How to copy albums with Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Transferring photos and videos from Xiaomi to a computer or other smartphone is a challenge that every user will eventually face: someone runs out of memory, someone wants to back up before resetting, and someone needs to quickly share an album with friends. Unlike iPhones, where everything is tied to iCloud, Xiaomi devices offer more flexibility but also more options, from a standard USB connection to branded tools like Mi Mover.

But not all methods are equally convenient. MTP-A protocol (like a flash drive) can slow down when you have a lot of data, and cloud services can limit download speeds, and in this article we’ll look at all the current methods, from the simplest to the most advanced, and also how to avoid common errors like invisible folders or interrupted transmissions. We will focus on the hidden albums in MIUI, which are not displayed when connecting to a standard PC.

If you only need to migrate sample photos, Google Photos or Mi Cloud is the best solution. For a full backup of all albums (including screenshots and downloads), you better use cable + specialized software like Xiaomi PC Suite. If you move to the new Xiaomi, the best solution is the branded Mi Mover - it even saves folder structure and image metadata.

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1. Copying albums through USB-cable (MTP-regime)

The most universal way is to connect Xiaomi to your computer via cable and transfer files like a regular flash drive. MIUI 12, The default mode is activated by charging through USB, It's not data transfer, and some folders (e.g., folders, DCIM/.thumbnails) It can be hidden from the user.

To avoid problems:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC with the original cable (cheap analogues often do not support data transfer).
2. Unlock the Xiaomi screen and in the notification "USB-Connection" select File Transfer (MTP).
3. Open this computer and your phone will appear as a removable drive (e.g. Redmi Note 11).
4. Go to Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera (the main photos are stored here) or Pictures (screenshots and downloads).

⚠️ Attention: If the folder DCIM empty, but you are sure that the photo is, check the settings for displaying hidden files in Windows Explorer (View) → Hidden elements. MIUI Some albums (e.g., messengers) are saved in the /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ and require manual access.

The speed of the copy depends on the USB version:

• 🔌 USB 2.0 (older models like Redmi) 4A): up to 40 MB/s – suitable for 100-200 photos.
• ⚡ USB 3.0/3.1 (Xiaomi 12, POCO F4): before 500 MB/s – optimal for albums in volume 10+ GB.

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If the transfer suddenly stops, try to turn off "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times press) → Additional settings → For developers, sometimes it solves driver problems.

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2.Move over Mi Mover (official decision from Xiaomi)

Mi Mover is a proprietary tool for migrating data between Xiaomi, POCO and Redmi devices, copying not only photos, but also contacts, messages, applications, the main advantage is the preservation of the structure of albums and metadata (date of shooting, geotagged).

How to use:

1. Install Mi Mover from Google Play on both devices (if you transfer it to another phone).
2. On the old Xiaomi, choose I am the sender, on the new one, I am the receiver.
3. Scan it. QR-code for Wi-Fi Direct connection.
4. In the Photos and Videos section, mark the desired albums and click Transfer.

⚠️ Note: Mi Mover does not work with other brands (such as Samsung or iPhone), and it can also freeze during the preparation stage if there are corrupted files in the album, in which case try to transfer data in parts (for example, 500 photos at a time).

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3.Using Xiaomi PC Suite for a full backup

Xiaomi PC Suite is the official software for controlling your smartphone from your computer, which allows you not only to copy albums, but also to install firmware, reserve messages and even record a screen, and supports all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on MIUI.

Instructions for copying photos:

• 📥 Download Xiaomi PC Suite from the official website and install on PC.
• 🔗 Connect your phone with a cable and allow access to data in the notification USB-connection.
• 🖼️ In the program, go to the Files tab. → gallery.
• ✅ Tag the desired albums or individual photos and click Export.

The advantages of PC Suite over standard MTP:

• 🔍 Sees all folders, including system folders (for example, MIUI/Camera screenshot).
• 📁 Maintains the original structure of the albums (as opposed to chaotic export through the conductor).
• 🛠️ Built-in function of recovering damaged files.

⚠️ Note: In some versions PC Suite (especially for older models like Redmi Note 5) may not support new photo formats (HEIF). In this case, convert the pictures to JPEG via the Gallery app on the phone.

Charging the phone > 50%|The original cable is used.|Antivirus is disabled on PC (can block access)|The destination folder on the PC has enough space-->

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4. Cloud services: Google Photos vs Mi Cloud

If you don't have a cable on hand or need to share an album remotely, cloud storage comes to the rescue. Xiaomi offers its service, Mi Cloud, but it has limitations: only 5 GB is available for free, and download speed depends on the region. Alternatively, Google Photos, where you can store unlimited compressed photos (up to 15 MP) or 15 GB of originals.

Comparison of services:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: 🔐 Integration with Xiaomi account (same login as for phone). 📤 Automatic synchronization of albums from the Gallery → Mi Cloud. ⚠️ Free only 5 GB (extra space is paid).
• 📷 Google Photo: 🌍 Access from any device (including iPhone and PC). 🆓 Free storage of compressed photos (quality "High"). 🔍 Convenient search by persons, places and objects.

How to upload photos to Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Gallery on Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: When using Google Photos in the "High Quality" mode, photos with a resolution above 16 MP will be compressed to 16 MP, and videos will be compressed to 16 MP. 1080p. If you want original quality, choose the “Original Quality” option (but it’s on your Google Drive).

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5. Third-party applications for advanced users

If standard methods don't work, like moving photos from hidden folders or automating backups, third-party tools will come to the rescue, and we tested a few solutions and selected the most reliable ones:

Top.-3 album-copying:

• 📂 Solid Explorer: Access to all folders, including system folders (/data/media/0/). Built-in FTP-server for transmission over Wi-Fi. Cloud storage support (Dropbox, OneDrive).

To work with Solid Explorer, you will need to provide root permissions (if you need to access the folders of other applications, such as WhatsApp or Telegram (DCIM, Pictures).

⚠️ Note: When using Send Anywhere or AirDroid over an open Wi-Fi network (such as a cafe), turn on transmission encryption. In the settings of these applications, there is an option Secure Channel - it will prevent data interception.

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For maximum Wi-Fi speed, use an 802.11ac (5GHz) router and an 80 MHz channel. This will speed up the process by 2-3 times compared to 2.4 GHz.

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6. Solving typical copying problems

Even with the right settings, Xiaomi users are faced with errors when transferring photos. We have collected the most common cases and ways to correct them:

Problem 1: The computer can't see the phone in MTP mode

• 🔌 Check the cable - try another one (original).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 🖥️ Update Xiaomi drivers through Device Manager (Portable Devices section").
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB developer-setting.

Problem 2: DCIM folder is empty, but there is a photo

• 🔍 Enable the display of hidden files in Windows Explorer.
• 📁 Check the alternative folders: Pictures/Screenshots — screenshot. MIUI/Camera — photo from the standard appendix. Android/data/com.tencent.mm/MicroMsg/ — WeChat media.
• 🔄 Use Solid Explorer to search by extensions (.jpg,.png).

Problem 3: The “Insufficient Memory” Error When Coping to PC

• 💾 Free up disk space or select another partition (e.g. D: instead of C:).
• 📦 Break up copying into parts (4-5 GB at a time).
• 🗑️ Delete temporary files in the folder %TEMP% (press Win + R and enter %TEMP%).

⚠️ Note: If you have an error when copying through Mi Mover You could not transfer files, check:

• Both phones have Wi-Fi Direct enabled.
• There are no files in the album with inadmissible characters in the name (e.g.,?, *).
• There is enough space on the recipient (minimum reserve is 10% of the volume of data transferred).

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FAQ: Frequent questions about copying albums with Xiaomi