How to transfer video from Xiaomi to your computer: all methods

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face an overflow of internal memory, especially if they are actively shooting videos in high resolution 4K or 60 FPS. Freeing up space becomes a critical task, and the most logical solution is to transfer files to an external drive or hard drive of a PC. Modern shells MIUI and HyperOS provide a lot of tools for synchronization, but not all of them are obvious to the beginner.

There are several proven ways to upload Xiaomi videos to your computer, each with its own advantages depending on the amount of data and the availability of cable. You can use a classic wired connection, wireless protocols or cloud services. The choice of the specific method depends on the speed you want to get and the number of gigabytes transferred.

In this article, we will discuss all the current media transfer options in detail, paying special attention to the nuances of working with the Android file system. You will learn how to avoid errors when connecting, what programs can speed up the process and what to do if the computer does not see the device.

Preparation of the device and cable for data transmission

Before you start, you need to make sure your equipment is ready to communicate, and users often make the mistake of using a charging cable that doesn't physically support the transmission of information, since it only sells power contacts. Quality work is required for proper operation USB-cable, preferably original or certified, capable of providing a stable signal.

Also worth checking is the condition of the connectors.A smartphone charging port often accumulates dust and pile, which can prevent tight contact and cause connection interruptions.Gently clean the Type-C or Micro-USB connector with a wooden toothpick or antistatic brush before connecting.

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Use the original cable from the delivery kit for maximum transfer speed.
  • ๐Ÿ’ป Connect the device directly to the motherboard port, bypassing USB-hub.
  • ๐Ÿงน Make sure that your phone and computer connectors are dust-free.

โš ๏ธ Caution: Cheap cables from gas stations or those bought in transit often don't have data lines. If the computer makes a connection sound, but the phone is only charging, replace the cable.

The classical method through USB-cable

The fastest and most reliable way to transfer heavy video files is to use it. USB-This method does not require any additional software and works at the file system level. Once the phone is physically connected to the PC, the system notification will appear on the smartphone screen. USB.

By default, the device can go to Charge Only mode. You need to click on this notification and select File Transfer (MTP). In some versions of the firmware, this mode may be called Photo Transfer (PTP), but for video, it is better to use MTP, since it correctly displays the folder structure.

On your computer, open "My Computer" or "This Computer." Your smartphone should appear in the list of devices and drives. Inside, you'll find internal memory and, if available, a microSD card. Videos are usually stored in the DCIM/Camera folder or in the Movies directory if the recording was done through third-party applications.

โ˜‘๏ธ Pre-copying check

Done: 0 / 4

The process of copying large amounts of data can take time. Don't interrupt the connection abruptly so as not to damage the file system. If the copying is frozen, try to reduce the size of the sent blocks or use another one. USB-port.

Set-up of the regime USB-plug-in MIUI HyperOS

The shells from Xiaomi have their own features of working with USB-Sometimes a security system or a developer's settings can block automatic transmission mode selection. If nothing happens when you connect the cable, you need to manually activate debugging or change the settings. USB.

To access the advanced settings, go to Settings โ†’ About Phone and click on MIUI/HyperOS seven times. Then, the Advanced Settings or Additional section will show โ€œDevelopersโ€ option, and youโ€™ll find the option โ€œDefault USB Configurationโ€ and select โ€œFile Transferโ€.

ParameterDefault valueRecommended value
USB modeJust charging.File Transfer (MTP)
USB debuggingOff.Included (for advanced)
USB protectionIncluded.Controlled

Initiation of debugging USB It gives you deeper access to the system, but it takes care. When you first connect with debugging enabled, you'll see a confirmation request on your phone screen. RSA-Make sure to press "Allow" or the connection will break.

Why do you need USB debugging?
Debugging by USB Not only does it allow you to transfer files, but also manage your phone from a PC through ADB-commands, install applications remotely and make full backups of the system. For the average user, this is redundant, but useful when crashes.

Wireless transmission via Mi Share and Windows Explorer

If you don't have a cable, you can use wireless technology. The Xiaomi ecosystem is great with Mi Share (or Xiaomi Share), which uses a combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for fast transfer. However, it is more convenient to use the built-in Wireless Display feature or special utilities to communicate with Windows PCs.

One of the most elegant ways is to use the Wireless Monitor feature in Windows. 10/11 And it's a built-in Xiaomi translator, but it's the file transfer that's best suited for the Explorer app from Xiaomi, which can create a new version of the file. FTP-server SMB computer-access.

To set up access over the network:

  • ๐Ÿ“ก Make sure your phone and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • ๐Ÿ“‚ Open the Explorer app on your phone and select Remote Controlยป.
  • ๐Ÿ” Enable access and copy the displayed FTP-address.

Type the resulting address (e.g., ftp://192.168.1.55:2121) into the address bar of any folder on your computer. Now you see the phone files as normal folders and can drag and drop the video with your mouse.

๐Ÿ’ก

5GHz Wi-Fi transmission speeds can reach 40-50MB/s, which is comparable to USB 2.0. For large videos, be sure to use a 5GHz network rather than 2.4GHz.

Use of cloud services and Mi Cloud

Cloud storage is not just a backup, it's also a convenient bridge between devices. Mi Cloud is deeply integrated into the system, but it often offers a limited free amount for video, so it's more rational to use Google Drive, Yandex.Disk or specialized services like TeraBox to transfer large files.

The principle is simple: you upload videos to the cloud from your phone, and then download them to your computer through a browser or desktop client, and the advantage of this method is that regardless of the cable and the ability to access from anywhere in the world.

But there are downsides: downloading and downloading depend on the speed of your Internet link, if you have a traffic limit, it can be expensive, and free rates often limit the speed or size of a single file.

โš ๏ธ Note: When downloading to the cloud via mobile Internet, make sure that the application settings allow large files to be transferred, otherwise the download may be interrupted or not at all.

Third-party sync programs: Send Anywhere and AirDroid

When standard methods don't work, cross-platform applications come to the rescue. Send Anywhere allows you to transfer files over 6-digit code over the Internet or a local network, which is very convenient if you need to quickly upload a video to a person who is far away, or if USB drivers are not working correctly.

Another powerful tool is AirDroid, which provides a complete browser-based phone management interface, so you can not only copy videos, but also view a gallery, manage contacts, and even stream a screen, and the free version has monthly traffic limits, but there are enough for periodic use.

Installing such programs requires broad permissions. Carefully read what data the application accesses. AirDroid often requires installing a plugin or creating an account.

๐Ÿ“Š What file transfer method do you use more often?
USB-cable
Wi-Fi (FTP/Mi Drop)
Cloud services
Bluetooth

Solution: Computer can't see phone or files

When you connect the cable, the computer makes a sound, but the device doesn't show up in My Computer, it's common. Usually the problem is with the drivers. Windows 10 and 11 usually put them automatically, but sometimes manual intervention through Device Manager is required.

Find a device with a yellow exclamation point or an unknown device. Right click, select Update Driver โ†’ Search for drivers on this computer โ†’ Select a driver from the list of available. From the list, select MTP USB Device or USB Storage Device.

It can also be a problem if you block the port with an antivirus or a corporate PC security policy, and try to connect the phone to another computer, and if it works, then the problem is your PC settings.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot both devices โ€“ it solves 50% of driver problems.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Try another one. USB-port, preferably at the back of the system unit.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Unlock the phone screen immediately after connecting the cable.

๐Ÿ’ก

If nothing helps, turn on USB Debugging and use a third-party ADB-enabled file manager, such as Total Commander with ADB plugin.

Why is the video being copied slowly or with errors?
The slow speed can be caused by using a USB 2.0 port instead of 3.0 (they differ in color: blue - 3.0, black / white - 2.0). Also, the file system can have errors. Try to copy files in smaller portions or check the disk for errors through the disk properties in Windows.
Can I transfer video via Bluetooth?
Technically possible, but highly discouraged for video: Bluetooth speeds are very low (about 2-3 MB/s at best), and it can take tens of minutes to transmit a minute clip. Use this method only for small clips if other methods are not available.
Where to look for hidden folders with videos from messengers?
Videos from WhatsApp are usually found in Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Video. Videos from Telegram are found in Android/data/org.telegram.messenger/files/Telegram/Telegram Video. New versions of Android may have restricted access to the Android folder, require special permission.
How to save the folder structure when copying?
When you copy through Windows Explorer, the structure is saved automatically if you copy entire folders. When you use the cloud or FTP, make sure you move the entire folder instead of individual files from different places, otherwise it will be difficult to understand the chronology later.