How to allow access to the flash drive on Xiaomi: fixing USB reading errors

Connected flash drive to a Xiaomi smartphone, but the device does not see it or refuses to open files? The problem is familiar to many MIUI users — the operating shell from Xiaomi often blocks access to external drives by default. The reasons can vary from basic security settings to file system conflicts. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to allow access to the flash drive on Redmi, POCO or Mi — from standard tools to hidden functions for experienced users.

It is important to understand that MIUI restricts the work of USB-Android security policy allows users to read media files (photos, videos, music) by default, blocking access to executable files (.exe,.apk) or system folders. If you need to fully work with a flash drive, you will have to change your settings manually. We tested all methods on current versions. MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) And they only have those who work in 2026 year.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t see the flash drive: the main reasons

Before we get to the solutions, let’s understand why a smartphone can ignore USB-Here's the top of the drive.-5 The reasons that users face:

• 🔌 Incompatible file system: Xiaomi only works correctly with FAT32 and exFAT. If the flash drive is formatted in NTFS or ext4, access will be restricted.
• 🔒 Lockdown MIUI: By default, the system prohibits mounting external drives as removable drives (only as "portable storage").
• 🔄 Conflict with OTG-Adapter: Not all cables support data transfer (some only charge).
• 📱 Older versions: in older versions MIUI (12.5) no exFAT support is available.
• 🛠️ Hardware limitations: budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) may not support USB-drives over 128 GB.

If the flash drive is defined as "empty" or gives an error "USB-"Device not identified," first check it on another device (PC, laptop) If the problem persists, the drive may have failed.

Method 1: Allow access through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for most users and do not require super-user rights (root).

1. Connect the flash drive to the smartphone through OTG-Adapter (or directly if the model supports the USB-C/Micro-USB).
2. Swipe down the notification bar and tap the message "USB is connected" (if it appears).
3. In the window that opens, select File Transfer (or File Manager).
4. Open the File Manager app and go to the section "USB-accumulator".

If the flash drive is not displayed in the file manager:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Files and open Permissions.
3. Activate the "Storage" permission (if it is disabled).

The flash drive is formatted in FAT32/exFAT|

Used by the original OTG-adapter|

USB-Smartphone port clean (no dust)|

There is enough charge on the smartphone (more than 20%)-->

Important: Some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro) require additional access confirmation when you first connect. If a pop-up appears asking "Allow access to USB?", click "Allow".

Method 2: Using Developer Mode and OTG

If the standard method didn’t work, try turning on the developer mode and activate it. USB-It's going to help in cases where MIUI Blocks the mounting of the drive due to security restrictions.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI" (A notice will appear saying, “You have become a developer!").
3. Go back to the main settings and open "More" → For developers".
4. Activate the switches: Debugging by USB Unlocking OEM (if any) Installation through USB (for APK-file)

Connect the flash drive and confirm access in the window that appears.

After that, try opening the drive through Files or a third-party manager (such as Solid Explorer).

• 🔌 Status. OTG-Adapter (Try another cable).
• 📱 Compatibility of the model with USB-drives (some Redmis require firmware updates).

💡

If, after connecting the flash drive, the smartphone begins to warm up or discharge quickly, turn it off and check the adapter for a short circuit. OTG-Cables can cause port overheating.

Method 3: Formatting a flash drive into a compatible file system

If your flash drive is formatted in NTFS or ext4, Xiaomi won't be able to read it, so the solution is to reformat the drive to FAT32 or exFAT through your computer.

• ⚠️ FAT32 Does not support files larger than 4GB.
• ✅ exFAT is suitable for flash drives >64 GB and large files.

How to format:

1. Connect the flash drive to a Windows PC.
2. Open "This computer", right-click on the drive and select "Format".
3. In the File System field, specify FAT32 or exFAT.
4. Click "Start" (all data will be deleted!).

After formatting, the flash drive should be determined on Xiaomi. If not, check it for errors through the command chkdsk X: /f in the Command Prompt (X is the disk letter).

Method 4: Third-party file managers with USB support

Xiaomi’s built-in Files doesn’t always work properly with external drives. The alternative is third-party managers who bypass MIUI restrictions.

How to access the Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Connect the flash drive to your smartphone.
3. Open Solid Explorer and tap the icon "⋮" (menu) → "Warehouse".
4. The list should appear item "USB-drive" - select it.
5. If you receive a request for permission, click "Allow".

If the flash drive does not appear even in a third-party manager, check:

• 🔌 Connection Correctness (Try Another) OTG-adapter).
• 📱 Availability of updates for MIUI (In older versions, there may be bugs with USB).

💡

Third-party file managers often do better with the USB-It's a little bit more than Xiaomi's standard Files app. MIUI Android-based, but do not require root rights.

Method 5: Manual mounting through ADB (for experienced)

If none of these things work, the advanced method is to manually mount a USB drive through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge.

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB Use this method only if you are confident in your actions. Create a backup of the data before starting!

Instructions:

1. Install. ADB-Drivers on PC (download Platform Tools from Google).
2. Enable debugging over USB on your smartphone (see Method 2).
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via cable and open the Command Prompt in the folder with adb.exe.
4. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (you should see your device) adb shell sm list-disks (remember the flash drive ID, for example, disk:179,64) sm mount -w /mnt/media_rw/USB_DISK_ID (substitute USB_DISK_ID real-life)
5. Reboot your smartphone and check access to the flash drive.

If the sm mount command gives an error, try an alternative method:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




echo "1" > /sys/module/usb_storage/parameters/delay_use

These commands temporarily change the parameters of the kernel, but the effect persists until the next reboot.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after a successful connection, users face typical problems, and here is a list of bugs and ways to fix them:

If no solution has worked, check:

• 🔧 Updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Resetting: Resetting to factory settings helps in rare cases (don’t forget to make a backup!).
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction: if USB-Smartphone port damaged, contact the service center.

⚠️ Note: on some models (Redmi 7, Redmi 8) after upgrading to MIUI 13+ stop working OTG. In this case, only the rollback of the firmware or the use of wireless file transfer (for example, through Xiaomi Share) will help).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions