Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is still a popular device due to its balanced performance and reliability. However, many users have difficulty connecting it to a computer — the system does not see the phone, drivers are not installed, or files are not transmitted. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, including hidden MIUI settings, which the manufacturer does not advertise.
The Redmi Note 5 is based on the MIUI — Xiaomi’s proprietary shell, which often blocks standard connection protocols (e.g., the company’s own phone, MTP) We're not just going to show you the basics through security policy. USB-We will also tell you how to get around the restrictions. ADB, Mi PC Suite and even Wi-Fi wireless connectivity, and if you've tried to connect your phone and you've got a device ID error, here's the solution.
Important: instructions are valid for all versions of the Redmi Note 5 (including the Redmi Note 5 Pro with a Snapdragon 636) and work on Windows 10/11, macOS and Linux. For owners of devices with an unlocked bootloader added a bonus method through Fastboot.
1. Connect via USB in File Transfer Mode (MTP)
The most obvious but often problematic way is the Redmi Note 5 may not activate by default. MTP-setting MIUI. Here's how to fix it:
1. connect your phone to your PC using the original cable (cheap cables often don’t support data transfer).
2. The notification “Charge via USB” will appear on the phone screen – tap it.
3. Select File Transfer (MTP) from the menu. If this is not the case, go to the next section.
Use the original USB-cable
Unlock the phone screen
Enable debugging over USB (for ADB)
Update drivers on PC
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If the MTP is not activated:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include “Debugging by” USB» (If there is no item, tap the version 7 times. MIUI under the heading “On the telephone»).
- 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
- 🖥️ On Windows, update drivers through Device Manager (find Redmi Note 5 in the exclamation point list and select Update Driver»).
⚠️ Warning: If the PC makes a “device is not working properly” error after connecting, try connecting the phone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 - they're usually black. Ports. USB 3.0 (blue) sometimes conflict with older drivers MIUI.
2.Install drivers for Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 manually
A common cause of problems is the lack of proper drivers. Xiaomi doesn't always automatically install them through Windows Update. Here's how to install them manually:
1. Download the official drivers from Xiaomi website: https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index
(Select the "Mi Phone Manager" section.)
2 Unpack the archive and run MiPhoneManager.exe – the program will automatically install the missing drivers.
If the installer fails:
- 📁 Open Device Manager on PC (Win) + X → Device Manager).
- 🔍 Find Redmi Note 5 with a yellow exclamation point (usually under Other Devices»).
- 🖱️ Right-click. → «Update the driver» → «Search for drivers on this computer» → Please indicate the path to the unpacked folder with drivers.
| Operating system | Reference to drivers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 (64-bit) | Download | Supports all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 5 |
| macOS | Android File Transfer | Requires an MTP mode enabled |
| Linux (Ubuntu/Debian) | sudo apt install mtp-tools | Install the package through the terminal |
⚠️ Note: On Windows 7, drivers for Redmi Note 5 may not be installed due to lack of support USB 3.0 in older versions. Update the OS or use an adapter USB 2.0.
3. Connect via Mi PC Suite (official Xiaomi software)
Mi PC Suite is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi that allows you to manage files, install applications and update firmware. It is a reliable way if MTP does not work.
1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website: https://pcsuite.mi.com/
(Select the version for your OS).
2. Install the program and run it.
3. Connect the Redmi Note 5 to your PC via USB.
4. Allow access to data on the phone (will appear a notification "Allow access to files?").
Advantages of Mi PC Suite:
- 📱 Full access to the file system (including hidden folders).
- 🔄 Update MIUI data-free.
- 📲 Installation APK-files directly from the PC.
- 🔒 Backup of contacts and SMS.
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If the Mi PC Suite doesn’t see the phone, try disabling the antivirus (for example, Avast or Kaspersky often block the connection) and temporarily add the program to firewall exceptions.
4. Wireless Wi-Fi connection (without any USB-cable)
If the cable is damaged or you prefer wireless technology, the Redmi Note 5 can be connected to a PC via a local network, using the FTP protocol or specialized applications.
Method 1: Through built-in FTP-server MIUI
1. On the phone go to Settings → Additional → Wireless display.
2. Include «FTP-server (if no point, use method 2).
3. Remember the address of the form ftp://192.168.x.x:2221 and the data for entry.
4. On the PC, open Explorer (Win + E) and enter this address in the address bar.
Method 2: Solid Explorer application (recommended)
- 📱 Install Solid Explorer from Google Play.
- 🌐 Open the side menu. → «Remote manager» → «Turn on».
- 🔗 Enter the address from the application (for example, http://192.168.1.100:8080) browser-only.
- 📁 Now you can drag and drop files right in the browser window.
How to speed up Wi-Fi transmission?
5. Connection via ADB (for power users)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that also allows you to transfer files and manage your phone from a PC, a method that requires USB debugging enabled.
Step 1: Install ADB on PC
1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Connect Redmi Note 5 to your PC and allow debugging (the phone will be asked).
3. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with adb:
cd C:\platform-toolsStep 2: Teams for working with files
- 📂 View the list of files on the phone: adb shell ls /sdcard/
- 📥 Copy a file from phone to PC: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/photo.jpg C:\Users\YourName\Downloads
- 📤 Download a file from PC to phone: adb push C:\file.apk /sdcard/Download/
⚠️ Attention: Adb commands are case sensitive, /sdcard/ and /SDCARD/ — Also, don't use spaces in file names without quotation marks.
💡
ADB allows you to bypass the MIUI restrictions on access to system folders (e.g. /data/), but requires root or unlocked bootloader rights.
6. Solving common problems
Even after all the instructions are followed, errors can occur, and we'll look at the typical cases and their solutions.
Problem 1: The computer doesn’t see the Redmi Note 5 at all.
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-Cable (original from Xiaomi or certified) USB 2.0).
- 🔄 Reboot your phone to Fastboot (clip the power) + Volume reduction) and check if the device is detected.
- 🖥️ On PC, turn off fast boot: Control Panel → Power supply → Action of power buttons → Change the inaccessible parameters → Remove the tick from "Enable quick start».
Problem 2: The phone only connects as a charger
- 📱 On the menu. USB-Connection (appears when you connect the cable) select File Transfer rather than Charging».
Problem 3: Device not recognized (Code 43)
- 🔧 Delete current drivers: in Device Manager, right-click on Redmi Note 5 → «Remove the device» → Check the box "Delete driver programs».
7. Alternative methods of file transfer
If none of the methods worked, use the workarounds:
1. Cloud services
- 🌥️ Mi Cloud (built-in in) MIUI): Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Enable file synchronization.
- 📁 Google Drive or Yandex Drive: Download files via the app on your phone, then download them to your PC.
2. messengers with file transfer function
- 💬 Telegram: Send files to your Save Messages, then download them to your PC via web.telegram.org.
- 📧 Email: Send files to your email (such as Gmail) and download them on your computer.
3. Memory card (if there is a slot)
1. Remove the microSD from the Redmi Note 5.
2. Put it in the card reader and connect it to the PC.
3. Copy the files directly.
⚠️ Note: When using Mi Cloud, keep in mind that the free rate is limited to 5 GB (this is the only reliable cloud for Xiaomi, but space is not enough). For large files, it is better to use Google Photos (unlimited storage of compressed photos) or Mega (50 GB free).