How to transfer photos from Xiaomi Redmi 7 to your computer USB: Complete guidance with error solutions

Transfer photos from Xiaomi Redmi 7 to your computer via USB-cable seems to be a simple task, but in practice users are faced with a lot of nuances: the phone is not defined as a drive, drivers are not installed, MIUI It blocks access to files or offers only charging. In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from basic connection settings to solving rare bugs related to firmware or Windows settings.

Feature Redmi 7 (as well as other smartphones on the Internet) MIUI) It's an aggressive energy saving and security policy that can interfere with data transmission. USB-Connection to Charging Only, and in new versions MIUI It even hides a mode selection notification, and we'll show you how to get around those restrictions and guarantee you access your files.

The article will be useful to owners of other Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 7, Mi 9), as the principles of working with the company are very useful. MTP-protocol MIUI universal, and if USB-The connection is still not working – at the end we will give alternative ways to transfer photos (over Wi-Fi, over the cloud, etc.).

Preparation of the phone: turn on debugging and the correct mode USB

Before you connect Redmi 7 to your computer, you need to configure the smartphone itself — MIUI By default, it hides the developer’s options and can block data transmission through the USB. Here's what we need to do:

• 🔧 Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. You will receive a notification saying, “You are a developer».
• 🔄 Allow debugging on USB: Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and turn on the debugging switch USB.
• 📱 Select data mode: when connecting the cable in the notification curtain, tap on the message “Charging through” USB» and install File Transfer (MTP).

Important: Redmi 7s MIUI 12+ choice-notification USB-To call it, pull the curtain down twice (to open all notifications) and find "Android System» → «Charging through USB».

If it's on the list of regimes USB absent MTP (For example, there is only “Charge” and “Camera”), which means that:

• 🚫 Developer rights disabled on phone (check if debugging is enabled).
• 🔌 Uses a non-original cable (try another, preferably branded from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ There are no drivers on the computer (about this in the next section).

Computer setup: drivers, MTP error-solving

Even if the Redmi 7 is configured correctly, the computer may not recognize it as a drive, most often due to the lack of drivers. MTP (Media Transfer Protocol or conflict with previously installed software (e.g. Mi) PC Let's take it apart:

Installation of drivers MTP manually

If when you connect your phone to the Windows Device Manager, an unknown device with a yellow exclamation point appears:

1. Press the right button on the device → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer.
2. Select the driver from the list of already installed.
3. Find it in the list. MTP-UThe Devices (or Portable Devices) → MTP) and set it up.

2.Reinstallation of Xiaomi drivers

Download the official drivers from the Xiaomi website (link) and install them in the following order:

Remove the old Mi software PC Suite via "Programs and Components»|

Download the archive with drivers for your model (Redmi 7)|

Disable the antivirus during installation|

Connect the phone in mode MTP and wait for the automatic installation|

Restart your computer and phone-->

🔹 For Windows. 10/11: If the drivers are not installed, try disabling the driver signature:

1. Run the command line on behalf of the administrator.
2. Follow the command: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on
3. Restart the PC and re-install.

3. Service inspection MTP Windows

Sometimes service MTP It's offline in the system:

1. Press Win + R, enter services.msc.
2. Find the Device Service MTP (Portable Device Enumerator Service).
3. If it is stopped, start it and set the launch type Automatically.

⚠️ Note: If you are using MacOS to work with MTP You'll need some extra software, like Android File Transfer, which is the official Google app. android.com/filetransfer.

Step-by-step: how to transfer photos from Redmi 7 to PC

If the phone and computer are set up correctly, the photo transfer process will take no more than a minute.

1. Connect Redmi 7 to your computer with the original cable. USB 2.0 (if you have both blue and black ports on your PC, choose black ports).
2. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP). If this item is not, go back to the section "Preparation of the phone».

📌 Tip: If there are many photos, archiving will help to speed up the process. → Add to the archives (ZIP), And then you copy it to a PC, and that'll reduce the load on your computer. USB-port and avoid transmission errors.

💡

If you often transfer photos from Redmi 7 to your PC, create a shortcut for the folder on your desktop. DCIM. To do this, drag it from the conductor to the desktop, holding the Alt key. Next time you don't have to manually search for a path.

Alternative ways to transfer photos (if USB does not work)

If you connect through USB It still doesn't work, so use one of the alternative methods. We sorted them by speed and convenience:

1. Wi-Fi transmission (via Mi Drop or FTP-server)

Xiaomi Redmi 7 supports the built-in Mi Drop app (formerly Mi Share), which allows you to transfer files without cable:

1. Open Mi Drop on your phone and select Send Files.
2. Select the necessary photos and click on Next.
3. Select the computer and scan it. QR-code from the PC screen (or connect to the IP-address).

🔹 Transmission speed: ~5-10 MB/s (depending on the router).

2. Cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud, Yandex.Disk)

If you have a few photos, upload them to the cloud:

• ☁️ Google Photos: automatically sync all photos (settings) → Backup and synchronization).
• 📁 Mi Cloud: Xiaomi's built-in cloud (5GB for free) Upload photos to the Gallery → Mi Cloud.
• 💾 Yandex.Disk: install the application, upload photos and download them to your PC via your browser.

3. microSD memory card

If the photos are stored on SD-map:

1. Remove the card from Redmi 7 (use a paper clip for the tray).
2. Put it in the card reader and connect it to the computer.
3. Copy files from the DCIM folder.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove the memory card during data transfer - this can damage the file system. Always use the Safe Extract feature in Windows.

4. Bluetooth transmission (for small files)

Suitable for 1-2 photos:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC.
2. Connect devices (enter the same confirmation code).
3. In the gallery, select a photo. → Share. → Bluetooth.

📌 Limitation: Speed ~1-2 MB/s, maximum file size – usually up to 50 MB.

💡

If USB-The connection does not work, the fastest alternative method is Mi Drop over Wi-Fi (up to 10 MB / s).+ GB: Optimally use microSD memory card.

Solving rare errors in the transfer of photos

Sometimes Redmi 7 users face non-obvious problems that are not described in the standard instructions.

1.The phone is plugging in, but the folder DCIM idle

Causes and solutions:

• 📂 Photos saved elsewhere: Check folders: Pictures/Screenshots (screenshot), MIUI/Camera (standard camera photo), WhatsApp/Media (messenger).
• 🔍 Hidden Files: Enable the Display of Hidden Folders in Windows Explorer (View) → Hidden elements).
• 📱 File system error: Connect your phone, open Command Prompt and execute: chkdsk E: /f (where E: is the letter of your phone's disk).

2. "Not enough space on the device" error when copying

Paradoxically, Windows sometimes shows this error, even if there's enough space on the PC.

• 💾 Format the disk in NTFS: If your system disk is formatted in FAT32, It doesn't support files anymore. 4 GB. Convert it to NTFS command: convert C: /fs:ntfs (replace C with the desired disc).
• 🗑️ Clean the basket: Sometimes the "lack of space" is associated with a crowded basket.
• 📁 Copy one by one: Select and copy files in small batches (100-200 pieces each).

3.The phone is permanently switched off during transmission

This is a typical problem for Redmi 7 with a dead battery or a faulty battery. USB-Check the port:

• 🔋 Battery Charge: Connect your phone to charging before data transfer. MIUI may turn off USB-low-load.
• 🔌 Connection quality: Try to hold the cable in a certain position – if the transmission is stable, the problem is a damaged connector.
• ⚡ Power Saving Settings: Turn off Energy Saving Mode in the Notification Curtain.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi 7 is disabled when connected to the USB, This may indicate a power controller malfunction, so avoid using non-original chargers and contact a service center.

How to speed up the transfer of photos: optimization of the process

Transferring hundreds of photos through USB It can take hours, especially if the files are in high resolution:

Archiving before transfer

Creation ZIP-Archives on the phone reduce transmission time by 30-50%:

1. Install a file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Select the folder with the photo, select Compress (or Add to archive).
3. Copy the archive on a PC and unpack it.

2.Use of USB 2.0 instead of 3.0

Ironically, Redmi 7 ports are a good idea. USB 2.0 (black) is often more stable than USB 3.0 (blue) This is due to the specifics of the implementation. MTP-protocol MIUI.

3. Disabling the antivirus during transmission

Antiviruses (e.g. Avast, Kaspersky) scan every file you transfer, slowing down the process.

4. Transmission via ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can copy files through the ADB:

1. Install. ADB Tools on PC (link).
2. Connect the phone in debugging mode via USB.
3. Execute the command: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera C:\Photos (where C:\Photos — PC-folder).

Frequent Questions (FAQ)