How to transfer data from Xiaomi to your computer if the screen is not working: all working ways

Introduction: Why Standard Methods Don't Work

The non-working screen on Xiaomi’s smartphone is not just an inconvenience, but a real headache when you urgently need to copy important data. Conventional methods like connecting via USB or using the Mi PC Suite require unlocking the screen, confirming trust in the computer or enabling file transfer mode – and how to do this if the display does not respond to touch or does not turn on at all?

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods that will help you extract photos, contacts, messages and other files with the Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 11 and other Xiaomi models — even if the screen is completely black, broken or not responding. USB-Debugging, but we will also consider options for phones without preparation.

Before you start, answer the key question: does your computer see your smartphone when you connect to USB? If so, it's easier. If not, you'll need to do more manipulations with cables, accounts, or even disassembling the device.

Method 1: Use of the OTG-cable and mouse (if the screen responds to touch)

If the Xiaomi display is on but does not respond to touch (for example, due to a damaged sensor), you can connect USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter: This method works on most Xiaomi models with support USB OTG (including Redmi 9, POCO F3, Mi A3 newer).

You'll need:

• 🔌 OTG-Adapter (Type-C or Micro-USB depending on the model)
• 🖱️ USB-mouse (wired or wireless with a USB-receiver)
• 💻 Cable USB PC-connect

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to the smartphone, and to it – the mouse.
2. The mouse cursor should be on the screen. If not, try rebooting the phone.
3. With the mouse, unlock the screen (if you need a PIN or a pattern lock).
4. Connect your smartphone to your computer with a cable. In the notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
5. On the PC will open a folder with internal memory Xiaomi – copy the necessary data.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled data encryption (for example, after resetting settings), this method will not work – the file system will not be available without entering a password on the device itself.

Does your model support Xiaomi OTG (compatible list: official website)

Is the mouse correct (try on another device)

Is it damaged? OTG-Adapter (check the contacts)

Is the regime on "USB-Debugging" (if not - see Method 3)

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Method 2: ADB-commands for copying files (if debugging is enabled) USB)

If your Xiaomi has been activated before USB-Debugging (in the Developer Menu), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) It can extract data without unlocking the screen, and it works even on black-screen phones if the PC detects the device.

Download and install:

• 🖥️ ADB-Drivers for your model (e.g. Google Platform Tools)
• 🔧 Xiaomi drivers (if the phone is not determined – download Mi) USB Driver)

Instructions for copying files:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
2. Check the connection command: adb devices If the device is displayed, move on. If not, install drivers or try another one. USB-port.
3. Copy the files you want (example for photos): adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Photos Here. /sdcard/DCIM/ — the way to the folder on the phone, C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Photos — PC-folder.

The main ADB commands for working with files:

⚠️ Note: Adb backup creates an archive of application data, but on new versions MIUI It can require confirmation on the phone screen, and if the screen doesn't work, it won't work.

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If ADB doesn’t see the device, try manually specifying the driver in Windows Device Manager. To do this, download Xiaomi Mi Drivers and update the driver for the exclamation mark device.

Method 3: Recovery via Mi Account (if synchronization was enabled)

If your Xiaomi has a Mi Account tied and sync enabled, some of the data (contacts, notes, photos from the Gallery) can be restored through the cloud. This method does not require physical access to the phone, but is only suitable for previously synced files.

How to check and download data:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
2. In the Cloud → Gallery or Contacts section, find the files you need.
3. Select files and click Download. Photos will be uploaded to ZIP-archive.

Important: Photo sync in Mi Cloud is disabled by default — you had to manually enable it in the Gallery settings, and if you didn't, you don't have photos in the cloud.

What data can be restored through Mi Account:

• 📱 Contacts (if synchronization has been enabled)
• 📝 Notes (from the annex Notes)
• 📷 Photos (only if Autoupload is enabled in the Gallery)
• 📅 Calendar and reminders

Method 4: Removing the microSD card (if the data is stored on it)

If your Xiaomi has a microSD card installed and files are stored on it (rather than internal memory), you can simply extract it and read it on another device, a method that works for photos, videos and documents, but not for those applications (like WhatsApp or Telegram messages).

How to remove a memory card:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if the screen is unresponsive).
2. Find a tray for SIM-Use a paper clip or a special key to extract the cards (usually on the side.
3. Take out the tray and check if the microSD is installed. If so, remove it.
4. Insert the card into the card reader and connect to a PC or laptop.

What to do if the tray is jammed:

• 🔧 Try to gently tuck the tray with a thin plastic card (not metal!).
• 💡 Heat the phone body with a hair dryer (no more than 60)°C) - sometimes it helps when moisture is injected.
• 🚨 If the tray is broken, don't try to pull it out by force.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X2) tray-to-tray SIM-When you take out the memory card. SIM-The cards may fall out – be careful!

Method 5: Disassemble the phone and connect to the programmer (extreme case)

If the screen is not working, USB-debugging is disabled, and data is critical (e.g., unsynchronized photos or work documents), there is a physical connection to the phone's memory, and this method requires disassembling the device and working with a soldering iron or a programmer.

What you need:

• 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (star, cross, plastic shoulder blades)
• 🔥 Solding station (to connect to memory contacts)
• 💾 Programming (for example, UFi Box or EasyJTAG)
• 🖥️ Memory software (e.g. Flash Tool or Mi Flash)

Step-by-step process:

1. Disassemble the phone by removing the back cover (heat it with a hair dryer if it is glued).
2. Disconnect the battery plume to avoid short circuit.
3. Find a memory chip (usually labeled as eMMC or UFS).
4. Connect the programmer to the memory contacts (you need a slinging scheme for your model!).
5. Read the data using the software and save it to the PC.

The cost of services in the service center: from 3 000 to 10 000 rubles, depending on the model and complexity of work. Independent dismantling is fraught with damage to the fee - if you are not confident in their abilities, it is better to contact professionals.

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Disassembling your phone will void the warranty (if it still works), and before you start, weigh the risks: it's sometimes cheaper to buy a new smartphone than to recover data in this way.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to copy data from Xiaomi through a non-working screen, users often face typical problems.

How to turn it on USB-debugging "blind" (if the screen does not respond, but the image is):

1. Connect. OTG-mouse (see Method 1).
2. Make 7 taps by build number in Settings → About phone (even if you do not see the interface – tap to the top of the screen).
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include USB-debugging.

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If you have Xiaomi with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31), work-in ADB You may need an additional driver. VCOM. Download it from the site. SP Flash Tool.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions