Transfer photos from Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO computer USB-cable seems like a simple task – until you encounter errors like “Device not recognized” or no folder DCIM Even power users sometimes lose hours of finding a solution when Windows stubbornly refuses to see the phone as a drive and the smartphone requires unlocking or installing drivers.
In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to transfer photos over USB, from basic MTP settings to bypassing typical Qualcomm and MediaTek driver problems. We’ll focus on models on MIUI 14/15 where the connection logic has changed, and we’ll also look at alternatives like ADB for cases where the standard method doesn’t work. If you’ve already tried connecting your phone and got an error, skip the introductory part and go straight to the “Problem Solutions” section.
Preparation of telephone and computer
Before connecting, make sure both devices are ready to transfer data. On the Xiaomi side, it is critical to choose the right mode. USB-Check for current drivers on your PC, and skipping these steps causes 80 percent of the time to crash.
On the phone:
- 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 30% – with a low charge MIUI It can block the transmission of data.
- 🔒 Unlock the screen (PIN, faceprint ID) — Some Xiaomi models require proof of connection.
- 📱 Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone, starting with the phone. MIUI 12, the path to settings USB changed.
On the computer:
- 🖥️ Use the port. USB 3.0 (usually blue) – This will speed up transmission and reduce the risk of connection breakdown.
- 🔄 Update chipset drivers (for Qualcomm – via QDLoader, for MediaTek — MTK USB Driver).
- 🛡️ Temporarily disable antivirus (such as Avast or Kaspersky) – they can block access to the phone’s file system.
Use the original USB-Xiaomi|Unlock the phone screen|Select the "File Transfer" mode" (MTP)|Shut down. USB-debugging (if not necessary)|Check the free space on the PC-->
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If the charging cable is not original, the data transmission may not work – only use certified cables. USB-cable-backed MTP (They usually come with a phone).
Xiaomi’s standard USB Type-C cable supports data transfers up to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0), but for models with a USB 3.1 port (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), speeds can reach 10 Gbps – provided you use a compatible cable and port on a PC.
Choice of regime USB-connection
By default, Xiaomi smartphones are connected in Charge Only mode, which does not allow access to files. To transfer photos, you need to manually switch to MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) or PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol).
| Regime. | Description | Suitable for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTP | Full access to the file system (including DCIM, Downloads) | Transfer of photos, videos, documents | It may not work on older versions of Windows (up to 7 SP1) |
| PTP | Access to media files only (photo/video) | Quick transmission of images | No other folders are visible (such as WhatsApp Images) |
| RNDIS | Modem mode (Internet via USB) | Internet distribution | Not suitable for file transfer |
To change the regime:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Smash the notification bar down and tap the Charge message via USB.
- In the window that opens, select File Transfer (MTP) or Photo Transfer (PTP).
- On some models (e.g. POCO F5), you need to go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → USB.
Where to find USB settings for MIUI 14/15?
On models with a MediaTek chipset (such as the Redmi Note 12), you may need to install a MTK USB driver when you first connect - without it, Windows will see the phone as an "Unidentified Device."
Step-by-step: transfer photos to PC
After successfully connecting in MTP mode, follow this algorithm:
- Open Windows Explorer (Win + E) and find this computer. Your Xiaomi should appear as a removable drive (e.g. Redmi Note 11).
- Go to the folder with the photo: The main camera pictures are in Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera. Screenshots in Pictures → Screenshots. Photos from instant messengers (for example, Telegram) in Telegram → Telegram Images.
- Select files: To select all photos in the folder, click Ctrl + A. To select selectively, hold Ctrl and click on the files.
Copy the files.
- Right-hand press. → Copy.
- Go to the folder on your PC (for example, Documents → Photos from Xiaomi) and select Insert.
To speed up the process:
- 🚀 Use TeraCopy (free utility) – it copies files faster than a standard conductor and resumes transfer after a break.
- 📁 Create a folder on your PC with a short path (for example, C:\Xiaomi_Photo) — This will reduce the time of copying.
- 🔌 Do not disconnect the cable until the transfer is complete – an interrupt can cause file damage (especially video in the video.MP4).
Through USB-cable|Over Wi-Fi (Mi Drop, Snapdrop, Snapdrop)|Cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)|Bluetooth|Another way.-->
If the DCIM folder is empty, check:
- 📸 Is it possible to Hide Media Files in Xiaomi Gallery (Gallery) → Settings → Hidden albums).
- 🗑️ Have you removed photos through garbage cleaning? MIUI (Check the settings. → Memory. → Cleanup).
- 🔍 The photos may have been saved on SD-map - switch to it in the conductor.
Solving problems: phone not visible or photo copied
If Windows does not recognize Xiaomi or the copy is interrupted, use these methods:
1.Driver problems
Symptoms: In Device Manager, the phone appears as an unidentified device or an MTP USB Device with an exclamation point.
- 🔧 Remove the current driver: Open Device Manager (Win) + X → Device Manager... find your Xiaomi in Portable Devices or Other Devices. PCM → Remove the device → Check the box Remove driver programs.
🔄 Restart your PC and connect your phone again – Windows must install the driver automatically.
- For Qualcomm: Qualcomm's official website (look for QDLoader HS-USB Driver).
- For MediaTek: MediaTek USB Driver.