How to transfer photos from Xiaomi to your computer: all the ways USB cloud-based

Transfer photos from the smartphone Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO It seems like a simple task to get to a computer, unless you have unexpected problems. USB, the speed of transmission over Wi-Fi leaves much to be desired, the cloud services require confirmation of the data. SMS In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to transfer photos, including rare methods for old models and solving common errors.

Feature of Xiaomi phones – a corporate shell MIUI, which sometimes blocks standard data transmission protocols (e.g, MTP). We've taken this into account in the instructions, and you'll also learn how to transfer photos without loss of quality, which formats are best supported, and what to do if Windows can't see the folder. DCIM We'll start with the most reliable method, which is cable.

1. Transfer of the photo through USB-cable: step-by-step instruction

It’s a classic way that works on all models – from Xiaomi Mi. A1 (2017 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra (2026). However, even here there are nuances: for example, in the case of the MIUI 14+ The connection menu has changed, and on older versions of Android, you may need to manually install drivers.

You will need an original cable (or certified cable) USB-C/USB-A Cheap cables often only work for charging! Also check the port. USB on a computer – the front connector of the system unit sometimes does not provide enough power for a stable connection.

  • 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC with a cable. On the Xiaomi screen, a notification will appear “Charge through” USB». Put it on him.
  • 📱 In the menu, select "File Transfer» (MTP). On the old versions. MIUI This paragraph may be called «USB-accumulator».
  • 🖥️ The computer will open a conductor window with the phone folder. Go to Internal Storage. → DCIM → Camera (or Pictures if the photo is saved in the gallery).
  • 📤 Select the files you need and copy them to your hard drive (for example, to the Images folder on your desktop).

Are you using the original cable?

Is file transfer mode enabled (MTP) phone-on?

Whether drivers are updated USB on PC (especially Windows) 7/8)?

Have you tried connecting to another? USB-port?-->

Transfer speed depends on the version USB: Xiaomi 13 Pro with USB 3.2 photos are transported at speed ~400 MB / s, and on budget models like Redmi 10A (USB 2.0) - no faster than 40 MB / s. If the transfer is too slow, try to archive the photo in the ZIP directly on your phone (via the Files app) and transfer one archive.

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If the folder DCIM It's empty, but there's a photo in the gallery, check the settings for the camera app (SDCard/DCIM) Or in the Mi Cloud cloud.

2. Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (without cable)

If you don't have a cable on hand or it's damaged, you can transfer photos over the local network. MIUI 10+, But it requires that both the phone and the computer be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and the main advantage is that there is no risk of damage to the port. USB, a minus - the speed depends on the router (on Wi-Fi 5 - up to 100 MB / s, on Wi-Fi 6 - up to 300 MB / s).

There are two options: through the built-in function "File Transfer" in the MIUI Or using third-party apps. We'll look at both.

Method 1: Built-in MIUI function

  • 📲 Open the Files app on your phone.
  • 📁 Go to the photo folder (DCIM or Pictures).
  • ✅ Select the files you need, click “Share» → «Send to the computer».
  • 🌐 It'll appear on screen. QR-code http://192.168.x.x:xxxx. Open it in your browser on PC.
  • 📥 In the browser, select files and click "Download».

Method 2: Appendix Send Files to TV» (Windows)

This is the official Xiaomi app that is more stable than the built-in feature. Download it from the Microsoft Store:

  1. Install the application on your PC and open it.
  2. On the phone in the "Share" menu, select "Send Files to" TV».
  3. The app will show you on PC QR-code - scan it with your phone.
  4. Select a photo and confirm the transmission.

USB-cable|Wi-Fi (built-in function)|Cloud services|Apps like Send Anywhere|Another way.-->

If the transmission is interrupted, check:

  • 🔄 Does the phone switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data (turn off Auto-Switching in settings) SIM-map).
  • 📶 Router signal: if the level is lower 2-3 division, the speed will fall in 5-10 once.
  • 🔋 Battery charge: at a level below 15% MIUI It can suspend background processes, including file transfers.

3. Cloud Transfer Services: Mi Cloud, Google Photos and More

Cloud services are convenient for regular backups or if you need to transfer photos to multiple devices at the same time, but this method has limitations:

  • 📉 Mi Cloud only gives 5GB for free (for comparison, Google Photos – 15GB).
  • ⏳ Uploading a large number of high-resolution photos can take hours.
  • 🔒 Some services (for example, Yandex.Disk) compress photos when downloading.

Let’s look at the two most reliable options.

Option 1: Mi Cloud (Official Xiaomi Cloud)

  • 📱 On the phone, open "Settings» → «Xiaomi account» → «Mi Cloud».
  • 📸 Turn on Gallery sync. Wait for download to complete.
  • 🖥️ On your computer, go to i.mi.com, log in and download a photo in the Gallery section».
How to increase space in Mi Cloud for free?
Xiaomi periodically holds promotions, where for the performance of simple tasks (for example, linking mail or installing applications) give +5-20 GB. Follow notifications in the Mi Cloud app. +5GB by inviting a friend via a referral link (valid once).

Option 2: Google Photos (without compression)

If you want to keep the original quality, select the “Original Quality” setting in Google Photos (but remember that it ranks in your Google account).

  1. Install Google Photos on your phone.
  2. Open the app. → tap on the avatar → «Photo settings» → «Backup and synchronization».
  3. Select “Original Quality” and enable backup.
  4. On PC, open photos.google.com, highlight the photo and click "Download".
ServiceFree seatMax. No compression resolution.Download/download speed
Mi Cloud5GBNo restrictions.~5-15 Mb/s
Google Photo15 GB (shared with Gmail and Disk)Up to 100 MP~10–30 Mb/s
Yandex.Disk.10GBUp to 50 MP (hereinafter compression)~3-10 Mb/s
Mail.ru Cloud8GBUp to 30 MP~2-8 Mb/s

Note: if you use Google Photos in High Quality mode (unlimited space), photos with a resolution above 16 MP will be automatically reduced to 16 MP, and videos will be reduced to 16 MP. 1080p.

4. Transfer through FTP-server (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if you need to transfer a large amount of photos (for example, 50).+ GB) without compression and without dependence on cloud services. Minus - you need to set up, but plus - the speed is limited only to your Wi-Fi.

We will use a free application. FX File Explorer (available on Google Play).

  • 📱 Install. FX File Explorer on your phone.
  • 🌐 Open the application, go to the "Network" section» → «FTP-server».
  • 🔑 Click "Run" - the address of the view will appear ftp://192.168.x.x:2221.
  • 🖥️ On PC, open Windows Explorer, enter the address in the address bar and press Enter.
  • 📁 Sign in (login and password from the FX File Explorer and copy files as if from a regular folder.

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FTP-The server on the phone only works while the application is open. FX File Explorer, the connection will break and the transmission will be interrupted.

To accelerate transmission:

  • 📶 Connect your phone to your router via Wi-Fi 5 GHz (if supported).
  • 🔌 Connect your phone to charge – long-duration transfer drains the battery.
  • 📂 Transfer photos in folders, not one file.

5. Use of a memory card if the phone supports SD)

If your Xiaomi is equipped with a memory card slot (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro, you can transfer the photo to SD-A card, and then paste it into your computer through a card reader, which is the fastest way to get a lot of files (read speed from the card). UHS-I It's 90 Mb/s).

Note: If the photos are stored by default in internal memory, first transfer them to the internal memory. SD-map:

  1. Open the Files app on your phone.
  2. Go to DCIM → Camera.
  3. Select the photo, click “Move” and select SD-map.
  4. Remove the card from the phone and insert it into the PC card reader.

1) Card format (should be FAT32 exFAT).

2) Card reader's performance (try another one) USB-port).

3) Damage to the card contacts (wipe them with a soft cloth).-->

Warning: Do not remove the memory card from your phone while transferring files, this may damage the file system. Always use the Safe Retrieval feature in your storage settings.

6. Transfer via application-managers of files (Total Commander, ES Conductor)

Third-party file managers often offer flexible transfer options that are not found in a standard application. MIUI. For example, Total Commander can create a new FTP-server, sync folders and even encrypt files before transfer.

Let’s look at two popular options:

Total Commander

  • 📱 Install Total Commander on your phone.
  • 🔍 Open the photo folder (DCIM or Pictures).
  • 📤 Select files, click "Share» → «Send through LAN».
  • 🖥️ On PC, open your browser and enter an address that will show the application.

ES Conductor

ES The conductor is convenient for transfer to computers running Windows, as there is built-in support for the protocol. SMB:

  1. Set up ES Conductor.
  2. In the menu, select “Network» → «Remote access».
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to connect to the PC.

The advantage of this method is the ability to continue transmission after the connection breaks (as opposed to the built-in function). MIUI).

7. Backup through Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi)

Mi PC Suite is Xiaomi's official utility for controlling your phone from your computer, allowing you to not only transfer photos, but also install firmware, reserve messages and contacts.

Download the utility from the official website: pcsuite.mi.com. Installation is standard, but before connecting the phone, disable the antivirus (for example, Avast or Kaspersky can block drivers).

  • 📱 Connect your phone to your PC through USB and select the "File Transfer" mode».
  • 🖥️ Launch Mi. PC Suite – the program must automatically determine the device.
  • 📸 Go to the "Files" section» → «Images».
  • 📥 Select the desired photos and click "Export».
What if the Mi PC Suite can’t see the phone?
1. Reinstall the program from the official website (do not use third-party sources). 2. Update drivers USB on PC through Device Manager (section "Controllers" USB»). 3. Check if debugging is included on USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB). 4. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 blue).

It's important! PC Suite sometimes resets sync settings after the update. If after the PC reboot, photos do not appear in the program, re-sign in to your Xiaomi account.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems. TOP-5 errors and ways of correcting them:

  1. The computer cannot see the phone through the USB ⚠️ Note: if you are using a Mac, install Android File Transfer - without this program, macOS will not see the phone's file system: 🔄 Switch the mode. USB on the phone from “Charging” to “Transfer of files (MTP)». 🔧 Update the drivers MTP PC (download from Microsoft or through Device Manager). 🔌 Try another cable or port. USB.
  2. Photos are not displayed in the folder DCIM Causes: 📁 Photos are stored elsewhere (for example, in the Pictures/Screenshots or SD-map). 🔍 Folder Hidden – Enable the Display of Hidden Files in Windows Explorer Settings. 🗑️ Photos deleted but left in the basket» MIUI (Check out the Gallery app» → «Basket»).

Slow Wi-Fi transmission

Decisions:

  • 📶 Switch to 5 GHz in router settings (if supported).
  • 🚫 Close background apps on your phone that consume traffic (such as TikTok or YouTube).
  • 📡 Reduce the distance between the phone and the router (walls and furniture reduce speed).

If none of these solutions work, try alternative solutions:

  • 📧 Send your photo to your mail (suitable for 10-20 files).
  • 💬 Use instant messengers (Telegram allows you to send files up to 2 GB).
  • 🔗 Upload the photo to the file sharing (WeTransfer, Filemail) and download to PC.
Can I transfer photos from Xiaomi to Mac without additional software?
Yes, but with reservations. macOS supports the protocol. MTP Without this program, Mac will not see files on the phone. The alternative is to use cloud services (Google Photo or iCloud with an Android app).
Why are some photos not copied when transferring via USB?
This can happen for several reasons: 📛 File names contain inadmissible characters (e.g. 🔒 Photo protected. DRM (For example, screenshots from banking apps or Netflix). 📏 The file is too large (over 4 GB) and is copied to a disk with the file system. FAT32. Format the flash drive in exFAT or NTFS.
How to transfer photos from Xiaomi to your computer if the screen is broken?
If the sensor doesn't work, but the phone turns on: Connect the phone to the PC via USB. Use a mouse with OTG-by the adapter (if) USB-Control the phone through Mi. PC suite ADB (If the screen is completely black but the phone is defined as a device, try retrieving the memory card (if photos are saved to it) or using the Find Device feature in Mi Cloud for remote backup.
Can I transfer the photo in original quality via WhatsApp or Telegram?
No, both messengers compress photos: WhatsApp: maximum resolution — 1600×1200 pixels, quality ~80%. Telegram: in regular chat rooms - compression to 5 MB, in "Saved Messages" - no compression (but limit) 2 GB per file. To transfer without loss, use Google Photos (Original Quality Mode) or archive the photo in the file. ZIP before shipment.
How to automate the transfer of photos from Xiaomi to PC?
There are several ways to do this: Mi Cloud + Autosynchronization: Enable automatic photo upload to Mi Cloud, and on PC configure folder sync via OneDrive or Google Drive. + FTP: With the help of the Tasker application, you can set up automatic sending of new photos to the FTP-Syncthing: a free program for synchronizing folders between devices over a local network (syncthing.net).