Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to free up internal memory or back up important documents. Transferring information to a computer is the most reliable way to keep data safe and quickly access it. Modern technology offers many options for solving this problem, from classic cable to wireless protocols.
The choice of method depends on the amount of files, availability at hand USB-In this article, we will discuss each method in detail so that you can choose the best one for your situation.
Connection through USB-cable: the classical method
The fastest and most stable way to transfer large amounts of data is to use USB-And to do that, you'll need an original or quality certified cable that can transmit data, not just charge the device. USB Laptop and wait for the system's sound signal.
The mobile device will display a connection type notification. The default mode is often Charge Only, so you need to switch it. Click on the notification and select MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) or File Transfer. After that, a new device will appear in Windows Explorer.
⚠️ If your computer can’t see your phone, try another one. USB-port, preferably USB 3.0 (blue), or replace the cable as some cheap counterparts only support charging.
After opening the folders of the smartphone in the conductor, you will get access to internal memory and SD-The main media files are usually in folders. DCIM (photo and video from the camera; and MIUI (Screenshots and voice recorder. Copying is done at the highest speed that your port supports.
Configuring wireless transmission over Wi-Fi
When cable is unavailable, wireless technologies come to the rescue. The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have built-in file-sharing functionality over the network. You'll need your laptop and smartphone to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the standard Explorer on your phone and select the Remote Management tab.
Run the server, and the system will give you an address that you want to type into the address bar of the conductor on the computer. ftp://192.168.1.XX:XXXX. This method is convenient because it does not require the installation of additional software and works on any operating systems.
- 📶 Transfer speed depends on the quality of the router and the Wi-Fi standard (5 GHz is faster).
- 🔋 This method consumes more energy, so keep an eye on the battery level.
- 📁 Supports work with files of any type, including system files.
Use of the FTP-The protocol allows you to edit files directly on your phone without downloading them, which is especially useful for document processing or quick photo sorting. However, for carrying tens of gigabytes of data, this method may be less efficient due to possible connection instability.
Cloud storage and synchronization
Cloud technology makes wires and LANs obsolete. Mi Cloud is deeply integrated, but Google Drive, Yandex Disk and Dropbox are also popular. The principle is simple: you upload files to the cloud from your smartphone and then download them to your laptop via a browser or client.
To automate the process, you can set up the Camera or Gallery folder sync, in which case each new photo will automatically appear on the computer, which is ideal for those who want to have an up-to-date backup without unnecessary action.
The main limitation here is the speed of the Internet channel and the amount of free space in the cloud. Free rates are often limited to 5-15 GB, which quickly ends with active use of the camera in high resolution.
Working with Mi PC Suite Software
The official Mi PC Suite is designed to manage content and create full backups, allowing you not only to copy files, but also to backup the system, contacts, messages and configurations of applications, a deeper level of data work than just copying files.
Installing the program on a computer requires administrator rights. Once the device is connected via USB, the program will offer to install drivers and permissions on the phone. The interface is divided into categories: Photo, Music, Video, Contacts, which makes navigation easier.
| Function | Description | Speed of operation |
|---|---|---|
| Backup | Full backup of system and data | Medium |
| File management | Copying of media and documents | Tall. |
| Update of the PO | Computer firmware | Depends on the network. |
| Screenshots | Instant screen capture | Instantly. |
Despite its functionality, the utility can run unstable on new versions of Android or Windows 11. In such cases, it is better to use a standard Explorer. However, to create a full copy before flashing it, this is the best tool.
☑️ Checking before using the Mi PC Suite
Alternative methods and third-party applications
If standard methods don't work, you can turn to third-party solutions. Send Anywhere or Feem allows you to transfer files between devices over a local network without the Internet. QR-code.
Another option is to use Bluetooth, although its speed is extremely low, which is only suitable for transferring small documents or contacts when other methods are not available.
For advanced users, the ADB protocol is available. With the command line, you can upload data with the adb pull command. This requires installing drivers and setting up the environment, but gives you maximum control over the process.
adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ C:/Backup/Photos/This approach allows you to automate the backup process through scripts, but for the average user, it may seem unnecessarily complicated. Choose a method that suits your level of technical training.
Solving Connection Problems
Often users are faced with the fact that the computer does not respond to the connection of the phone. First of all, check the integrity of the cable and port. Dust in the USB connector is a common cause of lack of contact. Carefully clean the connector with a dry soft brush.
If a device is identified as “Unknown Device,” you need to update the drivers. Go to Device Manager on Windows, find the device with an exclamation mark, and select “Update Driver.” You can use automatic search or path to drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
⚠️ Warning: When connecting to public computers (in copiers or hotels), use Charge Only mode to avoid potential data theft or virus infection.
The visibility problems of folders can be related to access rights. Unlock the smartphone screen when you connect, and check if USB modem is on, which can block file transfers.