How to quickly throw photos from Xiaomi on your computer: all the ways of 2026

Transfer photos from Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO It seems like a simple task on the computer - until you encounter errors like «USB-The device is not "identified" or slow transmission over Wi-Fi. 2026 This is complicated by the fact that new versions MIUI 14/15 Change the location of the settings, and Android 13/14 This article will help you avoid common mistakes and choose the best way to access files depending on your situation.

We tested all the current methods on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5 models with the latest updates, and it turned out that even the “classic” USB connection now requires additional manipulation due to Google’s security policy, and alternative methods like Mi Drop or cloud services have their pitfalls, from speed limits to loss of image quality.

You don't have to install dubious programs or sign up for unknown services. All of the methods described below are officially supported by Xiaomi and tested for compatibility with Windows 10/11 and macOS Ventura/Sonoma. If you're in a hurry, use partition navigation to get to the right way right away.

1. Transfer through USB-cable: step-by-step instructions for MIUI 14/15

USB connectivity remains the most reliable way, but with the release of Android 13 and MIUI 14, the process has become more complicated. Now the system by default blocks access to files if you do not confirm trust in the computer.

1. Step 1: Use the original Xiaomi cable or a certified USB-C/USB-A with data support (cheap charging cables often don’t work).
2. Step 2. Connect your phone to your PC. The charge notification will appear on your smartphone screen via USB — tap it.
3. Step 3. In the Use USB menu, select File Transfer (or FTP if you need network transmission).
4. Step 4: Open this computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) on your computer and the phone will appear as a removable drive.

Important: MIUI 15 requires you to unlock your smartphone screen and confirm trust in the notification “Allow access to data?” without this folder will not appear.

If the telephone is not identified:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 - blue).
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and PC.
• 🔧 Turn on Developer Mode and activate Debugging by USB (Path: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).

The original Xiaomi cable is used

The phone has a screen unlocked.

The notification selects "File Transfer"

On the PC drivers are installed (for Windows)

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2. Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (without cables)

If you don't have a cable on hand or it's damaged, you can transfer the photo over the local network, and this method works slower (at a speed). ~5-10 MB/s), but convenient for transferring a small number of files:

Method A: Built-in FTP-server MIUI

The function is hidden in the settings, but does not require the installation of third-party applications:

1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → File Transfer over FTP.
2. Activate the switch and remember the address of the view ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx.
3. On PC, open Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS), enter the address in the address bar and press Enter.
4. Login: anonymous, leave your password blank.

Method B: The Mi Drop app (formerly Mi Share)

Xiaomi’s Wi-Fi Direct file transfer utility is faster than FTP (~15-20 MB/s), but requires installation on a PC:

• 📲 On the phone: open Mi Drop (pre-installed on all) Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO), Select a photo and click Send.

Warning: When transferring over Wi-Fi, large files (e.g., photos in format) RAW Xiaomi 13 Ultra can "hang" If the transmission is interrupted, restart FTP-server.

3. Cloud services: Google Photos vs Mi Cloud

Cloud storage is convenient for backup, but has limitations.

Instructions for Google Photos:

1. Open the app on your phone, log in to your Google account.
2. Slip on the avatar → Google photos → Settings → Backup.
3. Enable Backup and Sync and select Original Quality (if quality preservation is important).
4. On PC, open photos.google.com and download the photos you need.

Mi Cloud is suitable if you are using the Xiaomi ecosystem:

• 📱 On the phone: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery → switch on sync.
• 💻 On PC: Sign in to i.mi.com under the same account and download files.

4. Memory card use (for models with microSD slot)

If your Xiaomi supports memory cards (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro), the easiest way is to remove the microSD and paste it into your computer via a card reader, which is especially true for owners of phones with 128/256 GB of storage, where photos take up tens of gigabytes.

How to transfer a photo to the map before extracting:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Select the necessary photos, click More → Copy in.
3. Select a memory card and folder (for example, DCIM/Camera).
4. Wait for the copy to be completed (progress is displayed in the notification panel).

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ The transfer speed is limited only by the card class (e.g, UHS-I It's up to 90MB/s).
• 🔒 There is no risk of loss of quality (unlike cloud services).
• 📁 You can transfer thousands of files without interruption.

⚠️ Warning: Don't remove the memory card while copying files - this can damage both the card itself and the phone's file system.On Xiaomi models with hybrid slot (SIM + microSD) before removing the card, be sure to turn off the phone!

5. Transfer via Mi PC Suite (official utility from Xiaomi)

Mi PC Suite is Xiaomi’s proprietary software that not only manages files, but also updates firmware, backs up and syncs contacts. The program is free and supports Windows 7/10/11 (a web version is available for macOS).

How to use:

1. Download the utility from the official website: pcsuite.mi.com.
2. Install and run the program, connect the phone via USB (file transfer mode).
3. In the main menu, select File Management → Gallery.
4. Select a photo and click Export, specify the folder on the PC.

Advantages of Mi PC Suite:

• 🔄 Automatic synchronization: You can set up photo backup every time you connect.
• 📂 Folder support: Keeps the album structure from your phone.
• 🔍 Built-in viewer: you can preview the photo before the penosom.

Disadvantages:

• 🐢 Slower direct transmission USB (speed is limited by the program).
• 🖥️ Requires additional software installation (not suitable for public computers).

💡

If the Mi PC Suite doesn’t see the phone, try disabling the antivirus (for example, Avast or Kaspersky often block the connection) or add the program to exceptions.

6. Alternative methods: Email, Telegram, AirDroid

If standard methods do not work (for example, broken) USB-Alternatives are available for port or no Wi-Fi, and they are suitable for transferring a small number of photos (up to 50 pieces).

Method A: Sending to Email

Simple but inconvenient for a large number of files:

1. Open the Mail or Gmail app on your phone.
2. Create a new letter, attach a photo (maximum 25 MB per letter).
3. Send to your address and download the attachments to the PC.

Method B: Telegram (without size limit)

The messenger allows you to send files up to 2 GB without compression:

• 📱 Open chat Save messages in Telegram.
• 📎 Attach the photo as a file (not as a photo – so they will be saved in their original quality).
• 💻 On PC, open web.telegram.org and download files.

Method B: AirDroid (for advanced users)

The app bridges the phone to the PC via Wi-Fi or mobile Internet, and the speed varies by network, but the interface is more convenient than the built-in FTP.

1. Install AirDroid on your phone and PC.
2. Sign up or sign in via Google/Facebook.
3. In the web version (web.airdroid.com), select Files → Gallery and download the photos you need.

⚠️ Note: When using Telegram or Email for transmission RAW-Photos (with the extension.dng or.arw) can be automatically converted to JPEG To avoid this, archive files in ZIP before shipment.

7. Solving problems: what to do if the photo is not transmitted

Even if you follow the instructions, you can get errors. Let's look at typical scenarios and their solutions.

Additional advice:

• 🔄 If the transmission is interrupted, try to break the photo into batches. 100-200 piece.
• 📶 To speed up Wi-Fi transmission, connect to a 5 GHz network (if the router supports it).
• 🔋 In long-term transfer, connect the phone to charging — MIUI It can stop background processes at low battery levels.

💡

If neither method works, check if the phone is on “Do Not Disturb” or “Save Traffic” mode – they can block data transmission.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring photos from Xiaomi to PC