How to connect Xiaomi smartphone to your computer via USB: full instructions with error solutions

Connecting Xiaomi smartphone to your computer through USB-The cable seems like a simple task, just to connect the devices and wait for automatic recognition, but in practice, users face problems: the PC does not see the phone, does not open access to files, or the system requires you to install a driver. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of connection, from the choice of cable to the configuration of data transmission modes, as well as solve typical errors for Redmi models, POCO and Mi lineages.

Xiaomi smartphones feature the use of proprietary shell MIUI, which sometimes blocks USB connection without additional permissions. In addition, the manufacturer regularly updates firmware, which can affect compatibility with Windows or macOS. We will look at current methods for MIUI 14 and later, as well as universal solutions that work on any version.

What cables and ports are suitable for connecting Xiaomi to a PC

Not everyone. USB-And the cable is capable of transmitting data -- many cheap accessories only support charging:

  • 🔌 Type of connector: modern Xiaomi uses USB-C (Redmi Note line 11/12, POCO X5, Mi 13), A older model (e.g. Redmi) 4A) — Micro-USB.
  • 📦 Certification: Original Xiaomi cables are labeled as USB 2.0 High-speed or USB 3.1 Gen1 (Fakes often don't support file transfers.
  • 💻 Port to PC: Use the port for maximum speed USB 3.0 (blue or yellow connector) on the computer. USB 2.0 limits speed to 480 Mbps.

If you use an adapter (e.g. USB-C → USB-A), make sure it supports data transfer, not just power. To check, connect your phone to another device (e.g. laptop) - if files are displayed, the problem is in the cable or PC port.

📊 What kind of guy. USB-The connector on your Xiaomi smartphone?
USB-C
Micro-USB
Lightning (not Xiaomi)
I don't know.

Setting up the connection mode on the Xiaomi smartphone

By default, when connecting to a PC, Xiaomi suggests choosing the mode of operation. If this does not happen, perform the actions manually:

  1. Connect the phone to the computer.
  2. Unlock the Xiaomi screen (importantly! without unlocking, file access will be limited).
  3. Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the Charge message via USB.
  4. Select a mode: 📁 File transfer (MTP) — phone-memory. 📷 Transmission of photo (PTP) — if MTP Not working (less commonly used). 🔄 Charging only – blocks data exchange.

On some firmware MIUI (particularly POCO) option may be called USB-Connecting or hiding in Settings → Connections and sharing → USB. If the item is not in the curtain, check the developer settings (more on this below).

Unlock the smartphone screen|Use the original cable|Select a regime MTP notice-curtain|Check the connection to the front USB-PC port (they are more powerful)|Shut down. VPN on the phone (may block access)

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Installation of drivers for Xiaomi on Windows

If your computer doesn’t recognize Xiaomi as a media device, there are likely no drivers. Xiaomi’s official drivers aren’t always automatically installed through Windows Update, so you’ll have to do it manually.

Methods of installation:

  • 🔧 Through Device Manager: Connect your phone, open Device Manager (Win) + X → Device Manager.Look for an exclamation point device (usually under Other Devices or Portable Devices). Right-click → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer. Select MTP USB Device from the list.

Download from Xiaomi website

Mi/Redmi/POCO

support

Drivers

For the ADB regime

Google USB Driver

Android Studio

Once installed, restart your PC and reconnect your phone. If the driver doesn't install, try disabling the digital signature of drivers in Windows (instructions below in the "Problem Solutions" section).

How to disable driver signature verification in Windows 11/10
1. Hold Win. + X, select Command Prompt (Administrator). 2. Enter the command: bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks on 3. Restart the PC. ⚠️ After installing the driver, return the settings with the command bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks off.

Xiaomi connection to macOS: features and solutions

On Mac, Xiaomi smartphones connect via the standard MTP protocol, but this requires additional software, since macOS does not support MTP out of the box.

  • 🍎 Android File Transfer is the official Google app, download it from the site and follow the instructions. Minus: it often gives an error "failed to connect" on new versions of macOS.
  • 🔄 OpenMTP – an alternative with support MIUI 13/14. Works more stable, but requires setting permissions in System settings → Confidentiality.
  • 📁 Wi-Fi transmission: if USB Do not work, use apps like Portal or Snapdrop (instructions in the next section).