How to transfer data to the flash drive with Xiaomi Redmi 9: 5 working ways and solutions

Transferring files to an external flash drive with the Xiaomi Redmi 9 seems like a simple task — until you encounter errors like “Device is not supported” or “It is impossible to copy files.” USB-The storage system, especially if it is NTFS or have a volume of more than 64 GB. In this article, we will analyze all current methods of data transfer (including hidden functions). MIUI), Let’s explain why not all flash drives work with Redmi 9, and show you how to get around the restrictions without root rights.

Redmi 9 supports external drives through the USB OTG, But with nuances, for example, if you plug a flash drive through an adapter, your smartphone may not see it because of a lack of power (especially for drives with a power supply). LED-We tested all the methods on the MIUI 14 and found the optimal settings for stable operation. If you need to transfer photos, videos or documents, read on. If the goal is to use the flash drive as the main storage (for example, for applications), additional manipulations will be required, which we will also tell you about.

Preparation of the flash drive: formatting and compatibility with Redmi 9

Before you plug in. USB-Xiaomi Redmi 9 drive, it needs to be formatted correctly. FAT32 (Up to 32 GB) and exFAT (64 GB), but does not work with NTFS without any additional utilities, if your flash drive is formatted in NTFS, Redmi 9 will either not see it at all, or will only allow you to view files, but not record them.

How to check the current file system:

• 🖥️ Connect the flash drive to the computer (Windows/macOS/Linux).
• 📁 Open "My Computer" ("This Computer" in Windows) 10/11).
• 🔍 Right-click on the drive button → «Properties. The file system will indicate the type.

If the system is not FAT32/exFAT, format:

1. Copy all the important data from the flash drive to your PC (formatting will delete them!).
2. In "My computer" right-click on the drive → "Format".
3. Choose FAT32 (up to 32 GB) or exFAT (64 GB).
4. Click “Start” and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Note: Do not format the flash drive into NTFS You can use Redmi 9 to make a mounting error!

Method 2: Transfer through the built-in MIUI conductor

The easiest method is to use a standard MIUI conductor, which supports external drives via USB OTG, but requires the right connection.

1. Connect. USB OTG-Adapter to Redmi 9 (Type-C connector).
2. Put the flash drive in the adapter. A notification will appear on the screen «USB-plug-in».
3. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
4. In the "Devices" section, select «USB-accumulator».
5. Hold your finger on the files/folders you want to copy → click Copy.
6. Go to the destination folder on the flash drive → “Insert”.

If the flash drive is not displayed:

• 🔌 Check if yours is supported. OTG-Power adapter (some cheap models are not compatible with Redmi 9).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone with a connected flash drive.
• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (old versions had bugs with the OTG).

Method 2: Using a PC as an intermediary

If Redmi 9 doesn't recognize the flash drive or the copying is too slow, you can transfer the data through the computer. OTG. You'll need it. USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi) and PC.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via cable. From the smartphone notification menu, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. On PC, open “This Computer” and the Redmi 9 will appear there.
3. Copy the desired files from your phone to your computer (for example, in a folder on your desktop).
4. Connect the flash drive to the PC and transfer the files to it.
5. Remove the flash drive safely (via the icon in Windows tray) and connect it to Redmi 9 via OTG for verification.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than direct transfer through OTG (especially for large files).
• 🛡️ Minimum risk of copying errors.
• 🔧 You can convert files on the fly (for example, change the format of the video).

⚠️ Note: If you connect Redmi 9 to your PC, you do not notice the mode MTP, Check the developer's settings. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then in Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include “Debugging by” USB».

Method 3: Applications for working with USB-accumulator

The standard MIUI Explorer is not always easy to manage files. Alternatively, third-party applications that offer advanced features (such as archiving or cloud synchronization).

How to transfer files through FX File Explorer:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. In the side menu, select “USB OTG” (if the flash drive is connected, it will appear in the list).
3. Hold files for copying → «Copy».
4. Go to the flash drive folder. → «Paste».

💡

If the app doesn’t see the flash drive, try turning off Battery Optimization for it in the Redmi 9 settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Battery).

5. Method 4: Use of the flash drive as internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

If you want to use the flash drive not only to store files, but also to install applications, it can be formatted as internal memory. This is an Android feature called Adoptable Storage. Importantly, after this procedure, the flash drive will not be used on other devices without full formatting!

Instructions:

1. Connect the flash drive via OTG to Redmi 9.
2. In the notice «USB-Device connected" click "Configure».
3. Select “Use as internal memory” → “Format”.
4. After formatting, files will automatically be saved to the flash drive (if you choose it by default in the storage settings).

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 The flash drive will be encrypted and tied to the Redmi 9.
• 🐢 Application speed may decrease (depending on the class of the flash drive).
• 🔄 When you remove the flash drive, some applications will stop working.

6. Solving common errors

When transferring data to a flash drive, Redmi 9 users often face typical problems, and we will analyze the most common and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge Redmi 9 (at low charge) OTG may be off).
• 🛠️ Type-C connector integrity (try another cable).
• 📱 Availability of updates MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).

💡

If the flash drive works on other devices but not on Redmi 9, the problem is 90% of the time the file system is incompatible. OTG-adapter.

7. Alternatives for data transfer

If OTG connectivity is not possible for some reason, consider alternative ways to:

• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Upload files to Google Drive, Yandex Drive, or Mi Cloud, and then download them to another medium.
• 📶 Local area network (FTP): Use the app. FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer FTP-server on Redmi 9 and connect to it from PC.
• 📡 Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct: Slow but working way to transfer files to another smartphone or PC without wires.
• 💾 MicroSD card: If your Redmi 9 supports memory expansion, transfer the data to the card, then remove it and connect it to the PC via the card reader.

To transfer large files (e.g. video to the 4K) best suited FTP Wi-Fi, the transmission speed reaches 10-15 MB/s, that in 5-10 It's faster than Bluetooth. FTP-server:

1. Install the FX File Explorer.
2. In the side menu, select Remote Access» → «Launch. FTP-server».
3. Connect to the indicated IP-address from a PC through any FTP-client (e.g. FileZilla) or Windows Explorer (ftp://IP-address).

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring data to a flash drive