How to transfer all data from Xiaomi to your computer USB-cable: full guide

Transfer data from Xiaomi smartphone to computer via USB-cable is the most reliable way to back up photos, videos, contacts and documents, and unlike cloud services or wireless technologies like Mi Drop or AirDroid, cable connectivity ensures high speed and security of personal data. However, many users face problems: the phone is not defined as a drive, files are not displayed or copying is interrupted.

In this article, we will discuss all methods of data transfer – from the standard file transfer mode (MTP) prior to alternative methods of use ADB You will learn how to set up your smartphone and computer correctly, what drivers may be required for Windows or macOS, and how to avoid typical errors. MIUI 12/13/14, where the connection settings may differ from the standard.

If you only need to migrate contacts or messages, we’ll also show you how to export them to readable formats (.vcf,.csv) without losing data, and for those who plan to completely reset their phone before selling, we’ll give you an algorithm to create a full backup and then restore it to a new device.

1. Preparing Xiaomi phone for USB connection

Before you connect Xiaomi to your computer, you need to follow several mandatory steps on the smartphone itself, which will avoid problems with device recognition and provide access to all folders.

First thing you do is check the regimen. USB-Connection. Default. MIUI It can use the phone only to charge, blocking access to files:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through the original USB-cable (preferably from the set).
2. Unlock the Xiaomi screen – on some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3), file access is blocked when the screen is locked.
3. Swipe down the notification bar and tap on the USB notification to charge.
4. Select File Transfer (MTP) or Image Transfer (PTP) mode, the latter is suitable if MTP does not work.

If the notification does not include File Transfer, the MIUI settings have disabled the USB debugger to enable it:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times tap on the item Version MIUI, activate the developer mode.
• 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
• 🔒 Confirm the debugging permission at the first connection to the computer.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13 s MIUI 14 The path to the developer mode may be different: Settings → Memory. → Additionally. → Developer mode. If there's no item, update your firmware.

Also make sure that the phone is allowed to access files for the computer.

• 🔐 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Permit management.
• 📁 Find File Manager and enable Warehouse permission.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone after the changes.

Developer mode is enabled (7 taps according to MIUI)

USB debugging activated

Selected MTP/PTP mode in the notification

Allowed access to the storage for the application "Files"

Used by the original USB-cable-->

2. Set up a computer to recognize Xiaomi

Even if the phone is properly configured, the computer may not see it as a drive due to the lack of drivers or conflicts in the system.

Windows 10/11 most often requires you to install MTP and ADB drivers. If Xiaomi is identified as an Unidentified Device after you connect, follow the following steps:

• 🖥️ Download the official Mi driver package PC Suite from Xiaomi website (Support section) → PC Suite).
• 🔧 Install the program and restart the computer.
• 🔌 Connect the phone again – the system must automatically pick up drivers.

If the drivers are not installed, try manual installation:

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Find Xiaomi under Portable Devices or Other Devices (with an exclamation point).
3. Right-click → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer.
4. Select the driver from the list → MTP USB Device.

No additional drivers are required for macOS, but you may need to use the Android File Transfer program:

• 🍎 Download Android File Transfer from Google’s official website.
• 🔄 Install and restart the program after connecting Xiaomi.
• 📁 If the files are not displayed, restart the phone in mode PTP (photo).

⚠️ Note: On macOS Ventura and the newer Android File Transfer may not work due to changes in security policy. MTP).

If your computer still can’t see Xiaomi, check out:

• 🔌 Is quality used? USB-cable (cheap cables can only support charging).
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 - blue).
• 🖥️ Disable the antivirus – it can block the connection as a potential threat.

Windows 10

Windows 11

macOS

Linux

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3. Ways to transfer data from Xiaomi to PC

Once you've successfully connected, you can start copying files, and let's look at all the methods available, from standard conductor to specialized utilities.

3.1. Standard regimen MTP (conductor Windows/macOS)

The easiest way is to use a file explorer, and when you connect it in MTP, it will appear as a removable disk.

• 📂 On Windows: Open This Computer – Xiaomi will appear as a device (e.g. Redmi Note 11).
• 📂 On macOS: launch Android File Transfer – a window with folders of the phone will open.

The folder structure on Xiaomi is standard:

• 📷 DCIM — Photos and video from the camera.
• 🎵 Music, Movies, Downloads – Media files and downloads.
• 📱 MIUI — System files (not recommended to be deleted!).
• 📞 Contacts - Exported contacts (if saved in.vcf).

To copy the files:

1. Select the folders or files you want (you can use Ctrl + A to highlight everything).
2. Drag them to any folder on your computer or use Ctrl + C → Ctrl + V.
3. For large amounts of data (e.g., 4K video), use archiving (.zip) before copying.

⚠️ Note: Do not copy files directly from the folder Android/data — This can disrupt applications. Use Helium or Swift Backup to back up games.

3.2. Transfer of contacts and messages

Contacts and SMS are stored in the phone's database and not displayed in the conductor, so that they can be exported:

• 📇 Contacts: Open the Contacts app. Tap ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file. Select the.vcf format (for import to Outlook or Google Contacts). The file will be saved in the Downloads folder - copy it to your PC.

Messages:

1. Install the SMS Backup & Restore app from Google Play.
2. Start backup in.xml format.
3. The file will be available in the SMSBackupRestore folder.

💡

If the Mi PC Suite doesn't see the phone, try connecting in PTP mode and then switching back to MTP.This resets the connection and often solves the problem.

4. Solving common problems

Even with the right setup, there can be errors, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

4.1.The phone is connected, but the files are not displayed

Causes and solutions:

• 🔍 Hidden files: Enable the display of hidden folders in Explorer (View) → Hidden elements).
• 🔒 Blocked Access: On the phone go to Settings → Annexes → Files. → Permits and turn on Warehouse.
• 🛠️ Faulty File System: Connect your phone to another computer or check integrity SD-cards (if used).

If the error persists:

• 🔧 Install Google Drivers USB Driver from Android SDK (link).
• 🔄 Disable driver signatures in Windows (for power users).

Slow data transfer speed

If copying takes too long:

• 🔌 Use it. USB 3.0 (Blue port) and quality cable.
• 📁 Archive files to.zip before transfer (especially many small files).
• 🖥️ Close background programs on your computer (torrents, cloud synchronizations).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with UFS 3.1 (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) read/write speed via USB 2.0 is limited to 40 MB/s. For maximum speed (up to 10 Gbps) use USB-C 3.2.

5. Data portability using ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level file system access tool that is suitable for advanced users and requires command line skills.

Advantages of ADB:

• ⚡ Access to all files, including system files.
• 🔄 The ability to create a full backup (adb backup).
• 🛠️ It works even if it does. MTP switched off.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud. Enable sync for Contacts, Photos, Notes. Download data from i.mi.com.

Restrictions of cloud services:

• 📉 Google Photos compresses images for free storage.
• 🔒 Mi Cloud provides only 5GB for free.
• ⏳ Download speed depends on the Internet connection.