How to Transfer All Data from Xiaomi to Your Computer: 2026

Transferring data from Xiaomi to your computer is a challenge that every user will eventually face, whether it's freeing up smartphone memory, backing up before resetting, or just wanting to have a backup of photos -- there are plenty of options. But how do you do it quickly, safely and without loss of quality? In this article, we'll go through all the current ways of transferring data, from standard tools to professional solutions, and also reveal nuances that even official instructions keep silent.

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO The flagship series and the series offer several built-in mechanisms for sharing files from a PC, but not all of them are equally convenient: somewhere you need to go. USB-cable, stable Internet connection somewhere, and in some cases, you'll have to install additional software. MIUI 14 and HyperOS, so you can choose the best option for your tasks. MIUI When working with Windows 11, it will save you hours of searching for solutions.

1. Preparation for data transfer: what you need to know in advance

Before you start copying files, follow a few critical steps, which can lead to data loss, slow transfer, or even blocking access to files.

First, check the version. MIUI on your device. MIUI 12+ HyperOS has changed the logic of working with USB-Connection: By default, the phone can be defined as a media device (MTP), But sometimes it switches to Charging mode to avoid that:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable (cheap analogues often don’t support data transfer).
• 📱 Unlock the screen and select File Transfer (or File Manager in HyperOS) in the notification that appears).
• 🔄 If the PC doesn’t see the device, restart both devices – it resets the cache USB-port.

Second, estimate the amount of data. If you're talking about tens of gigabytes of photos in a format. RAW video 4K, USB-cable USB 2.0 will transmit them at speed. ~40 Mb/s (about 2 hours per 30 GB). Use it to accelerate USB 3.0 (blue connector) or wireless methods.

⚠️ Warning: HyperOS devices may be asked to unlock when they first connect to a PC USB-Don't confirm it unless you plan to use it. ADB — This is an unnecessary risk to safety.

2. Method 1: Transfer through USB-cable (MTP)

The most versatile method, which works on all Xiaomi devices without additional software, but it has hidden pitfalls that are not written about in the official guides.

Connect your phone to your PC via cable and follow the following steps:

1. On the phone in the notification, select File Transfer (or File Transfer in English version). MIUI).
2. On PC, open This Computer: Your Xiaomi will appear as a removable drive.
3. Go to the Internal Storage (or Internal Memory) folder and copy the files you want.

The main problem with this method is the limitations MIUI You can access the system folders:

• 📁 folder Android/data (herein stored application data).
• 🔒 Files with.nomedia extension (hidden media files).
• 📱 Backup copies SMS and calls (they are stored in the /data, rootless).

To circumvent these restrictions:

1. Use a root-access file manager (such as Solid Explorer).
2. Activate Developer Mode and enable Debugging by USB (But it's a safety risk).
3. For media files, use alternative methods (see the Mi Cloud section).

⚠️ Note: If the PC is not “device recognized” when connecting, try connecting the phone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0) or update the drivers MTP via Device Manager.

Connect the original cable

Unlock the phone screen

Select the "File Transfer" mode

Check the visibility of the device in this computer

Copy data to a safe location on a PC-->

Method 2: Wireless transmission over Mi Cloud

Mi Cloud – Xiaomi’s cloud storage integrated into the MIUI. It allows you to sync contacts, photos, notes and even some system settings, the main advantage is automatic backup, which runs in the background.

To transfer data through Mi Cloud:

1. On the phone go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired categories (e.g. Contacts, Gallery, Notes).
3. On PC, open your browser and go to i.mi.com, log in under the same account.
4. Select a section (such as a gallery) and download files to your computer.

Mi Cloud limitations that you should know about:

• 📉 The free rate gives only 5 GB (this is the price). ~1000 photos in compressed format).
• 🚫 Video in the video 4K file >2GB is not synced in the free version.
• ⏳ Download speed depends on your internet connection (at 100 Mbps 5 GB downloads) ~1-2 hours).

If you need to transfer all photos without compression, use the alternative:

1. In the Xiaomi Gallery, select an album, click ⋮ → Exports.
2. Specify Mi Cloud as a target, but tick the box to Save original quality.
3. After downloading, download the archive through the web version of Mi Cloud.

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If you have slow internet, turn on Traffic Saving mode in the cloud settings before downloading to Mi Cloud, which will reduce the quality of previews, but speed up the process.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (AirDroid, Snapdrop)

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party tools come to the rescue, and they offer more flexibility: Wi-Fi transmission, no file size restrictions, support for different formats, and we tested AirDroid, Snapdrop and Send Anywhere, and that's what we did.

AirDroid (for AirDroid) Windows/macOS):

• 📲 Install the app on your phone from Google Play.
• 💻 Download the desktop version from the official website.
• 🔗 Connect devices to a single Wi-Fi network and log in.
• 📁 Drag files between devices as in a conductor.

Snapdrop (no installation, works in the browser):

• 🌐 Open snapdrop.net on PC and phone.
• 📱 Allow access to files and geolocation on your phone (to detect devices).
• 📤 Click on the PC icon in the list of devices and select files to send.

Tool comparison:

⚠️ Note: When using AirDroid in the free version of files >30MB is speed-limited. For larger volumes, Send Anywhere is better with 6-digit code generation.

5. Method 4: Backup through MIUI Backup

If you need to transfer not only files, but also system settings (wallpaper, icon location, data of some applications), use the built-in backup function in the system. MIUI. This method is suitable for:

• 📱 Transfer data to the new Xiaomi phone.
• 🔄 Recovery after reset to factory settings.
• 💾 Conservation SMS, call history.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Click Create a backup and select data categories.
3. Once completed, connect the phone to your PC and copy the backup file from the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup.

Important nuances:

• 🔐 Backup is encrypted – without a password it cannot be restored.
• 📱 Data recovery is possible only on Xiaomi devices (not on PCs!).
• ⚠️ Some apps (such as WhatsApp) are not included in the backup. MIUI.

To recover data on the PC:

1. Download the archive with a backup to your computer.
2. Use it. 7-Zip WinRAR for extracting files (they will be in.mbk format).
3. Contact and SMS export VCF and XML through special utilities (for example, MIUI Backup Extractor).

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Local backups MIUI Do not replace a full backup. For critical data (for example, photos), use additional methods (USB cloud).

Method 5: Transfer through FTP-phone-side

For advanced users who need maximum speed and flexibility, the startup method is suitable. FTP-It's a server right on the phone, and it allows you to transfer files over the local network without any size restrictions.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Install a file manager with FTP support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Connect your phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the file manager, find the option FTP-server (usually in the side menu).
4. Start the server and write down the address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
5. On the PC, open the Explorer → enter FTP-address → log in (login and password from the application).

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Speed is limited only by your router (up to 1 Gbps on Wi-Fi 6).
• 📂 Full access to all folders (including: Android/data).
• 🔄 You can transfer files both ways (from PC to phone and back).

Disadvantages:

• 🔌 Requires a stable connection to Wi-Fi (when the connection breaks, the transmission will be interrupted).
• 🛡️ FTP-The protocol is not encrypted – do not use it on public networks.

For safety:

1. Turn it on. FTP-server only during the transfer.
2. Use a password (at least 12 characters).
3. After completion, disable the server in the application settings.

7. Problem Solving: What to Do If Data Is Not Portable

Even when following the instructions, there can be errors, and we have compiled the most common problems and solutions based on feedback from Xiaomi users in 2023-2026.

Problem 1: PCs can’t see the phone through the phone USB.

• 🔌 Check the cable (try another one).
• 🖥️ Update the drivers MTP via Device Manager (Portable Devices section).
• 📱 Enable Developer Mode → Configuration USB default → Select File Transfer.

Problem 2: Slow file transfer (1–2 MB/s).

• 🔄 Connect the cable to the port USB 3.0 (blue connector).
• 📵 Turn off sync with the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) during the transfer.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.

Problem. 3: Files from the folder are not copied DCIM/Camera.

• 📁 Check if there is a.nomedia file in the folder (delete it).
• 🔍 Enable the display of hidden files in the file manager settings.
• 📱 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI Blocks access to media files after updates.

Problem 4: Mi Cloud doesn’t upload photos.

• 🌐 Check your internet connection (turn off) VPN).
• 📧 Make sure there is enough space on your Xiaomi account.
• 🔄 In the Mi Cloud settings, turn off and turn on Gallery sync again.

⚠️ Note: If you are connected through USB phone constantly switches to Charge mode, try disabling Battery Optimization for Media Storage app in settings MIUI.

8. Alternative methods: for experienced users

If standard methods don't work, consider advanced options. They require more knowledge, but they offer more possibilities.

Method 1: ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

It allows low-level access to the Xiaomi file system, suitable for copying system files or application data.

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera C:\Backup\Photos

Warning: use ADB It can disrupt the system with incorrect commands.

Method 2: TWRP and Nandroid-backup

If your Xiaomi has a custom recavator installed TWRP, You can create a full Nandroid backup and copy it to your PC, which will save you even if your phone stops turning on.

• 📱 Boot in. TWRP (clamp down on power. + Loudness up).
• 💾 Choose Backup → Check the Data, System sections.
• 📁 Connect your phone to your PC and copy the folder TWRP/BACKUPS.

Method 3: Synchronization through Google Drive

If you use Google Photos or Google Drive, the data is automatically uploaded to the cloud to download to your PC:

1. Open Google Drive in your browser.
2. Select files → Download (they'll pack in) ZIP-archive).
3. For Google Photos, use Google Takeout.

These methods are suitable for:

• 🔧 Backup before firmware.
• 📱 Transferring data from a damaged screen (via a ADB).
• 🔒 Data extraction without loss of quality.

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For most users, a combination is sufficient. USB (media-file) + Mi Cloud (for contacts and notes) Use advanced methods only when necessary.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions