How to copy files from your computer to your Xiaomi Redmi phone: all the ways of 2026

Transferring files from your computer to your Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a challenge that every user faces. Whether you want to upload photos, music, documents or videos, choosing the right method depends on the amount of data, transfer speed and available tools. In 2026, Redmi owners (including Redmi Note 12, Redmi models) 13C, POCO X5 There are at least 7 working methods - from the classical USB-Connecting to wireless technologies such as Mi Share or FTP-server.

In this article, we will discuss each method in detail, from preparing devices to solving typical problems (for example, when the computer does not see the phone or the transmission is interrupted). MIUI, And if you're looking for the fastest way to get large files, or the most versatile way to get all kinds of things, you'll find the answer here.

1. File transfer via USB-cable: classics with nuances

USB-Connection remains the most reliable and fastest way to transfer files, especially when it comes to large volumes (movies, archives, disk images). Incorrectly selected connection mode (charging instead of file transfer) or outdated drivers can reduce the speed to zero.

First, prepare:

• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (or certified cable) USB-C/USB-A Cheap cables often only work on charging!
• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 macOS (Linux may require additional mtp-tools drivers).
• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi phone with unlocked screen (in some versions) MIUI locking).

Follow the instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. Redmi's screen will show a notification. USB To charge, tap it on it.
2. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP). If this item is not, go to Settings. → Connection and sharing → USB-plug in and plug in MTP manually.
3. The computer will open a conductor window with folders of the phone (usually Internal memory and SD-map, if it is installed).
4. Drag files to the desired folder (for example, Download or DCIM photo).

The cable supports data transfer (not just charging)

The phone is enabled MTP (not Charging Only)

On the PC installed current drivers (for Windows – check through Device Manager)

Disable the antivirus (sometimes blocks access to your phone files)-->

Transmission speed USB 3.0 (blue connector) can reach 40–60 MB/s, but in practice is often limited to 10–20 MB/s due to the peculiarities of the protocol. MTP. If the speed is below 5 MB/s, try it:

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable to another USB-port (preferably on the back of the system unit).
• 🔧 Update the drivers MTP via Device Manager (in Portable Devices section).
• 📵 Turn off the phone debugging by USB (if it has been previously included).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) When you connect to macOS, you may need to install Android File Transfer. Without it, macOS won't see the phone's file system.

2. Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (FTP-server)

If USB-There is no cable at hand, and the files need to be transferred urgently, the built-in in-house cable will come to the rescue. MIUI FTP-This method works over a local Wi-Fi network and allows you to transfer data at speeds up to 10-15 MB / s (depending on the router), the main advantage is the lack of wires and the ability to manage files directly from the computer through a browser or file manager.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect your phone and computer to the same Wi-Fi network (important!).
2. On Redmi, open the Explorer app (or Files in the MIUI).
3. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → FTP → Launch.
4. Remember the address of the species ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx and login data (the default login and password is usually a combination of numbers indicated on the screen).
5. On your computer, open Windows Explorer (or Finder on macOS) and enter the address. FTP Either use FileZilla or Total Commander.

Once connected, you will see the phone’s file system and will be able to drag and drop files as if by USB. Pay attention:

• 🔒 FTP-Xiaomi server only works while the Explorer application is open.
• 📶 The speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac (5 GHz) it's going to be higher than 802.11n (2.4 GHz).
• 🔐 For safety, do not use FTP Public networks (data is transmitted without encryption).

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If FTP-server won't start, check if it's blocked by Windows firewall or antivirus. Add Explorer to exceptions.

3.Using Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) for fast transfer

Mi Share is Xiaomi’s proprietary technology for wireless file sharing between devices, which works on the principle of Wi-Fi Direct, which means creating a direct network between the phone and the computer, bypassing the router, which is convenient for transferring photos, documents or small videos (up to 1-2 GB). Speeds reach 5–8MB/s, which is faster than Bluetooth but slower. FTP.

How to use Mi Share:

1. On Redmi, open the Mi Share app (or find it through a menu search).
2. Select Send and tag files for transfer.
3. Click Next and select the Computer in the list of devices.
4. On your computer, open your browser and go to the address http://share.mi.com (Download the desktop version of Mi Share from the official website).
5. Scan it. QR-code from the phone screen or enter a 6-digit code to pair.

Advantages of Mi Share:

• 🚀 No need for a shared Wi-Fi network – devices connect directly.
• 📁 Keeps folder structure (unlike Bluetooth).
• 🔄 Supports transfer in both directions (from phone to PC and back).

⚠️ Note: On Windows 7 or older versions of macOS, the Mi Share web version may not work, in which case use the desktop application or alternative methods (e.g., desktop application, FTP).

Po Po Po USB-cable

Wi-Fi (FTP or Mi Share)

Bluetooth.

Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

Another option-->

4. Cloud services: Google Drive, Mi Cloud and others

If you need to not only copy files, but also save backup, cloud storage will be the optimal solution. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud service (5 GB for free), but for larger volumes more convenient than Google Drive (15 GB) or OneDrive. The main advantage is access to files from any device, minus - dependence on Internet speed.

Comparison of popular services:

Instructions for transfer via Google Drive:

1. On your computer, upload files to drive.google.com (drop them in your browser or through your desktop application).
2. On Redmi, open the Google Drive app and find the downloaded files.
3. Press the file. → Download (or select a few files and click More) → Save it to the device).

For Mi Cloud:

1. On the phone go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired file types (e.g. Gallery or Notes).
3. On your computer, log in to i.mi.com under the same account and download files.

5. Bluetooth Transfer: Slowly but without Internet

Bluetooth is the most versatile, but also the slowest way (speeds rarely exceed 1-2 MB/s), it is suitable for transferring small files (documents, contacts, several photos) in conditions where other methods are not available (for example, in an airplane or without Wi-Fi).

Step-by-step:

1. On your phone, turn on Bluetooth: Settings → Bluetooth and make the device detectable.
2. On your computer, turn on Bluetooth (via notification panel or Settings) → Devices → Bluetooth).
3. Add a new device and select your Redmi from the list. Confirm pairing on both devices.
4. On the computer, find the file you want to transfer, right-click → Send. → Bluetooth device → Choose your phone.
5. On the phone, confirm the receipt of the file in the notification.

Bluetooth limitations:

• 🐢 Speeds are 5-10 times lower than Wi-Fi or USB.
• 📎 The maximum file size is usually up to 50–100 MB (depending on the Bluetooth version).
• 🔋 High battery consumption on both devices.

If Bluetooth doesn't find the phone:

• 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth module on your computer (turn off/on in Device Manager).
• 📱 On your phone, turn off power saving mode for Bluetooth (Settings) → Battery → Power saving mode for applications).
• 🔧 Update Bluetooth drivers on PC (via the official website of the laptop or motherboard manufacturer).

Alternative methods: OTG, SD-map and email

If standard methods do not work, consider alternatives:

1.Use of OTG-adapter

If you have USB OTG-adapter (or cable with connector) USB-C/Micro-USB → USB-A), You can copy files to a flash drive and then connect it to a phone, which is convenient for large amounts of data (like movies or backups) and does not require a computer.

• 🔌 Connect the flash drive to the phone through OTG.
• 📁 In the conductor MIUI choose USB-drive and copy files.

2. Transfer through SD-map

If your Redmi supports microSD cards (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro), you can:

1. Insert the card into the computer through the card reader.
2. Copy files onto a map.
3. Insert the card into the phone and transfer the files to internal memory (if necessary).

3. Sending by email or messengers

For small files (up to 25-50 MB) suitable:

• 📧 Email (Gmail, Mail.ru) – a limit of 25 MB per email).
• 💬 Messengers: Telegram (up to 2 GB), WhatsApp (up to 100 MB), Viber.

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OTG-adapter SD-The card is the only way to transfer files without a computer or the Internet, suitable for field conditions or if other methods are not available.

7. Solving typical file transfer problems

Even with the right settings, Xiaomi Redmi users are faced with errors.

Problem 1: The computer cannot see the phone USB

• 🔌 Check the cable (try another one).
• 🔧 Update the drivers MTP Download from Microsoft or use Mi PC Suite).
• 📱 On your phone, go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB (sometimes).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

Problem 2: Slow Wi-Fi transmission (FTP)

• 📶 Reconnect to a 5GHz network (if the router supports it).
• 🚫 Close programs that consume the Internet (torrents, online games).
• 🔌 Connect your computer to the router with a cable (if possible).

Problem 3: Mi Share can't find the computer

• 🌐 Make sure both devices are on the same network (even if you use Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN computer-based proxy.
• 📱 Update the Mi Share app to the latest version on Google Play.

Problem 4: Files are not copied to SD-map

• 📁 Check that the card is formatted as internal memory (in Settings) → Memory).
• 🔧 Allow me to record on SD: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfer to Xiaomi Redmi