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

Why is the standard method of c USB-The cable doesn't always work.

You connected Xiaomi to your computer via USB, but instead of folders with files, you only see a charging notification? This problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones. The fact is that by default, phones do not transmit data when you connect to a PC - they just charge. To access files, you need to manually change the connection mode in the notification curtain.

But even after that, there can be difficulties: the computer does not see the device, drivers are not installed, or the transfer is at a speed of 1 MB / s. The reasons are different, from outdated MIUI firmware to conflict with antivirus. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods of transferring files - from classic USB to cloud services and local network, and also tell you how to fix typical errors.

We will focus on models with MIUI 14+, where the interface of data settings has changed. If you have Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 or later, the instructions below take into account these updates.

Method 1: Transmission through USB-cable (Step-by-step with pictures)

The fastest method is to connect by cable, but it requires the right setup. USB-port-port: USB 2.0 give up 40 MB/s, a USB 3.0/3.1 β€” before 500 Check which cable you use: original from Xiaomi or cheap replacement – this affects the stability of the connection.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15 (relevant to Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, etc.):

  • πŸ”Œ Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable (preferably from the kit).
  • πŸ“± The phone will be notified "Charge through" USB" β€” tap him.
  • πŸ”„ Select File Transfer Mode (or File Manager on older versions) MIUI).
  • πŸ–₯️ On your computer, open "This Computer" and the phone will appear as a removable drive (e.g., "Redmi Note 11").

β˜‘οΈ What to check if your PC can’t see Xiaomi

Done: 0 / 4

If the computer does not recognize the device:

  1. Install Mi PC Suite drivers (official software from Xiaomi) from pcsuite.mi.com.
  2. Try another one. USB-port (better on the back of the system unit).
  3. Disable the antivirus (such as Avast or Kaspersky) – it can block access.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 13+ When you first connect to a new PC, you may need permission to access data through a pop-up window. If you miss it, the phone will not appear in the explorer.

Method 2: Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (without cables)

If the cable is not available, or USB-The port is broken, you can transfer files over the local network, and this method works on all Xiaomi models, including the one that is not available. POCO F5 redmi K60. Speed depends on the router: on Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) β€” before 30-50 MB/s, on Wi-Fi. 6 β€” before 100 MB/s.

Use the built-in MIUI+ (available on phones with MIUI 12.5+):

  • 🌐 Connect your phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • πŸ“± On the phone, open Settings. β†’ Connections and sharing β†’ MIUI+.
  • πŸ–₯️ Download it on PC. MIUI+ for Windows from Xiaomi and log in under the same Mi Account.
  • πŸ“Ž In the application on PC, select "File Transfer" and drag the desired data.

The alternative is to use FTP-server-side FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer:

  1. Install one of the apps from Google Play.
  2. Launch it. FTP-server in application settings.
  3. On PC, type the address of ftp://192.168.x.x:port in the Explorer or Total Commander.

⚠️ Note: When transferring large files (>1 GB) Wi-Fi connection may be interrupted. Break archives into pieces or use USB.

πŸ“Š What file transfer method do you use more often?
Po Po Po USB-cable
Wi-Fi (MIUI+)
Through the Cloud (Google Drive)
Other methods

Method 3: Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Telegram)

Cloud storage is convenient for transferring files over a distance or if there is no cable at hand. The minus is the download speed limit (for example, free accounts on Google Drive have a limit of 750 GB / day). For Xiaomi, there is a proprietary solution - Mi Cloud, but it only gives 5 GB for free.

Comparison of services:

ServiceFree seatMax. File size.Loading speed
Google Drive15GB5 TBLimited (up to 750 GB/day)
Mi Cloud5GB2GBNo restrictions.
Telegram (Saved Messages)Unlimitedly2GBHigh (depending on the internet)
Yandex Disc.10GB50GBLimited (1 GB/hour for free)

*In Telegram, files are stored in Save Messages without time limit, but each file must not exceed 2 GB.

How to transfer files via Google Drive:

  1. On your phone, open the Google Drive app.
  2. Press + β†’ Download and select the files.
  3. On PC, go to drive.google.com and download them.

πŸ’‘

If you want to throw a lot of small files (for example, photos), archive them in ZIP on your phone before downloading – this will speed up the process by 3-5 times.

Method 4: Use a memory card (for slot microSD models)

If your Xiaomi supports memory cards (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro, you can transfer files to a microSD and then paste them into your computer through a card reader, 4K-video-backup).

How it works:

  • πŸ“ Copy files to a memory card through the File Manager on your phone.
  • πŸ”„ Remove the card and paste into the card reader connected to the PC.
  • πŸ–₯️ Open the map as a removable disk and transfer the data.

MicroSD cards have speed classes (e.g. Class 10 or Class 10). UHS-I). For the record. 4K-Video needs a class below U3, Otherwise, the files may be damaged.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra) have the memory card formatted as the default internal storage, in which case it cannot be removed without data loss – first transfer files to the main memory of the phone.

Method 5: Specialized programs (Mi PC Suite, AirDroid)

For advanced users, there are programs that extend the data transfer capabilities. For example, Mi PC Suite allows you not only to copy files, but also to manage contacts, SMS and install APK. AirDroid allows you to access your phone through a browser from any PC.

Comparison of programmes:

ProgrammeSupport for MIUIFunctionsCons
Mi PC SuiteComplete.File transfer, backup, APK installationRequires driver installation
AirDroidPartial (works through Wi-Fi)Remote access, file transfer, SMSLimit 200 MB/month in the free version
SnapdropAnybody.Transfer over a local network without registrationNo history of broadcasts

How to use Snapdrop (no installation required):

  1. Open snapdrop.net on your phone and PC in the same browser (e.g. Chrome).
  2. The devices will automatically detect each other.
  3. Drag files into the browser window on your PC or phone.
How to get around the limit of AirDroid 200 MB
Register with the service and confirm the email - it will give +500MB per month, you can use it. VPN Changes in the region (in some countries, the limits are higher).

The solution to the problem: why the computer can not see Xiaomi

If none of these methods work, check out these points:

  • πŸ”§ Remove old Xiaomi drivers via Device Manager (Windows) and install new ones from the official website.
  • πŸ”„ Developer Mode: Include it in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Then, in the Additional settings, activate "Debugging by" USB".
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Antivirus: Add your phone to Windows Defender exceptions or disable antivirus for transfer time.
  • πŸ”Œ Port port USB: Try to connect to another port (better). USB 3.0 blue).

Critical error: on models with MIUI 14+ When you connect to Windows 11, a message may appear "USB-The solution is to roll back the driver to the 2022 version through Device Manager.

If the problem remains:

  1. Check the cable for damage (try charging your phone – if charging is slow, the cable is faulty).
  2. Update your MIUI firmware to the latest version in Settings β†’ System Update.
  3. Reset network settings on your phone: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.

πŸ’‘

90% of problems with connecting Xiaomi to a PC are solved by installing the right drivers and selecting the File Transfer mode in the notification curtain.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfer

Can I transfer files from Xiaomi to Mac?
Yes, but it requires Android File Transfer (official software from Google). Download it from android.com/filetransfer. On your phone, select File Transfer mode, as for Windows. For macOS Monterey and later, you may need to allow access in System Settings β†’ Security and Security.
Why are Xiaomi photos displayed as HEIC on PC?
Xiaomi smartphones save photos in HEIC format (saves space). Windows does not support it by default. Solutions: Install the HEIF extension from the Microsoft Store. Use Google Photos to automatically convert to JPG. In the camera settings of the phone, select the format "JPEG" instead of "High Quality (HEIF)".
How to transfer files from a broken Xiaomi screen?
If the screen does not respond to touch, but the phone turns on: Connect the phone to the PC USB Try to control it through the Mi. PC Suite. Use it. OTG-adapter + Mouse to navigate the menu. If the phone is unlocked, turn it on. USB-debugging ADB (For phones with a locked bootloader (most Xiaomi), data recovery without a screen is possible only in the service center.
What is the maximum USB transfer speed for Xiaomi?
Speed depends on the USB version on the phone and PC: USB 2.0: up to 40 MB/s (old models, for example, Redmi 4X); USB 3.0: up to 500 MB/s (Xiaomi 11T, POCO F4); USB 3.1/3.2: up to 1 GB/s (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K50 Ultra). Real speed is usually 20-30% lower due to the overhead of the MTP protocol.
Can I transfer files from Xiaomi to Linux?
Yes, but additional steps may be required: Install mtp-tools via the terminal: sudo apt install mtp-tools Connect your phone in File Transfer mode. Use Nautilus (GNOME) or Dolphin (KDE) to access files. Arch-based distributions (such as Manjaro) may require gvfs-mtp.