How to transfer data from memory card to Xiaomi phone: all working ways

Transferring data from a memory card to a Xiaomi smartphone is a task that every owner of a microSD device will sooner or later face. Whether you need to free up space on the card or secure important files in the phone's internal memory, the process seems simple at first glance. However, in practice, users often encounter errors such as "failed to copy a file", the lack of the "cut" option in the conductor or the sudden disappearance of files after moving.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to transfer data, from standard MIUI tools to third-party applications and connect via your computer. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden settings Xiaomi, which block the movement of files to some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5), and show how to get around them.

Method: Standard MIUI conductor

The most obvious method is to use Xiaomi’s built-in file manager, which is pre-installed on all MIUI-enabled devices (including Redmi and POCO) and supports basic file operations. However, there are limitations to this method: for example, it is impossible to move files protected by DRM (for example, some videos from streaming services), and the speed of copying depends on the memory card class.

To move the data:

1. Open the Files app (folder icon).
2. Go to the Device section → SD-map.
3. Select the desired files with a long press (for several files, use multiple choice mode).
4. Click Copy (or Cut if you want to delete the originals).
5. Return to the root directory, select Internal Memory, and specify the destination folder (e.g. DCIM for a photo).
6. Press Insert.

Battery charge > 20% |Free > 1 GB of internal memory | Memory card not retrieved during operation | Memory optimizers disabled (e.g. Garbage Cleanup in Security)

-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) Cut option can be blocked for system folders. In this case, use Copy + manual removal.

2. Method: Appendix "Move to the device" (for photos and videos)

If you need to transfer photos and videos, it is more convenient to use the specialized Gallery application from Xiaomi, which automatically sorts media files and allows you to move them in packs, saving metadata (date of shooting, geotagging), this method is especially relevant for owners of POCO F5 or Redmi Note 11 Pro, where the standard conductor works unstable with large files (for example, video in 4K).

Instructions:

• 📷 Open the Gallery and move to the album SD-map.
• 🔍 Select a photo/video (click on thumbnail and hold for multiple selections).
• 📤 Press More (three dots) → Move it to the device.
• 📁 Select the destination folder (Camera or Screenshots is offered by default).

💡

If you don’t have the option to Move to your device, update the Gallery app via Google Play. On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version), this feature is hidden – check for updates.

⚠️ Note: When moving video in high resolution (1080p+) The process may be interrupted due to restrictions MIUI Before surgery, turn off Battery Optimization for Gallery app in settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → gallery → Battery → No restrictions).

3. Method: Through the computer (Windows/macOS/Linux)

If the phone doesn’t have enough space to temporarily store copied files or MIUI blocks operations, the most reliable way is to use the computer as an intermediary, which is also useful for transferring hidden files (such as application backups or.nomedia configurations) that aren’t displayed in a standard Explorer.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with USB-port (or Type-C adapter) → USB-A For new Xiaomi models).
• 🔌 Cable USB-C (Micro-USB for older devices).
• 💾 Cartridge (if the phone does not support) OTG card-connection).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification curtain.
2. Open This Computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) – the phone will appear as a removable drive.
3. Copy files from a memory card (SD-card in the phone or through the card reader to any folder on the PC.
4. Transfer files from your PC to your phone’s internal memory (Internal Storage folder).
5. Securely remove the device (Finish the device in Windows).

4. Method: Third-party file managers (Solid Explorer, FX File)

Standard conductor MIUI Has limitations: for example, it does not show hidden files (with a dot at the beginning of the name) and does not support FTP-server for wireless transmission. Third-party managers like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer is free of these disadvantages and offers additional features:

• 🔍 Viewing hidden and system files.
• 🔄 Simultaneous copying in multiple threads (accelerates the transfer of large files).
• 🌐 Built-in FTP/HTTP-server.
• 🔐 Encrypting files before transferring.

Selection recommendations:

• Solid Explorer is the best choice for cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) and archives (ZIP/RAR).
• FX File Explorer – optimized for Android and supports ROOT-Access (if the phone is unlocked).
• MiXplorer is a free, open source analogue (requires manual APK installation).

⚠️ Attention: When in use ROOT-access to transfer system files (e.g. from a folder) /data) There is a risk of damaging the firmware. On Xiaomi models with a blocked bootloader (Redmi). 10C, POCO M4 Pro) such operations result in resetting to factory settings.

Standard MIUI |Solid Explorer |FX File Explorer |MiXplorer |Other |Not used-->

5. Method: Wireless transmission (Wi-Fi Direct, FTP, Google Files)

If you don't have a cable or a card reader, you can transfer data wirelessly, which is slower than wired (speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard), but is convenient for small files (like documents or photos in JPEG).

Option 1: Built-in Wi-Fi Direct (MIUI 12+)

The feature is available on most modern Xiaomi devices (starting with the Redmi Note 9), transfer speeds up to 10 MB/s (depending on network interference).

1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on both devices (if you transfer to another phone).
3. Select the target device and confirm the connection.
4. In the Explorer, select files → Send → Wi-Fi Direct.

Option 2: FTP-server

To transfer to a computer or other phone without file size restrictions:

1. Install FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
2. Launch it. FTP-server in application settings.
3. Connect to the address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.100:2221) from your computer via Windows or Finder (macOS).
4. Copy files as if they were from a regular network drive.

Option 3: Google Files (Fast and no settings)

The Google Files app (available on Google Play) supports Sharing without the Internet:

1. Open Files by Google.
2. Go to Public Access. → No internet.
3. Select files and click Send.
4. On the target device, select Get and Scan QR-code.

💡

Wireless transmission is suitable for files up to 1 GB. For large volumes (for example, 4K video), use cable - this is 5-10 times faster.

Solving errors in data transfer

Even when following instructions, Xiaomi users often run into problems.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

⚠️ Note: If photos are not displayed in the Gallery after transfer, update the media base: open Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data. It won't delete files, but it will force the app to re-scan folders.

FAQ: Frequent questions