Transfer of files from USB-flash drives on the Xiaomi smartphone only at first glance seems a trivial task. OTG-cable complete, incompatibility of the file system flash drive (NTFS vs FAT32), restraint MIUI You can access root folders or sudden errors when you connect. This article covers all the current ways of data transfer - from the classic to the traditional. OTG-Connecting to workaround solutions through cloud services and PCs, taking into account the features of Xiaomi firmware 2023-2026.
We’ll go beyond the basic instructions: here you’ll find a breakdown of common errors (such as why the phone doesn’t see a 128GB flash drive), a comparison of transfer speeds across different methods, and tips for optimizing the process from choosing the right flash drive format to setting up automatic backups. Particular attention is paid to models with MIUI 14/15, where paths to system folders and access rights have changed.
1.Preparation: What to check before transfer
Before you connect a flash drive to Xiaomi, make sure your smartphone and drive are compatible.
- 🔌 Presence OTG-All Xiaomi models since Redmi Note 5 (2018) officially support USB OTG, But in budget series (Redmi A, Poco C) you may need to enable the function manually through Settings. → Connected devices → USB.
- 💾 Fast drive file system format: Xiaomi without root rights reads only FAT32 exFAT. NTFS You will need to install third-party software (for example, Paragon). NTFS).
- 🔋 Battery Charge: When Transferring Large Files (>10 GB through OTG The phone can discharge faster than usual, the recommended charge level is at least 40%.
- 📱 Version. MIUI: In the firmware older MIUI 12 may not have a built-in file manager with support OTG. You will need to install Solid Explorer or FX File Manager.
If your flash drive is formatted in NTFS, It cannot be reformatted (for example, it stores files). >4GB), use a workaround: plug the flash drive into your PC, copy the data to the disk, format it in exFAT, and then transfer the files back. Alternatively, use an adapter. USB-C → USB-A externally powered (for flash drives of 256 GB)+).
2. Method 1: Direct connection through OTG-cable
The fastest method is to connect the flash drive directly to the phone through OTG-adapter (or cable) USB-C/Micro-USB → USB-A, It's a very fast transfer rate, depending on the Xiaomi model. 40–60 MB/s (for flash drives with interface) USB 3.0), what 2–3 It’s faster than Wi-Fi.
Step-by-step:
- Connect. OTG-The adapter to the phone, and the flash drive to the adapter "USB-drive-in".
- Slip on the notification and select "Use as a media device" (or "Open file manager").
- In the conductor MIUI (or third party application) go to the section "USB-accumulator".
- Select the files you want, click on Copy or Cut, then go to the phone’s memory and paste them.
If the phone is not responding to the connection:
- ⚡ Check that OTG-Adapter is good (try another one).
- 🔄 Reboot your phone with a connected flash drive.
- ⚙️ Put the debugging on. USB: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
Check the compatibility of the flash drive (FAT32/exFAT)
Charge your phone to at least 40%
Connect OTG-adapter before notification
Install a file manager (if not in MIUI)
-->
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13 series MIUI 14+ When the first flash drive is connected, a request to unlock may appear "USB-access to → Annexes → Permits → Special access → Access to USB. Without this, the files will not be copied.
Method 2: Transfer over a computer (for large volumes)
If you don't. OTG-adapter or need to transfer tens of gigabytes (for example, movies in the Internet) 4K It's more convenient to use a PC as an intermediary, and this is also relevant for flash drives. NTFS, Which Xiaomi does not directly support.
Algorithm of action:
- Connect the flash drive to your computer and copy the files to a separate folder on the disk.
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable (use the original cable for stable speed).
- On the phone, select File Transfer Mode (not Charging).
- On a PC, open the Explorer, find the phone folder (usually "Inner Memory" or "Inner Memory "SD-map) and insert files.
To speed up the process:
- 🚀 Use the port. USB 3.0 (blue) on PC.
- 📂 Transfer files with archives (.zip/.rar), If there are many, it will reduce the time of transmission. 30–40%.
- 🔌 Turn off energy saving mode on PC (in the Control Panel) → Power supply).
| Transfer method | Speed. | Max. Volume. | Required. |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTG-connection | 40-60 MB/s | Limited by the size of the flash drive | OTG-adapter, compatible flash drive |
| Through the PC. | 80-100 MB/s | Not limited. | USB-cable |
| Wi-Fi (FTP) | 5-15 MB/s | Limited by the network | Annex FTP-server |
| The cloud (Google Drive) | 1-10 MB/s | 15GB (free) | Internet, Google account |
💡
If your phone is not detected when connecting to your PC, try changing the USB mode in the notification curtain: tap on “Charge via USB” → select “File Transfer (MTP)”.
Method 3: Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (FTP)
If you don't. OTG-adapter or cable, you can organize transmission over the local network through FTP-This is slower than wired, but it doesn't require any additional accessories, and it's suitable for transferring files up to 20 to 30 GB.
Instructions:
- Install the app on Xiaomi FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer (they have built-in) FTP-server).
- Connect your phone and computer to the same Wi-Fi network.
- In the app, activate FTP-server (usually in the "Network" menu" → "FTP-server. Remember the address of the view ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx.
- On the PC, open the conductor, enter FTP-address to the address bar and log in (login / password displayed in the application on the phone).
- Drag files from the flash drive (connected to the PC) to the folder of the phone.
Advantages of the method:
- 🌐 No wires or adapters needed.
- 📱 You can transfer files to multiple devices at the same time.
- 🔒 Data is transmitted over a local network, without downloading to the cloud.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ built-in FTP-The server may be blocked by the firewall. If the connection is not established, disable Data Protection in Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Special access.
5. Method 4: Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)
It is convenient to use cloud storage to transfer small files (<10 GB), which is universal but depends on Internet speed and has limitations on the amount of free space.
Step-by-step for Google Drive:
- Connect the flash drive to the PC, upload files to Google Drive via the browser.
- On Xiaomi phone, open the Google Drive app, find uploaded files.
- Select files, click Download and select a folder to save (such as Downloads or Documents).
Alternatively, Mi Cloud (5GB free):
- 📱 Download files from the flash drive to i.mi.com via PC.
- 🔄 On the phone, sync the data to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
- ⚡ Download/download speed is faster than Google Drive, but the service is not available in all regions.
How to increase the speed of uploading to the cloud?
Method 5: Using a card reader (for microSD)
If your flash drive is a microSD card, and the Xiaomi phone supports memory expansion (models with a hybrid slot or a dedicated microSD), you can avoid unnecessary manipulation:
- Remove the microSD from the flash drive (if it’s in the adapter) or use the card reader to connect to your PC.
- Copy the files to the memory card.
- Insert microSD into your phone, and the files will be available in the folder "SD-Map in any file manager.
This method is optimal for:
- 🎵 Musical collections (files.mp3/.flac).
- 📷 Photos and videos (folders) DCIM/Camera).
- 📄 Documents that you should always have on hand.
Please note: Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ By default, the function "Optimization" is enabled SD-A map that can move rarely used files to the cloud of the phone to turn it off:
Settings → Memory → Settings → Optimization SD- Card → Turn off7.Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the right connection, Xiaomi users are faced with errors.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "USB-device not identified" | Incompatible File System (NTFS) | Format the flash drive to exFAT or use the PC to transfer. |
| The phone doesn't see files on the flash drive | Hidden or system files | Enable the display of hidden files in the file manager settings. |
| “Not enough space” when copying | The flash drive is formatted in FAT32 and the file is >4 GB | Reformat to exFAT or break the file into pieces. |
| Slow transmission (<1 MB/s) | Use USB 2.0 or low speed flash drive | Connect via USB 3.0 or use a different method. |
If Xiaomi phone doesn’t respond at all OTG-adapter:
- 🔌 Check the adapter on another device.
- 🔄 Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI (up to 12) may not have drivers for some OTG-adapter.
- ⚙️ Reset the settings. USB: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Reset the settings.
💡
On Xiaomi Black Shark and Poco F series models, the OTG may not work due to custom firmware, in which case use the method with PC or FTP.
8.Optimizing storage after transfer
After successfully transferring files to Xiaomi, it is recommended that:
- 📂 Place files by folder: Music - in "Music", photo - in "DCIM/Camera", Documents are in "Documents" and this will make it easier to access them through standard applications (Gallery, Music).
- 🔍 Scan files for viruses: Use Google Play Protection or Dr.Web if files are downloaded from unreliable sources.
- ☁️ Backup: Enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud or Google Photos for important data.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache: After mass file transfer, clear the file manager cache in Settings → Annexes → Files. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
To save space on the phone:
- 🎬 Video in the video 4K full HD Store on a microSD (if there is a slot).
- 📎 Archiving rarely used files (for example, through the RAR or 7-Zip).
- 🔄 Use the "Memory Cleanup" function in MIUI: Settings → Memory. → Clean up.