How to Download Files from Xiaomi Phone: All Working Ways in 2026

Transferring files from Xiaomi’s phone to a computer or other device can seem like a trivial task — until you encounter connection errors, MIUI restrictions, or unexpected permission requests. In 2026, with the release of MIUI 14/15, the process has changed a little: the manufacturer tightened security policies, but added new tools for sharing data.

Many users still use outdated methods (e.g, MTP-regime USB), While Xiaomi offers alternative solutions, from built-in Mi Drop to integration with Google Drive and Mi Cloud, we will discuss all the current ways, including those that work even if you have a built-in Mi Drop. USB-Port broken or cable lost.

We will pay special attention to the hidden MIUI settings that block the transfer of files by default – they are often overlooked in standard instructions. Also consider the nuances for different models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, where the transfer speed can vary by 5-10 times.

1. File transfer via USB-cable (MTP-regime)

The classic method that most users are familiar with, however, in MIUI 14/15 it requires additional action due to changes in security policy.

Check the cable first – it should support data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable!). Connect your phone to your computer and wait for the Charge notification to appear via the Charge. USB. Click on it and select File Transfer (MTP). If this item is not, then the developer’s settings are disabled. USB-Debugging or activated mode Only charging by default.

• 🔌 For Windows. 10/11: If your computer can’t see your phone, install Mi drivers. PC Suite (official Xiaomi website) or use a universal driver ADB Driver Installer.
• 🍎 For macOS: Install Android File Transfer (free in the App Store).The first connection may require unlocking your phone and confirming your trust in your computer.
• ⚡ Is it a slow transfer problem? Try turning off Optimization MIUI in the battery settings for the Media Storage application.

If the folders on the phone are empty after you connect, but there are files, check if they are hidden by the system. To do this, turn on the display of hidden files in Windows Explorer (View → Hidden Items).

Use the original cable|Unlock the phone screen|Select a regime MTP notice-curtain|Disable battery optimization for Media Storage"|Install drivers (for Windows)-->

2. Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (Mi Drop, LocalSend, Snapdrop)

If USB-The cable broke or you just don't want to use it, Xiaomi offers a built-in solution, the Mi Drop app. It works over a local network and doesn't require Internet. Transfer speeds reach 10-15 MB/s (depending on the router), which is comparable to the speed of the mobile phone. USB 2.0.

How to use:

1. Open Mi Drop on your phone (if you don’t have one, download it from Google Play).
2. Click Send and select the files.
3. On your computer, open your browser and go to http://192.168.X.X:PORT (the address will appear on the phone screen).
4. Download files through the web interface.

Alternatives to Mi Drop:

• 🌐 LocalSend (cross-platform open source software, running on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android).
• 📱 Snapdrop (a web service similar to AirDrop, but for any device).
• 🔄 Pushbullet (paid version allows you to transfer files up to 1 GB).

Through USB-cable|By Wi-Fi (Mi Drop, LocalSend)|Google Drive (Mi Cloud) and Mi Drive (Google Drive)|Through messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)|Another option-->

Important: When transferring large files (>500MB) over Wi-Fi, your phone may overheat. Close the background apps and monitor the temperature in Settings → Battery → Battery status.

3. Cloud Storage: Mi Cloud vs Google Drive vs Telegram

Cloud services are convenient for backing up and transferring files to another device. Xiaomi offers its own solution - Mi Cloud (5 GB for free), but it has limitations: for example, high-resolution videos are compressed when downloaded.

Comparison of services:

*There is no hard limit on storage in Telegram, but files >2GB are not synced to the cloud.

To transfer files via Google Drive:

1. Open the Files app on your phone.
2. Select the necessary files → Share → Save to Drive.
3. On your computer, go to drive.google.com and download the files.

💡

If you want to transfer files from Xiaomi to iPhone, use Google Drive or Telegram – they work cross-platform without loss of quality.

4. Transfer via messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber)

The easiest way for small files is to send them to yourself in the messenger. Telegram compares favorably with competitors by the lack of compression for files up to 2 GB (in WhatsApp the limit is 100 MB, in Viber – 200 MB).

Instructions for Telegram:

1. Open Save Messages Chat (or any other chat with you).
2. Click on the paperclip → File and select the desired data.
3. On your computer, open web.telegram.org and download files.

Nuances:

• 📁 Folders and archives: Telegram allows you to send ZIP-Archives are unlimited, but you will have to unpack them manually.
• 🎥 Video: WhatsApp videos are compressed to permissions 720p, even if the original — 4K.
• 🔒 Privacy: For sensitive data, use Secret chats on Telegram (they are not stored on servers).

5.Use of FTP-servers on Xiaomi (for advanced users)

If you need to regularly transfer large amounts of data (for example, backups or other data). RAW-Photos can be started FTP-It's a server right on the phone, and it'll connect to it like a network drive.

For this:

1. Install the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer app from Google Play.
2. Turn it on. FTP-server in application settings (usually in the Network or Remote Access section).
3. Remember the address of the species ftp://192.168.X.X:PORT, login.
4. On your computer, connect via Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) by entering this address.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Speed is limited only to your Wi-Fi (up to 50-70 MB / s on modern routers).
• 📂 Full access to the file system (including hidden folders).
• 🔄 You can set up an automatic connection when starting the server.

💡

FTP-A server on a phone is the best choice for transferring large amounts of data (for example, backups or video projects), but requires stable Wi-Fi and basic knowledge of network protocols.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use FTP to transmit sensitive data without encryption. FTPS (FTP + SSL) or use SFTP via apps like Termux.

6 Special cases: broken screen, locked phone, lack of cable

If the phone screen crashes or the device is locked, but you need to download files urgently, there are several ways out:

Method 1: Connecting through OTG-cable

• 🔗 Buy it. OTG-adapter (stands) ~200–500 ₽).
• Connect Xiaomi to another Android phone.
• On the second phone, open the files. → USB-device and copy the data.

Method 2: Removal of the memory card (if files are on SD)

• 📱 Turn off your phone, remove the microSD card.
• 💻 Insert it into a computer or other phone card reader.
• ⚠️ If the card is encrypted (setting encryption) SD-card MIUI), You can only read it on this phone after unlocking it.

Method 3: Remote management via Mi Account

• 🌐 Log in to i.mi.com from your computer and log in under the same account as you do on your phone.
• 📱 In the Devices section, select your Xiaomi and check if file sync with Mi Cloud is enabled.
• ⬇️ Download the necessary data directly from the web interface.

💡

If the phone doesn’t respond to the connection to the computer, try restarting it in Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down) and reconnecting.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the right actions, users face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 "Device not identified" (Windows): Remove the phone drivers in Device Manager, then reconnect. If it doesn't work, install Mi. PC Suite.
• 🔄 Phone connects, but folders are empty: Enable the display of hidden files in Windows Explorer or check if files are hidden in Settings → Warehouse → Storage settings → Show hidden files.
• 📵 Mi Drop won't find your computer: Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. VPN firewall.
• ⏳ Slow transmission USB: Try another cable (preferably original) or port USB 3.0 (blue). Turn off optimization. MIUI for the Media Storage app.

⚠️ If the phone starts to discharge when connecting to the computer (instead of charging), then, USB-The computer port doesn't give you enough power. Use an externally powered hub or connect your phone to a parallel charger.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions