How to transfer data from Xiaomi to your computer via USB: 3 proven ways

Why? USB-Cable is not always an obvious choice.

Transfer data from Xiaomi to your computer via USB It seems like a simple task: plugged in the cable, copied the files, done. But in practice, users face unexpected challenges. MIUI If you block access to files, the transfer speed leaves much to be desired. USB-Connectivity – from choosing the right cable to solving common mistakes.

It is important to understand that modern smartphones Xiaomi (especially on the Internet). MIUI 13/14) use protocol MTP (Media Transfer Protocol instead of the old UMS (USB Mass Storage. This means that the phone doesn't appear as a removable drive, but rather requires a dedicated driver on the PC, and the manufacturer is actively promoting cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive), which sometimes does. USB-connection less intuitive.

If you’ve used other brands’ smartphones before (such as Samsung or iPhone), Xiaomi’s connection process may seem counterintuitive, such as iTunes or Finder on iPhones, and Xiaomi’s on-line developer mode or additional drivers, and we’ll go through all the steps to avoid common mistakes.

Preparing for connection: what to check before connecting to a PC

Before you connect Xiaomi to your computer, follow a few steps that will save time and prevent common problems, such as a lack of response to a connection or slow data transfer.

• 🔌 Cable and port USB: Use the original Xiaomi cable or certified cable USB-C/USB-A Supported data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable!) USB 3.0 (blue connector for maximum speed.
• 📱 Unlock screen: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) USB-Connection is blocked if the screen is locked.Unlock the phone before the connection.
• 🔄 Data Transfer Mode: By Default MIUI It can set the Charging Only mode. It needs to be changed manually (more on this below).
• 🖥️ Drivers on PC: On Windows 10/11 driver MTP Automatic installations are required, but sometimes manual installation is required (see Problem Solving section").

Pay special attention to cable. Cheap uncertified wires often only support charging, not data transfer. To check this, connect the cable to your PC and see if the device is detected in Device Manager or System Information (macOS). If not, the cable is faulty or not designed to transfer files.

Method 1: Standard MTP connection (for Windows and macOS)

This is the main method that works on most Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12-14, and is suitable for transferring photos, videos, music and documents, but has limitations: some system folders (such as /data) will be hidden.

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer using a cable. The phone will display a charging notification via USB.
2. Tap the notification and select File Transfer (MTP). On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this option may be called File Manager.
3. On PC: 🪟 Windows: Open This Computer – The phone will appear as a standalone device (e.g. Redmi Note 11). 🍎 macOS: Use Android File Transfer (download from Google's official website).

Copy the files you want to use to any folder on your PC. To speed up the process, it is recommended to archive the data (for example, in.zip) directly on your phone.

If the device is not displayed, check:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
• 📱 On the phone go to Settings → Connection and sharing → USB and choose MTP manually.

Phone screen unlocked|The regime is chosen MTP|The cable supports data transfer|Port port USB 3.0 (blue)|Drivers. MTP fixed-->

Method 2: Developer Mode and USB Debugging (for Power Users)

If the standard method doesn’t work or you need access to hidden folders (e.g. /data/data for application backups), you can use USB debugging.This method requires the developer mode to be enabled and is suitable for advanced users.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version until you have a message You are a developer!
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable: Debugging over USB Allow debugging (when connected to this computer)

Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) or PTP (for photos).

On your PC, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to access the file system, for example, to copy all the photos:

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Photos

Attention: debugging by USB It opens up access to system files, which can disrupt your phone if you do something wrong. /system or /vendor!

Method 3: Alternative methods (Wi-Fi, FTP, cloud)

If USB-You can't connect (e.g., a broken port or no cable), use alternatives. They're slower but they're stable.

For Wi-Fi transmission:

1. Install the Mi Drop app (available in GetApps).
2. Open the application on your phone and PC (web version of the QR-code).
3. Select files and click Send.

For FTP:

1. Install ES Explorer or Solid Explorer.
2. Turn it on. FTP-server in application settings.
3. On PC, connect to the address. ftp://[IP-telephone:[port] (e.g, ftp://192.168.1.100:3721).

💡

If Wi-Fi transmission is interrupted, reduce the number of files that are copied at the same time or archive them to.zip before sending them.

Resolving common problems in USB-connection

Even with the right settings, the connection may not work properly. Here are the typical errors and their solutions:

• 🚫 Phone not detected: Check cable and port (try another cable). Update drivers MTP on your PC (via Device Manager). Reset your settings on your phone USB: Settings → Connection and sharing → Resetting settings USB.
• 🐢 Slow data transfer: Use the port USB 3.0 (blue) Disable antivirus on your PC (it can scan files in real time). Archive files before copying (e.g. in.zip).
• 🔒 No folder access: Enable hidden files in your PC Explorer. Use system folders ADB (see method 2).

If you see an error on Windows "MTP USB Device not recognized", follow the following steps:

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually in the Portable Devices section).
3. Right-click → Update the driver → Search on this computer → Select from the list.
4. Select the MTP USB Device and click Next.

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If MTP drivers are not automatically installed, download them manually from Microsoft’s website (the “Media Feature Pack” for Windows N versions) or use the Xiaomi PC Suite utility (the official sync software).

Security of data transfer: what you need to know

Moving files from Xiaomi to your PC can be risky if you don’t take precautions.

• 🛡️ Encryption: If encryption is enabled on the phone (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption, files will not be available on PC without unlocking.
• 🦠 Viruses: Check files with an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) before copying, especially if the phone is connected to a public one. USB-port.
• 🔐 Privacy: Do not copy files to public computers (in Internet cafes, universities). Use BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS) to encrypt the disk.

Important: When connecting to someone else's PC, MIUI may request permission to access data. Always choose Charging Only if you're not sure about your computer's security. Also avoid using PTP (for photos) on public devices - it provides access to media files without additional requests.

⚠️ Warning: If you sell or transfer a phone, reset to factory settings before connecting to someone else's PC (Settings) → The phone. → Otherwise, the new owner will be able to recover your data through USB.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions