How to Install a Song on Xiaomi: All Ways With Detailed Instructions

Why to Install Music on Xiaomi by Hand

Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer many ways to listen to music, from streaming services to the built-in Mi Music app. However, many users prefer to download tracks directly to the device's memory. Why? First, it saves mobile traffic. Second, local files are available without the Internet - relevant for trips to the subway or the countryside. Third, some rare songs simply can not be found on streaming platforms.

But here comes the question: how to transfer music to Xiaomi so that it is displayed in the player, does not lose quality and does not take up excess space? In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways - from the classic connection to the user. USB We'll also talk about what formats are supported, how to avoid copying errors, and what to do if your phone doesn't see music.

Spoiler: The most reliable method depends on your Xiaomi model and version MIUI. For example, on new devices with MIUI 14+ It may not work as standard MTP-protocol, and we'll have to use alternative solutions, but in order.

1.Preparation: What music formats Xiaomi supports

Before you download music, make sure your files are in a compatible format. Xiaomi Android-based smartphones support most popular audio formats, but there are nuances:

  • 🎡 MP3 β€” It's a universal format, it works on all models, without exception.
  • 🎡 AAC β€” It is used in iTunes and some streaming services, but may require additional codecs.
  • 🎡 FLAC and WAV β€” It works on Xiaomi, but takes up a lot of space (up to 50 MB per track).
  • 🚫 ALAC (Apple Lossless – may not play without third-party players.
  • 🚫 WMA β€” Microsoft's outdated format often causes errors.

If your music is non-standard, use converters like Freemake Audio Converter or Audacity. For example, for devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), it is recommended to convert tracks to a freemake Audio Converter or Audacity. MP3 320 kbps – This will provide the best ratio of quality and file size.

Also check the bitrate (sound quality).

Quality.Bitrate (kbps)File size (by 3 minutes)Suitable for
Low.128–1922-3 MBBackground music, podcasts
Average.192–2564-5MBDaily audition
High.3207-8MBAudiophiles, headphones premium class
No loss.1411+ (FLAC/WAV)30-50 MBProfessional equipment

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13 and below may not work reproduction FLAC In this case, install Poweramp or Neutron Music Player from Google Play.

2. Method 1: Transfer of music through USB-cable (MTP)

The most obvious and reliable method is to connect Xiaomi to a computer. USB. But there are some pitfalls here: starting with MIUI 12, some models by default block access to the file system through MTP (Media Transfer Protocol. Let's take a Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC using the original cable USB Type-C (or Micro-USB) for older models).
  2. A notification will appear on the phone screen "USB To transfer files. Put a tap on it.
  3. Select the "File Transfer" mode" (MTP). If there is no such item, go to Settings β†’ Connected devices β†’ USB and turn on MTP manually.
  4. The computer will open a conductor window with the phone folders. β†’ Music (or create a folder yourself).
  5. Copy music files into this folder, and for convenience, you can create subfolders by artist or album.

If the computer can't see the phone:

  • πŸ”Œ Check the cable – cheap non-original cords often don’t support data transfer.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot both devices.
  • πŸ› οΈ Update the drivers ADB On PC (download from Xiaomi or via Mi) PC Suite).

Check the file format (MP3/AAC/FLAC)

Use the original. USB-cable

Enable MTP mode on your phone

Create a Music folder in your internal memory

Turn off Battery Optimization for File Manager-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro) after copying music through MTP Solution: Reboot your phone or use the Mi File Explorer file manager to scan folders.

Method 2: Downloading through cloud services

If USB-There's no cable on hand, you can download music through the cloud. Xiaomi offers its own solution, Mi Cloud, but it's limited to 5GB of free space:

  • ☁️ Google Drive – 15 GB free, Android integration.
  • ☁️ Yandex Disk – 10 GB, convenient for users from Russia.
  • ☁️ Dropbox – 2GB, but fast sync.

Instructions on the example of Google Drive:

  1. Download music files to Google Drive from your computer via your browser.
  2. On your phone, open the Drive app and find the downloaded tracks.
  3. Click on the file β†’ β€œDownload” (the arrow icon down).
  4. After downloading, move the files to the Music folder via Mi File Explorer.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… No need for cable.
  • βœ… Music is available on several devices.
  • βœ… You can download tracks as needed, saving space.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Internet access is required (preferably Wi-Fi).
  • ❌ Free space in the cloud is limited.
  • ❌ On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Downloaded files can be saved to the Download folder and you will have to move them manually.

Google Drive

Yandex Disk

Mi Cloud

Dropbox

Another option

I don't use clouds.-->

Method 3: Synchronize with Mi Music (built-in player)

Xiaomi’s Mi Music app not only plays music, but also syncs it to the cloud, but it doesn’t work well on devices with a mobile device. MIUI 14 and newer. Let's figure out how to use it:

  1. Open Mi Music and tap on the profile icon (top right).
  2. Select "Settings" β†’ Synchronization of music".
  3. Enable the option "AutoSync" and select the Mi Account.
  4. Upload music to the cloud via the web version of Mi Music on PC (music.xiaomi.com).
  5. On the phone, wait for the synchronization to be completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

Important nuances:

  • 🎢 Only files in the format are synchronized. MP3 and AAC.
  • 🎢 Maximum size of one track – 50 MB.
  • 🎢 In some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T) The synchronization function may not be available due to regional limitations.

If Mi Music doesn't see the downloaded tracks:

  1. Check that you are logged in to the same Mi Account on your PC and phone.
  2. Update the app through Google Play.
  3. Clear the Mi Music cache in your phone settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Mi Music β†’ Clear the cache).

πŸ’‘

If Mi Music is slowing down when playing FLAC, Open the settings. β†’ Reproduction β†’ Sound quality and select "High quality (AAC)" instead of "No loss".

5. Method 4: Use of a memory card (microSD)

If internal memory is not enough, you can store music on a microSD card, but there are limitations.

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi with Snapdragon processor 8xx (Xiaomi 13, Black Shark 5 do not support memory expansion.
  • πŸ“± On budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro) has a microSD slot, but the maximum volume is 512 GB.
  • πŸ“± ExFAT cards may not be readable on older devices MIUI 11 and below.

How to transfer music to microSD:

  1. Insert the card into the slot (on some models you will need a tray for the SIM).
  2. Format it in FAT32 (If the volume is up to 32 GB or exFAT (if larger).
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and copy the music to the Music folder on the map.
  4. Turn it off. USB and check the display of tracks in the player.

If the music is not played from the map:

  • πŸ” Check that the card is formatted in the correct file system.
  • πŸ” Move files to the card root folder (sometimes Mi Music doesn't see the attached directories).
  • πŸ” Try another card – some non-original microSDs may not work well.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 When you first connect a microSD, the system may suggest using it as "internal memory." Don't agree, it will encrypt the card and it won't be read on other devices!

6. Method 5: Music over Wi-Fi (FTP local-network)

If USB-The cable broke, and the cloud didn't work, so you can transfer files over Wi-Fi. FTP (For example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer. Instructions:

  1. Install Solid Explorer from Google Play on your phone.
  2. Open the application and go to the "Network" section β†’ FTP-server".
  3. Click "Run the server" - the address of the view will appear ftp://192.168.1.100:2221.
  4. On the computer, open the conductor and enter this address in the address bar.
  5. Copy the music to the Music folder on your phone.

Pros of the method:

  • ⚑ Faster than the cloud (speed depends on the router).
  • πŸ”’ There are no restrictions on file sizes.
  • πŸ“± It works even on devices with damaged USB-port.

Cons:

  • πŸ“Ά Requires a stable connection to a single Wi-Fi network.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery consumption is higher than when using cable.
How to speed up Wi-Fi transmission?
Use a router that supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Disconnect other devices from the network during transmission. Switch the router to a 5GHz channel (if supported). Use the file manager FX File Explorer - It supports SFTP, faster FTP.

7 Problem Solving: Why Xiaomi Doesn't See Music

Frequent problem: files are copied, but not displayed in the player.

Problem.Reason.Decision
Music is not shown on Mi MusicFiles in unsupported format or damagedCheck the format (MP3/AAC/FLAC) Reconvert it if necessary.
There are tracks, but they are not reproduced.No codecs.Install. VLC Poweramp from Google Play
Music disappears after rebootMusic folder on memory cardTransfer files to internal memory or format the card to FAT32
Mi Music slows down when playingToo high bitrate (FLAC 24-bit)Convert to MP3 320 kbps or use Neutron Music Player

If nothing helps:

  1. Clear the Mi Music data in the settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Music β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data).
  2. Restart your phone in Safe Mode (click the power button) β†’ "Restart Safe Mode" and check if music is showing up. If so, it's the third-party app's fault.
  3. Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update).

πŸ’‘

If the music is not played only in headphones, check the sound settings in Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Sound quality: Some models (Xiaomi 12 Pro) have the default "Circumfer Effect" on, which distorts the sound.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing music on Xiaomi

Can I install music on Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, there are several ways: Download music directly to your phone via your browser (websites like Zaycev.net or Prostopleer); use cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk) and download files directly; transfer music via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct from another device; and then move the files to the Music folder via Mi File Explorer.
Why Xiaomi doesn’t see the Music folder on the memory card?
Probable reasons: The map is formatted in NTFS Or exFAT, and your Xiaomi only supports it. FAT32. The Music folder is not created at the root of the map, but inside another directory. Mi Music settings disables the display of files from the memory card (Settings) β†’ Folders for scanning. Solution: format the map into FAT32 And create a folder of Music at the root.
How to install music on Xiaomi through OTG-cable?
If you have OTG-adapter, you can connect a flash drive or external hard drive: Connect OTG-Adapter to your phone and drive to it. Open up Mi File Explorer and find your external drive. Copy music to your Music folder in internal memory or on a map. Restrictions: Not all Xiaomi models support NTFS through OTG (Like Redmi. 9C see FAT32). Hard drives may require additional power (use a hub with a power supply). USB).
Which players work best with FLAC Xiaomi?
Standard Mi Music may not be playing correctly FLAC, Especially on older models. FLAC 24-bit/192 kHz, there is an equalizer. Neutron Music Player - optimized for audiophiles, supports DSD. VLC β€” Universal player, works with any formats. USB Audio Player PRO β€” To connect external DACs, customize for better sound: Poweramp β†’ Settings β†’ Audio. β†’ Exit β†’ Hi-Res Output (include) Neutron β†’ DSP β†’ Set up bits 24 or 32
Can I download music from Xiaomi? ADB?
Yes, but it's a tricky method for power users. ADB to your computer (download Platform Tools from Google). Enable Debugging USB on the phone (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (slip 7 once) β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB). Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb push C:\music\*.mp3 /sdcard/Music/ Warning: misuse ADB could damage the system!