How to save files from Xiaomi phone to computer: all ways 2026

Transferring data from Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO to a computer seems like a simple task, as long as the system does not give a connection error and files refuse to be copied. The problem is complicated by the fact that MIUI restricts access to internal memory by default, and standard methods like “just connect via USB” do not always work. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of transferring files — from classic cable to cloud services — taking into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15.

The most common mistakes we can make are why the computer can’t see the phone. USB, How to circumvent restrictions MTP-What to do if files are copied with distorted names (for example, IMG_20230515_123456.jpg turn into P_20230515_123456.jpg). Also consider the hidden mode of the developer in MIUI, This allows you to unlock extended memory access without root rights.

1. Connection through USB-cable: step-by-step instruction

The most obvious way is to use the original USB Type-C cable (or Micro-USB for older models), but there are pitfalls: starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi defaults to blocking access to the file system via MTP (Media Transfer Protocol).

1. Unlock the phone screen and connect the cable to USB-Computer port (preferably) USB 3.0 for speed).
2. On the phone will appear a notification “Charge via USB” – tap it.
3. Select File Transfer Mode (or File Manager on some models).
4. On your computer, open "This Computer" (Windows) or "Files" (macOS/Linux) - the phone should appear as a separate drive.

If the device is not determined:

• 🔌 Check the cable: cheap non-original wires often only support charging, not data transmission.
• 🔄 Reboot both devices and reconnect.
• 🖥️ Update the drivers MTP on your computer (in Device Manager, find the "Portable Device" with an exclamation mark).
• 📱 On the phone go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI And then you tap it 7 times to activate the developer mode. → Additionally. → For developers, include "Debugging by USB".

Use the original Xiaomi cable|Unlock the phone screen|Select the "File Transfer" mode"|Check the drivers. MTP PC-only|Activate debugging on USB (faulty)-->

Important for Windows 11: If your phone is plugged in but files aren’t being copied, try turning off the Quick Start feature in power settings. Also, some antiviruses (like Kaspersky) block access to MTP — temporarily turn off protection.

2. File transfer over Wi-Fi (without cable)

If the cable is not available, or USB-The port is damaged, you can use wireless transmission. Xiaomi offers two official ways: through Mi Drop (embedded application) or FTP-The server is in the file manager.

Method 1: Mi Drop (Fast but with limitations)

Mi Drop (formerly Mi Share) allows you to send files between Xiaomi devices and computers over a local network. Minus - speeds lower than USB, and a file size limit (~1 GB).

1. On your phone, open Mi Drop (if not, download from Google Play).
2. Select files and click "Send" → "Computer".
3. On PC, open your browser and go to the address ftp://[IP-telephone address (it will appear on the phone screen).
4. Download files through the web interface.

Method 2: FTP-server (for large files)

To transmit video to 4K or- >1GB is better to use the built-in FTP-server:

1. Open Files →... (menu) → “FTP”.
2. Click "Run" - the address of the view will appear. ftp://192.168.1.100:2121.
3. On your computer, open "Windows" or "Finder" (macOS) and enter this address in the address bar.
4. Sign in (login/password will be displayed on the phone screen).

Transfer speed depends on the router: on Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) you can get up to 50 MB / s, on the old standards - 5-10 MB / s. To accelerate, connect your computer to the router via cable, and leave your phone on Wi-Fi.

Po Po Po USB-cable|Through Mi Drop (Wi-Fi)|FTP-server|Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)|Another option-->

3. Cloud services: pros and cons

If you want to save files for the future or share them with other devices, cloud storage is the best option. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud service, but it has limitations: only 5 GB is available for free, and downloading large files (> 2 GB) can be interrupted.

How to upload files to Google Drive from your phone:

1. Install Google Drive from the Play Market.
2. Open Files on your phone, select the right ones and click "Share" → "Drive".
3. Select a folder to download and confirm.
4. On your computer, open drive.google.com and download the files.

⚠️ Note: when uploading photos/videos to Google Photos, they are compressed to 16 MP resolution (if the option is "High quality"). To save the originals, select "Original quality" (counted in the storage quota).

4. Memory card use (for models with slot)

If your Xiaomi supports MicroSD (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), you can transfer files to a card and then paste them into your computer via a card reader, which is the most reliable method, as it does not depend on drivers and protocols.

How to transfer files to a memory card:

1. Insert MicroSD into your phone (if not already inserted).
2. Open Files → select the files you want → Move → select a memory card.
3. Wait for the copy to be completed (do not remove the card!).
4. Remove the card from the phone and insert it into the computer card reader.

Important nuances:

• 📁 ExFAT cards support files >4GB, a FAT32 — No, if you want to transfer the video to 4K, Format the map in exFAT.
• ⚡ Read/write speed depends on the card class: Class 10 or video is suitable for the video. UHS-I.
• 🔒 Some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11) do not support Adoptable Storage (expanding internal memory due to the use of the device). SD), Therefore, the application files will not be transferred.

💡

If the memory card is not defined on the computer, try formatting it in your phone: Settings → Storage → SD Card → Format as internal memory (data will be deleted!).

5. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., MIUI Global Stable with locks), you can use advanced tools, one of which is ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to manage files through the command line.

How to copy files via ADB:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone (see section 1).
3. Connect your phone via USB and type in the command line: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Photos\ (this will copy the DCIM folder with the photo to the C:\Photos\ folder on your PC).

For convenience, you can use ADB File Explorer - a graphical shell for ADB:

• 🖥️ Download. ADB File Explorer and connect your phone.
• 📂 In the program interface you will see the file system of the phone - drag and drop files with the mouse.
• 🔍 To access the root folders (/data/) root rights will be required.

⚠️ Attention: use ADB Resets some security settings MIUI. After copying files, execute the command: adb shell cmd security reset_verifier to restore protection.

6. Solving typical file transfer problems

Even with the right connection, users are experiencing errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Specific errors MIUI:

• 🚫 "Device not recognized" (Windows): remove drivers MTP Device Manager and restart PC.
• 🔄 "Folder is "empty" when connected: turn on the display of hidden files in Explorer.
• 📛 "No access to the folder DCIM: Reset permissions through Settings → Annexes → Files. → Permits.

💡

If the phone is defined as a “Media Device” but the files don’t show up, try connecting it to another device. USB-port Linux/macOS — These systems work better with MTP.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers from Xiaomi