Transfer photos from Xiaomi to your computer via USB-The cable seems like a simple task, but in practice users face a lot of nuances: from the lack of reaction when connecting to errors in reading files. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard way through the wire, but also alternative options for cases where the smartphone “does not appear” as a drive. MIUI, which often block data transfer, and common errors when working with different versions of Windows.
It is important to understand that the process depends on the Xiaomi model (for example, the Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra may have different connection protocols), the versions of the model are different. MIUI (into MIUI 14 changed the interface settings USB) If you've tried to connect before and it didn't work out, it's probably one of three layers: cable/port, phone settings, or drivers on your computer.
1.Preparation: What to check before connecting
Before you connect Xiaomi to your computer, do basic checks — it will save you time and nerves. USB-Cables: About 30% of data transmission problems are due to poor quality or damaged wires.Original cables from Xiaomi (especially from the Redmi kit or the Redmi cables). POCO) They often only support charging, but not data transmission?
- 🔌 Try another cable: Take a wire from another device (like a camera or tablet) labeled USB 2.0/3.0 And it says Data Sync.
- 🖥️ Test on another device: connect the cable to a laptop or other PC – if it works there, the problem is in your computer’s ports.
- 🔍 Check the connectors: Xiaomi often accumulates dust in the Type-C port, which prevents close contact.
The second critical point is the mode of connection by USB. By default. MIUI It can set Charge Only mode, which blocks access to files. Also check if the developer mode is active (if so, some settings are in place). USB Finally, make sure that your computer has the latest Xiaomi drivers installed (more on this in the next section).
2. Phone setup: Enable file transfer
Even with a working cable, Xiaomi may not show up as a drive due to settings MIUI. To enable file transfer, follow the following steps:
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
- Unlock the Xiaomi screen (important: on the locked screen, the mode choice) USB idle!).
- Swipe down the notification bar and find the USB option to transfer files (or Charge via USB).
- Tap on the notification and select File Transfer (or) MTP old-form MIUI).
If the file transfer item is not in the list, it means:
- 📱 Developer mode is disabled on the phone (you need to turn on Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI, tap 7 times).
- 🔒 The factory password is set to MIUI (Unblocking is required through Xiaomi account).
- 🛠️ Sloppy. USB-Port (check if charging is running through this cable).
☑️ Checking Xiaomi settings before connecting
On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60) post-choice MTP You may need to confirm access to files, and if the request window doesn't show up, reconnect the cable or reboot the phone.
What to do if the MTP mode is not maintained?
3. Computer setup: drivers and device recognition
If Xiaomi is connected, but the computer does not see it or gives an error The device is not recognized, the problem lies in the drivers. 10/11 Usually installs them automatically, but for stable operation it is better to use official drivers from Xiaomi.
Download them from the site. MIUI Downloads (Drivers section) or use the universal Mi package PC Suite (suitable for all models) after installation:
- Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
- Find in the list Portable Devices or Other Devices of your Xiaomi (may be displayed as MTP or ADB Interface).
- Right-click and select Update Driver → Perform a search on this computer.
- Specify the path to the downloaded drivers and wait for the installation.
| The PC bug | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Device not identified. | There are no MTP or ADB drivers. | Install Mi PC Suite or drivers manually |
| No access to files. | Developer mode with limitations is enabled on the phone | Disable debugging by USB in the developer settings |
| The folder is empty (in this computer) | Phone is connected in mode PTP (photo) | Turn to switch MTP Xiaomi Notifications |
| Mistake. 0x80070032 | Conflict with other connected devices | Shut it down. USB-devices other than Xiaomi and reboot your PC |
On a macOS for working with MTP You will need additional software, such as Android File Transfer (the official utility from Google). Linux usually lacks mtp-tools and gvfs-mtp packages, but you may need to manually configure udev.
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If drivers aren’t installed, try connecting Xiaomi to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 blue) or use an externally powered hub.
4. Step-by-step instructions: copying photos to PC
When the phone is successfully connected in mode MTP, You can start copying. Here's a universal algorithm for Windows:
- Open this computer (Win + E).
- Find a Xiaomi device in the Portable Devices section (usually displayed as Redmi or MI + model).
- Double-click on the device and go to the Internal storage → DCIM → Camera folder (there are photos taken by the camera).
- Select the required files (Ctrl) + A - all, Ctrl. + Click selectively and drag them to a folder on your computer or copy them through the context menu (Ctrl). + C → Ctrl + V).
To speed up the process:
- 📁 Use the hot keys: F2 for renaming, Alt + Enter for file properties.
- 🔄 Sort by date: in a folder DCIM Click on the Date of Change column to quickly find fresh photos.
- 📂 Create a separate folder on your PC (e.g. Xiaomi Photos [Date]) for structured storage.
If the photo is not displayed in the folder DCIM, check:
- 📸 Pictures folder – screenshots and uploaded images are saved there.
- 🔍 Application folders (such as WhatsApp) → Media → WhatsApp Images).
- ☁️ Cloud services: If sync with Google Photos or Mi Cloud is enabled, photos can only be stored online.
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Do not copy files directly from the folder DCIM/.thumbnails — These are miniatures, not original photos!
5. Alternative methods of transferring photos
If USB-The cable doesn’t work or you prefer wireless methods, consider these options:
5.1. via Mi Drop (Wi-Fi Direct)
Built-in Mi Drop app (available on all Xiaomi MIUI 9+) It allows you to transfer files without the Internet over a local network:
- Open Mi Drop on your phone and select Send.
- Select the photo and click on it.
- It'll appear at the bottom of the screen. QR-code – scan it from your computer (you need a scanner, for example, QR Code Reader for Windows).
- Files will be downloaded in the browser – save them to the PC.
Transfer speed: ~5-10 MB / s (depends on the router).
5.2. via Google Photos or Mi Cloud
Cloud services are convenient for backup, but require the Internet:
- ☁️ Google Photos: Enable autosynchronization in the app settings. Photos will be available at photos.google.com.
- 📱 Mi Cloud: Upload your photo to Settings → Mi Cloud → Gallery, then download them from i.mi.com.
Important: When you first connect to Mi Cloud, you will need to confirm via the SMS or email linked to your Xiaomi account.
5.3 Bluetooth (for small files)
Suitable for transmission 1-2 Photos, but ineffective for large volumes:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC.
- Connect devices (on Xiaomi: Settings) → Bluetooth → Searching for devices).
- In the gallery, select a photo. → Share. → Bluetooth and send it to your computer.
Speed: ~1-2 MB/s (slower) USB into 10-20 once).
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For transmission RAW-Photo (.dng format with Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, etc.) use only USB-Cable – Cloud services often compress such files!
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the right settings, you can have failures.
⚠️ Warning: If Xiaomi is constantly rebooted or disconnected when connecting, the problem is underpowering. USB-Connect the phone to the port on the back of the system unit (there is higher power) or use USB-hub.
| Problem. | Probable cause | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is connected, but the folders are empty. | PTP mode is enabled instead of MTP | Switch mode in Xiaomi notifications |
| USB-Device not recognized (code 43) | Driver conflict or damaged port | Remove the driver in Device Manager and reconnect the phone |
| Photos are copied with errors (bit files) | Transmission interruption or phone memory problems | Use Read Only in the Properties of a Folder on PC |
| The computer “hangs” when opening folders Xiaomi | Too many files in the DCIM (more than 10,000) | Copy photos in small batches (by 500-1000 piece) |
If Xiaomi is still undetermined after all the manipulations, try:
- 🔄 Reset network settings on your phone (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
- 🛠️ Switching the phone (relevant to the MIUI custom-made).
- 🖥️ Update Windows (older versions do not support) MTP For new Xiaomi models).
⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO F5) When connecting to the PC for the first time, you need to unlock OEM-Unlocking the developer settings, without which access to files will be restricted.
7.Optimization: How to speed up photo copying
Thousands of photos are transmitted USB It could take hours:
- 🚀 Use it. USB 3.0: The blue port provides speeds of up to 5 Gbps (vs. 480 Mbps) USB 2.0).
- 📦 Archive the photo before copying: DCIM Select folders, click Click Click Click on ZIP (into MIUI Archives support built in).
- 🔧 Turn off virus check: temporarily add Xiaomi folder to antivirus exceptions (e.g. Avast or Windows Defender).
- 📡 Transmit over Wi-Fi: if USB slow, use it FTP-server FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
For professional photographers shooting in Xiaomi format RAW:
- 📸 Convert to JPG on the phone before copying (in the gallery) MIUI There is an option Export).
- 💾 Use a memory card: If your phone supports microSD, transfer the photo to it, then paste the card into the card reader of your PC.