How to quickly transfer files from your computer to your Xiaomi phone: all the ways 2026

Why Standard Copying Methods May Not Work

Shifting files from your computer to Xiaomi only seems like a simple task, because in practice, users face a lot of nuances. For example, when connecting over USB, the system may not recognize the device due to outdated MTP drivers (Media Transfer Protocol), and attempts to use Mi Drop or Xiaomi Cloud are often slowed down due to restrictions on free storage or slow Internet.

The problem is especially acute for owners of older models (Redmi Note 4/5, Mi A1) – their MIUI 9-11 firmware does not support modern data transfer protocols. At the same time, the new flagships (Xiaomi 14, POCO F6) require additional permissions to access memory via USB-C. This article covers all current methods, including bypassing typical errors.

Method 1: Transmission through USB-cable (the most reliable method)

Cable connectivity remains the most stable option, with transfer rates reaching 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) or 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 on flagships).

1. Use the original cable from the kit – cheap counterparts often do not support data transfer (only charging).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and unlock the Xiaomi screen.
3. In the drop-down notification on your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
4. Open this computer - the device should appear as a removable disk.

If the telephone is not identified:

• 🔌 Check the back connection. USB-PC port (front often have poor power supply).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices and reconnect.
• 🖥️ Update the drivers MTP via Device Manager (section "Portable Devices").

Use the original Xiaomi cable

Unlock the phone screen

Select the MTP mode in the notification

Connect to the back. USB-port

Check for drivers MTP-->

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14+ When you first connect to a new PC, you need to confirm access through Settings → Connected devices. Without that, you can't copy files.

Method 2: Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (Mi Drop)

Mi Drop is Xiaomi’s proprietary cable-free file sharing solution that works on all devices with MIUI 9 and later, including POCO and Black Shark, with the main advantage of speeds up to 20MB/s (depending on the router) and no volume restrictions.

Algorithm of action:

1. On your phone, open the Mi Drop app (if not, download from Google Play).
2. Click Send → Select files → To the computer.
3. On PC, open your browser and go to the address http://drop.xiaomi.com (or scan. QR-phone-screen).
4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

Mi Drop automatically compresses video and photos when transferring if the Traffic Saving option is enabled in the app settings. To disable compression, go to Mi Drop → Settings → Transfer Quality and select Original.

Po Po Po USB-cable

Through Mi Drop (Wi-Fi)

Cloud services (Google Drive, Xiaomi Cloud)

Bluetooth or NFC

Another option-->

Method 3: Cloud storage (Xiaomi Cloud, Google Drive)

Cloud services are convenient for backing up or transferring files over a distance. Xiaomi Cloud gives 5 GB for free, and Google Drive - 15 GB.

• 📁 Files are uploaded to the cloud and then downloaded to the phone – it takes time and traffic.
• 🔒 Some formats (e.g.,.apk) may be blocked as potentially dangerous".
• 📶 With a slow Internet connection (below 10 Mbps), transferring large files will take hours.

Instructions for Xiaomi Cloud:

1. On the phone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Cloud and turn on synchronization.
2. On PC, open i.mi.com and log in to the same Mi Account.
3. Upload files to the cloud via the web interface.
4. On the phone, open the Xiaomi Cloud → Files application and download the necessary ones.

⚠️ Note: When using Google Drive on Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ You may need to allow access to files in Settings → Annexes → Google Drive → Permissions, otherwise downloaded files will not open.

Method 4: FTP-server on the phone (for advanced users)

If you need to share large amounts of data regularly (e.g. video) 4K or backups, set up FTP-This will allow you to manage your phone files as a local drive through any FTP-FileZilla, Total Commander).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer app on your phone.
2. Open the side menu. → FTP-server → Launch.
3. Remember the address of the species ftp://192.168.x.x:2221, login.
4. On PC, connect through FTP-the customer using this data.

Example of connection in FileZilla:


Host: ftp://192.168.1.100:2221




Username: miuser




Password: 12345678




Port: 2221 (by default)

Advantages of the method:

• 📥 Speed is limited only by your Wi-Fi (up to 100 MB/s per day). 802.11ac).
• 🔧 Full control of the file system (including hidden folders).
• 🔄 You can set up automatic synchronization via Tasker.

Method 5: Bluetooth and NFC (for small files)

Bluetooth or NFC transmission is only suitable for small files (up to 50MB), speeds of 1-2MB/s, but does not require Internet or cables, optimal for contacts, notes or photos in low resolution.

How to transmit via Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
2. On PC, right-click on the file → Send → Bluetooth device.
3. Select your Xiaomi from the list and confirm the reception on the phone.

For NFC (available on chip models such as Xiaomi 13 Pro):

• 📱 Activate. NFC In Settings → Connections → NFC.
• 🖥️ Make sure your PC supports NFC (You need a special adapter).
• 🔄 Bring the phone to NFC-tagged on PC by distance 1-2 centimeter.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 12.5+ The first Bluetooth connection requires you to allow manual access to files, otherwise the transfer will be interrupted with the error "Access denied".

Comparison of methods: which to choose in 2026

The choice of method depends on three factors: file size, Internet availability and technical level.

• 📁 Large files (video, backups): USB-cable FTP.
• 🌐 Remote transmission: Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 🔌 No cable at hand: Mi Drop (Wi-Fi).
• 📇 Contacts/notes: Bluetooth or NFC.

For owners of the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14, Mi Drop is optimal – it is integrated into the system and does not require additional settings. On older models (Mi 8, Redmi 6), it is better to use USB or FTP due to problems with MTP compatibility.

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For maximum speed, combine methods: transfer large files via USB, and small files (photos, documents) through Mi Drop.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If you have a “Device not recognized” error when connecting via USB, try:

1. Connect the phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0, marked blue).
2. Disable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times click on version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
3. Install the official Mi PC Suite from the Xiaomi website.

💡

Before transferring large files (more than 4 GB), format the flash drive or SD-ExFAT card – This will remove the limitations of the file system FAT32.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions