Why you should transfer data from Xiaomi to your PC and what risks you should consider
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO have become an integral part of everyday life, with vacation photos, work documents, correspondence archives and even app backups. But storing all data on your phone alone is a risky decision. Losing your device, breaking or crashing your firmware can lead to irretrievable loss of information. Transferring data to your computer solves this problem, but the question is: which way to choose?
In 2026, Xiaomi users face several challenges: MIUI limitations on transferring files over USB (especially on newer versions of Android 13/14), slow wireless transfer speeds over Mi Drop, and problems with synchronization via Mi Cloud in some regions.
It's important to understand that not all methods are equally good for different file types, such as photos and videos being easier to transfer through the file. USB-We'll look at all the current ways, including hidden features, and we'll look at contacts and notes through the cloud. MIUI, which few know.
Method 1: Transfer of data through USB-cable (the most reliable method)
Connecting the phone to the computer through USB-The cable is the most versatile and fastest way, but on Xiaomi devices, it's the most powerful. MIUI 14/15 There's a problem that often happens: the computer doesn't see the files or only offers charging. USB-Connections that are hidden by default.
To connect properly:
- π Use the original Xiaomi cable or certified cable USB-C/USB-A Data-enabled (cheap cables often only work on charging).
- π± When connecting to a PC, unlock your phone and brush the notification USB-Select the file transfer mode (MTP) Photo (PTP).
- π₯οΈ On a Windows computer, you may need to install drivers ADB or Mi PC Suite (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
- π If your PC canβt see your phone, check your settings. β Additionally. β Developer β Configuration USB and choose MTP.
Once connected successfully, the phone will appear in this computer as a removable disk. Open the Internal Storage folder (or SD-map, if installed) and copy the files you want. Note: some system folders (e.g., Android or Android) MIUI) They can be hidden β it is better not to touch them, so as not to disrupt the operation of the phone.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ and MIUI 14+ When you first connect to a PC, you may have a request to allow you to access files, and if you ignore it, you'll only see the empty folder, and you'll only have to give it once, and it'll be saved for all subsequent connections.
Use the original cable |Unlock the phone screen |Select MTP mode in the notification |Check the drivers on the PC (if necessary) |Do not remove the cable during transmission-->
Method 2: Wireless transmission over Mi Drop (without cables)
If you're not on hand USB-You can use the Mi Drop app (formerly Mi Share) pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, which allows you to transfer files between devices over Wi-Fi Direct or over a local network. 10-15 MB/s, which is comparable to USB 2.0.
Instructions for use:
- Open Mi Drop on your phone and click Send.
- Select files (you can send several folders at once).
- On your computer, open your browser and go to http://192.168.x.x:PORT (the address will appear on your phone screen).
- Confirm the receipt of files on the PC β they will start downloading automatically.
Advantages of the method:
- π No need for cables or additional programs.
- π Transfer is done using a secure protocol (files do not get to the Internet).
- π You can send folders as a whole, not one file.
However, there are disadvantages: large files (4K video, archives) can be transmitted with errors, and on some models POCO Mi Drop works unstable, and when transmitted over Wi-Fi Direct, the speed depends on the quality of the signal - walls and interference can reduce it by 2-3 times.
Method 3: Sync with Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)
Mi Cloud is Xiaomiβs official cloud storage that automatically backs up photos, contacts, notes and even SMS, which is convenient if you need to regularly sync data between your phone and your computer.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| π Access files from any device (even if your phone is lost). | πΎ Free available only 5 GB (for photos and videos this is not enough). |
| π Automatic backup (configured in Settings) β Mi Cloud). | π’ Slow download/downloading in a bad internet environment. |
| π± Maintains reservations SMS, notebooks, calendar records. | π In some countries (for example, in Russia) some of the functions of the Mi Cloud are blocked. |
To download data from Mi Cloud to PC:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in with the same account as you do on your phone.
- In the Devices section, select your smartphone.
- Open the Backups or Gallery tab (depending on the file type).
- Select the files you need and click Download.
β οΈ Note: If you reset your phone to factory settings without decoupling from Mi Cloud, data can be deleted from the cloud after 30 days (as per Xiaomi policy!
How to increase space in Mi Cloud for free?
Method 4: Use of third-party applications (AirDroid, SHAREit, Feem)
If the standard methods do not suit, you can use third-party programs to transfer files.
- π² AirDroid β allows you to control your phone from a PC through a browser, transfer files and even respond to SMS. There is a limit on free traffic (200 MB/month).
- π SHAREit is fast Wi-Fi transmission (up to 20 MB/s), but the latest versions have a lot of advertising.
- π Feem β works without the Internet, creates a local network between devices.
- π Solid Explorer + FTP-server - for advanced users, allows you to mount the memory of the phone as a network disk.
Example of settings FTP-servers via Solid Explorer:
- Install Solid Explorer from Google Play.
- Open the side menu. β FTP-server β Launch.
- On PC, open Explorer and enter the address of the form ftp://192.168.x.x:PORT (data will be displayed in the app).
- Log in (the default login and password is usually anonymous).
Warning: Some antiviruses (such as Avast or Kaspersky) may block such connections, considering them potentially dangerous. IP-telephone address except for firewall.
π‘
If Wi-Fi file transfers are permanently interrupted, try switching your phone and computer to 5GHz in your router settings, which will reduce interference and increase speed.
Method 5: Backup via Mi PC Suite (official software)
Mi PC Suite is the official utility from Xiaomi, which allows you not only to transfer files, but also to create full backups, update firmware and manage multimedia.
How to use:
- Download Mi PC Suite from the official website (pcsuite.mi.com).
- Connect your phone over USB and select File Transfer mode.
- Open the Files tab in the program - all the folders of the phone will be displayed here.
- For backup, go to Backup β Create a copy.
Features of the Mi PC Suite:
- π You can restore backup to another Xiaomi phone.
- π± Supports management SMS, Contacts, photos directly from the PC.
- β οΈ Does not work with a blocked loader (on some firmware).
β οΈ Note: When creating a backup through Mi PC Suite do not interrupt the process - it can damage files. 10-15 minutes before the compulsory closure of the program.
π‘
Mi PC Suite is the only official way to transfer applications and their data (such as saved in games) from your phone to your PC. Other methods (such as ADB) require root rights.
Method 6: Transfer data through a memory card (for models with MicroSD support)
If your Xiaomi supports microSD cards (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro), you can use it as an intermediate storage method, which is suitable for large amounts of data (video, movies, archives).
Step-by-step:
- Insert the memory card into your phone (if itβs new, format it in FAT32 or exFAT).
- Transfer the necessary files to the map through the Explorer or Gallery.
- Remove the card and paste it into the computer through the card reader.
- Copy the data on the PC.
Important nuances:
- π ExFAT cards support file sizes >4 GB (important for video in the video) 4K).
- β οΈ Do not remove the card during transfer β it can damage the file system.
- π± On some phones (such as the Xiaomi 13), the memory card only works as portable storage, not as an extension of internal memory.
If your computer doesnβt see the memory card, check:
- π₯οΈ Does the card reader work (try another one) USB-port).
- π οΈ Is the map formatted in a supported format (FAT32/exFAT/NTFS).
- π Are there any hidden viruses on the map (check with antivirus).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When migrating data from Xiaomi to PC, users often face typical problems.-5 errors and ways of solving them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The computer can't see the phone on USB. | No driver installed or Charging Only mode selected | Install Mi PC Suite or manually select MTP in the notification |
| Slow Wi-Fi transmission | Weak signal or interference from other devices | Switch to 5GHz or use USB |
| Mi Cloud does not sync photos | Lack of space or disconnected autosynchronization | Clean the cloud or buy an extra space |
| Files are downloaded with errors | A damaged archive or unstable connection | Try another method of transfer (e.g. USB instead of Wi-Fi) |
| You cannot copy system files. | Limitations of MIUI or Android | Use ADB or get root rights |
If none of the methods work, check:
- π§ Developer Settings: Enable Debugging by USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Press 7 times, then return to Additional β For developers).
- π‘οΈ Antivirus: temporarily disable it - it can block transmission.
- π Reboot: Sometimes it helps to just reboot your phone and PC.