How to connect Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to your computer USB: complete instruction with problem solutions

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is still one of the most popular smartphones among users who appreciate reliability and functionality. USB-Many people have problems with cables: the PC doesn't see the phone, doesn't identify it as a drive, or drivers get bugs. In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can connect, from simple file transfer to debugging. ADB, We also solve typical problems.

It is important to understand that Redmi Note 4 (Mido and Niklel models run on Android 6/7 branded MIUI, It has its own nuances when interacting with a PC, for example, by default, the smartphone can only connect to charge, and access to files requires manual mode selection. In addition, for full-fledged work (for example, firmware or debugging), special drivers and developer settings are often needed.

If you have never connected Xiaomi to a computer before or encounter errors such as “Device not recognized”, this guide will help you understand all the subtleties.

1.Preparation for connection: cable, ports and phone settings

Before you connect the Redmi Note 4 to a PC, make sure everything is ready for a successful connection, often due to poor cable, a faulty port, or improper smartphone settings.

Requirements for USB-cable:

• 🔌 Use the original cable from the kit or certified USB Type-C (Redmi Note 4 – Micro-USB) Cheap Chinese cables may not support data transfer, only charging.
• 🔄 Check the cable for no damage: bending, broken contacts or traces of oxidation.
• 💻 Connect the cable directly to USB-port 2.0/3.0 on the motherboard (not through the hub or front panel of the system unit – they are often unstable).

The phone settings before connecting:

1. Unlock the Redmi Note 4 screen – some modes (e.g, MTP) Not working on a locked device.
2. Open the notification curtain and make sure that File Transfer is enabled (if you already have a connection).
3. If you previously connected your phone to another PC, reset your settings. USB: Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers → Withdraw permits USB-debugging.

PC port problems? If your computer doesn't respond to the connection, try:

• 🔌 Connect the cable to another USB-port (preferably on the back of the system unit).
• 🖥️ Reboot PCs – Sometimes Drivers USB «Hang” after Windows update.
• 🔋 Turn off all others. USB-Devices (flash drives, keyboards) that may conflict.

💡

If you have a laptop with USB-C, Use a support adapter or hub OTG. Redmi Note 4 models are not compatible with ports USB 3.1 Gen 2 (blue connectors) - try the standard USB 2.0 (black).

2. Connection methods: charging, transfer of files, ADB and PTP

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 supports several modes of connection USB. The choice depends on your task:

How to choose a mode? After connecting the cable to the Redmi Note 4 and PC:

1. Unlock your phone and lower the notification curtain.
2. Click on the “Charge via USB” notification (or “USB for file transfer”).
3. Select the right mode: 📁 «File transfer» (MTP) — phone-memory. 📷 «Transmission of photo (PTP)» — if MTP doesn't work. 🔧 «USB-modem – for distribution of the Internet.

Regime. ADB firmware:

If you need to connect to Redmi Note 4 via ADB (For example, to unlock the bootloader or install custom firmware, perform:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times in a row.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable:

Redmi Note 4

Enable the developer mode|Activate debugging by USB|Install drivers ADB PC-only|Confirm the permission on the phone|Check the connection of the adb device team

-->

3. Install drivers for Windows (if the PC can’t see the phone)

A common problem with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is that the computer doesn't recognize the device or it gives a device ID error, which is because there are no drivers. Here's how to install them:

Method 1: Automatic installation via Windows Update

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
3. Find Redmi Note 4 with a yellow exclamation point (usually under "Other Devices" or "Portable Devices").

Method 2: Manual installation of drivers ADB and MTP

If the automatic installation does not work, download the drivers manually:

1. Download Android SDK Platform-Tools (official package from Google) or Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers.
2. Unpack the archive and remember the path to the folder with drivers.
3. In Device Manager, select “Update driver» → «Search for drivers on this computer» → specify the driver folder.
4. After installation, restart the PC.

Method 3: Installation via Mi PC Suite

Xiaomi’s official software automatically installs all the necessary drivers:

1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Install the program and connect Redmi Note 4.
3. Wait for the driver to install automatically (reboot may be required).

Problem 2: Device not recognized (code 43)

⚠️ Note: This error often occurs due to driver conflict. Before reinstalling, remove all old Xiaomi drivers via Device Manager (right click) → «Remove the device» → Check "Delete driver programs for this device»).

After removal:

1. Turn the phone off the PC.
2. Install fresh drivers (see Section 3).
3. Reconnect the Redmi Note 4 again.

Problem 3: MTP It is not working (the phone is connected, but the files are not displayed)

• 🔧 Try the regimen. PTP instead MTP.
• 🖥️ Disable the antivirus (sometimes it blocks access to the device).
• 📱 Turn on the flight mode on the phone, then turn off - it will reset USB-linkage.
• 🔄 Update Windows to the latest version (old builds have bugs with the latest version) MTP).

Problem 4: ADB The device cannot see (adb devices returns an empty list)

⚠️ Note: If you previously connected your phone to another PC with debugging enabled, Redmi Note 4 may block the new connection. → For developers → Withdraw permits USB-debugging.

Also check:

• 🔌 Cable — ADB It does not work through poor quality cables.
• 🖥️ Drivers – Install Google USB Driver or Xiaomi ADB Driver.
• 📱 Resolution on the phone – when you first connect, a request for debugging permission will appear (check “Always allow from this computer»).

5. Alternative ways to transfer files without USB

If you're connected to USB It has not worked, alternative methods can be used:

Method 1: Wi-Fi transmission (via Mi Drop or Mi Drop) FTP)

• 📲 Install the Mi Drop app (pre-installed on) MIUI).
• 🖥️ Open the web version of Mi Drop on PC.
• 🔗 Scan it. QR-code from the PC screen or enter the pairing code.

Method 2: Cloud storage (Mi Cloud, Google Drive)

• 📁 Upload files to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 🖥️ Download them to PC through the browser.

Method 3: FTP-phone-side

For advanced users:

1. Install the WiFi FTP Server application.
2. Launch the server and connect to it through FTP-client (e.g. FileZilla) or Windows Explorer (enter address) ftp://IP_address phone:port).

Method 4: Bluetooth (for small files)

• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC.
• 📱 Spawn devices and send files through the “Send” menu».

💡

For transferring large files (video, backups) is best suited FTP Or cloud services. Wi-Fi is slower. USB, But more reliable when you have driver problems.

6.Security when connecting to a PC: What you need to know

Connecting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to your computer is not only a convenience, but also a potential risk.

1. Protection against viruses and unauthorized access

• 🛡️ Always use antivirus on your PC (such as Kaspersky or Bitdefender).
• 🔒 Do not connect your phone to public computers (in Internet cafes, universities) – the risk of data theft.
• 📱 Turn on the screen lock (PIN or pattern lock on the Redmi Note 4.

2. privacy settings in MIUI

To limit PC access to phone data:

1. Go to Settings → Further → Privacy.
2. Disable "Allow access to files when connecting to the USB» (unless data transfer is required).
3. In the “Special Permits” section, check which apps have access to the USB.

3. Carefulness in firmware and debugging

⚠️ Attention: Including Debugging by USB and unlock the loader (OEM Unlock) opens access to the phone's system files:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if phone warranty).
• 💥 Brick (converting into a “brick”) with incorrect firmware.
• 🕵️ Data leakage when connecting to an infected PC.

4.How to disable unnecessary permissions after work

After the PC is completed:

1. Turn off USB debugging in the developer settings.
2. In the notification curtain, select the “Charge Only” mode.
3. If you used Mi PC Suite, close the program and remove it from autoboot.

7. Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)