How to transfer photos from Xiaomi to laptop: all working ways

Transferring photos from Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO to a laptop seems like a simple task — until you encounter connection errors, slow transfer or sudden crashes. Even modern smartphones with USB-C and MIUI 14/15 sometimes refuse to be properly defined as a drive, and cloud services limit download speed. In this article, 7 proven ways to take into account the features of Xiaomi’s firmware, including hidden settings and bypassing typical problems.

We will analyze not only standard methods (cable, Bluetooth), but also alternative solutions for cases where:

• 🔌 The laptop can't see the phone through the phone. USB (Even after changing the connection mode)
• 📶 Wi-Fi transfer is terminated on half of the files
• ☁️ Cloud requires payment for space or compresses photo quality
• 🔒 MIUI Blocks access to folders due to security restrictions

All the instructions are current for Windows 10/11 and macOS, and take into account the nuances of the latest versions of MIUI (including global and Chinese firmware).If you use POCO or Black Shark, the methods are also suitable, since these brands work on the same firmware basis.

Transfer of USB-Cable: Basic Method and Problem Solving

The most reliable way is to connect via cable, but even that can fail because of drivers, MIUI settings, or a damaged port, so let's take a step-by-step instruction with typical errors.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Cable

• 🔌 Use the original cable from the kit or certified USB-C — USB-A/USB-C Data-enabled (not all charging cables are suitable!).
• ⚡ Xiaomi. 12/13/14 flagship POCO F5/Pro port USB 3.2 Gen1 — Check that the cable supports high speed (usually marked with blue connector color).
• 🖥️ MacBooks may need an adapter USB-C — USB-A (portless USB-A).

Step 2: Setup the Connection Mode on Xiaomi

Once you connect the cable to your laptop, the notification "USB for file transfer" will appear on your phone screen.

• 📁 File transfer (MTP) — standard mode for accessing memory.
• 🖼️ Transmission of photographs (PTP) — if MTP Not working (a common problem on Windows 7 or older versions of macOS).
• ⚠️ Do not choose Charging only – in this case, the laptop will not see the files!

Change the mode on the phone. MTP/PTP|Update the drivers ADB on PC (via Device Manager)|Try another one. USB-port (preferably) 3.0)|Restart your phone and laptop|Check the cable on another device-->

Step 3: Access to files on your laptop

On Windows, your phone will appear as a removable drive in this computer. Open the Internal storage → DCIM → Camera folder (the default photo is stored here). On macOS, use the Android File Transfer app.

⚠️ Attention: If the folder DCIM empty, check the settings of the Vault in the Xiaomi Gallery. SD-Map or cloud of Mi Cloud automatically.

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If the laptop still can’t see Xiaomi, try connecting the phone to another computer. If the problem recurs, reset the USB settings in the Settings menu → Additional → Reset → Reset USB settings (available in MIUI 12+).

2. Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi: FTP-server and local area network

If you don't have a cable or a USB port is damaged, Wi-Fi transmission is a lifeline, and it works on any MIUI firmware (including HyperOS) and doesn't require root rights, and the main condition is that the phone and laptop must be on the same network.

Method 1: Built-in FTP-server MIUI

1. Open Explorer (or Files) on your phone.
2. Go to the photo folder (for example, DCIM → Camera).
3. Tap. ⋮ (three-point) → FTP (or pass on → FTP newer).
4. Start the server and the address of the view will appear ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx.
5. Enter this address in Windows Explorer (or Finder on Mac) and copy the files.

Method 2: Transmission applications (ES Explorer, Solid Explorer)

Standard FTP in MIUI is sometimes unstable, with third-party file managers being the alternative.

• 📱 ES Conductor: Menu → Network → FTP → Turn it on.
• 📱 Solid Explorer: Side menu → FTP-server → Start.
• 💻 On the laptop, connect through \\ftp address or FileZilla program.

⚠️ Note: When sending a large number of photos (1000+) Wi-Fi may cause a breakdown. 200–300 or use an archiver (ZIP/RAR) beforehand.

3. Cloud Services: Google Photos, Mi Cloud and Alternatives

Cloud storage is convenient for backup, but has limitations: Google Photos compresses the quality at a free rate, and Mi Cloud gives only 5 GB of space.

Comparison of cloud services for Xiaomi

How to transfer photos via Google Photos:

1. Install the Google Photos app on Xiaomi.
2. Enable Backup and Synchronization in the settings.
3. Choose Original Quality (if the location permits) or High Quality (compression up to 16 MP).
4. On your laptop, open photos.google.com, highlight the photo and click Download.

How to get around the limitations of Mi Cloud:

• 🔄 If Mi Cloud is slowing down, upload photos at night (servers are less loaded).
• 📦 To transfer a large volume, use the Export function in the Xiaomi Gallery → Mi Cloud → Download on PC.
• 🔒 If you can’t sign in to Mi Cloud, check to see if your Mi Account is blocked (a common problem when using it). VPN).

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For maximum quality, choose Google Photos in the “Original Quality” or Mega mode (20 GB free without compression).

4. Bluetooth and AirDrop: When there is no cable and Wi-Fi

Bluetooth transmission is suitable for 5-10 photos, but not for hundreds of files – the speed is limited to 1-2 MB / s. However, this is the only way if other methods are not available (for example, on a corporate laptop with locked ports).

How to transfer photos over Bluetooth on Windows:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and laptop.
2. On Xiaomi, open Settings → Bluetooth and find the laptop in the list.
3. Confirm the pairing (may require code entry).
4. In the Gallery, highlight a photo → Share → Bluetooth → Choose a laptop.
5. On PC, confirm the acceptance of files (they will be saved in the Download folder or Bluetooth Exchange Folder).

AirDrop for Mac (if you have a MacBook):

• 🍎 Enable AirDrop on Mac (Finder) → AirDrop).
• 📱 On Xiaomi, highlight a photo in the Gallery → Share. → More. → AirDrop (if you have an option).
• ⚠️ Most Xiaomi AirDrop is not available – use alternatives like LocalSend or Snapdrop (works through the browser).

⚠️ Note: When transmitting over Bluetooth, photos are automatically compressed to resolution 1280×960 pixels (even if the original is the original) 4K). To maintain quality, use other methods.

5. Hidden MIUI features: fast transfer without installing applications

MIUI has built-in file transfer tools that many people don't know about, which don't require root rights, and even work on locked corporate laptops.

Method 1: Quick Share (Quick Share)

The feature is similar to AirDrop, but works between Xiaomi and Windows devices:

1. Open the gallery, highlight the photo.
2. Tap to share. → Quick transmission.
3. On your laptop, open your browser and go to http://quickshare.mi.com.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the phone screen - the transfer will begin.

Method 2: Built-in Web Server (MIUI 13+)

Alternative to FTP, but via HTTP (faster and more stable):

1. In Explorer (Files), select the folder with the photo.
2. Tap. ⋮ → Share through a web server.
3. A reference of the species is generated http://192.168.x.x:xxxx — Open it on your laptop.
4. Download files via your browser (even on Linux).

Method 3: Transmission through QR-code (MIUI 14)

If the laptop and phone are on the same network:

1. In the Gallery, highlight a photo → Share → Send to the device.
2. Press Generate. QR-code.
3. Scan the code from your laptop screen (for example, through Windows 11 Camera or Barcode Scanner on a Mac).

Alternative solutions: OTG, SD-map and email

If standard methods do not work, consider non-obvious options - from the use of the OTG-Adapter before sending a photo by mail.

Method 1: Transfer through SD-map

• 📷 If your Xiaomi supports microSD (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+), copy the photo onto a map:
• ⚠️ On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) SD-The card works for reading only - check in the Warehouse settings.