How to save files on the flash drive in Xiaomi devices: all the ways and nuances

Data storage on external USB-The drive in Xiaomi devices seems to be an easy task, but in practice users face a number of nuances: from incorrect USB flash drive definition to errors when copying large files. Unlike computers, where the process is standardized, mobile gadgets of the brand (especially models with a high-quality computer system). MIUI) They have their own algorithms for working with external media, for example, smartphones in the line of Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 You may need additional permissions to record, and Xiaomi Pad 6 tablets support OTG-power adapter.

In this article, we will discuss not only the basic steps of connecting a flash drive, but also rarely mentioned details: why some files are not copied, how to get around the restrictions. FAT32 (For example, when recording video weighing more than 4 GB), and what to do if the device does not see the drive. MIUI "Port port USB" In the developer settings, which affect data rate, the material is relevant for all current firmware versions (including HyperOS) and models released after 2018.

What flash drives are supported by Xiaomi devices

Not everyone. USB-The drive will work correctly with a smartphone or tablet Xiaomi:

• 🔌 Connection interface: devices support USB Type-C (modern models) and Micro-USB (older ones, for example, Redmi) 5A). To connect a standard flash drive USB-A need OTG-adapter (price from 100)₽).
• 💾 File system: FAT32 (Maximum file size of 4 GB), exFAT (optimum for files) >4GB), NTFS (Not all models are supported, and may require manual mounting).
• ⚡ Power: High-power flash drives (such as some SanDisk Ultra) may not be detected – in which case it will help OTG-feed-in.
• 📏 Capacity: officially supported drives up to 2 TB, but in practice, sticks up to 512 GB work more stable.

Important: models with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset 4xx/6xx (for example, POCO M5) Sometimes they don’t recognize a flash drive larger than that. 128 GB because of the limitations of the controller, and in this case, formatting the drive in exFAT through the computer will help.

⚠️ Attention: if you are using a flash drive NTFS, Enable in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times) option "Debugging by USB". Without this, the drive will be available only for reading.

Step-by-step: how to connect a flash drive to Xiaomi

The connection process depends on the version MIUI/HyperOS And the type of connector. Let's look at a universal algorithm:

1. Prepare. OTG-adapter (if the flash drive has a connector) USB-A). For models with Type-C (for example, Xiaomi 14) suitable adapter "Mama-Mama".
2. Insert the flash drive into the adapter, then connect to the smartphone "USB-drive-in".
3. Tap on the notification and select "Use to transfer files" (in older versions) MIUI — "Open the file manager").
4. If the notification does not appear, open Settings → Connections and sharing → USB and select the "File Transfer" mode".

In HyperOS (firmware for new models) the way is different: Settings → Additionally. → Developer functions → Configuration USB By default, set up "File Transfer (MTP)".

The flash drive is formatted in exFAT/FAT32|

OTG adapter is functional (check on another device)|

There are no damaged sectors on the flash drive (check through chkdsk)|

In the settings USB chosen MTP-->

If the smartphone does not respond to the connection:

• 🔄 Reboot the device with the connected flash drive.
• 🔌 Try another one. OTG-Adapter (cheap Chinese adapters often don’t work with Kingston and Transcend flash drives).
• 📱 Update the firmware: in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Normal. USB-A s OTG-adapter|

USB-C flash drive (without adapter)|

MicroSD in the adapter USB|

I don't use external storage devices.-->

How to save files on a flash drive: 3 ways

V MIUI And HyperOS has a number of ways to write data to an external drive, depending on the type of file you want and your preferences.

Method 1: Using a standard file manager

The simplest method that does not require additional applications:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to section "USB-drive" (displayed at the top of the screen).
3. Press "Add" (badge "+" in the lower right corner) and select files from the internal memory.
4. Confirm the copying and the files will start to be transferred.

Method limitations:

• ❌ You cannot copy system files (for example, from a folder) Android/data).
• ❌ Transmission speed is limited by the protocol MTP (maximum ~40 MB/s even on Xiaomi 13T).

Method 2: Through a computer (for large files)

If you need to copy the video in 4K file-book >4GB:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via a USB-C cable.
2. Select the "File Transfer" mode on the phone (MTP)".
3. Open "This Computer" on your computer and two devices will appear: internal memory and flash drive.
4. Drag files with the mouse between windows.

Advantage: circumvention of restrictions FAT32 (If the flash drive is formatted in exFAT, speeds are higher — up to 80 MB/s on Xiaomi. 12S Ultra.

Method 3: Through Application Managers (Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer)

Third-party file managers offer advanced features:

• 🔍 Finding duplicate files before copying.
• 📂 Creation ZIP-archives right on the flash drive.
• 🔄 Resumption of interrupted transmission.

Example from Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Give access to the vault.
3. Select from the side menu "USB OTG".
4. Drag files between panels (multi-window mode is supported).

💡

If the flash drive is detected but the files are not copied, check it for viruses through an antivirus (for example, Dr.Web Light).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right connection, users face problems, and let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them.

Mistake: "USB-The storage device is empty or contains an unsupported file system"

Causes and solutions:

• 🔧 The flash drive is formatted in NTFS → Reformat to exFAT via computer (Right Click) → Format).
• 💥 Damaged sectors → execute command in CMD (Windows): chkdsk E: /f (Replace E: with the letter of your flash drive).
• 🔌 Lack of food → use OTG-powerhouse.

Error: “You can’t copy a file, there’s not enough space”

The problem is even if there's a free space on the flash drive.

• 📁 File system FAT32 and trying to copy the file >4GB → reformatting to exFAT.
• 🗑️ Hidden files take up space → Enable the display of hidden files in Solid Explorer (Settings) → Display → Show hidden files).

Error: The flash drive is detected but not opened

Decisions:

• 🔄 Remove and insert the flash drive again (sometimes it helps to reboot the smartphone).
• 📱 Update the firmware: in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Reset the settings. USB: Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings → Reset the settings USB (available).

⚠️ Warning: If the flash drive starts to warm or discharge quickly, it is a sign of a malfunction of the drive controller.

Optimization of data transfer speed

The speed of copying files to a flash drive in Xiaomi depends on several factors: USB, file system and system settings. Average:

How to speed up transmission:

1. Use exFAT: This file system is optimized for flash drives and works faster FAT32 20 to 30%.
2. Activate Developer Mode and enable the Debugging option USB" — Increases the priority of data transmission.
3. Connect through USB 3.0: If Xiaomi supports you USB 3.1 (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), use the appropriate cable (usually blue).
4. Close the background applications: they consume CPU resources, which slows down copying. Use Settings → Annexes → Clean up.

For maximum speed on models with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) it is recommended:

• 🔌 Use it. OTG-power hub (e.g. Baseus) 7-in-1).
• 📁 Copy files in packs of 50–100 pieces (not all at once).
• 🔄 Restart the device before copying large files (>1GB).

💡

The speed of transmission does not only affect USB-version, but also the type of flash drive. T7 Shield (USB 3.2) shows speeds of 400MB/s on PC but on Xiaomi 12S Ultra is limited to 80MB/s due to protocol MTP.

Safely extracting the flash drive: why it is important

Many users simply pull the flash drive out of Xiaomi without thinking about the consequences.

• 💥 Damage to the file system (the flash drive will become unreadable).
• 📁 Loss of the last copied files.
• 🔌 Physical wear of the connector (especially relevant for POCO M4 Pro with fragile USB-C).

How to properly remove the drive:

1. Open the notification "USB-drive-in".
2. Slip "Safe to Extract."
3. Wait for the message "The device can be removed".

If the notice has disappeared:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Press on "USB-accumulator".
3. Select "Disable."

⚠️ Note: on models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14), safe extraction is mandatory when working with exFAT flash drives. Otherwise, there is a high risk of data loss due to caching records.

Alternative ways to work with flash drives

Beyond the standard methods, there are less obvious use cases for external drives in the Xiaomi ecosystem.

Use of the flash drive as internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

The feature is available on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) and allows you to expand your internal storage:

1. Connect the flash drive and open the notification.
2. Select "Settings" (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Tap "Format as an internal drive."
4. Confirm the action - the flash drive will be formatted and tied to the device.

Limitations:

• ❌ The flash drive will become unreadable on other devices.
• ❌ You can't remove it without resetting to factory settings.
• ❌ It only works with fast flash drives (class). A1/A2).

Automatic backup to the flash drive

Annex “Backup and discharge” (included in MIUI) Allows you to save backup copies to an external drive:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Backup.
2. Select "Local Backup".
3. Specify the path to the flash drive as a place of preservation.
4. Start the process – a copy will be created in.mbk format.

Important: The backup takes up a lot of space (up to 10 GB) and contains:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS, call-in.
• 🎵 Music, photo, video (optional).
• ⚙️ System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sound profiles).

Run applications from a flash drive (for rooted devices only)

On devices with root rights (for example, after unlocking the bootloader on the POCO F5) You can transfer applications to a flash drive:

1. Install App2SD or Link2SD from Google Play.
2. Give root access.
3. Select the applications for transfer and indicate the path to the flash drive.

Risks:

• ⚠️ When you remove the flash drive, the applications will stop working.
• ⚠️ Possible lags due to low reading speed from a flash drive.

💡

If you often connect the flash drive to the Xiaomi Pad 6, buy an adapter USB-C portable HDMI (for example, UGREEN 6-in-1). This will allow you to simultaneously display the image on the monitor and work with the drive.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions