How to view all files on Android through the Xiaomi PC: full analysis

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to quickly copy photos, videos or documents to a computer. USB-The cable seems simple, but the operating system MIUI Or HyperOS has its own security features that can hide some of the data from the user. Understanding how to view all the files on the Android through the xiaomi pc is necessary not only for backup, but also for cleaning up garbage that can not be removed by standard means.

The problem is that when you connect normally, the phone is in charge mode. Even after you switch to file transfer mode, many system directories remain inaccessible to Windows browsers. This is done by developers to protect critical data from accidental deletion, but advanced users often need access to the entire file structure. In this article, we will go through all the ways, from basic MTP to using debugging over USB.

Basic USB connection and MTP mode

The most common method of interaction between a smartphone and a computer is the use of USB-cable and protocol MTP (Media Transfer Protocol: This method does not require the installation of additional software, but has restrictions on access rights. To get started, you will need a quality cable, preferably original, since cheap analogues often only support charging.

Once the devices are physically connected, unlock the smartphone screen. At the top of the screen, a USB mode notification will appear. By default, the system selects Charge Only, which makes files invisible to the PC. You need to click on this notification and select File Transfer or Android Auto. If the notification does not appear, check the USB settings in the Advanced Settings section.

On your computer, open “My Computer” and find a device with your model’s name, such as a Redmi Note. 12 Xiaomi 13. Inside, you will see two main storage facilities: internal memory and, if available, SD-Note that folders with the prefix. (dot) in this mode are hidden, and access to system partitions like /data or /system will be blocked.

• 📱 Use the original cable to transfer large amounts of data.
• 🔒 Unlocking the screen is mandatory at the first connection to confirm trust.
• 💻 Drivers are usually installed automatically in Windows 10 and 11.
• ⚡ Protocol MTP It does not allow you to edit files directly, only copy them.

⚠️ Attention: When using the mode MTP The speed of copying many small files may be significantly lower than the stated port speed. USB. This is normal protocol behavior, not a device malfunction.

Configure wireless access via FTP and Wi-Fi

If there is no cable at hand or the phone connector is damaged, data transfer over Wi-Fi becomes an excellent solution. MIUI (The conductor has a function of creating FTP-It's a server that allows you to access the file system through any browser or a conductor on a PC, and it's one of the most convenient ways to view files without any extra wires.

To activate, open the standard Explorer app, go to the menu and select Network Access or Remote Control. Press Start. The smartphone screen will display an address starting with ftp://, which you want to enter into the address bar of Windows Explorer. The computer and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

The main advantage of this method is the ability to access most user folders without the restrictions imposed by MTP. You can drag and drop files, create folders and remove debris. However, the transfer speed will depend on the quality of the wireless signal and support for the Wi-Fi 5 standard or Wi-Fi 6 router.

Using USB debugging for full access

Those who need access to hidden system files and full control of the device will need to activate the developer mode and enable debugging over USB.This method allows for advanced tools such as ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which see the file system differently than the standard conductor.

To activate the mode, go to Settings → About the phone and press 7 times in a row on the item "Version" MIUI» or "Version" OS». After the inscription “You became a developer” appears, go back to the main settings menu, find the section “Extended settings» → «For developers. You need to turn on the "Debugging by Debugging" switch here. USB».

When connecting to a PC with debugging enabled, the phone will request confirmation RSA-Once confirmed, the computer gains deeper access to the device, allowing it to use specialized software to back up or manage files that bypasses some of the limitations. MTP. However, to access the root section /data You will still need root rights.

⚠️ Attention: Including debugging by USB reduces the security of the device.Do not connect your smartphone to public charging stations with this mode enabled, as this can allow attackers to access your data.

Work with Mi PC Suite and alternative software

Xiaomi has released the official Mi PC Suite for content management, but it has not been updated for a long time and does not work well with new versions of Android. However, there are modern alternatives such as OpenMTP, Android File Transfer or MiXplorer that provide a stable connection and user-friendly interface for working with the file system.

Third-party file managers with server-side support, such as Solid Explorer or CX File Explorer allows you to set up SMB-This allows you to connect the internal memory of the phone as a network drive in Windows. FTP, protocol SMB It often works faster and more stable on a local network, allowing you to open video directly without downloading it.

If you're using the Windows ecosystem, you should also look at the Phone Link feature, which allows you to view the latest photos and transfer files over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. While this doesn't give you full access to all files, it's a very handy tool integrated into the system for fast document and media work.

Comparison of access methods to the file system

The way you manage files depends on your specific tasks: cable is suitable for simple transfer of photos, FTP is suitable for regular work without wires, and ADB is suitable for deep cleaning of the system. Below is a table that helps to determine the best method for your situation.

Solving Connection Problems

Often, users are faced with a situation where the computer does not see the phone or sees it only as a charger, and in most cases, the problem lies in a damaged cable or the absence of drivers on the Windows system. Try to replace the cable with a knowingly serviceable one and connect the device to another. USB-port, preferably directly to the motherboard (behind the PC), bypassing the hubs.

If the device is detected but the files are not opened, there may be a request for permission to access the data on the phone screen, it is also worth checking whether the “Charge Only” mode is turned on in the notification curtain. In rare cases, resetting USB settings, which can be found in the “Developers” menu → “Select USB configuration”, helps.

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If your computer is constantly turning off your phone when transferring large files, try turning off selective USB suspension in Windows power circuitry, which will prevent connection breakage during short-term downtime.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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For most users, the optimal balance of speed and convenience is the use of high-quality products. USB-cable-mode MTP, Wireless methods are better suited for regular work with documents.