How to connect Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A to your computer via USB: all ways and solutions to errors

Connecting Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphone 5A computer-to-computer USB It seems like a simple task, but in practice, users face a lot of nuances, from a lack of connection response to file transfer errors, the reason is often not in the cable, but in the phone settings, Windows drivers or mode. USB-For example, by default, a smartphone can charge, but not appear in the conductor as a drive.

This guide covers all scenarios, from basic file transfer to debugging (ADB) connection or firmware via Fastboot. We will explain why the computer does not see the Redmi Note 5A, how to install the correct drivers and what to do if the device is identified as “unidentified”. Particular attention is paid to solutions for Windows 7/10/11 and macOS, as well as specific “chips” Xiaomi, such as blocking the connection in developer mode.

If you've tried to connect your phone before and you've encountered an MTP USB Device failed or "Device not recognized" in the Task Manager, don't be quick to blame the cable. 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved by changing USB mode or installing official Mi PC Suite drivers. And for advanced users, we've prepared a section on manually installing drivers through ADB and Fastboot, which can be useful for unlocking the bootloader or custom firmware.

1.Phone Preparation: Turn on USB debugging and correct mode

Before connecting the Redmi Note 5A with a computer, you need to activate the hidden settings of the developer and select the appropriate mode USB-Without it, the phone can simply charge without displaying files.

To start, open Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times. Then the notification “You became a developer” will appear. Return to the main settings menu, there will be a new section for developers.

Now go to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB (necessarily ADB and firmware)
• 🔄 Unlocking OEM (need to unlock the loader)
• 📱 Configuration USB default → Select File Transfer (MTP)

💡

If the “USB configuration” option is missing, connect your phone to your PC – the option will appear automatically after the first connection.

Important: Once you activate the USB debugging, when you first connect to your computer, you'll see a request for debugging permission on your phone screen. Always press "Allow" or the connection won't work. If the window doesn't show up, check the cable or USB port on your computer.

2. Choice. USB-The cable and port: why the phone is not identified

One of the most common sources of problems is poor quality cable or faulty cable. USB-port. Redmi Note. 5A standardize USB 2.0 Type-C (depending on the modification), but not all cables are equally good for data transmission.

Signs of a bad cable:

• 🔌 The phone is charged, but not defined as a drive
• 🖥️ The computer makes the connection sound, but the device does not appear
• ⚡ The connection is interrupted when transferring files

To check the cable:

1. Connect the phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the system unit - they are more stable).
2. Try another cable, preferably original from Xiaomi or USB-IF certified.
3. Connect your phone to another computer – if the problem recurs, the cable or phone is to blame.

Critical detail: Redmi Note 5A does not support USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), so connecting to USB 3.0 blue ports can be unstable. Use USB 2.0 black ports for maximum compatibility.

3. Computer setup: drivers and programs for Xiaomi

Even with the right cable and debugging enabled, the computer may not recognize the Redmi Note 5A without special drivers. Xiaomi’s official software solves 90% of connectivity problems.

Download and install:

• 📥 Mi PC Suite – the official utility for file management and backup.
• 🔧 ADB Fastboot drivers (part of Android) SDK Platform Tools).
• 🖥️ Qualcomm drivers (if you plan to run through the firmware) EDL).

For Windows 10/11, the Mi PC Suite is usually enough to install, and the program will automatically download the desired drivers.

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Find the Redmi Note 5A with a yellow exclamation point (usually under "Other Devices").
3. Right-click → Update the driver → Search on this computer.
4. Specify the path to the driver folder (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Xiaomi\MiPhone\Driver).

No additional drivers are required for macOS, but you need to install Android File Transfer to access files.

4. Modes USB-linkage: MTP, PTP, charging

The Redmi Note 5A supports multiple USB connection modes, and choosing the wrong one can block access to files.

After connecting to the computer:

1. Unlock the phone screen.
2. Swipe down the notification panel.
3. Click on the Charge notification via USB (or USB for file transfer).
4. Select the right mode: 📁 File transfer (MTP) — phone-memory. 📷 Transmission of photo (PTP) — if MTP not working (less often). ⚡ Charging only – blocks data transfer. 🔧 Midroid (ADB) — for debugging (appears after the inclusion of debugging on the USB).

If there is no mode change option in the notifications, check:

• 🔌 The cable supports data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable).
• 📱 In the developer settings included the item Configuration USB default.
• 🖥️ Drivers are installed on the computer (see previous section).

5. Solving common connection errors

Even with the right settings, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the phone is defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, it means it is in EDL mode. Don't turn off USB, it can lead to "bricking." To get out of mode:

1. Press the power button for 20 seconds.
2. If it doesn’t work, plug in the charger and try turning the phone on.

💡

EDL mode is used to restore firmware, but accidentally hitting it can block normal booting. If the phone does not get out of this state, you need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.

6. Connection for firmware and debugging (ADB/Fastboot)

If you're planning to unlock a bootloader, flash custom recovery, or use ADB, a standard connection isn't enough.

To work with ADB:

1. Install Android SDK Platform Tools.
2. Enable debugging over USB (see section 1).
3. Connect the phone and enter in the command line: adb devices If the device is displayed – the connection is successful.

To work with Fastboot:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect USB and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices

💡

If the adb device command returns a blank list, try reinstalling drivers manually through Close and update the driver in Device Manager by specifying the adb folder (usually C:\platform-tools).

To unlock the loader:

1. Get permission to unlock on the Mi Unlock website.
2. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and start the Mi Unlock Tool.

7. Alternative ways to transfer files without USB

If USB-connection is not working or the cable is damaged, you can use wireless methods:

• 🌐 Mi Drop (built-in app on Redmi Note) 5A) — Transferring files over Wi-Fi between devices.
• ☁️ Cloud services: Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk.
• 📡 FTP-server: use applications such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer to create local FTP-server.
• 🔗 Pushbullet or AirDroid – File Management via Browser.

For Wi-Fi transmission via ADB:

1. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
2. Enter commands: adb tcpip 5555 adb connect [IP-phone]:5555 (IP You can find out in Settings → The phone. → General information → Status. → IP-address).

Wi-Fi transmission speeds are usually lower than USB 2.0 (maximum ~10MB/s vs. ~30-40MB/s), but this is enough for documents or photos.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Redmi Note 5A