How to copy files from your computer to Xiaomi: all the ways with pros and cons

Transferring files from your computer to your Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that every user faces. Whether it’s photos, documents, music or videos, it’s important to choose the best method to save time and avoid data loss. In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways, from classic USB connection to modern cloud services, and also tell you which one is faster and more reliable in 2026.

Xiaomi’s smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) feature a proprietary MIUI shell that can affect file transfers, such as USB-connected devices sometimes requesting additional permissions, and some versions of MIUI have the default MTP mode turned off, and we’ve taken these nuances into account and prepared instructions that work on all the brand’s current devices.

1. File transfer via USB-cable: the most reliable method

Connecting a smartphone to a computer via cable remains the most versatile method. It does not require Internet, works on any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and provides maximum transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps for USB 2.0 and up to 5-10 Gbps for USB 3.0/3.1. However, this method has pitfalls, especially on Xiaomi devices.

The first problem is choosing the right connection mode. By default, the smartphone can be defined as Charging or Camera (PTP), which will not allow you to access the file system. To fix this, unlock the phone screen, swipe down from the top edge to open the notification panel and tap the USB option for file transfer. In the window that appears, select File Transfer (MTP).

• 🔌 Pros: high speed, no dependence on the Internet, works on any PC.
• ⚠️ Cons: cable required, on some Xiaomi models MTP It may be disabled after the screen is blocked.
• 📱 Suitable for: Large files (video, backups) when you need to move tens of gigabytes.

If your computer can’t see the device even after selecting an MTP, try the following steps:

1. Disconnect and reconnect the cable using the original cord (low-quality cables may not support data transmission).
2. Update your MTP drivers on your PC (in Device Manager, find Xiaomi and update the driver manually).
3. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (path: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times) → Return to Additional settings → Developer settings → Debugging by USB).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, when you first connect to a new PC, a request to unlock may appear USB-Without confirmation, file transfers will not be possible.

Use the original Xiaomi cable

Unlock the smartphone screen

Select MTP mode in the notification panel

Update your MTP drivers on PC (if necessary)

Turn on USB debugging (if there are problems)

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2. Wi-Fi transmission: no wires, but with nuances

If you don't have a cable on hand or prefer wireless solutions, Wi-Fi transmission is a good alternative. Xiaomi offers several ways: through the built-in Wi-Fi File Transfer feature, the Mi Drop app (formerly Mi Share) or third-party utilities like Send Anywhere.

Method 1: Built-in MIUI function

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi smartphones have a tool to transfer files over the local network.

1. Open the File Explorer (File app).
2. Select files, click Share → Wi-Fi transfer.
3. On your computer, open your browser and enter the address specified on your smartphone screen (e.g. http://192.168.1.100:8080).
4. Download files through the web interface.

Method 2: Appendix Mi Drop

Mi Drop (available on Google Play) allows you to transfer files between Xiaomi devices and computers. The speed depends on the router – on Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), it reaches 50-70 Mbps, on Wi-Fi 6 – up to 100 Mbps. Minus: the application sometimes “loses” the connection with a large amount of data.

⚠️ Note: When transferring over Wi-Fi to Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ The speed limit may be triggered due to background optimization. To turn it off, go to Settings. → Battery → Battery optimization and add an application for transfer to exceptions.

Built-in MIUI function

Mi Drop (Mi Share)

Send Anywhere / SHAREit

Other service

I don't use wireless transmission.

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3. Cloud services: convenient, but not always fast

If you don't need to move files quickly or you often work with the same data on different devices, cloud storage is the best solution. Xiaomi is integrated with Mi Cloud, but also supports Google Drive, Yandex Disk and other services. The main advantage is access to files from any device, the minus is the dependence on Internet speed and volume restrictions.

Mi Cloud offers 5GB for free, but has regional restrictions (for example, in some countries the service is not available).

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Click Download and select the files.
3. On your smartphone, open the Mi Cloud app and sync the data.

Google Drive and Yandex Disk are more versatile, for example, Google Drive allows you to download files up to 750 GB (when paying), and the free tariff gives 15 GB. To speed up the download, use the official Backup and Sync app (Windows/macOS) or the web version.

• ☁️ Pros: access from any device, automatic synchronization, backup.
• 🐢 Cons: slower USB, Limitations in volume, dependence on the Internet.
• 🔒 Tip: Use encryption for sensitive files (e.g. Cryptomator).

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If you want to transfer a lot of small files (such as photos), archive them in ZIP on your PC before uploading to the cloud – this will speed up the process and save space.

Bluetooth 4: Slowly but without internet

Bluetooth is the slowest method (speeds rarely exceed 2-3 Mbps), but it helps when there is no cable or Wi-Fi. On Xiaomi, Bluetooth transmission works steadily, but has a file size limit - usually up to 50-100 MB per send.

To send a file from your PC to Xiaomi:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
2. On PC, find the file, right-click → Send → Bluetooth device.
3. Select your Xiaomi from the list and confirm acceptance on your smartphone.

On MIUI, the received files are saved to the Bluetooth folder in internal memory. If the file does not arrive, check:

• Distance between devices (no more than 10 meters).
• No interference (other Bluetooth devices, microwaves).
• Bluetooth version (on Xiaomi with Bluetooth 5.0+ speed is higher).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may have a “failed to send” error when transferring large files over Bluetooth, in which case break the file into parts or use another method.

5. FTP-Xiaomi server: for advanced users

If you need a full-fledged file system of a smartphone on a PC without USB, launch FTP-The server is directly on Xiaomi, and it allows you to manage files through any device. FTP-a client (e.g. FileZilla or WinSCP) at speeds comparable to Wi-Fi transmissions, requiring root rights or special applications.

Instructions via Solid Explorer:

1. Install Solid Explorer from Google Play.
2. Open the side menu. → FTP-server.
3. Click Start and remember the address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
4. On PC, connect via FTP-client using the login / password from the application.

On devices with MIUI 14+ built-in FTP-The server can be blocked by security. To fix this, add Solid Explorer to the battery optimization exceptions and allow auto-run.

Alternative methods: OTG, SD-map and email

If standard methods do not work, consider alternatives:

• 📁 SD-Map: Copy files to a memory card on a PC, then paste it into Xiaomi. Suitable for microSD-enabled devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
• 🔄 OTG-Adapter: Connect the flash drive to the smartphone through OTG And copy the files. You need an adapter. USB-C/OTG (for new models; or Micro-USB/OTG (old).
• ✉️ Email: Send files to your own mail (suitable for documents up to 25MB). For larger files, use Mail Big File or WeTransfer.
• 🌐 Web Services: Services like DropMeFiles or File.io allow you to download a file and get a download link.

Method SD-This is especially useful if you often work with large amounts of data (for example, video in the video). 4K). However, remember that Xiaomi is in the latest models (Xiaomi). 13/14, Redmi K60) It is often devoid of a memory card slot, so check the specifications of your device.

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SD-The card is the most reliable way for backups, but is only suitable for devices with support for memory expansion.

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

To determine the best method, evaluate your priorities:

• ⚡ Maximum speed: USB-cable (USB 3.0+) or FTP Wi-Fi 6.
• 🌍 Universality: Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 🔌 Without Internet: Bluetooth or OTG-flash-drive.
• 📱 For large files: USB, FTP or SD-map.

If you often transfer files between your PC and Xiaomi, we recommend combining methods.

• For daily synchronization of photos – Google Photos (cloud).
• To transfer the video — USB-cable.
• For fast transfer of documents - Mi Drop (Wi-Fi).

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers to Xiaomi