Why is migrating data from Xiaomi to PC becoming a problem?
Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI They are known for their closed ecosystem: the manufacturer actively promotes its own services like Mi Cloud, but at the same time limits standard protocols for data exchange. USB Windows often defines a device as a media player" (MTP), It's not like a removable disk, it makes it harder to copy large files or system folders: MIUI By default, it hides technical files (for example, a folder) DCIM/.thumbnails), What prevents a full backup.
Additional challenges arise for users who have updated firmware through Fastboot or installed custom recovery like TWRP. In such cases, standard Windows drivers may not recognize the device, and trying to move data through ADB requires knowledge of the command line. Meanwhile, even basic tasks — for example, exporting contacts in VCF format or backing up SMS messages — are often performed curved through the regular MIUI tools.
Method 1: Classic USB Connection (MTP)
The most obvious method is to use the USB-TypeC cable that came with the phone, but there are pitfalls: Xiaomi will activate Charging mode by default, not File Transfer.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Swipe down the notification bar on Xiaomi.
- Tap on the Charge notification via USB → select File Transfer (MTP).
- Open this computer – the phone will appear as a media device.
If Windows can't see the phone:
- 🔌 Check the cable: Cheap uncertified wires often don’t support data transfer (charging only).
- 🔄 Restart both devices – sometimes resetting the connection helps.
- 🖥️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite (Official Software from Xiaomi for Windows).
- 🛠️ Turn on Debugging. USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
⚠️ Warning: If you connect Xiaomi to a PC for the first time, unlock your phone screen and confirm your trust in the window that appears.
The cable supports data transfer (not just charging)
The phone has MTP mode (not Charge only)
Mi PC Suite or Google USB Driver installed
Allowed debugging over USB (for advanced operations)
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Method 2: Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (FTP or Mi Drop)
If USB-The cable is lost or the ports are down, you can move data over the local network. Xiaomi offers two options:
Option A: Built-in FTP-server
The function is hidden in the engineering menu, but it works stably:
- On your phone, open Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 5 times on the Core to activate Developer Mode.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable Wireless debugging.
- Find the same menu. FTP-server (may be called Network File Access) and activate it.
- Remember the display. FTP-address (e.g, ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
- On PC, open Explorer, enter the address in the address bar and press Enter.
Option B: App Mi Drop
Xiaomi’s official solution for transferring files between devices:
- 📱 Install Mi Drop from Google Play (if it is not in the firmware).
- 🖥️ On PC, open your browser and go to drop.mi.com.
- 🔗 Scan it. QR-PC screen code with a phone camera.
- 📁 Select files on your phone and confirm the sending.
| Criteria | FTP-server | Mi Drop |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | High (up to 10 MB/s) | Medium (3-5 MB/s) |
| File size limitation | No. | Up to 1GB |
| Internet is required | No (local area network) | Yes (for authorization) |
| Support for folders | Yes. | No (files only) |
FTP-server
Mi Drop
Other cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk)
I don't use wireless transmission.
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Method 3: Cloud storage (Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Yandex Disk)
If the data volume does not exceed 5-15 GB, the easiest way to upload it to the cloud and then download it to your PC. Xiaomi offers its own solution - Mi Cloud (5 GB for free), but it has nuances:
- 📧 For synchronization of contacts and notes, a binding Mi Account is required.
- 📸 Photos and videos are uploaded in a compressed format (originals are for premium users only).
- 🔒 Data is stored on servers in China, which may violate local privacy laws (e.g. in the EU).
Alternatives:
- 🌍 Google Drive: 15GB free, Google Photo integration for automatic backup of media files.
- 🇷🇺 Yandex Disk: 10 GB free, high download speed in Russia.
- 🔗 Telegram: channels or saved messages (limit 2 GB per file).
⚠️ Note: When uploading to Google Photos original photos (>16 MPs) occupy space in the cloud. To avoid compression, select Original Quality (not High Quality) in the app settings).
How to transfer SMS and call logs through Mi Cloud?
Method 4: ADB (for advanced users)
If you need to transfer system files (for example, application backup or settings) MIUI), Standard methods won't work. ADB (Android Debug Bridge – a low-level access tool.
Instructions:
- Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.
- On the phone, enable debugging over USB (see Method 1).
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the adb folder (Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
- Follow the commands: adb devices (should display your device) adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup (Copy all the contents of internal memory into a folder on the PC).
To back up applications and their data, use:
adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup.abBackup.ab can be restored via adb restore.
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If adb devices can’t see the device, try reinstalling drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android ADB Interface from the list).
Method 5: MicroSD Memory Card (if there is a slot)
The most reliable, but rarely available way is to use physical media. Modern flagships Xiaomi (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) often lack a microSD slot, but in budget models (Redmi 10A, Poco M5) it is still found.
How to transfer data:
- Insert the card into your phone and format it as Portable Storage (not as internal memory!).
- Copy the files you want to file into folders on the map (for example, DCIM for a photo).
- Remove the card, paste it into the PC through the card reader and copy the data.
⚠️ Note: If the card is formatted as internal memory, it cannot be read on a PC without root rights. → Warehouse.
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ExFAT memory cards support files larger than 4GB, but may not be readable on older versions of Windows (KB2930827 update required).
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common ones:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is not defined as MTP-device | No drivers or conflict with other devices | Remove all MTP devices in Device Manager and reconnect your phone |
| Files are not copied (device does not respond) | Problems with the F2FS file system on the phone | Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button → Reboot in Safe Mode) |
| Mi Drop does not connect to PC | Blocking with a Corporate Firewall or VPN | Turn off VPN or use mobile internet instead of Wi-Fi |
| ADB issues no permissions error | Lack of access rights to system folders | Perform adb root (unlocked bootloader required) |
A critical feature of MIUI 14+ firmware is that when you connect via USB, the system automatically blocks access to personal data folders (such as WhatsApp/Databases) without the explicit permission of the user. To get around this, open the desired folder on the phone through any file manager (such as Solid Explorer) and confirm access before copying.