How to upload files from Xiaomi to your computer: everything from USB to cloud services

Why the standard USB method may not work

Transferring files from Xiaomi to a PC seems like a simple task — plugged in the cable, copied the data, done. But in practice, users face errors: the computer can't see the phone, files are not copied or the transfer rate drops to several kilobytes per second, the reasons lie in the settings of the data protocol, USB drivers, and the features of the MIUI firmware.

For example, in new versions MIUI 14+ The default is Charging Only, which blocks access to the device's memory, and if you use a cable from the kit, it can only support slow data transfer (USB 2.0 instead USB Next, we will analyze all working methods - from the classical USB-Connect to cloud services, and how to fix common errors.

Before you start, check:

• 🔌 Original or certified cables (cheap cables often do not support data transmission).
• 🖥️ Port port USB: Try connecting to the back ports of the system unit (they are usually more powerful).
• 📱 Developer Mode: If previously enabled Debugging USB, Turn it off, it may conflict with MTP.

Method 1: Transmission through USB-cable (MTP)

The most reliable and fastest method is to connect via cable in MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 13. Transfer speed depends on the USB version: up to 480 Mbps for USB 2.0 and up to 5 Gbps for USB 3.0.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable.
2. A notification will appear on the Xiaomi screen – tap it and select File Transfer (MTP).
3. Open This Computer (My PC in Windows 7) on your computer and the phone will appear as a removable drive.
4. Go to the Internal Storage folder (or SD-card if you use a memory card) and copy the files you want.

If the computer can't see the phone:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices – this resets temporary driver errors.
• 🔧 Update drivers: in Device Manager, find Xiaomi with a yellow exclamation point, right-click → Update the driver → Automatic search.
• 📁 Check your phone settings: Settings → Connection and sharing → USB-connection → choose MTP.

⚠️ Note: If you connect Xiaomi to a Mac, install the Android File Transfer program - without it, macOS does not recognize devices on the Mac. MIUI.

Method 2: Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (FTP/HTTP)

If you don't have a cable on hand or it's damaged, you can transfer files over the local network. You don't need third-party applications, you need MIUI features built in. Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard: up to 150 Mbps for 802.11n and up to 1 Gbps for 802.11ac.

How to set up FTP-server:

1. Open the File Explorer (File app).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → FTP → Launch.
3. Remember the address of the species ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx and login data (username and password are your Mi Account credentials).
4. On a PC, open Windows Explorer, enter the address in the address bar and press Enter.

The alternative is to use HTTP-servers via ShareMe (formerly Mi Drop):

• 📲 Install ShareMe from Google Play (if removed).
• 🌐 Select files → Send. → Connect to the computer → scan QR-PC-screen.
• 💻 On your computer, open the browser and click on the generated link.

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If FTP-Xiaomi server does not start, check if it is blocked by antivirus or Windows firewall. Add an exception for ports 2121 and 3721 (used by default in the default version of the server). MIUI).

Method 3: Cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Yandex.Disk)

Cloud storage is convenient for transferring small files or backing up. Xiaomi offers its own cloud - Mi Cloud (5 GB for free), but it works unstable outside of China. Alternatives: Google Drive (15 GB), Yandex.Disk (10 GB) or Mega (20 GB).

How to upload files to Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired file types (e.g. Gallery or Notes).
3. Download files manually: Open Files application → highlight files → More → Upload to Mi Cloud.
4. On PC, go to i.mi.com and download the files.

For Google Drive or Yandex.Disk:

• 📁 Install the official app from Google Play.
• 🔗 Upload files to the cloud through the application interface.
• 🖥️ On PC, open the web version of the service and download the data.

⚠️ Note: When downloading files to Mi Cloud, the files are encrypted, but the keys are stored on Xiaomi servers. For sensitive data, use Google Drive with two-factor confirmation enabled.

Method 4: Mi Drop (ShareMe) app for fast transfer

Mi Drop (renamed ShareMe) is Xiaomi’s proprietary file-sharing solution that works on HTTP and doesn’t require internet — just enough for both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network, with a top speed of 20MB/s (about 160Mbps).

Instructions for use:

1. Install ShareMe on your phone and computer (Windows version is available at sharemi.com).
2. On the phone, select files → Send → Computer.
3. On PC, open ShareMe and scan. QR-phone-screen.
4. Confirm the transmission on both devices.

The advantages of ShareMe over FTP:

• 🚀 Higher speeds with an optimized protocol.
• 🔒 Encryption of traffic (as opposed to standard traffic) FTP).
• 📱 Support for batch transmission (you can send several folders at once).

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ShareMe is the best choice for transferring large files (video, backups) without cable, the main condition is that both devices must be on the same local network.

Method 5: ADB-Teams for experienced users

If the standard methods do not work (for example, due to damage) USB-port-lock MIUI), can be used ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires you to enable Developer Mode and install ADB-Drivers on PC, but allows you to bypass the limitations of the system.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
4. Enter the commands: adb devices (should display your device) adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\ (copy DCIM Photos in the directory on the PC).

Commands for working with files:

• 📂 Download folder: adb pull /path / on / phone/ C:\file\
• 📄 Download the file: adb pull /sdcard/file C:\Backup\
• 🔍 View the contents of the folder: adb shell ls /sdcard/DCIM/

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Reset the statistics of Smart Lock (if unlocked by location or device). USB-Debugging may require re-configuration.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right settings, file transfers can be interrupted, and let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Your computer can’t see Xiaomi via USB

Error 2: Slow file transfer

• 🔄 Connect to the port. USB 3.0 (usually blue).
• 📁 Transfer files with archives (ZIP/RAR) — This reduces the number of I/O operations.
• 🛑 Close the background apps on your phone (especially Google Photos or Gallery, which can block files).

Error 3: Mi Cloud does not sync files

• 🌐 Check your internet connection (turn off) VPN).
• 🔄 Reset the synchronization: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronize.
• 📧 Make sure you have enough space on your account (only 5GB is free).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions