How to Download Files from Computer to Xiaomi Phone: The Complete 2026 Guide

Transferring files from your computer to your Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that every user faces. Whether you want to transfer photos, documents, music or videos, the process can seem complicated due to the variety of methods and settings. In this article, we will analyze all current methods of data transmission, from the classical USB-Connections to modern wireless technologies, taking into account the features of firmware MIUI various Redmi models, POCO mi.

It is important to understand that the choice of method depends on several factors: the amount of data transferred, the speed of the Internet connection, the availability of additional devices (for example, a card reader), and even the version of the operating system on your PC. We will not only describe each method, but also indicate its pros and cons, as well as give recommendations for optimizing the process. For example, you will learn why sometimes Xiaomi does not appear in Windows Explorer and how to fix it in 2 minutes.

This article will be useful for both beginners and experienced users, and newbies will find step-by-step instructions with pictures (in text format), and advanced users will find tips for correcting common errors, such as when the phone is connected but the files are not copied, and we will also touch on security issues: how to protect data when transferring over public Wi-Fi networks and what MIUI settings should be changed for convenience.

1. File transfer via USB-cable: the classical method

The most reliable and universal way is to use USB-This is a cable that comes with the phone, and it works on all Xiaomi models, regardless of the version. MIUI, It doesn't require an Internet connection. The data rate here is limited to the version. USB-port on your PC and phone (for example, USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0).

To start the transmission:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to your computer using a cable. Use the original cable or a certified analogue -- cheap cables may not support data transmission.
• 📱 On the phone screen will appear a notification "Charging through" USB". Put it on him.
• 🔄 In the menu, select the File Transfer mode (or "MTP" — Media Transfer Protocol).
• 🖥️ On the computer, open the conductor (Win) + E – Your Xiaomi should appear as a removable disk.

If the phone is not identified, check the following points:

• 🔍 Make sure your phone unlocks the screen (sometimes) MIUI Blocks the connection when the screen is locked).
• 🔄 Try changing the connection mode to "Imagine Transfer (PTP)" — Some versions of Windows work better with this protocol.
• 🔌 Connect the cable to another USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0, usually blue).
• 📥 Install Mi drivers PC Suite from Xiaomi’s official website if Windows can’t recognize the device.

⚠️ Note: If you connect Xiaomi to your computer for the first time, Windows can install drivers for a long time (up to 5-10 minutes.

2. Wireless transmission via Mi Drop (Wi-Fi Direct)

Mi Drop is a proprietary application from Xiaomi that allows you to transfer files between devices over a local Wi-Fi network without an Internet connection.This method is convenient if you do not have a cable at hand or need to transfer files to several devices at the same time. The transfer speed depends on your phone’s Wi-Fi standard (for example, Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6).

Instructions for using Mi Drop:

1. Make sure your phone and computer are on Wi-Fi and connected to the same network (or activate the hotspot on your phone).
2. On your phone, open the Mi Drop app (if not, download from Google Play).
3. In the upper right corner, click on the PC icon and select Connect to the computer.
4. It'll appear on screen. QR-Scan it with your computer by clicking on drop.mi.com in your browser.
5. After connecting, drag and drop files into the browser window or select them through the Mi Drop interface.

Benefits of Mi Drop:

• 🚀 High speed transfer (up to 20 MB/s on Wi-Fi 6).
• 📱 Support for batch transfer of files and folders.
• 🔒 There is no limit to file size (unlike Bluetooth).

Disadvantages:

• 📶 It requires a stable Wi-Fi connection, and if the signal is weak, the transmission can be interrupted.
• 📱 In some models POCO Mi Drop application may not be available by default.

Enable Wi-Fi on your phone and PC|Make sure that devices are on the same network|Download Mi Drop to your phone (if not available)|Open drop.mi.com on PC|Scan. QR-code-->

3.Use of FTP-servers on Xiaomi

If Mi Drop doesn’t work for some reason, you can use the built-in FTP-server-side MIUI. This method is suitable for transferring large amounts of data (for example, backups) and does not require installing additional applications on a PC. FTP It works on a local network, so the Internet is not necessary.

How to set up FTP-server:

1. Open the "Conductor" (the Files app) on your phone.
2. Go to the FTP section (usually found in the Network or Connections menu).
3. Press "Run" FTP-server. Remember or copy the address of the view ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx.
4. On the computer, open the conductor and enter this address in the address bar.
5. Enter your login and password (by default, often anonymous without a password or data from your Mi Account).

The speed of transmission via FTP is comparable to Mi Drop, but there are nuances:

• 🔧 On some firmware MIUI FTP-The server can shut down after 5-10 minutes without any activity.
• 📡 For stable operation, it is better to use 5 GHz Wi-Fi (if supported).
• 🔒 If you can’t connect, check if the Windows firewall is blocking. FTP-linkage.

4. Cloud services: Google Drive, Mi Cloud and others

If you need to transfer files without cable and without a local network (for example, when you are on the road), the most convenient way to use cloud services. Xiaomi offers its own solution, Mi Cloud, but also supports Google Drive, OneDrive and others. The main advantage of this method is access to files from any device, and the minus is the dependence on Internet speed and the limitation on the amount of free storage.

How to transfer files via Mi Cloud:

1. On your phone, open "Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud".
2. Enable synchronization for the desired file type (e.g., "Gallery" or "Files").
3. Upload files to the cloud from your computer via the i.mi.com web interface.
4. On your phone, files are automatically synced (or download them manually from the Mi Cloud app).

Comparison of cloud services for Xiaomi:

• 📁 Mi Cloud: 5GB free, tight integration with the MIUI, The servers may be slow outside of China.
• 📁 Google Drive: 15GB free, fast, but requires login to Google account.
• 📁 OneDrive: 5GB free, convenient for Windows users (integration with Explorer).

⚠️ Note: When transferring sensitive data through the cloud (such as document scans), enable two-factor authentication in your account settings. In Mi Cloud, this is done in the Security section".

💡

If you frequently transfer files through the cloud, set up automatic uploads of photos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud. Go to Settings → Google → Backup (or Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Gallery).

5. Bluetooth and NFC transmission: when speed is not important

Bluetooth and NFC are the slowest ways to transfer files, but they can come in handy if there are no other options (for example, when you do not have cable and Wi-Fi). Bluetooth 5.0 (available in most modern Xiaomi) supports speeds up to 2 Mbps, but in practice transfers are at a speed of ~1 MB / s. NFC is even slower, but convenient for transferring small files (for example, business cards or links).

How to transfer files via Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone ("Settings → Bluetooth") and your computer.
2. Connect devices: on your PC, select "Add Bluetooth device", and on your phone confirm the connection.
3. On your computer, find the file, right-click and select "Send → Bluetooth Device".
4. On the phone, confirm the receipt of the file in the notification.

Bluetooth limitations:

• 🐢 Maximum file size – usually up to 100 MB (depending on firmware).
• 📵 Transmission can be interrupted if devices disperse further than 10 meters.
• 📱 In some models POCO To transfer files, you need to use the application "Files" → "Send".

NFC It is suitable only for transferring very small files (up to 1-2 MB), but does not require pairing. NFC on both devices ("Settings") → Connections → NFC") and bring the phone to NFC-Computer tag (if any).

6.Alternative methods: memory card, OTG and AirDroid

If the standard methods are not suitable, alternative methods can be used:

• 📱 MicroSD card: Remove the card from your phone, paste it into your computer card reader, copy the files, then return the card back. Suitable for microSD-enabled phones (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+).
• 🔌 OTG-cable: Connect the flash drive to the phone via OTG-Adapter, copy files from the flash drive to the phone, convenient if the files are already on the external drive.
• ☁️ AirDroid: A third-party application for wireless file transfer, supports remote access to your phone from your PC, but requires registration.
• 📡 Local area network (SMB): Set up a folder share on your PC and connect to it from your phone through the Explorer app" → "Network".

Advantages of alternative methods:

• 🔧 Memory card: No PC or Internet connection, but physical removal of card.
• ⚡ OTG: Faster Bluetooth, but you need an adapter (it is worth it) ~200-500 rubles).
• 🌐 AirDroid: UI, but free version limits transfer speed.

⚠️ Note: When using AirDroid or similar services, disable the Remote Access option in the app settings if you do not plan to use it.

💡

For transferring large files (video, backups) is best suited USB-cable FTP Cloud services are convenient for small files, but depend on the speed of the Internet.

7. Solving typical file transfer problems

Even with proven methods, errors can occur, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If none of these methods work, try the following:

1. Reboot your phone and computer – this solves 50% of the connection problems.
2. Check to see if the phone is running Developer Mode with the USB Debugging option, which sometimes conflicts with MTP.
3. Update MIUI to the latest version – in old firmware there are bugs with file transfer.

On Xiaomi phones with firmware MIUI 14 and newer when connecting through USB You may be asked to unlock Data Protection. To avoid this, go to Settings before you connect. → Memory. → Settings (badge) ⚙️) → Disable "Data Protection When Connecting to a PC".

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers to Xiaomi