Xiaomi smartphones today are equipped with high-resolution cameras that allow you to create images of incredible detail. However, the better the quality of photos, the more space they occupy in the internal memory of the device. Sooner or later, each owner faces the need to move the archive of images to a more spacious medium. Synchronizing data with a computer becomes not just a convenient option, but a vital necessity to free up space.
There are many ways to solve this problem, and the choice of the specific method depends on your goals and the tools available. USB-cable for fast transmission of large amounts of data or use wireless technologies for prompt access to individual images. MIUI HyperOS and HyperOS offer built-in tools that greatly simplify the process of interacting with the PC, making it intuitive even for beginners.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current options for copying media files. You will learn about the nuances of working with file managers, the features of cloud services and methods for solving typical connection errors. USB-Connecting to the notifications of the smartphone after connecting to the cable will help you avoid 90% of problems when working with the file system.
Device preparation and cable selection
Before any manipulation of data transmission, you need to make sure that the physical connection is in good working order, and users often try to use cheap charging-only cables that do not have internal data lines. For stable operation requires a high-quality wire capable of providing synchronization at high speeds. USB-port on the computer should also be serviceable, it is desirable to use connectors on the back of the system unit connected directly to the motherboard.
An important step is unlocking the smartphone screen. Android security system prevents access to files from external devices if the screen is locked with a password or fingerprint. When you first connect to a new computer, a request for debugging or data access permission will appear on the screen, which must be confirmed.
⚠️ Warning: If the computer makes a sound of the device's connection, but nothing appears in My Computer, try replacing the cable. 80% of the time, the problem is in a damaged wire that is powering but not transmitting the signal.
For laptop users with limited ports, it may be necessary to USB-Hub. Make sure it supports data transfer, not just extends the number of ports for the mouse and keyboard.The low voltage in the port can lead to unstable connection and interruption of file copying halfway.
The classical method through USB-cable
The most reliable and quick way to move gigabytes of photos is through a direct wired connection. Once you connect the cable to your smartphone and PC, lower the notification curtain on your phone screen, and you'll see the connection status, which is often set to Charge Only by default, and you'll need to click on this notification and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
Once you select the mode, the computer recognizes the device as an external drive. Windows Explorer will have a new drive with the name of your model, for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12. Opening it, you will be taken to internal memory, where all system and user data are stored. Photos are usually located in the DCIM folder, and then in the Camera subfolder.
- 📂 Open “My Computer” and find the device in the disk list.
- 📂 Go to the Internal Storage path → DCIM → Camera to search for photos from the main camera.
- 📂 For screenshots, use a folder MIUI → gallery_screenshots or Pictures. → Screenshots.
- 📂 Select the necessary files and drag them to the hard drive of the computer.
If you use a microSD card, it will show up as a separate disk in the list of devices, the folder structure there is similar to internal memory, copying large amounts of data is better done in portions, so as not to overload the clipboard and avoid hanging Windows Explorer.
☑️ Checking the connection USB
Wireless transmission via ShareMe and FTP
Xiaomi smartphone owners have a powerful built-in tool for wireless data transfer. ShareMe app (formerly known as Mi Drop) allows you to create a new device. FTP-It eliminates the need to search for cables and install drivers, providing access to files over a local Wi-Fi network.
To start the function, open the ShareMe app and select Connect Computer from the menu. The system will suggest selecting a network type; for maximum speed, it is recommended to use a 5 GHz network if your router and computer support this standard. After clicking the Start button, the address will appear on the screen that you need to enter into the address bar of the Windows Explorer.
ftp://192.168.1.55:2121The address you enter will give you access to the entire file system of your smartphone, so you can copy, delete and rename files as if they were on a local drive, and the transfer speed is limited only by the power of your router and can reach 10-20 MB / s, which is comparable to USB 2.0.
Why can FTP not work?
Use of cloud services and Mi Cloud
Xiaomi's ecosystem offers its own cloud storage, Mi Cloud, which automatically syncs the gallery. If you have synchronization enabled, all new photos are transferred to the company's servers. To access them on your computer, you just go to the official cloud site through your browser and log in to your account.
The alternative is Google Photos, which is pre-installed on all certified devices. The service offers easy storage with searchable objects and persons. The free tariff provides 15 GB of space shared between mail and disk. Uploading photos in original quality can consume traffic, so it is recommended to configure sync only over Wi-Fi.
| Service | Free volume | Loading speed | Integration with MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | 5GB | Tall. | Native. |
| Google Photo | 15GB | Medium | Native. |
| Yandex.Disk. | 10GB | High (in Russian Federation) | Through the app |
| TeraBox | 1024 GB** | Low (no Premium) | Through the app |
The main advantage of cloud computing is automation. You don't have to remember to copy files; it's in the background, but you need a stable and fast Internet connection to upload a large archive initially, which isn't always available.
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In the Google Photos app, enable Traffic Savings mode and High Quality resolution (compression) if you don’t have much space in the cloud, allowing you to upload an unlimited number of photos, albeit with a slight decrease in detail.
Third-party programs for file management
For advanced users who need to do more than copy photos and complete a file system overhaul, there are specialized utilities. The official Mi PC Suite was once the standard, but it is now outdated and doesn't work well with new versions of Android.
One of the best programs is Android File Transfer for macOS or Total Commander with ADB plugin for Windows. These tools allow you to see hidden system folders, edit file attributes and perform batch operations. Also popular is AirDroid, which combines cloud and local file manager functions with a beautiful web interface.
Caution is important when using third-party software: Some programs may request excessive permissions or miscode file names if they contain Cyrillic. Always back up important data before mass cleaning or moving system folders.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from folders Android/data and Android/obb manually through file managers on PCs, which can cause apps and games to malfunction, as it stores cache and additional resources.
Solving Connection Problems
Even if all instructions are followed, there can be technical difficulties: a computer can see the phone as a charging device, but refuse to display files. Often this is due to the lack of MTP drivers in the Windows operating system, the system may not automatically find them, especially on older versions like Windows 7 or XP.
To fix this, open Device Manager on your PC. Find a device with a yellow exclamation point or an unknown device. Right-click, select Update Driver and search automatically. If that doesn't work, you can try installing drivers manually from Google USB Driver.
- 🔌 Check the port. USB: Connect the cable to another connector, preferably USB 2.0, as some older phones work better with it.
- 🔌 Restart both devices: A banal restart of your smartphone and computer often resets detection service errors.
- 🔌 Turn off the debugging. USB: In some cases, the developer mode on blocks the standard MTP-protocol.
If nothing works, try connecting your phone to another computer to see if the problem is in your smartphone, in your cable, or in your PC. Date and time settings also affect the connection; clock desynchronization can cause security certificate errors.
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If your computer stopped seeing your phone after Windows update, try removing the device from Device Manager and reconnecting the cable, the system will reinstall the driver from scratch.