Transfer files between Xiaomi smartphone and computer via USB-The cable seems like a simple task, unless you encounter connection errors, no device in the conductor, or slow copy speeds. In practice, even experienced users spend time finding a solution when Windows can't see the phone and Android issues a Charging through notification. USB».
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of data transmission through USB on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices POCO (including models from 2023 to 2026, explain the difference between the modes MTP, PTP and RNDIS, We'll also show you how to get around common errors. MIUI, It blocks file transfers when you first connect to a new PC, and is often missed even in official instructions.
Why Xiaomi is not defined as a drive when connected to a PC
The most common problem is that the smartphone charges via USB, but does not appear in Windows Explorer or macOS. The reasons can be both hardware (faulty cable, port) and software.
- 🔌 cable or port USB: Use the original Xiaomi cable or certified cable USB Type-C with data support. Cheap cables often only support charging.
- 🖥️ Drivers on PC: Windows 10/11 Usually installs drivers automatically, but older versions (or if other Android devices have previously connected) may require manual installation through Device Manager.
- 📱 Connection mode: By default MIUI You pick up "Charge Only." You need to manually switch to MTP (Media Transfer Protocol).
- 🔒 Lockdown MIUI: When you first connect to a new PC, the smartphone can request permission to transfer files – a notification is easy to skip.
If you connect Xiaomi to a Mac, you will also need to install Android File Transfer (the official software from Google).
⚠️ Attention: On models POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and newer when using cable USB 3.2 Gen1 (Blue connector) transmission speeds may be slowed due to incompatibility with some Intel chipsets. USB 2.0 (black connector) or upgrade BIOS mother-board.
How to Enable File Transfer Mode (MTP) on Xiaomi
By default, Xiaomi smartphones connect to your PC in Charge Only mode. To activate data transfer, follow the following steps:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC using a cable.
- Unlock the Xiaomi screen (importantly! without unlocking the menu will not appear).
- Swipe down the notification bar and tap on the notification “Charge via USB” (or “USB for file transfer”).
- In the window that opens, select File Transfer (MTP).
If no notice appears:
- 🔍 Go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → USB and manually select the mode MTP.
- 🔄 Reconnect the cable (sometimes changing the port helps) USB PC-only).
- 📱 In the models with MIUI 14+ You may need to confirm your PC’s trust in the Settings section. → Memory. → Additionally. → USB-computer.
☑️ Preparation for file transfer
On some firmware (for example, Xiaomi.eu or custom) menus USB may be called otherwise: «USB-Preferences" or "Configuration USB». If, after the choice, MTP PC still can’t see files, try restarting both devices.
USB Connection Modes: MTP, PTP, RNDIS – Which to Choose
Xiaomi smartphones support several USB connection protocols, each designed for different tasks:
| Regime. | Description | When to use | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTP | Media Transfer Protocol is a standard for transferring media files and documents. | Copying photos, videos, music, APK-file. | Slower than UMS (outdated drive mode) not all files can be copied (e.g. system files). |
| PTP | Picture Transfer Protocol is optimized for photos. | Import photos in Lightroom, Photos (macOS). | Videos and other files may not be displayed. |
| RNDIS | USB-Remote Network Driver Interface Specification). | Distribution of the Internet from PC to smartphone (reverse tetering). | Files are not transferred, only a network connection. |
| Just charging. | Blocks data transmission. | If you just need to charge the phone. | — |
MTP is suitable for most tasks, however, if you need to copy files at high speed (such as a backup to.tar or large videos), consider alternatives:
- 📁 FTP Wi-Fi: Use applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer for transmission over a local network.
- ☁️ Cloud services: Mi Cloud, Google Drive or Telegram (bot) @FileTransferBot).
- 🔌 OTG-drive: Connect the flash drive to your smartphone and copy files directly.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ Android 12+ mode MTP You may not be able to see files in folders. /Android/data/ and /Android/obb/ Because of the limitations of Scoped Storage, use the file manager on your smartphone to access them.
Faster File Transfer: 5 Ways to Work
The speed of copying via USB on Xiaomi is often limited not only by cable, but also by firmware settings.
- Use USB 3.0 port: Blue ports on PCs provide speeds of up to 5 Gbps (vs. 480 Mbps on USB 2.0). On your smartphone, check if your USB 3.2 model supports (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro).
- Disable MIUI Optimization: Settings → Special Features → Delete Animation (turn off "Window Animation" and "Chap animation") This reduces the CPU load when copying.
- Format the flash drive in exFAT: If you copy files >4GB, use exFAT instead of FAT32 (but note that some devices don't support exFAT).
- Turn off virus checks: Antiviruses on PCs (like Avast or Kaspersky) can scan every file when you copy, slowing down the process.
- Use alternative protocols: For larger files (video, backups), ADB Pull/Push or FTP is faster.
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If you copy a lot of small files (for example, photos), archive them in.zip on your smartphone before transferring – this will speed up the process by 3-5 times.
On some models (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the speed is limited to a chipset, so the Snapdragon 695 does not physically support USB 3.2 at full speed – a maximum of ~300 MB / s.
The solution to the problem: PC can’t see Xiaomi via USB
If the smartphone is not defined as a drive, perform a diagnosis by the steps:
1.Cable and port inspection
- 🔄 Try another cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
- 🖥️ Connect to another port USB PC (front and rear ports may differ in speed).
- 📱 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes resetting helps USB-linkage.
2. Updating drivers on PC
For Windows:
- Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
- Find the section “Portable devices” or “Other devices”.
- If there is a device with an exclamation mark (such as “Xiaomi MTP Device”), right-click → “Update driver” → “Follow driver search on this computer” → “Select driver from the list”.
- Choose «MTP-Device (manufacturer: Microsoft or Google).
3. Reset USB settings on Xiaomi
If the problem persists, reset your connection settings:
- Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
- Select “Reset Network Settings” (this will also reset USB settings).
- Connect again and select MTP mode.
What to do if Windows gives an error "Device not recognized"
4.Problems with MIUI Android
On the firmware of MIUI 12-14, protection can be activated that blocks connection to "untrusted" PCs, to remove the restriction:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC.
- On the lock screen Xiaomi will appear the notification “Allow access to data?” – click “Allow”.
- If the notification does not appear, go to Settings → Memory. → Additionally. → USB-computer and enable the option "File Transfer».
Transfer of files without MTP: alternative methods
If USB-Connection is not working or is too slow, use alternative methods:
1. Wi-Fi transmission (FTP/HTTP)
This will be done with the following annexes:
- 📂 Solid Explorer: Built-in FTP-server (network menu» → «FTP-server»).
- 🌐 Portal by Pushbullet: Browser Transfer by Browser QR-code.
- 📡 LocalSend: Analogue of AirDrop for Android/PK (open source).
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi router, but is usually higher than USB 2.0.
2. ADB (for experienced users)
If you need to copy system files or backups, use ADB:
adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/C:\Photos\# Copy photos on PC
adb push C:\Music\ /sdcard/Music/ # Download music to your phoneThe work requires:
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times, then return to “Additional” → “For Developers”).
- Install ADB Tools on PC.
3. Cloud services
For small files (<500 MB) it is convenient to use:
- ☁️ Mi Cloud: 5GB free, integration with MIUI.
- 📎 Telegram Saved Messages: Send files to your favorites».
- 📁 Google Drive or Mega: For large archives.
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For file transfers >1 GB over Wi-Fi use FTP-Solid Explorer server is faster than cloud services and does not require Internet access.
How to protect data when transferring via USB
Connecting your smartphone to other people's PCs or public charging can lead to data leakage.
- 🔐 Lock the screen when connecting to unfamiliar devices – this will prevent automatic mounting of the drive.
- 🛡️ Turn it off. MTP After transfer: Return to "Charge Only" mode».
- 📱 Use encryption: In Settings → Lockdown and protection → Encryption Enable Device Encryption (Slows down but Protects Data).
- 🔍 Check files: After copying from someone else's PC, scan them with an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes).
MIUI 14+ has a Secure Connection feature (Settings → Connections and Sharing → Additional) that blocks access to files if the smartphone is connected to a PC for more than 10 minutes without activity.
⚠️ Note: Do not connect Xiaomi to charging stations at airports, cafes or hotels via the USB-Ports – Intruders can use them for Juice Jacking (stealing data through fake chargers.