Why? USB-Connection is the most reliable way to transfer photos
Transfer photos from Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO computer USB-cable remains the most stable method, despite the abundance of wireless alternatives, and unlike cloud services (like Google Photos or Mi Cloud), where speed depends on the Internet connection, and compression quality depends on the resolution of images, wired connection guarantees that the data is not lost:
✔ The maximum speed is up to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) or 5-10 Gbps (USB 3.0/Type-C), which is 10–50 times faster than Wi-Fi Direct.
✔ Maintaining original quality – without compression, as when sending by mail or messengers.
✔ Security – files do not pass through third servers, the risk of leakage is minimal.
But even here, users are facing problems: the computer can't see the phone, the DCIM folder is empty, or the device is defined as Charging, not the drive. In this article, we'll look at everything from choosing a cable to configuring hidden MIUI settings.
What cables and ports are suitable for Xiaomi
Not everyone. USB-Cheap charging cables are often devoid of contacts for file sharing (only +5V and GND). To avoid problems, check out:
- 🔌 Type of connector on the phone: modern Xiaomi (starting with Mi 8, Redmi Note 7) equipped USB Type-C and older models (Redmi) 4A, Mi A1) — Micro-USB.
- 🖥️ Port on the computer: for speeds above 480 Mbps you need USB 3.0 (blue connector) or USB-C. On laptops with a single port USB 2.0 (black) 100 photo transfer will take ~2-3 minutes instead of 20 seconds.
- 🔗 Cable quality: Xiaomi's original cables (included) support data transfer. If you use a third-party, look for labeling USB 2.0 Data or USB 3.1 Gen1.
⚠️ Warning: Powerbank or car charging cables often don't transmit data. If you connect your phone to it, it starts charging but doesn't show up in "This Computer," change the cable.
| Xiaomi model | Type of connector | Max, transmission speed | Recommended cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra | USB Type-C 3.1 | 10 Gbps | Original USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to USB-A 3.0 |
| POCO X5 Pro, Redmi Note 11 | USB Type-C 2.0 | 480 Mbps | Any certified USB-C cable |
| Redmi 9A, Mi A3 | Micro-USB 2.0 | 480 Mbps | Cable marked with USB 2.0 Data Sync |
💡
If you often transfer large volumes of photos, buy a USB-C to USB-C cable with a length of no more than 1 meter – this minimizes speed losses.
Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi to a PC
The algorithm depends on the version of MIUI and the computer operating system, and below is a universal scheme for Windows 10/11 and MIUI 12–14:
- Connect the cable to your phone and computer. Use the back. USB-port on PC (on the front panel often weak contact).
- Unlock your phone and wait for USB notifications to transfer files (if not, see the "Solutions" section).
- Tap the notifications and select the mode: 📁 File transfer (MTP) — access to photos and documents. 🖼️ Transmission of photo (PTP) — if MTP It is not working (less often maintained). ⚡ Charging only – disables data exchange.
Open "This Computer"
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10
Go to the file.
Internal storage → DCIM → Camera
⚠️ Warning: If you connect your phone for the first time, Windows can install drivers for 2-3 minutes. Do not turn off the cable until the process is complete (indicator - the device is connected icon disappears in the tray).
All the necessary photos are collected in one folder (for example, DCIM/Camera)
Cable connected to the back. USB-port
The phone is unlocked and has not gone to sleep.
File Transfer Mode (MTP) is enabled on the phone
On PC disabled "Quick Start" (for Windows) 10/11)-->
Where to store photos on Xiaomi: folder structure
Photos on Xiaomi are distributed across multiple folders depending on the source, and here are the key directories worth checking out:
- 📸 DCIM/Camera — Main and front camera images (.jpg or.heic on new models).
- 🎥 DCIM/Screenshots — screenshots (.png).
- 📱 Pictures – photos downloaded from the Internet or messengers.
- 🔍 MIUI/Extra — Screenshots with a long scrolling (screen scrolling function in the MIUI).
- 📂 Download – photos saved from the browser or social networks.
🔎 How to find all photos quickly? In Windows Explorer, in the search bar (in the phone folder), type kind:=Image: The system will show all images, including hidden images.
On MIUI 14 and Android 13, the DCIM/Thumbnails folder can weigh a few gigabytes — it's a thumbnail cache — and can be safely removed if the phone runs out of space.
What to do if the DCIM folder is empty?
Problem Solving: The computer can’t see Xiaomi
If the phone is not defined as a drive, the reasons may be software (MIUI settings) or hardware (damaged cable).
1.The phone charges but does not transfer files
- 🔄 Reboot your phone and PC – 30% of the time, it solves the driver problem.
- 🔧 Check Connection Mode: Lower the Notification Curtain on Xiaomi and Select File Transfer (MTP).
- 🖥️ On Windows, update drivers: Open Device Manager (Win) + X → Device Manager. Find portable devices. → Xiaomi [model]. PKM → Update the driver → Automatic search.
2. the DCIM folder is empty or not open
- 📂 Make sure that the photo is not saved on SD-map (check in gallery: Albums) → Warehouse).
- 🔐 If the folder requests access rights, enable the display of hidden files in Mi File Manager.
- 🛠️ Reset the storage settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Resetting application settings.
3. Mistake "USB-device not identified"
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
- 🔄 Turn off the debugging. USB (if enabled: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Developer settings → Debugging by USB.
- 💻 On MacOS, install Android File Transfer (official software from Google).