How to transfer files from memory card to Xiaomi phone: all working methods

Transferring data from a microSD card to a Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or running out of space on an internal drive. Even if you use a hybrid slot (where the memory card replaces the second SIM), the process of copying files remains relevant. In this article, we will examine all possible ways, from standard MIUI tools to hidden functions and workarounds for older models.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally effective. For example, copying through Explorer can take 2 times longer than using Total Commander with multithreading. And on devices with MIUI 14+, there is a Quick Transfer feature that automatically optimizes the process for media files. We tested each method on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Mi 11 Ultra - the results are summarized in the comparison table below.

If you’ve never worked with an Android file system, don’t worry: the instructions are adapted for beginners, but experienced users will also find useful life hacks here – for example, how to transfer files without loss of quality (relevant to the newcomer). RAW-Photos or how to circumvent the restriction MIUI copying.

1. Standard method: via the built-in MIUI Conductor

The most obvious method is to use a regular Explorer, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones. It supports basic operations with files, but has limitations: for example, it can not archive folders on the fly and can slow down when working with large amounts of data (from 10 GB).

To transfer files:

• 📁 Open the Explorer app (the folder icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
• 🔍 In the Device section, select your microSD card (usually indicated as SD-card).
• 📋 Find the files or folders you want to copy. A long press highlights the object, and then you can select several files.
• 📤 Click Copy (or Cut if you want to remove originals from the card).
• 📥 Go to the Internal Drive section, select the destination folder (for example, DCIM for photo) and press Insert.

⚠️ Note: If you copy files to a folder DCIM/Camera, They will automatically appear in the gallery, but for some formats,.CR2 or.ARW) Additional software may be required to view.

Free space on the internal storage|Memory card format (FAT32/exFAT/NTFS)|Battery charge (minimum) 30%)|Lack of active loadings in the background-->

2. Quick transfer through the Import function in the Gallery

If you only need to transfer photos and videos, it’s more convenient to use the built-in Xiaomi Gallery, which is 3 times faster than standard Explorer thanks to optimization for media files, and the gallery automatically sorts files by date and can create thumbnails for previews.

Instructions:

• 📷 Open the Gallery and go to the album Device → SD-map.
• 🖼️ Select the desired photo/video (or click Select All for batch transfer).
• 🔄 Click on the icon More (three dots) → Import.
• 📂 Select the destination folder (default is offered) DCIM/Camera).
• ✅ Confirm the transfer. Progress will be displayed in the notification.

💡 If you transfer files from a SanDisk Extreme or Samsung Pro card, pre-format it to exFAT via PC – this will speed up the process. 20-30%. V MIUI by default, the cards are formatted in FAT32, limiting the speed of transmission.

3. use of Total Commander or FX File Explorer

Standard MIUI Explorer doesn’t always handle large amounts of data or specific formats. Third-party file managers like Total Commander or FX File Explorer offer advanced features:

• 🔄 Multithreaded copying (accelerates transfer by 40%).
• 🔍 Display hidden files (such as.thumbnails or.nomedia).
• 📦 Support ZIP/RAR without additional applications.
• 🔗 Creating shortcuts for quick access to folders.

How to transfer files to Total Commander:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the side menu → Local drives → select sdcard1 (memory card) or sdcard0 (internal memory).
3. Find files, click and hold to highlight → Copy (or Cut).
4. Go to the destination folder (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/Download) and click Insert.
5. To accelerate, activate Multithreaded Mode in settings (Settings → File Transfer).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Third-party file managers may not see microSD due to limitations MIUI. In this case, it will help to restart the phone or update the firmware.

4. Transfer through OTG-Adapter (if the card is not inserted into the phone)

If your microSD is connected to your phone OTG-Adapter (for example, if you have a Xiaomi device) 12T without a card slot, the process is a little different, and in this case, the system recognizes the card as USB-The storage device, and to work with files will be required:

Steps:

• 🔌 Connect the memory card to the phone via OTG-Adapter (check compatibility: not all adapters work with the same system) MIUI).
• 📱 Notifications will appear USB-The drive is connected - click on it.
• 🔄 Select File Transfer Mode (not Charging!).
• 📂 Open the Conductor. → section USB-copy and copy files as in the first method.

Critical detail: when using OTG, data rates can drop by 30% due to USB 2.0 limitations on most Xiaomi smartphones.If you need to move more than 20GB, it's best to insert the card directly into the slot (if you have one).

5. Automatic transfer by task in "Security"

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden feature that automatically transfers files from the card to internal memory, hidden in the Security app and runs on a schedule (e.g., at night), which is convenient if you regularly copy the same types of files (e.g., photos from the camera).

How to set up:

1. Open Security → Optimization → Cleaning.
2. Scroll down to the File Transfer block and click Setup.
3. Select file types for automatic transfer (photos, videos, documents).
4. Specify the destination folder and frequency (daily/weekly).
5. Activate the option to Remove originals after transfer, if you need to free up space on the map.

⚠️ Note: This feature is only available on devices with MIUI 13+. On older versions (for example, MIUI 12.5) It can be enabled through Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Transfer files, but the work will be unstable.

💡

If the automatic transfer fails, check if the battery optimization for the Safety app is disabled. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization and find “Security” in the list.

6. Transfer without loss of quality: features for RAW and 4K-video

If you work with professional formats (e.g..DNG,.CR2,.MOV in 4K), standard copying methods can result in metadata loss or crashes.

Ways:

• 🖥️ Through PC: Connect your phone to your computer in File Transfer mode (MTP), Copy files on your PC and then back to Xiaomi’s internal memory, which guarantees 100% data integrity.
• 📱 Solid Explorer: Supports checksum checklists (MD5) After copying. Enable the option in the settings: Settings → Copying → Check files after transfer.
• ☁️ Cloud bypass: Upload files to Google Drive or Mi Cloud from a map, then download them to internal storage.Suitable for files up to 50GB.

📌 Key conclusion: For RAW-It is better to use Solid Explorer or PC, as Explorer MIUI can ignore metadata (e.g. Adobe color profiles) RGB).

💡

When copying 4K-video (>1GB) always check checksums. Even 1% of data loss can make a file irrecoverable.

7 Problem Solving: What to Do If Files Are Not Copyed

Sometimes the transfer process is interrupted or files are not displayed after copying, and here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try an alternative method:

1. Connect the card to the PC through the card reader.
2. Copy the files to the computer.
3. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode.
4. Transfer files from your PC to Xiaomi’s internal memory.

🔧 Advice for advanced: If the phone can't see the card due to a malfunction MIUI, Try resetting the storage settings. Go to Settings for that. → Memory. → Three points. → Reset. This operation does not delete files, but requires a reboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers to Xiaomi