How to view the flash drive on the Xiaomi phone: all the ways + fixing

Connect USB-drive to the smartphone Xiaomi seems to be a simple task, but in practice users are faced with a lot of nuances: from the lack of a smartphone OTG-support in budget models to file system reading errors. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to view the flash drive on Redmi phones, POCO And Mi is from the classic. OTG-Adapter to Hidden Functions MIUI.

We will pay special attention to a common problem: the phone sees the flash drive, but does not open files – this is often due to the file system format (NTFS vs exFAT) or firmware limitations, and you will learn how to bypass the write-protection lock and what to do if the device requires formatting.

The instructions are relevant for all modern models (2020–2026 d) on the basis MIUI 12–14 HyperOS, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5. If your phone is older, check for support. USB OTG characteristically.

1. Verification of support USB OTG on your Xiaomi

Before you buy an adapter, make sure your smartphone physically supports the technology. USB On-The-Go (OTG). In budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) This function can be reduced.

How to check:

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → The phone. → All characteristics → Support USB OTG. If there is no item, use third-party utilities.
• 📱 Install the app USB OTG Checker from Google Play, which will show you if your device supports the technology.
• 🛒 Check the official website of Xiaomi: in the characteristics of the model should be a point USB OTG: Yes.

Attention, even if OTG Supported, some flash drives may not be read because of:

• 🔋 Lack of nutrition (especially for the HDD-accumulator).
• 🗜️ Incompatible file system (e.g., file system, NTFS older versions MIUI).
• 🔒 Hardware recording lock (switch on the flash drive body).

2. Ways to connect a flash drive to Xiaomi

There are 5 working methods of connection USB-sci-fier, from the classical OTG You can choose from wireless solutions, depending on the adapters and targets available.

The most universal option — OTG-The adapter starts at 100 rubles (for example, Baseus or Xiaomi Original). For new models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Turbo) you need an adapter. USB-C → USB-A, for old (Redmi 5, Mi) A2) — Micro-USB → USB-A.

Support OTG Your Xiaomi model

Type of connector (USB-C or micro-USB)

Adapter power (for the HDD need externally fed)

Compatibility with the file system of the flash drive (exFAT/FAT32)-->

3. Step-by-step instruction: how to open the flash drive through OTG

Let’s analyze the process on the example of Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 13.For other models, the steps are similar, only menu item names may differ.

1. Connect. OTG-The phone adapter, and the flash drive, and the screen will show a notification. USB-plug-in.
2. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop). A new item will appear in the Device section — USB-flash drive.
3. Click on the name of the flash drive. If you have a request to allow access, confirm.
4. View files like you would in a folder. Hold the file to copy. → Copy → select a folder on your phone.

Attention, if the flash drive is not displayed:

⚠️ Check that the adapter is tightly inserted into the connector (POCO X3 Pro) ports USB-C Have a backlash - try to gently press the adapter up / down.

To record files on a flash drive:

• 📁 Select files in Files → Share. → Save it on. USB.
• 📎 Or use a copy. → Specify the path to the flash drive as the destination.

💡

If the phone can't see the flash drive, but the adapter works (tested on another device), try rebooting Xiaomi with the drive connected. MIUI Does not recognize the device when connected hot.

4. Problem Solving: The flash drive does not open or requires formatting

Common mistakes and their solutions:

If the flash drive is formatted in NTFS, MIUI He'll see it, but he won't let you record files:

• 🔄 Reformat the flash drive to exFAT (supports files) >4GB).
• 🖥️ Use Total Commander with a plugin NTFS-3G (root).
• 📎 Connect the flash drive to your PC and copy files to the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).

Critical error: if the phone sees a flash drive, but the Files app crashes when you connect, it's a sign of a corrupt file system.

1. Connect the flash drive to the PC and start chkdsk /f command-line.
2. Format the drive (save the data in advance!).

5. Alternative ways: how to do without OTG

If your Xiaomi is not supported OTG If you don’t have an adapter, use one of these methods:

📶 Wireless transmission FTP

Set up. FTP-server on PC and connect to it from your phone:

1. On PC, install FileZilla Server or use the built-in FTP Total Commander.
2. In the server settings, specify the folder with the flash drive files.
3. Open the files on the phone. → Network storage → FTP enter IP-pc.

☁️ Cloud services

Upload files from the flash drive to the cloud and then download them to your phone:

• 📤 From PC: Upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk.
• 📥 From the phone: Open the cloud application → download files.

🔗 Direct reference (for distribution)

If you need to transfer files from a flash drive to several devices:

1. Connect the flash drive to the PC and create a shared folder (right click). → Properties → Access).
2. On the phone, connect to this folder through Files → Network storage → Windows (SMB).

💡

Wireless methods are convenient for large files (video, backups), but require stable Wi-Fi. OTG more securely.

6 Security: How to Avoid Data Loss

When working with flash drives on Xiaomi, follow these rules so as not to lose files:

• 🛡️ Remove the flash drive correctly: press Extract in the notification or in Files. Do not pull the adapter during transmission!
• 🔒 Check for viruses: Before opening files from the flash drive, install Mi Security or Dr.Web Light.
• 📦 Backup: Duplicate important files to the cloud or PC.
• 🔋 Watch the charge: at low battery level (<15%) OTG may be off.

Attention, some firmware. MIUI bug:

⚠️ After the flash drive is extracted through the notification, the files can remain locked for editing.To unlock, restart the phone.

If you often work with flash drives, set up automatic backup:

1. Open Settings → Memory → Backup.
2. Select Local Copy and specify the folder on the flash drive.
3. Set a schedule (for example, once a week).

7. Hidden functions MIUI flash-drive

In the firmware MIUI There are little-known chips that simplify the work with external drives:

• 🔍 Search by flash drive: in the application Files swipe down and enter a request - the search works and on the USB-accumulator.
• 📂 Bookmarks: Hold the folder on the flash drive → Add to the bookmarks for quick access.
• 🔄 Auto Update: In Files settings, enable Update when connected — MIUI It will automatically scan the flash drive when connected.
• 🔐 Folder protection: you can hide folders on the flash drive through Settings → Confidentiality → File protection.

For advanced users:

If you have an unlocked bootloader, you can install the Magisk module to support it. NTFS:

1. Install Magisk Manager.
2. Download the module. NTFS-3G for MIUI from the Magisk repository.
3. Reboot the phone.

Warning:

⚠️ Magisk's installation voids warranty and can result in a bootloop.Do this only if you understand the risks!

FAQ: Frequent questions about flash drives on Xiaomi