How to copy data from Xiaomi to your computer: all the ways of 2026

Why the standard USB method doesn’t always work

Transferring data from Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO to your computer seems like a simple task — plugged in the cable, dragged the files, done. But in practice, users experience connection errors when the PC can’t see the phone, or with limited access to folders due to the features of the MIUI firmware. For example, newer versions of the system have defaulted on USB Charging mode, not data transfer. In addition, Windows 10/11 sometimes requires additional drivers to work correctly with Xiaomi devices, especially if the phone is released later than 2022.

Another common problem is hidden system files, and even if you connect your phone to file transfer (MTP), some folders (such as MIUI or Android) may be rendered empty or uncopyable, due to MIUI security policies that restrict access to service data, and in such cases, alternative methods are needed, from cloud services to specialized utilities.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods of data transfer, including little-known tricks to bypass the limitations of MIUI. You will learn how to copy files not only via USB, but also over Wi-Fi, using Xiaomi proprietary tools and third-party programs. Particular attention will be paid to transfer speeds - for example, through ADB data is copied 2-3 times faster than on MTP, but require pre-configuration.

Method 1: Connecting via USB (MTP) – basic instruction

The most obvious method is to use a USB-Type C cable (or Micro-USB for older models), but even here there are nuances: first, the cable should support data transfer, not just charging. Second, the phone needs to turn on File Transfer Mode (aka MTP).

1. Connect your phone to your PC using the original cable (or a certified USB 3.0 for maximum speed).
2. There's a USB charging notification on your phone screen.
3. Select File Transfer (File Transfer in English firmware). If this option is not available, go to Settings → Connections and General → USB and set the mode manually.
4. On your computer, open This computer (or My computer in Windows 7). The phone should appear as a removable drive.

If the PC does not see the device:

• 🔌 Check the cable – try another, preferably original from Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and computer.
• 🖥️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite (link to the official website at the end of the article).
• 🛠️ In Windows Device Manager, update the driver for Xiaomi ADB Interface.

Use the original Xiaomi cable

Enable the "File Transfer" mode on your phone

Disable the ad blocker (it can block drivers)

Check if the phone screen is unlocked-->

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14+ When you first connect to a new PC, you may need to confirm access via a fingerprint or a PC.IN-Without it, you can't copy files.

Method 2: Wi-Fi transmission without cable

If USB-The port on your phone or computer doesn't work, or you want to avoid unnecessary wires, you can transfer files over the local network, both Xiaomi's proprietary tools and third-party applications will work for this.

Method 2.1: Through Mi Drop (built-in application)

Mi Drop is a standard application on all Xiaomi phones that allows you to transfer files between devices over Wi-Fi. The speed reaches 10-15 MB / s, which is comparable to USB 2.0.

1. Open Mi Drop on your phone (if you don’t have one, install it from Google Play).
2. Click Send and select the files.
3. At the bottom of the screen, tap the computer avatar.
4. On PC, open your browser and go to the address that will appear on your phone (e.g. http://192.168.1.100:1234).
5. Download files through the web interface.

Method 2.2: Through FTP-server (for large volumes)

If you need to copy tens of gigabytes (for example, a backup), it is more convenient to run on your phone. FTP-That's what the server is for:

1. Install the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer app.
2. In the app menu, find Remote Access → FTP-server.
3. Start the server and write down the address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
4. On the PC, open Explorer, enter the address in the address bar and connect.

USB.

Wi-Fi (Mi Drop, FTP)

Google Drive (Mi Cloud) and Google Drive (Mi Drive)

I don't know, I've never tried.-->

Method 3: Using ADB to copy quickly

If you need to copy a large amount of data (for example, a backup or a DCIM folder with thousands of photos), standard MTP will work slowly, in which case ADB (Android Debug Bridge) – a debugging tool that allows you to transfer files at a speed close to USB 3.0.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Copying speed is 2-3 times higher than by MTP.
• 🔓 Access to all folders, including hidden system folders.
• 🛠️ It works even if it does. MTP refuses to connect.

Instructions:

1. Download Platform Tools from the official Android Developers website and unpack it to any folder on your PC.
2. On the phone, turn on Developer Mode (go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times).
3. In Settings → Additional → For developers, enable debugging over USB.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access for debugging.
5. Open the Command Prompt in the Platform Tools folder and type: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Photos Where /sdcard/DCIM/ — the way to the folder on the phone, C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Photos — PC-folder.

⚠️ Note: When copying through ADB Do not interrupt the process, it can damage the files. If the transfer is frozen, first turn off the phone with the command adb kill-server, then try again.

Method 4: Cloud Services – When There’s No Cable at Hand

If you need to transfer a few files urgently and the cable isn't, the easiest way to use is cloud storage. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud service, but it has a 5GB limit on free space.

• ☁️ Google Drive – 15GB free, Google Photos integration for automatic photo uploading.
• ☁️ Yandex Disk – 10 GB free, convenient for users from Russia.
• ☁️ Telegram – you can send files up to 2 GB in saved messages.

How to upload files to Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired data types (e.g. Gallery or Notes).
3. On PC, go to i.mi.com and log in to the same account.
4. Download files through the web interface.

💡

If you want to transfer a lot of photos, turn on the Google Photos option "Backup and sync", all images will automatically upload to the cloud, and on PC they can be downloaded via photos.google.com.

Method 5: Specialized programs for Xiaomi

For users who regularly transfer data from Xiaomi to PC, it is more convenient to use proprietary utilities: they not only copy files, but also allow you to manage contacts, messages and even install applications.

Mi PC Suite (official software)

Xiaomi's software for controlling your phone from your computer supports:

• 📁 Copying files (photos, videos, music).
• 📱 Installation and removal of applications.
• 📞 Backup SMS contact.

You can download from the official website: pcsuite.mi.com.

AirDroid (Universal Solution)

If the Mi PC Suite is not suitable (for example, for POCO with global firmware), try AirDroid. the program works over Wi-Fi and allows you to:

• 🖱️ Manage your phone from a PC (as with TeamViewer).
• 📎 Transfer files in both directions.
• 📞 Answering the phone and SMS computer.

💡

For maximum speed, use the Mi PC Suite with the original USB 3.0 cable. This will give an increase of up to 30-40 MB / s compared to standard MTP.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 13+ When connecting to the PC, a request to unlock may appear OEM (without it, some methods (e.g, ADB) will not work.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions