How to download files from Xiaomi phone to your computer: the complete guide

Transferring data from Xiaomi to PC often becomes a headache for users: the phone is not defined as a drive, the transfer speed leaves much to be desired, then there is a mistake in general "USB-The manufacturer offers several ways to share files, from classic cable connection to wireless technologies like Mi Drop or Xiaomi Cloud. In this article, we will analyze all current methods taking into account the features of firmware. MIUI, We also tell you how to get around typical problems like no drivers or slow transfers.

It's important to understand that the way you choose depends on the amount of data and what you're doing, for example, Bluetooth or something like that, you can move a couple of photos. QR-code through Mi Drop, and to back up tens of gigabytes of video is better to use USB 3.0 with mode MTP We tested all the methods on Redmi Note 12 Pro models.+, POCO F5 Xiaomi 13 Ultra – the instructions are universal and work on any device with the help of the MIUI 12–14.

1. File transfer via USB-cable: step-by-step instruction

The most reliable and quick way is to connect your phone to your computer via cable, but there are some nuances: Xiaomi defaults to MTP (Media Transfer Protocol), which can conflict with Windows or macOS drivers. If you first connect your device, follow the algorithm:

1. Prepare the cable. Use the original cable from the kit or a certified USB-Type C with data support (not all charging cables are suitable!).
2. Unlock your phone and connect it to your PC. On the Xiaomi screen, a notification will appear, "Charge via USB" - tap it.
3. Select the transfer mode: 📁 File transfer (MTP) — Accessing the phone memory as a flash drive. 🖥️ Image transmission (PTP) — if MTP It does not work (for example, on a Mac). 🔌 Charging only – disables data transfer.

Wait for the drivers to install

Mi PC Suite

Once successfully connected, the phone will appear in Windows Explorer as a removable drive (usually called Xiaomi or Redmi). SD card (if you have a memory card) and copy the files you want. MIUI 14+ Photo and Video: Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera or Pictures/Screenshots.

Use the original cable |Unlock the phone screen |Select MTP mode in the notification |Check the installation of drivers on PC |Open the phone in Windows-->

⚠️ Note: If the computer does not see the phone in mode MTP, Try: Reboot both devices. Connect the cable to the other. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 blue). Deactivate "Debugging by blue". USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additional settings → For developers.

2. Wireless transmission via Mi Drop (formerly Mi Share)

Mi Drop is a proprietary application from Xiaomi for file sharing between devices via Wi-Fi Direct.

• 🚀 Speed up to 10-15 MB/s (Faster than Bluetooth 5-10 times).
• 📱 It works without the Internet (creates a local network).
• 🔒 Supports folder and large file transfers (up to 1 GB at a time).

To transfer files from Xiaomi to PC:

1. Open the Mi Drop app on your phone (if not, download it from Google Play).
2. Click "Send" and select files (you can choose several at the same time).
3. Select the transmission method: Wi-Fi Direct or QR-code.
4. On your computer, open your browser and go to the address http://drop.mi.com (or scan. QR-phone-screen).
5. Confirm the transmission on both devices.

Mi Drop automatically compresses files when transferring, so the speed can vary.

• 📶 Connect to a 5GHz network (if the router supports it).
• 🔋 The charge of the phone should be above 20% – the transfer consumes a lot of power.
• 📂 For large files (video, backups) it is better to use USB cloud.

3.Using Xiaomi Cloud (cloud storage)

Xiaomi Cloud is a built-in 5GB cloud storage (free) that syncs photos, contacts and documents, a method that is convenient for backing up or transferring files to multiple devices, and downloading data from the cloud to your PC:

1. On the phone, open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired file types (e.g., Gallery or Notes).
3. On your computer, go to i.mi.com and log in under the same account.
4. Select a section (for example, "Photos") and download files through the "Export" button.

Please note: Xiaomi Cloud’s free tariff has limitations:

• 📸 Photos are stored in a compressed format (originals - only by paid subscription).
• 🎥 Videos longer than 5 minutes are cut off.
• 🔄 Synchronization works only when connected to Wi-Fi (mobile Internet is disabled by default).

USB-cable|Mi Drop (Wi-Fi)|Xiaomi Cloud|Bluetooth/QR-code|Other-->

4.Alternative methods: FTP, ADB and third-party applications

If the standard methods don't work, you can use advanced tools. Let's look at three options:

4.1 FTP transmission via FX File Explorer

This method allows you to access your phone files through Windows Explorer as a network drive.

1. Install FX File Explorer from Google Play.
2. Open the side menu. → Remote access → FTP-server.
3. Start the server and write down the address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
4. On PC, open the Explorer, enter the address in the address bar and log in (logins / passwords are displayed in the application).

4.2. Use ADB to copy files

If you're familiar with the command line, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) gives you full control of the file system.

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ C:\Xiaomi_Photos\

Before using ADB, it is necessary to:

• 🔧 Turn on Debugging. USB developer-setting.
• 💻 Install Platform Tools on PC.
• 🔑 Confirm the connection on the phone at the first start.

💡

If ADB doesn’t see the device, try the adb kill-server command and then the adb start-server command in the terminal.

Third-party applications: Send Anywhere or Feem

These programs work on the Mi Drop principle, but they are often more stable. For example, Send Anywhere allows you to transfer files through a 6-digit key without registration. Speeds up to 20 MB / s when you connect to a single Wi-Fi network.

5. File transfer to Mac (features and solutions)

MacOS users often find that Xiaomi is not defined as a drive, the problem lies in the lack of support for MTP in new versions of macOS.

1. Use PTP mode: Connect your phone to your Mac. In the Xiaomi notification, select Image Transfer (PTP). Open Photos on your Mac - the device will appear in the side menu.
2. Install Android File Transfer: Download the official software from Google. Connect your phone in MTP mode. Launch the program and it will display the Xiaomi file system.
3. Cloud Services: Upload files to Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive, then download them to your Mac.

⚠️ Note: MacOS Ventura and the newer Android File Transfer may not work. In this case, use OpenMTP (alternative software with support). MTP) or switch to PTP.

6. Solving typical file transfer problems

Even with the right settings, users are faced with errors.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 Cable and port: Try another cable or USB-PC-connector.
• 📱 Developer Mode: Sometimes Enabling Debugging USB solves the problem MTP.
• 🔄 Reboot: Reboot both devices – this resets temporary driver errors.

💡

On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+, when connecting to Windows 11, you may need to manually install the “MTP USB Device” driver through Device Manager.

7.How to Automate File Backup

To avoid copying files manually, set up automatic synchronization:

7.1 Autoboot in Google Photos

The app automatically uploads photos and videos to the cloud when you connect to Wi-Fi.

1. Install Google Photos from Google Play.
2. Open the application → Photo → Settings → Backup and synchronization.
3. Select quality (Original or High) and enable autoboot.

The files will be available on PC at photos.google.com.

7.2. Sync through OneDrive or Yandex Drive

Cloud services allow you to automatically download files from certain folders, such as OneDrive:

1. Install the app on your phone.
2. In the settings, enable Autouploading photos.
3. On PC, files will be available in the OneDrive → Images folder.

Local backup via Mi PC Suite

Xiaomi’s official software can create backups of contacts, messages and multimedia:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Mi PC Suite.
2. Go to the Backup section.
3. Select data types (such as “Gallery”) and click Create Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers from Xiaomi