How to quickly transfer photos from Xiaomi to the flash drive: all ways + problem solving

Transferring photos from Xiaomi to a flash drive seems like a simple task — until you encounter errors like “Device is not recognized” or “No access to files.” In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to transfer photos, including hidden functions. MIUI, And we're going to focus on things that are 2-3 times faster. OTG-adapters, file system format flash drive (FAT32 vs exFAT) and the nuances of working with Redmi Note 12 models, POCO X5 other.

You will learn how to get around the restrictions. MIUI access to root folders, why some flash drives are not identified through USB-OTG, How to transfer photos without loss of quality RAW-And then there's the unique life hack that uses the App Clone feature to speed up the cloud, and if you're tired of slow wired connections or persistent copying errors, this guide will help you choose the best method for your Xiaomi model.

1.Preparation: Which flash drive is right for Xiaomi?

Not every flash drive will work correctly with Xiaomi – especially if we are talking about models with USB-C (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+).

• 🔹 File system format: FAT32 (Supports files up to 4GB or exFAT (for files) >4GB, for example, video 4K). NTFS Most Xiaomi smartphones don’t read without root rights.
• 🔹 Volume: from 8 GB (minimum for backup), optimally - 32-128 GB. Flash drives 256 GB or more may not be determined on budget models (Redmi). 10A, POCO M4).
• 🔹 Recording speed: class UHS-I U3 or V30 For fast transmission (important when transferring hundreds of photos).
• 🔹 Adapter: USB-C need OTG-Adapter (preferably original from Xiaomi or proven brands like Baseus) Cheap adapters often cause the error "Device not supported».

🔎 How do you check the format of the flash drive? Connect it to a PC. → Right-click on the disk → «Properties. If the file system NTFS, Format it to exFAT via Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac).

⚠️ Attention: Flash drives NTFS They can cause a phone to reboot cyclically when you connect to Xiaomi. MIUI 13–14.

Method 1: Direct transmission through OTG-adapter

The fastest method is to connect the flash drive directly to the smartphone through OTG-Adapter: Suitable for all Xiaomi models with support USB-OTG (Check the characteristics of your model).

Step-by-step:

1. Put it in. OTG-port-adapter.
2. Connect the flash drive to the adapter. A USB icon should appear in the notification panel.
3. Open Explorer (Files app from Xiaomi).
4. Go to DCIM → Camera (there are photos).
5. Select files → click “Copy” → select the flash drive as the target → “Insert”.

⚡ Transfer speed depends on the version USB:

• 🔹 USB 2.0 (Micro-USB): ~5–10 MB/s (slow for 100)+ photo).
• 🔹 USB 3.0/3.1 (USB-C): ~40–80 MB/s (optimum).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 when copying large numbers of files (>500) there may be a "Not enough memory" error. Solution: copy folders of 100-200 photos.

The flash drive is formatted in exFAT/FAT32|

OTG-Adapter original or certified|

The phone has enabled the "File Transfer" mode (in notifications when connected)|

Battery charge >30% (at low charge, OTG may be switched off)

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3. Method 2: Computer-assisted transfer (Windows/Mac)

If OTG doesn't work, or if you want to transfer a photo to a flash drive that isn't supported by your smartphone (like NTFS), use your PC as an intermediary, which is more reliable for large amounts of data.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via cable (preferably original).
2. On the phone in the notification panel, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. On PC, open This Computer → Find a Xiaomi device.
4. Go to Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera.
5. Copy the photo on the desktop, then transfer them to the flash drive.

For Mac: you will need to install Android File Transfer (official software from Google). the algorithm is similar, but the transfer speed may be lower due to the limitations of MTP on macOS.

1. Reboot both devices.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).

3. Enable settings on the phone → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB (If the section is hidden, tap 7 times on the version MIUI phone).-->

Method 3: Using cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

If you don’t have OTG or cable, cloud services will be a lifeline, a method that is convenient for regular backup or transferring photos to a flash drive via another device (for example, a tablet).

Option 1: Google Photo

1. Install Google Photos on Xiaomi.
2. Enable autoboot: Profile → Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
3. Wait for the photo to be uploaded to the cloud.
4. On PC, open photos.google.com, highlight the photos and download them to the flash drive.

Option 2: Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi account holders)

• 🔹 Upload photos to Mi Cloud via Gallery → Select → More. → Download to Mi Cloud.
• 🔹 On PC, log in to i.mi.com, download the archive with the photo and unpack it on a flash drive.

⚠️ Limitations:

• 🔸 Google Photos compresses photos when uploading in “High Quality” (free). For original quality, you need a tariff (from 100 GB for 139). ₽/moss).
• 🔸 Mi Cloud only gives 5GB for free, and download/download speeds are limited (especially in Russia).

5. Method 4: Applications for file transfer (ShareMe, Xender)

If you don't have an OTG or cable, but you have a second phone/tablet that supports flash drives, use wireless apps. They create a local Wi-Fi Direct network, which is 5-10 times faster than Bluetooth.

Top.-3 apps:

• 📲 ShareMe (Mi Drop) – official from Xiaomi, preinstalled on most models. speeds up to 20 MB / s.
• 📲 Xender – supports transfer to PC/Mac There's a cell phone backup feature.
• 📲 Send Anywhere – generates 6-digit code for fast transfer. Suitable for large files (up to 10 GB at a time).

How to transfer photos via ShareMe:

1. Open ShareMe on both devices.
2. On Xiaomi, select “Send” → highlight photos → click “Next”.
3. On the second device (with a flash drive), select “Get” and scan. QR-Xiaomi screen code.
4. After transfer, save the files to the flash drive.

⚠️ Attention: When transmitting through ShareMe/Xender photo-scanner EXIF-data (date of shooting, geotagged) If it's critical, use it OTG PC.

Through OTG-adapter|

Through the computer|

Through the Cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)|

Through apps (ShareMe, Xender)|

Another way.-->

Method 5: Automation with Tasker (for advanced)

If you are tired of manually copying a photo, set up an automatic transfer to the flash drive when connecting OTG. You will need to use Tasker (paid, ~300 ₽).

Instructions:

1. Install Tasker and AutoTools plugin.
2. Create a task with trigger Status → Equipment → USB Connected.
3. Add the file action → Copy:
4. Save the task and activate it.

🔹 Pros: photos are copied automatically when connecting a flash drive.

🔹 Cons: requires customization, on some firmware MIUI Tasker is operating unsteadily.

💡

Tasker is suitable for regular backup but does not replace manual checks - sometimes the flash drive can connect with a delay and Tasker will skip copying.

7. Solving common mistakes

When you transfer photos from Xiaomi to a flash drive, users face typical problems, and let's analyze their reasons and solutions:

🛠 Additional advice:

• 🔧 If Xiaomi does not see the flash drive through OTG, Try to connect it to charging for 5-10 seconds (sometimes helps to wake up the port).
• 🔧 For models with MIUI 14 and later may require permission to access USB In Settings → Annexes → Permits → Special access → Access to USB.
• 🔧 If the photo is in format HEIC (iPhones don’t open on Xiaomi, convert them to JPG through HEIC to JPG Converter.

FAQ: Frequent questions