How to transfer photos to your computer through the charging cord: the full guide

Transfer photos from Xiaomi to your computer via standard USB-cable is the most reliable way to save images without using cloud services or instant messengers, but many users face problems: the phone is not defined as a drive, files are not displayed or transmission is interrupted. In this article, we will analyze all possible connection scenarios, from the basic settings. MTP-mode before solving common errors on Windows, macOS and Linux.

It’s important to understand that the process depends not only on Xiaomi’s model (whether it’s Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi’s flagship 14), but also on the version of the MIUI firmware. For example, new builds may have USB Charging mode enabled by default, which blocks access to files. Also, the type of cable plays a role: not all charging cords support data transfer. We tested the instruction on devices with MIUI 12-14 and identified key nuances that are not mentioned in the standard manuals.

1.Preparation: what cable and port are needed to transfer photos

The first mistake most users make is using the wrong one. USB-Even if the cord is successfully charging the phone, it doesn't guarantee data support:

• 🔌 Type of connector: Modern Xiaomi (starting with Redmi Note 10) requires cable USB-C — USB-A (or USB-C — USB-C For new laptops, obsolete models (Redmi) 9A) Can use Micro-USB.
• 📶 Transmission speed: Cables marked USB 2.0 transmits data at speeds up to 480 Mbps, USB 3.0+ — up to 5-10 Gbit / s. 2.0 is enough for a photo, but for video in 4K better 3.0.
• ⚡ Data support: Cheap charging cables often lack contacts to transfer files. Check the cord: Data Sync or File Transfer should be specified.

Also, pay attention to the port on your computer:

• 💻 Laptops: Ports USB 3.0 (usually blue) provides a more stable connection.
• 🖥️ Fixed PCs: Front ports on the case may have weak contact - connect the cable to the rear motherboard sockets.

2. Set up the data transfer mode on Xiaomi

By default, when you connect to a PC, Xiaomi goes into Charging Only mode. To access files, you need to manually activate MTP (Media Transfer Protocol: Instructions vary by version MIUI:

For MIUI 12–14 (relevant to most devices from 2020–2026)

1. Connect your phone to your PC via cable.
2. Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the Charge alert via USB.
3. In the window that opens, select File Transfer (or MTP in English firmware).
4. Some models (POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T) may require you to confirm access by password or fingerprint.

For older versions of MIUI (up to 12)

On devices like the Redmi 8 or Mi A3, the path is different.

1. Connect the cable and unlock the screen.
2. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → USB.
3. Select File Transfer (MTP).

Critical detail: if after the selection MTP The computer still does not see files, check if the developer mode is activated with the disabled USB-It's blocking. MTP firmware.

The cable supports data transfer

Phone screen unlocked

MTP Mode (not "Charging Only")

On the PC drivers are installed (for Windows)

Port port USB well-functioning-->

3. Transfer of photos to Windows: step-by-step instructions

Once you've successfully connected in MTP mode, the phone should show up in Windows Explorer as a removable drive, but there are some nuances:

Method 1: Through Windows Explorer

1. Open this computer (or my computer in Windows 7).
2. In the Devices and Disks section, find your Xiaomi (usually with the model name, such as the Redmi Note 11).
3. Go to Internal storage → DCIM → Camera (there are photos taken by the main camera).
4. Select the files you need and copy them to your hard drive (Ctrl+C → Ctrl+V).

Method 2: Through the program "Import of photos"

Windows 10/11 has a built-in tool for importing media files:

1. Connect your phone and wait for the Import Photos and Video pop-up.
2. Click Import All or select individual files.
3. Specify the folder to save (by default Images).

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If the folder DCIM empty, check hidden folders: in Xiaomi photos from messengers can be stored in the /Pictures/Screenshots or /Download

Table: Solutions to Connection Problems on Windows

⚠️ Note: If you connect Xiaomi to your computer in the office, corporate security policies may block the use of the device. MTP. In this case, use FTP-server via Wi-Fi (Mi File Manager application has built-in function).

4. Photo transfer to macOS: features and life hacks

On Mac, the process is different because it doesn't support MTP out of the box, instead using PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol), which is slower and not always stable.

Method 1: Through the program "Photos"

1. Connect Xiaomi to your Mac and select PTP mode on your phone (in the connection notification).
2. Open the Photo app on Mac.
3. In the side menu, select your phone - the photos will appear in the main window.
4. Click Import All or highlight individual pictures.

Method 2: Using Android File Transfer (official solution)

For full access to the files:

1. Download Android File Transfer (official software from Google).
2. Connect the phone in MTP mode.
3. Open the program and it will show the folder structure of Xiaomi.
4. Go to DCIM → Camera and copy the files to a folder on your Mac.

⚠️ Note: On macOS Big Sur and newer Android File Transfer may not work due to permission issues.Solution: Open Terminal and type command: sudo kextload -b com.google.driver.AppleMobileDeviceUSBDriver Then reconnect your phone.

5. Alternative methods of transmission without USB

If the cable connection doesn’t work or you need to transfer a photo without a wire, consider these methods:

• 🌐 Mi Drop (embedded software): Mi Drop app on Xiaomi allows you to send files to your PC via Wi-Fi Direct. Speed up to 10 MB/s, but requires a connection to the same network.
• ☁️ Cloud services: Upload photos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk, then download to PC. Minus - volume limit (free 5-15 GB).
• 📲 Messengers: Send your photos to Telegram (without compression) or WhatsApp (with compression.
• 🔗 FTP-server: Applications like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer can be deployed FTP-server on your phone. Connect to it through Windows Explorer at the address ftp://IP-phone.

6. Solving common errors

Even with the right settings, users face problems, and let's look at the typical cases and their solutions.

Mistake: «USB-Device not identified (Windows)

Causes and fixes:

• 🔧 Damaged drivers: Open Device Manager, find Xiaomi with an exclamation point, right-click → Update the driver → Perform a search on this computer → select the driver MTP.
• ⚡ Power shortage: Connect your phone to USB-port on the back of your PC or use an externally powered hub.
• 🔄 Device Conflict: Disable All Others USB-Devices (flash drives, mice) and restart your PC.

Error: Phone is connected, but folders are empty

Possible causes:

• 📁 Photos are stored elsewhere: Check folders: /Pictures/Screenshots — screenshot /Download — browser-loading /MIUI/Camera — photo-shoot
• 🔒 Limitations MIUI: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) File access can be blocked, so the solution is to change region to Settings. → Additionally. → Region: Russia or Global.
• 🛠️ Damaged File System: Connect your phone to another PC or check memory integrity through Settings → Memory. → Verification.

Error: Slow transmission (1–2 MB/s)

How to speed up:

• 🔌 Use the cable. USB 3.0 and port USB 3.0 (blue).
• 🧹 Clear the phone's cache: Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 📦 Archive the photo in ZIP on your phone (via Mi File Manager), then transfer the archive.

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If neither method works, try connecting your phone to another computer to help you determine if the problem is in your PC or Xiaomi itself (e.g., a damaged USB-C connector).

7 Security: How to protect photos when transferring

Transfer of photo through USB-The cable seems safe, but there are risks:

• 🕵️ Viruses: If a PC is infected, malware can copy your photos. Always check your computer with antivirus before connecting.
• 🔓 Unauthorized access: On public PCs (in Internet cafes, universities) use the mode Only charging or PTP (It doesn't give you full access to files).
• 📱 Metadata leak: Photos contain EXIF-Data (coordinates, camera model) Delete it through Mi Gallery → Details. → Delete metadata).

For maximum safety:

1. Before connecting to someone else’s PC, block folders with personal photos through Mi File Manager (long press → Block).
2. Use encryption: Transfer the photo to an encrypted archive (.7z format with password) through the RAR application.
3. After transfer, clear the connection history on your phone: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Clear USB data.

FAQ: Frequent questions