How to quickly and safely download photos from your Xiaomi phone to your computer USB-cable

Transfer photos from Xiaomi phone to computer via USB-The cable seems like a simple task, but in practice users often face problems: the phone is not detected, files are not displayed or the transfer is too slow. In this article, we’ll break down all possible connectivity options, including data mode setup, typical bug fixes, and alternative methods for models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Feature of Xiaomi smartphones – the use of the protocol MTP (Media Transfer Protocol: For file transfers that sometimes run unstable on Windows 10/11. We will explain in detail how to include debugging on USB, Update the drivers and what to do if the computer can’t see the folder DCIM You will also learn how to speed up the transfer of large files (for example, photos in format). RAW Xiaomi 13 Pro) and avoid loss of quality.

Preparing Xiaomi Phone for USB Connection

Before connecting the phone to the computer, you need to configure the parameters correctly. USB-This is especially important for new Xiaomi models, where charging only mode can be activated by default.

Check the version first. MIUI (Path: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI). Starting with MIUI 14, the connection algorithm has changed: the system automatically requests permission to transfer data when you first connect to a new PC:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Connection and sharing → USB
• 🔄 Select File Transfer Mode (MTP) or PTP (photo)
• 🔒 Allow access to data if a request appears on the phone screen
• 🔄 Restart your phone if the mode is not applied immediately.

On models POCO F5 redmi K60 Additional debugging may be required USB:

1. Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, activate the developer menu.
2. Go back to the basic settings, open Additional → for developers.
3. Activate the debugging switches USB and debugging. USB (security).

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If the phone starts charging after you connect, but is not defined as a drive, try using the original Xiaomi cable or data-enabled cable (usually labeled "Sync & Charge").

Setting up a computer for correct recognition Xiaomi

Even with the phone's right settings, the computer may not see the device due to a lack of drivers or conflicts with other connected gadgets. 10/11 Most often, installing official Xiaomi drivers or manually updating through Device Manager helps.

Follow this algorithm:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open Device Manager (Win keys) + X → Device Manager).
2. Find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually in the Portable Devices or Other Devices section) in the list.
3. Right-click and select Update Driver → Search for drivers on this computer.
4. Specify the path to the folder with drivers (they can be downloaded from the official Xiaomi website in the Mi section). PC Suite).

For users of macOS or Linux, you will need to install Android File Transfer (official software from Google) or use it. gMTP/jMTP On a MacBook with a chip. M1/M2 You may need to adjust the permissions in the System settings. → Confidentiality and security.

Step-by-step: how to download photos from Xiaomi on PC

When the phone and the computer are configured, you can start transferring files. Let's look at two main ways: through Windows Explorer and using Mi. PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi).

Method 1: Through a Conductor (without additional programs)

Connect your phone with the original cable|Select a mode. MTP phone-on|Unlock the Xiaomi screen|Open Explorer on PC (Win) + E)

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After connection:

1. There will be a notification on the phone. USB To transfer files – click on it and confirm access.
2. Open this computer (or My computer in Windows 7) on your computer.
3. Your Xiaomi will appear on the list of devices (usually under the model name, such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro).
4. Double-click on the device and go to the Internal Storage folder. → DCIM → Camera (here are stored photos taken on the main camera).
5. Select the required files (you can use Ctrl) + A to select all) and drag them to a folder on your computer.

Important: if the folder DCIM Check if you have a photo in Pictures or MIUI → Camera – Some Xiaomi models save their images in different directories depending on the version MIUI.

Method 2: Through Mi PC Suite (for mass transmission)

Official Mi utility PC Suite is convenient for transferring large numbers of files or backing up. download it from the official website and follow the instructions:

• 📥 Install the program and run it.
• 🔌 Connect the phone (mode) MTP switch on automatically).
• 📁 In the main menu, select the Files section. → File management.
• 🖼️ Go to the Inner Memory → DCIM And mark the right photos.
• 💾 Click Export and specify folder on PC.

The advantage of this method is the ability to preview the photo directly in the program and choose the format of saving (for example, conversion). HEIC into JPEG compatiblely).

Solving typical problems when transferring photos

Even with the right setup, there can be errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If the computer makes a connection sound, but the phone does not appear in Explorer, the problem is most likely drivers.

For models with MIUI 13+ (for example, Xiaomi 12T or POCO X5) Can help resetting settings USB:

1. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → USB.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset Settings USB.
3. Confirm the action and reconnect the phone.

If the problem persists, try alternative transmission methods:

• 🌐 Through Mi Cloud (upload photos to the cloud, then download to PC).
• 📶 Local Network (Portal or LocalSend applications).
• 📁 Using a memory card (transfer the photo to the SD, Then insert the card into the computer).

How to speed up the transfer of large photos (RAW, 48+ MPP)

Modern flagships Xiaomi (for example, Xiaomi) 13 Ultra or MIX Fold 3) save the photo format RAW (size 50-100 MB each) or with permission 200 MT: Transfer of such files by USB It can take hours. Here's how to speed things up:

• 🔌 Use it. USB 3.1 Type-C cable (blue connector) and port USB 3.0 on PC.
• 🗃️ Archive the photo in ZIP Directly on the phone (File Manager app) → Select → Squeeze).
• 🌐 For mass transmission, use FTP-server FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🔄 Turn off optimization. MIUI for USB (developer-setting).

For format RAW (files with the extension.dng or.arw):

1. Install FastStone Image Viewer or Darktable on your PC to view.
2. Transfer files in small batches (by 50-100 pieces) to avoid hanging.
3. If the photos are not opened, convert them to JPEG Right on the phone through the gallery → Edit → Keep a copy.

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For maximum transfer speed, turn off background synchronization on your phone (Settings) → Accounts. → Sync and close all applications before connecting to your PC.

Security: How to avoid loss or damage to photos

When transferring large numbers of files, there is always a risk of data loss.

⚠️ Attention: Never take out USB-cable during file transfers — this can damage the partition table on the phone. MIUI 14+ After such an incident, you may need to reset your settings via Fastboot.

• 🔄 Always back up your photo to Mi Cloud or Google Photos before mass transfer.
• 🛡️ Use secure device extraction (icon) USB Windows Notifications).
• 📊 Check check the checksums (MD5) Important files with the Hash Droid application.
• 🚫 Don’t connect your phone to a public one. USB-Ports (airports, cafes) – this can lead to malware infection.

If after transfer, the photos are opened with artifacts or not read:

1. Check the integrity of the files on your phone (open them in the Gallery).
2. Use Recuva to recover damaged files on your PC.
3. If the photo was taken in HEIF/HEIC — set up HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store.

For additional protection, enable file encryption on your phone (Settings) → Confidentiality → This will make it harder to access data when you lose your device, but it may slow down the transmission slightly. USB.

Alternative ways to transfer photos without USB

If the connection via cable is not possible (for example, the port is broken) USB), Use one of these methods:

For Wi-Fi transmission without size restrictions:

1. Install the LocalSend app on your phone and PC (free, open source).
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. On the phone, select a photo in the Gallery → Share. → LocalSend.
4. On the PC, confirm the acceptance of files.

LocalSend has the advantage of no file size restrictions and no registration. Transfer speed depends on the router: on Wi-Fi 6 (For example, Xiaomi Router AX6000) she can reach 80-100 Mbit/s.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring photos from Xiaomi to PC