How to transfer data to your computer from Xiaomi: full instructions

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones sooner or later face the need to free up the device’s internal memory. Overcrowded storage slows down the Android operating system and prevents new applications from being installed, and at this point the question of how to transfer data from Xiaomi to the computer while preserving the folder structure and quality of media files arises.

There are many synchronization methods, from traditional cable connection to wireless technology. The right way to choose depends on the amount of information, the speed of your Internet connection and the availability of the necessary accessories. In this article, we will discuss all the current options in detail so that you can choose the most convenient for yourself.

Before starting the procedure, you should make sure that there is enough free space on your PC. USB-port on the computer and the integrity of the cable, as a damaged wire can cause interruption of transmission or low copy speed.

Preparation of the device and cable for wired connection

The fastest and most reliable way to copy large amounts of information is to use it. USB-To start, you'll need an original or quality certified Type-C cable that came bundled with a smartphone. Cheap cables often only support charging and don't transmit data, which can confuse an inexperienced user.

Connect your smartphone to your computer and unlock the device screen. By default, MIUI or HyperOS can go to Charge Only. To change that, lower the notification curtain from top to bottom. There you will see a system message about USB connection. Click on it to open the mode selection menu.

In the list that opens, select File Transfer (MTP). After that, a new device should appear on your computer in Windows Explorer or Finder on macOS. If the computer can't see the phone, try using another device. USB-port, preferably located on the back of the system unit, as they have a direct connection to the motherboard.

• 🔌 Use the original Xiaomi cable for maximum transfer speed.
• 🔓 Always unlock your smartphone screen before connecting to your PC.
• 💻 Install drivers if the device is displayed with an error in the Task Manager.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove the cable while actively writing or copying files, this may cause file system damage or data loss.

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If the copy speed has dropped dramatically, try connecting the cable to a USB 3.0 port (usually blue) as it provides higher bandwidth.

Use of the built-in MIUI conductor

After you successfully select MTP, your smartphone icon will appear on your screen. Go to it to see internal memory and, if available, a microSD card. Most of the user data is usually stored at the root of the internal storage.

To search for photos and videos, go to the DCIM folder and then to the Camera subfolder, which is where all the pictures taken on the main and front cameras are stored. Screenshots and images from messengers are often located in the Pictures or Screenshots folders.

Select the files you want or entire folders, click the right mouse button, and select Copy. Then go to the desired directory on your computer's hard drive and click Insert. The copying process will take time, depending on the amount of data and the speed of the drive.

It is worth noting that the folder structure may differ depending on the shell version. MIUI. In newer versions of the system, application folders are often hidden in the directory. Android/data, access to which may be restricted by the system's rights.

Working with Xiaomi Cloud and Google Drive

If you don't have a cable, you can use cloud technology. Xiaomi Cloud is deeply integrated into the system and allows you to synchronize contacts, messages, notes and gallery. To activate, go to Settings and select your Mi Account.

Google Photos is also a great tool for backing up media files: Install the app, log in to your account and enable Autoupload. All new photos will automatically be saved to the Google cloud, where they can be downloaded to your computer through a browser.

• ☁️ 5GB is available for free in Google Drive and 5GB in Xiaomi Cloud.
• 📶 To download large amounts of data requires stable Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Synchronization occurs in the background without requiring user involvement.

The main disadvantage of cloud methods is the dependence on Internet speed: downloading hundreds of gigabytes of data can take hours or even days with an unstable connection, and you still have to download them from your browser to work with files on a PC.

Wireless transmission via FTP and Wi-Fi

Built-in MIUI The file manager can work as a FTP-This allows you to transfer data over a local Wi-Fi network without installing additional software on your computer. Open the Explorer app, go to the Network tab or Remote devices».

Press the PC Access button and start the server. The screen will show an address that starts with ftp://. Enter this address in the address bar of any conductor on the computer, and you will have full access to the phone's file system.

ftp://192.168.1.55:2121

This method is convenient because it does not require drivers and cables, the transfer speed is limited only by the capabilities of your router and the Wi-Fi standard. Make sure that both your computer and smartphone are connected to the same network.

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Method FTP It is ideal for fast transfer of large files when there is no file at hand. USB-cable, but both devices are on the same network.

Specialized software: Mi PC Suite and analogues

The official Mi PC Suite program was once the main tool for managing a smartphone, but it is now virtually unupdated and may not work with new models on Android 12-14.However, for older devices, it is still a working option for creating full backups.

More modern alternatives, such as AirDroid or MyPhoneExplorer, offer advanced functionality that allows you not only to copy files, but also to manage contacts, send SMS and see the screen of your smartphone on your PC monitor in real time.

When using third-party software, be careful about permissions. The software should have access to files and media, but don't ask for unnecessary rights if they're not necessary. It's a matter of your digital security.

Solving Connection Problems

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the computer does not see the phone or sees it as an unknown device. Often the problem lies in USB mode. Try several times to change modes in the notification curtain (Charge only, File Transfer, PTP photo transfer).

Another reason could be the lack of USB Device MTP drivers in Windows. In Device Manager, find a phone with a yellow exclamation point, right-click and select “Update Driver” → “Automatic Search.”

⚠️ Note: If you are using a Mac, the standard Explorer won't see Android.You'll definitely need to install the Android File Transfer or OpenMTP app.

In rare cases, enabling USB debugging helps. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on MIUI seven times. In the Developer Menu, activate USB debugging. This can help the system correctly identify the device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)