How to allow data transfer over USB on Xiaomi smartphones: full instructions

Connecting Xiaomi smartphone to your computer through USB-The cable should be simple: connect the devices, choose the file transfer mode, and it's done. But in practice, users often find that the PC can't see the phone, doesn't open folders, or a notification appears «USB-The problem is complicated by the fact that in new versions MIUI (14 and above) the manufacturer hid some settings and the connection algorithm changed.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to allow the transfer of data by USB on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — From basic settings to complex errors, we'll give you step-by-step instructions for different versions. MIUI (Including HyperOS, we explain why a computer can't see a phone even after all the manipulations, and we give you recommendations for choosing a cable and a port. MTP, if the standard methods do not work.

Why Xiaomi does not transfer data over USB: the main reasons

Before we get to the settings, it is important to understand what prevents correct file transfer, and in 80% of cases, the problem lies not in the smartphone, but in the accompanying factors:

  • 🔌 Unoriginal or damaged cable – cheap cables often do not support data transmission (charging only).
  • 🖥️ Outdated drivers on PC – Windows may not recognize Xiaomi due to lack of current drivers ADB or MTP.
  • 📱 Lockdown MIUI — In new firmware, the default mode may be disabled MTP (Media Transfer Protocol).
  • 🔒 Ban on debugging USB — If you have previously included the debugging USB, If you have not confirmed access on your computer, the connection will be blocked.
  • 🔄 Antivirus conflict: Software like Kaspersky or Avast can block the connection as a “suspicious device».

Another common reason is the default charging mode, and many users don't know that when you first connect to a new PC, Xiaomi automatically chooses Charging Only mode, which is designed for safety, but creates the illusion of a malfunction.

⚠️ Note: If you connect Xiaomi to your computer through USB-Hub or extension, try connecting devices directly. Many hubs don't support protocol. MTP and only operate in charge mode.

Method 1: Selecting USB mode when connecting (basic method)

The easiest way to enable data transfer is to select the appropriate mode when you connect to a PC. Here's how to do this:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your computer using the original cable (preferably from the kit).
  2. Unlock the Xiaomi screen – on a locked device, the choice of USB mode is not available.
  3. In the top notification bar, you'll see a message that says, "Charge over USB."
  4. In the window that opens, select File Transfer or Photo Transfer (PTP).

If you don't have File Transfer, you've disabled the MTP protocol on your device, and then you've got to move on to the next one.

Use the original Xiaomi cable

Connect to USB 2.0 (black port) on your PC

Unlock the smartphone screen

Update. MIUI last-minute-->

USB modeDescriptionWhen to use
File Transfer (MTP)Allows you to view and copy files on a PC as on a flash drive.To work with documents, music, video.
Transfer of photos (PTP)It only allows you to access photos and videos (like a digital camera).If MTP doesn’t work or you need compatibility with older PCs.
Just charging.USB is used only for power, data is not transmitted.To save battery life.
MIDITo connect musical instruments.Only for professional audio equipment.

Method 2: Enabling MTP in the Developer Settings

If there is no File Transfer option in the USB connection menu, it can be forced to activate via the developer settings, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13).

First, you need to turn on the developer mode:

  1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
  2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row, and the notification will appear: “You became a developer!”.
  3. Return to the main settings menu – there will be a new section “For developers”.

Now turn on the forced MTP mode:

  1. Go to Settings. → For developers.
  2. Find the option "Configuration" USB by default (or «USB-configuration»).
  3. Select "File Transfer (MTP)".
  4. Connect your smartphone to your PC – the mode should be activated automatically.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) Option “Configuration” USB» In this case, use the method of ADB-teams (described below).

Xiaomi (series 11/12/13/14)

Redmi (Note, K, A)

POCO (F, X, M)

Another brand-->

Method 3: Correction through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods fail, you can force MTP to be enabled using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires installing drivers and minimal command line knowledge.

First, prepare the computer:

  1. Download Platform Tools from the official Android website.
  2. Unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ disk (the path C:\platform-tools should be obtained).
  3. Turn on your smartphone debugging over USB in the developer settings.

Now, execute the commands:

cd C:\platform-tools


adb devices




adb shell settings put global usb_config mtp,adb

Then reconnect your smartphone, and the MTP mode should work. If not, try an alternative command:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.hardware.usb.action.USB_STATE --es configured true --es function mtp
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
1. Check if debugging is included on USB on your smartphone (in the developer settings). 2. Install drivers ADB manually via Windows Device Manager (update the driver for the exclamation mark device). 3. Try another one USB-port (preferably) USB Reboot your smartphone and PC. 5. If you use Windows 11, turn off the driver tampering protection function in the system settings.

Method 4: Updating drivers on your computer

Often the problem is not with the smartphone, but with the absence or legacy drivers on the PC, especially with Windows 10/11, where MTP drivers can conflict with other devices.

To update drivers manually:

  1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer.
  2. Open Device Manager (click Win + X → Device Manager).
  3. Find your smartphone in the “Portable Devices” or “Other Devices” list (may appear as an MTP or with an exclamation point).
  4. Right-click → “Update driver” → “Research drivers on this computer.”
  5. Select “Select driver from list” → “MTP USB Device”.

If the driver MTP not listed, download it from Microsoft’s official website or use Xiaomi utility PC Suite (but it's often outdated) An alternative is installing a universal Google driver. USB Driver.

💡

If after updating the drivers, the smartphone is still not determined, try connecting to another USB-Ports, ports. USB 3.0 (blue) is sometimes in conflict with the protocol. MTP — Use the black ports USB 2.0.

Method 5: Reset USB settings (if nothing helps)

In rare cases, USB settings can get lost due to software failures, to return them to factory settings:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner → “Show all apps.”
  3. Find the app «USB-Settings (com.android.usb) and open it.
  4. Click on “Storage” → “Clear Data”.
  5. Reboot your smartphone and connect it to your PC again.

This method resets all custom USB settings, including saved configurations for specific computers, and once reset, you will have to choose the manual connection mode again.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI attachment «USB-The settings" may be hidden. In this case, use the ADB-command to reset: adb shell pm clear com.android.usb

Addressing specific problems

If after all the manipulations, the data transfer still does not work, check the following nuances:

  • 🔄 Rebooting devices – sometimes helps banal reboot and smartphone, and computer.
  • 🛡️ Antivirus or firewall – temporarily turn off protection and check the connection.
  • 🖥️ Another device – try connecting Xiaomi to another PC or laptop to rule out port issues.
  • 📱 Flight mode -- turn it on for 10 seconds, then turn it off. It resets the network settings that sometimes affect the flight. USB.
  • 🔧 Reset to factory settings is an extreme measure if the problem appears after the update MIUI.

For models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70) may require additional action: after selecting the MTP mode in the notification curtain will be a request for permission to access files – be sure to confirm it.

💡

If your Xiaomi is defined as an "Unidentified Device" even after all the settings, the problem is almost always PC drivers or a physical cable/port malfunction.

FAQ: Frequent questions about USB data transfer to Xiaomi

My Xiaomi is connecting to a PC, but the folders won't open.
If the smartphone is detected (the connection sound is there, but the files are not displayed), try: Switch mode USB s MTP on PTP Update the drivers. MTP on a PC (see Method 4). Use a different file manager (e.g. Total Commander instead of the standard Windows Explorer). Check if files are hidden on your smartphone (see Settings → Warehouse → Settings → Show hidden files).
How to enable USB data transfer to Xiaomi without connecting to a PC?
Without a physical connection to the computer, activate MTP It's impossible, because this protocol only works when you connect to a host device (PC), but you can: Set up the developer mode in advance and select the following. MTP as the default configuration (see Method 2) Use wireless file transfer via Mi Drop, Nearby Share, or FTP-server FX File Explorer).
Why is it that you can’t see files when you connect Xiaomi to your Mac?
MacOS computers require additional software to work with MTP, as the system does not support this protocol out of the box. Install one of the programs: Android File Transfer (the official solution from Google), OpenMTP (an alternative with support for new versions of macOS), Commander One (paid file manager with support for MTP). After installation, reconnect your smartphone and select File Transfer mode.
Can I transfer data over USB to Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader?
Unlocked bootloader does not affect the work MTP. However, note: Some custom firmware (such as LineageOS) may require separate setup. MTP. If you use Magisk or other modifications, temporarily disable modules that may block the device. USB-linkage.
How to transfer files from Xiaomi to PC if USB does not work?
Alternative methods of data transmission: 🌐 Cloud Services: Upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk, then download to PC. 📶 FTP-server: Install the application on the smartphone FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer, launch FTP-server and connect via browser or FileZilla. 📲 Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct: Slowly but works for small files. 💾 Memory card: Remove the microSD from your smartphone and connect it to your PC via a card reader.