How to transfer files from Xiaomi phone to flash drive: all working methods

Transferring data from Xiaomi to an external drive seems like a simple task – until you face restrictions. MIUI, lack of OTG-In 2026, the problem is complicated by the fact that new models (for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro) are making it more difficult to find a new model.+ Xiaomi 14 Ultra, or Xiaomi 14 Ultra, is often not equipped with adapters, and the built-in tools of the system are hidden in the depths of the menu. This article will help avoid the typical mistakes - from "I can't see the flash drive" to data loss when copying.

We'll take it. 5 Proven methods: from classical connection through OTG We're going to go to cloud bridges and use the PC as a middleman. MIUI 14/15, You'll also learn how to get around the restriction on transferring files larger than the one you want to use. 4 GB (relevant to FAT32) Why some flash drives refuse to work with Xiaomi even when connected correctly.

1.Preparation: Which USB flash drive is right for Xiaomi

Not every flash drive is compatible with Xiaomi phones – especially port models. USB-C. Basic requirements for the storage device:

• 📁 File system: FAT32 (Maximum file size of 4 GB), exFAT (for files) >4 GB) or NTFS (less supported). Xiaomi on MIUI 14+ It works best with exFAT.

Before buying, check if your model supports Xiaomi. OTG (On-the-Go, POCO X5 Pro and Redmi 12 are working with the OTG "Out of the box” and for Xiaomi 13T You may need to enable the function manually in the Settings menu → Connections and sharing → OTG.

⚠️ Note: Flash drives larger than 128 GB are often formatted by the manufacturer in exFAT, but some Xiaomi models based on Android 12 and below may not recognize this file system. FAT32 (If the files are less than 4 GB).

Method 1: Direct transfer through OTG-adapter

The most obvious method is to connect the flash drive to the phone through OTG-However, even here there are pitfalls: for example, Xiaomi may not show notification of the connection of the drive if the settings are disabled Developer Mode or activated Energy Saving Mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-port-adapter USB-C The phone, and the flash drive, and the screen should show a notification "USB-drive-in".
2. Tap on the notification and select "Use as a media device" (or "Transfer files" in new versions). MIUI).
3. Open the Files app (or Explorer) and go to the section "USB-accumulator".
4. Select the files you need (clutch your finger on the file) → mark the others) and click "Copy" or "Move".
5. Go back to the root folder of the phone, find the folder with files (for example, DCIM → Camera for photo and insert data.

If the flash drive is not detected:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone with the connected phone OTG.
• 🔌 Try another adapter (cheap Chinese adapters often don't work).
• 📱 Check if the function is enabled OTG In Settings → Connections → OTG.
• 🔧 Activate Developer Mode and turn on "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times).

Check the compatibility of the flash drive (FAT32/exFAT)

Use the original. OTG-adapter

Turn it on. OTG in Xiaomi settings

Turn off the power saving.

Restart your phone if you have problems-->

⚠️ Note: When copying large files (>1 GB through OTG Xiaomi can automatically shut down USB-port to save charge. To avoid this, connect your phone to charge during transfer or turn off the "Battery Optimization for the Transfer" function. USB" feed-in.

Method 2: Transfer over a computer (most reliable)

If OTG It doesn't work or it doesn't recognize the flash drive, use a PC or laptop as an intermediary, and it's a method that guarantees 100% success, but requires an additional device.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via cable USB-C → USB-A (or USB-C → USB-C modern-day laptop).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer Mode (not Charge!). If this option does not appear, go to Settings. → Connections → USB and choose "MTP".
3. On a PC, open "This Computer" (Windows) or "Finder" (Mac) - the phone will appear as a removable drive.
4. Copy files from your phone to your desktop or into a separate folder.
5. Connect the flash drive to the computer and move the data to it.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ The transfer speed is 2-3 times higher than through OTG.
• 🔒 There is no risk of data loss when interrupted (unlike direct copying to a flash drive).
• 📂 You can edit files before perenosom (for example, convert video).

If the computer can't see the phone:

• 🔄 Check the cable – cheap cords often only support charging.
• 🔧 Install Mi drivers PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi).
• 📱 On the phone, turn on "Debugging by" USB" developer-like.
• 🖥️ On Windows, update device drivers in Device Manager".

💡

If you need to transfer files from your phone to your flash drive regularly, create a shortcut for your phone folder on your PC desktop (for example, \\192.168.x.x\Internal This way you can quickly access files without unnecessary manipulation.

4. Method 3: Cloud services as a bridge (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

If you're not on hand OTG Or a computer, you can use cloud storage as an intermediate, and this is a way to transfer small amounts of data (up to 10-15 GB), because it depends on the speed of the Internet.

Instructions for Google Drive:

1. Install the Google Drive app on your Xiaomi phone.
2. Upload files to the cloud: highlight them in the Files app" → "Share" → "Google Drive".
3. Connect the flash drive to your computer or other phone, open drive.google.com in your browser and download files.
4. Copy the data from the computer to the flash drive.

Alternative services:

• 🌥️ Mi Cloud (5GB free): built-in to Xiaomi but requires authorization in Mi Account.
• ☁️ Yandex Drive (10GB free): Fast download in Russia, but file size limit (2GB).
• 📦 Mega (20GB free): no file size limit, but download speed is limited.

⚠️ Note: When uploading files to the cloud via the mobile Internet, Xiaomi can automatically compress video and photos (the function "Adaptive download" in the Internet) MIUI). To avoid quality loss, download data only via Wi-Fi or turn off compression in the cloud storage app settings.

5. Method 4: Applications for file management (FX File Explorer, Solid Explorer)

Standard Annex "Files" in MIUI Often does not show hidden folders and limits operations with external media. Third-party file managers solve this problem by offering advanced functions of working with external media. OTG flash drive.

The best applications for file transfer:

How to transfer files through Solid Explorer:

1. Install the application and give access to the storage.
2. Connect the flash drive through OTG. There will be a paragraph in the side menu "USB-OTG".
3. Open the two-panel mode (button in the upper right corner).
4. In the left panel, select the folder on the phone (for example, DCIM), right-hand drive.
5. Select files and click "Copy" or "Move".

Advantages of third-party managers:

• 🔍 See hidden system files (for example, a.thumbnails folder with thumbnails).
• 🔄 Support batch operations (rename, archiving).
• 🌐 Built-in cloud clients (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).

💡

Applications like Solid Explorer can bypass the limitations MIUI work-in OTG, But require manual permission to access external media in Android settings.

Method 5: Transfer through FTP-server (for advanced users)

If you need to transfer a large number of files (for example, a backup or video to the 4K), OTG It is unstable, and can be deployed FTP-This method requires minimal technical skills, but provides high speed transfers.

Instructions:

1. Install the app "FTP Server" (e.g. WiFi) FTP Server or Solid Explorer with built-in FTP).
2. Connect your phone and computer to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch it. FTP-- server on the phone. Remember the address (for example, ftp://192.168.1.100:2221), login.
4. On your computer, open "Windows" or "Finder" and type FTP-address.
5. Copy files from your phone to your computer and then onto a flash drive.

Pros of the method:

• ⚡ Transfer speeds up to 50–70 MB/s (depending on the router).
• 📶 No need for cables or OTG.
• 🔧 You can configure access over a local network or via the Internet.

Cons:

• 🔌 A stable Wi-Fi connection is required.
• 🛡️ Data is transmitted without encryption (use only on trusted networks).

Example of the FTP- server address on Xiaomi:


ftp://192.168.1.105:2221




Login: user




Password: 12345678

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the right USB stick connection, Xiaomi users face typical problems.

• 🚫 "USB-The drive is not recognized: The flash drive is formatted in NTFS (Reformat to exFAT via PC, and check if the connector is damaged. OTG-adapter.
• 🔒 "No access to files": In MIUI 14+ Data protection is enabled. Go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Storage and provide access to the application "Files".
• 🐢 "Slow copying: Use flash drives with support UHS-I And connect your phone to charge during the transfer. Also turn off Windows Animation in the developer settings.
• 📛 "Files are not copied (error) -50)": Error occurs when trying to transfer files to the flash drive FAT32, if they are larger than 4 GB: Reformat the drive to exFAT.
• 🔋 "Phone discharges when copying": Enable "Fast Charging" in battery settings or connect the phone to a power source.

If the flash drive is detected but the files are not displayed:

1. Check if they are hidden (enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings).
2. Make sure your files are not damaged (try opening them on your phone).
3. Reconnect. OTG or reboot the phone.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions