per day. Sooner or later, the internal memory of the device is filled, and the user is faced with the question of storing important information. Cable connection remains the fastest and most reliable way to move large amounts of data, regardless of Internet speed.
Unlike cloud services or Bluetooth transmission, using a charging cord provides maximum file copy speed, which is especially relevant when you need to transfer several gigabytes of photos or videos to 4K. In this article, we will discuss a step-by-step algorithm that will help you quickly free up space on your gadget.
It is important to understand that the process may vary depending on the version of the operating system. MIUI Some users find that the computer simply starts charging the phone, ignoring the files. USB-Ports to avoid typical errors.
Preparation of equipment and compatibility check
Before starting to connect devices, you need to make sure the serviceability of the hardware. USB-And the cable is the first part of the circuit that needs attention, and often it comes with a purely charging cable, without the data lines being sold off, and if your cord is unmarked or looks too thin, it's very likely that it won't be able to transfer files.
The second important aspect is the state of USB-plug-in 4X. In the model 4X It uses a Micro-USB port that can become shaky or clogged with dust over time. Carefully inspect the nest in good light. The presence of pile or oxides can prevent close contact, which prevents the computer from seeing the device.
⚠️ Note: Using damaged or substandard cables may short-circuit or damage the power controller on the smartphone motherboard.
Also check the port on your computer or laptop.It is recommended to use connectors located on the back of the system unit (for stationary PCs), as they are directly connected to the motherboard and provide stable voltage. USB-hubs without additional power may not provide sufficient current for the correct operation of the data interface.
Make sure your computer has basic drivers installed. Modern operating systems like Windows 10 or Windows 11 install them automatically when you first connect your device. However, if you're using an older version of Windows, you may need to manually install MTP drivers (Media Transfer Protocol).
Set-up of the regime USB-plug-in MIUI
After the phone and computer are physically connected, a charging notification will appear on the smartphone screen. By default, the Xiaomi Redmi 4X goes into "Charge Only" mode, which hides the file system from the outside world. To change this behavior, you need to lower the notification curtain and click on the corresponding message.
In the open menu of the choice of mode of work USB You must select the "File Transfer" item, or"MTP". This protocol allows the computer to see the internal memory and SD-The card is like removable discs. If you choose, "Photo transmission (PTP)", The computer will only see the folder with images, which can be inconvenient when sorting archives.
Some versions of the MIUI may require additional confirmation of debugging or data access permission, especially if you've previously connected that computer. Security may request permission to access files - be sure to click "Allow." Without this step, folders will remain empty or hidden.
If the mode selection menu doesn't automatically appear, try unlocking your phone's screen after you plug in the cable. Sometimes the system ignores connection requests while the device is in sleep mode with the screen locked. You can also try rebooting your smartphone with the cable already connected.
Search and copy photos through the Explorer
When MTP mode is activated, open "My Computer" on your PC. Your Redmi 4X should appear in the list of disks and devices. Double clicking on the phone icon will open access to the root directory of internal memory.
Photos taken on the main camera are usually stored in the DCIM folder, and inside it - in the Camera subfolder. Screenshots are most often in the Pictures -> Screenshots folder. Images from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) can lie in separate directories with the names of the respective applications or in a shared Android/media folder.
☑️ Copying algorithm
To copy large amounts of data, it is better to use the "cut" and "paste" method or drag and drop with the left mouse button clamped.+C, Ctrl+V) will first create a temporary copy, which can take double the time when working with gigabytes of information.-bar, speed-tracking.
Sorting photos on your computer right away, creating folders by date or event, which will save you from the chaos of looking for a particular snapshot among thousands of files, and structuring data is a key step in multimedia work.
Solution: Computer can't see phone
The situation where the phone is charging but not showing up in the system is one of the most common. Often the problem lies in the drivers. Open the Device Manager on your computer (can be found through the Start menu search) and see if there are devices with a yellow exclamation mark. If there is an unknown gadget in the Portable Device or Other Devices section, the driver needs to be updated.
To do this, right-click on the device, select "Update driver" ->"Search for drivers on this computer" ->"Select a driver from the list of available drivers"MTP USB-device" or "Device USB MTP". Choosing the right driver often solves the problem instantly.
⚠️ Note: Do not install drivers from third-party aggregator sites, use only standard Windows tools or the official Xiaomi website.
Another reason may be the on-going mode"USB-"debugging" in the developer menu, which sometimes conflicts with the normal file transfer mode -> Advanced settings -> For developers and disable the item "Debugging by USB". Then reconnect the cable.
It's also worth checking your security settings. In some cases, antivirus software on your computer may block new media devices from connecting. Temporarily disable the antivirus to test your hypothesis. If you've made a decision after that, add it to the exceptions.
Use of alternative methods of transmission
If wired connections are not possible for some reason (break the connector, no cable), you can use wireless methods, although they are slower. the built-in Mi Drop application (there is called Xiaomi Share) or third-party programs like Resilio Sync allow you to transfer files over Wi-Fi.
For users of the Windows ecosystem, the standard “Phone Link” application, which allows you to sync photos automatically when you are on a single Wi-Fi network, can be useful, but for the initial upload of the entire archive over the years of use, the cable remains the no-choice leader in speed.
There is also the possibility of using FTP-The phone creates a local network, and you connect to it as a network drive. It's convenient, but it requires customization and knowledge. IP-device-address.
Data transfer speed
Comparison of Connection Methods and Their Characteristics
To better understand which method to choose in a particular situation, it is worth comparing their basic parameters: cable connection wins in stability and speed, whereas wireless methods give mobility.
| Parameter | USB Cable (MTP) | Wi-Fi (FTP/Mi Drop) | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | High (up to 30 MB/s) | Mean (5-15 MB/s) | Low (< 1 MB/s) |
| Stability | Maximum | Depends on the router. | Low. |
| Battery charge | Phone's charging. | Quick discharge. | Medium grade |
| Convenience for 1000+ photos | Perfect. | Acceptable. | Not recommended |
The table shows that the task of "slip a photo from phone to computer through the cord" is unparalleled in efficiency. MTP over USB 2.0 is the de facto standard for mass transfer of media files on Android devices. Other methods only make sense when the port is physically broken.
When working with large data sets, it is important not to interrupt the process. If the copy stops in the middle, the file can be corrupted. Always wait for the operation to end and the device to be safely extracted, although in the case of MTP this is not always strictly necessary, it is better to be safe.
Why does the computer see only a few photos?
Can I send photos in original quality through messengers?
What to do if the DCIM folder is empty?
Does the Android version affect the process?
💡
Using the original cable and choosing the MTP mode is the key to quickly and successfully transfer photos from Xiaomi Redmi 4X to your computer without loss of quality and time.