How to quickly transfer data from Xiaomi to PC: USB, Wi-Fi, cloud and hidden features MIUI

Transferring data from Xiaomi smartphone to computer seems like a simple task – until you encounter errors like "USB-It's not "identified" or slow, even if you've connected your phone with a cable, it may not see files because of a faulty connection mode or an outdated driver, and what if you don't have a cable on hand, and you need to quickly drop gigabytes of photos?

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods of data transfer - from the classical USB lip-service MIUI, 90% of users don’t know about it, and you’ll learn how to get around the limitations of Android 13.+, Why Mi Share sometimes freezes by 99%, and how to speed up the transfer by 3 times with one trick.Spoiler: for models Xiaomi 14 and Redmi Note 13 there is a separate life hack with the protocol MTP 2.0, which solves the problem of "invisible" folders.

If you're using Windows 11, be prepared for the extra dance with the drum — it blocks access to Xiaomi's internal memory by default. But we'll show you how to fix it without installing third-party software. And Mac owners will need a section on Android File Transfer and its alternatives that don't require superuser rights.

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1. Transfer through USB-Why the PC Can't See Xiaomi and How to Fix It

Connection to USB It's the most reliable method, but only if you set the data mode correctly. By default, Xiaomi smartphones are connected in Charging mode, which blocks access to files:

1. Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable (cheap Chinese counterparts often don’t support data transfer).

2 Unlock the screen and swipe down to open the notification panel.

3.Slip on the Charging notification through USB (or USB file transfer).

4. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP) or Image transmission (PTP) (last one needed for Mac).

If the PC still can't see the device:

• 🔌 Check the cable: try another one USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 blue) or cable from another device.
• 🖥️ Update drivers: go to Device Manager → find portable devices → Update the driver for your Xiaomi.
• 📱 Put the debugging on. USB (For advanced users: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
• 🔄 Restart both devices: sometimes it helps to banal restart your phone and computer.

⚠️ Attention: On Windows 10/11 Controlled Folder Access can be activated to block access to files. → Update and security → Windows security → Protection against viruses → Protection management → Controlled Folder Access.

For Mac owners, be sure to install the official Android File Transfer software. If the program does not start, try the alternative - MacDroid (the free version allows you to view files without editing).

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2. Mi Share: wireless transmission without limitations (but with pitfalls)

Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is Xiaomi’s proprietary Wi-Fi service that works without internet and supports speeds of up to 10MB/s (in theory), and in practice, users often experience a 99 percent freeze or connection breakdown.

1. Activate Mi Share on both devices:

- On the phone: Settings → Connection and sharing → Mi Share.

On PC: Download the official application for Windows or Mac.

2. Select files on your phone and click Send, then select the PC from the list of devices.

3. Confirm the reception on the computer.

If the transmission is interrupted:

• 📶 Turn it off. VPN/Proxies on both devices – they block the local connection.
• 🔋 The charger should be above 20%, otherwise MIUI suspends background processes.
• 🚫 Close other programs that use Wi-Fi (torrents, online games).
• 🔄 Switch to 5 GHz: If the router supports two frequencies, Mi Share is more stable at 5 GHz.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 13/14 Redmi Note 12 Mi Share may not see PC due to bug in the PC MIUI 14. Solution: temporarily disable Fast File Transfer in Mi Share settings.

The speed of transmission depends on the router model.

Shut down. VPN PC-phone|

Close torrents and online games|

Connect to a single Wi-Fi network (2.4 or 5 GHz)|

Charge your phone at least 30 times%-->

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3. Cloud services: Google Drive vs Mi Cloud vs Yandex.Disk

Cloud storage is convenient for backup, but has limitations:

• 📁 Google Drive: 15GB free, but sync large files (>1GB could take hours.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: 5GB free, but servers in China – speed depends on your provider.
• 💾 Yandex.Disk: 10 GB free, but when downloaded >200 files require confirmation SMS.

How to move data through the cloud:

1. Install the storage app on your phone (e.g. Google Drive).

2. upload files to the cloud (Download folder or Xiaomi).

3. Open the web version of the storage on your PC and download the files.

Speed optimization:

Use night time (from 2:00 to 8:00) – providers rarely throttle traffic.

- For Mi Cloud, enable traffic saving mode in the settings MIUI, Otherwise, the back load will slow down.

- If the files >4GB, break them down through an archiver (e.g. ZArchiver).

⚠️ Note: When downloading to Google Photos, the originals are compressed to 16 MP unless you turn on the original quality option (requires space in Google Drive).

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4. FTP-Xiaomi server: professional method for large files

If you need to transfer tens of gigabytes (for example, video to the Internet) 4K), USB And Mi Share will be too slow. FTP-This works even without root rights, but requires the installation of a file manager (for example, a file manager, ES Conductor or Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Install ES Explorer from Google Play.

2. Open the side menu → Network → FTP → Launch.

3. Write down the server address (for example, ftp://192.168.1.100:3721).

4. On a PC, open Explorer (or FileZilla) and enter this address.

Advantages of the method:

- Speed to 10-15 MB/s (faster than Mi Share).

- There's no limit on file size.

You can transfer data to several PCs at the same time.

Disadvantages:

The phone must remain on and connected to Wi-Fi.

- Without root rights, some system folders (/data) will be hidden.

To accelerate, turn off energy saving for ES Conductor: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start and background operation.

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If FTP-The server is not running, check if it is blocked by an antivirus (for example, Avast or 360 Security). ES Conductor in exception.

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5. Hidden functions MIUI Data transfer (few people know)

MIUI It has built-in tools that are not written about in the official instructions. Here are 3 life hacks for fast transfer:

1. Quick Transfer Mode (only for Xiaomi) 12/13/14):

V MIUI 13+ There's a hidden protocol. MTP 2.0, speeder USB-transfer 2-3 To activate it once:

1. Connect the phone to USB.

2. In the notification panel tap on USB file transfer.

3. Hold this inscription with your finger for 3 seconds - a menu with the option Quick transfer will appear (MTP 2.0).

Backup of the MIUI (portable):

If you need to transfer not only files, but also SMS, Calls, settings, use built-in backup:

Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backups.

A backup file (.mbk) can be copied to a PC and restored to another Xiaomi.

Transfer via Mi Account (cloud with priority):

If you have a slow Internet connection, but you need to quickly download files:

1. Upload them to Mi Cloud (Private Storage folder).

2.On PC, open i.mi.com and log in to the same account.

3. Enable the "Priority Synchronization" mode (the zipper icon next to the file).

⚠️ Attention: Quick transmission function (MTP 2.0) may not work on Windows 7 and older versions of macOS due to lack of drivers. Update OS or use alternative methods.

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For models POCO F5 redmi K60 There's a folder bug DCIM through USB. Solution: temporarily rename the folder to Photos via file manager.

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6. Frequent errors and how to fix them

Even with the right settings, there can be problems. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. "USB-Device not identified" (Windows):

• 🔌 Check the cable and port (try connecting another phone).
• 🖥️ Remove the device driver in Device Manager and reconnect the phone.
• 🔄 Turn off fast charging in settings MIUI (Settings → Battery → Fast charging).

2. Mi Share hangs on 99%:

• 📶 Reconnect to Wi-Fi (sometimes switching from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz helps).
• 📱 Clear the Mi Share cache: Settings → Annexes → Mi Share → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge — MIUI suspends transmission at low charge.

3. Files are not displayed in Explorer (Windows):

• 🔍 Enable the display of hidden files in Explorer → species → Hidden elements.
• 📁 folder DCIM It may be hidden – try opening it through the address bar (\\Xiaomi\Internal Storage\DCIM).
• 🔄 Switch the mode. USB s MTP on PTP back and forth.

Slow transmission by USB:

• 🔌 Use the back. USB-PC port (they are usually) USB 3.0).
• 📱 Turn off battery optimization for Media Storage in app settings.
• 🖥️ In Windows, disable automatic backup for USB-device.

5. Android File Transfer (Mac) is not working:

• 🍎 Update Android File Transfer to the latest version.
• 🔄 Reboot the phone in mode PTP (photo).
• 📱 Install an alternative – OpenMTP or HandShaker.

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7. Alternative programs for data transfer

If standard methods do not work, try specialized software:

1. Syncthing (for automatic synchronization):

Pros: encryption, cross-platform, there are no limits on the volume.

- Cons: requires adjustment, slower USB.

- Link: syncthing.net.

2. AirDroid (Remote Access):

Pros: file management through the browser, support for notifications.

Cons: Limit 200 MB/month in the free version.

- Link: airdroid.com.

3. Snapdrop (similar to Mi Share for any device):

Pros: works without registration, supports Linux.

Cons: speed depends on the browser.

- Link: snapdrop.net.

4. Resilio Sync (for large files):

- Pluses: P2P-Technology (no speed limit).

- Cons: complex interface.

- Reference: resilio.com.

Comparison of programmes:

For maximum speed, combine methods:

- Photo/video → Mi Share or FTP.

- Documents/APK → USB + MTP 2.0.

- Backup copies → Mi Cloud or Syncthing.

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FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions