How to connect Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to your computer via USB: the complete guide

Connecting Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to your computer via USB-The cable seems like a simple task, but in practice, users often face problems: the phone is not detected, files are not transferred or the system requires you to install drivers. This model, released in 2017, is still in use, but its firmware is still in use. MIUI It has features of interaction with Windows and macOS.

Unlike modern smartphones, where the connection is usually automatic, the Redmi Note 4 can require manual settings of the data mode. USB-Debugging or installing specialized drivers from Xiaomi. In this article, we will analyze all possible connection scenarios, from basic file sharing to solving complex device recognition problems.

Preparation for connection: what will be needed

Before you connect the Redmi Note 4 to a PC, make sure you have everything you need. The main problem with connecting is poor-quality cable or outdated software.

• 🔌 Original. USB-Cheap analogues often don't support data transfer, only charging.
• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 macOS (for Linux, additional settings may be required).
• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 with a battery charge of at least 30% (at low charge, the system can block data transmission).
• 🔄 Latest updates MIUI (Check in the settings → The phone. → Updating the system).

Pay special attention to the cable. If you use a non-original accessory, try connecting with another cable - this solves 40% of the problems with device recognition. Also check the USB port on your computer: the front panels of the system unit often have poor power supply, which prevents stable connection.

Basic connection in file transfer mode (MTP)

The most common way is to connect in MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode, which allows you to share files through Windows Explorer or Finder on macOS.

1. Connect Redmi Note 4 to your computer USB-cable.
2. Unlock the smartphone screen (important! without unlocking, the connection will not activate).
3. In the notification that appears on your phone, select File Transfer (or MTP). If the notification does not appear, lower the notification curtain manually.
4. On your computer, open This computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) – the device should appear as a removable disk.

If the phone is not identified, check:

• 🔄 Connection mode: sometimes the smartphone automatically selects Charging Only. Change it manually in the notification curtain.
• 🔌 Port port USB: Try another port (preferably) USB 2.0, because USB 3.0 can conflict with older devices).
• 📵 Reboot: Reboot both phone and computer – this resets temporary connection errors.

Used original cable | Phone screen unlocked | MTP mode selected in notifications | USB 2.0 port (black connector) | Device rebooted

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⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI File transfer may not be in the curtain. In this case, go to Settings → Additionally. → Developer mode → Configuration USB by default and select MTP.

Solving driver problems on Windows

If your computer doesn’t recognize Redmi Note 4 even after selecting MTP mode, there are likely no drivers required. Windows 10/11 usually installs them automatically, but it’s best to use official Xiaomi drivers for stable operation.

Download the driver package from the official Xiaomi website (Drivers section) and install them manually:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open Device Manager (click Win + X → Device Manager).
3. Find the Redmi Note 4 list (usually in Portable Devices or Other Exclamation Point Devices).
4. Right-click → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer → specify the path to the downloaded package.

After installing the drivers, restart your computer. If the problem persists, try disabling the driver signatures in Windows:

1. Run the command line on behalf of the administrator.


2 Enter: bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks on




3. Reboot the PC.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling driver signature verification temporarily reduces system security. Once the drivers are installed, return the settings to their original state with bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks off.

Connection mode USB-Debugging (for developers)

Regime. USB-Debugging is needed to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge, firmware via Fastboot or using tools like the Xiaomi Flash Tool to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version to enable Developer Mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Activate options: Debugging over USB Unlock OEM (if you plan to firmware)

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.

To check the connection, open the command line on your computer and type:

adb devices

If the device serial number appears in the answer, the connection is successful. If not, check the drivers or cable.

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If you frequently work with ADB, add the platform-tools folder to the PATH environment variable, which will allow you to run adb and fastboot commands from any directory.

Transfer of files to macOS: features and solutions

Mac users often find that Redmi Note 4 does not appear in Finder even after choosing MTP mode.The fact is that macOS does not have built-in MTP support for Android devices.

1. Use Android File Transfer: Download the official software from the Android site. Install and run the program. Connect your phone in MTP mode - the file transfer window will open automatically.

• Install Android Platform Tools (like Windows).
• Connect the phone in debugging mode.
• Use the commands: adb pull /sdcard/path/file ~/Downloads/ file bootloader.

If the Android File Transfer does not recognize the device:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and Mac.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📵 Make sure the phone is not activated only charging.

⚠️ Note: On macOS Catalina and later, you may need to allow access to files in System Settings → Protection and security → Privacy: Add Android File Transfer to the list of approved programs.

Alternative ways to connect without USB

If you can’t connect via cable (for example, a broken USB port), use wireless methods:

• 🌐 Mi Drop (Xiaomi built-in software): Open the Mi Drop app on your phone. Select files to transfer → Send. → Computer, scan it. QR-PC screen code (you need to open the web version of Mi Drop).
• ☁️ Cloud services: Upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive from your phone. Download them to your computer through your browser.
• 📡 FTP-server (for power users): Install an app on your phone FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer. Activate the built-in FTP-Connect to it via FileZilla or Windows Explorer (enter) ftp://IP-telephone).

Important: when transferring large files (video, backups) over Wi-Fi, the speed will be lower than USB 2.0, but you will avoid problems with drivers.

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Wireless methods are convenient for one-time file transfer, but for regular data exchange (for example, photo synchronization), it is better to configure USB-connection.

Frequent errors and their elimination

Even after you set up the connection correctly, you can still get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the network settings on your phone:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Resetting.
2. Select Network Resetting.
3. Connect your phone to the PC again.

⚠️ Note: Resetting the network will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections. Use this method only if other methods have not worked.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions