USB Data Transfer Mode on Xiaomi: How to Enable and Configure

Transfer files between Xiaomi smartphone and computer via USB-cable seems like a simple task, until you run into the typical problems: the phone is not defined as a drive, Windows requires drivers, and there is no point in the notification curtain. In 2026, the logic of the work is the same. USB-Connections on Redmi devices, POCO Mi has changed: the manufacturer has hidden some of the settings for additional menus, and the standard protocol MTP Now conflicts with the latest versions of Windows 11. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to enable data transfer mode - from basic to hidden, and also explain why sometimes a smartphone refuses to "see" from a PC.

Xiaomi is also known for its new models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro).+ Xiaomi 14 Ultra, by default, can be activated only charging mode. This is done for safety, so you reduce the risk of infection through the use of a new device. USB-But for the user, it means doing extra work every time you connect, and we're going to show you how to fix the data mode forever so you don't have to manually select it, and what to do if the computer persists in not recognizing the phone despite all the manipulations.

Why Xiaomi does not transfer data over USB: the main reasons

Before we get to the settings, we need to eliminate hardware and software conflicts, and 90 percent of the time, one of four things is the problem:

• 🔌 Unoriginal or damaged cable. Cheap. USB-Cables often don't support data transfer (charging only). Check the labeling: Xiaomi's branded cables have an inscription on them. USB 2.0 Data Cable.
• 🖥️ Outdated drivers on PC. Windows 10/11 Xiaomi may not be recognized as a media device due to lack of protocol MTP (Media Transfer Protocol).
• 📱 Locking in the phone settings. MIUI 14+ default option enabled USB-Debugging (prohibited) that interferes with connection.
• 🔒 Protection against unauthorized access on some models (e.g, POCO F5 Pro) the screen must be unlocked to activate the data transmission.

If you're connecting your phone for the first time, Windows can think for a long time before installing drivers. Don't turn off the cable, wait for the notification of a successful connection. MacOS will require additional software like Android File Transfer to work with MTP.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global and MIUI China menu USB If there is no file transfer in the notification curtain, then your firmware uses an alternative interface (see the section on Developer Settings).

Method 1: Initiating the notification curtain mode

The fastest method is to use the notification bar.It works on all Xiaomi models released after 2018 (including Redmi 12, POCO X5 Pro, Xiaomi 13T):

1. Connect your phone to your computer using the original cable.
2. Unlock the screen (some models require input) PIN-code).
3. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
4. Click on the Charging Notification via USB (or USB-connection).
5. In the window that opens, select File Transfer (MTP) or Photo Transfer (PTP).

If there is no file transfer item, it means:

• 🔧 Your firmware is modified (e.g. custom Pixel Experience).
• 📵 USB-The port of the phone only works in charging mode (check the cable).
• 🛠️ Developer settings are off USB-debugging.

Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later, after selecting the MTP mode, you may receive a request for permission to access files. Click Allow, otherwise the computer will see only an empty folder.

Method 2: Configure USB mode by default (without a choice every time)

If you're tired of manually selecting File Transfers every time you connect, you can lock in MTP as your primary mode.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Press the MIUI version 7 times to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to the main Settings menu and select Additional → For Developers.
4. Find the configuration option USB by default (or USB-configuration).
5. Select File Transfer (MTP).

After that, when connecting to the PC, the phone will automatically use MTP. Please note: on some of the firmware (MIUI China) this paragraph may be referred to USB-Default mode or be hidden behind the option Network settings.

⚠️ Note: If after changing configuration USB The phone stopped charging from the computer, return the setting to Charging Only. USB-PC ports do not support both data transfer and power.

💡

On POCO F4/F5 models, the developer menu can be hidden behind additional authorization, and after 7 clicks on the MIUI version, you will need to enter the password from the Mi Account if it is linked to the device.

Method 3: Using PTP Mode for Photos

If you only need to transfer photos and videos and MTP doesn't work, try PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol), which is more commonly recognized by older versions of Windows and MacOS, but has limitations:

• ✅ Only the folders are visible. DCIM and Pictures.
• ❌ No access to other files (documents, music).
• ⚡ Slower. MTP transferring large numbers of files.

To activate PTP:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. In the notification curtain, press Charge via USB.
3. Select Photo Transfer (PTP).

On Windows, the device will appear as a camera. Use the standard Photos or Explorer app to work with files (a new drive will appear in this computer section).

Method 4: Solving driver problems on Windows

If your computer doesn't recognize Xiaomi in MTP mode, there are likely no drivers. Windows 10/11 should install them automatically, but sometimes you need to manually configure:

1. Connect the phone in MTP mode.
2. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
3. Find your Xiaomi Portable Devices or Other Devices (may appear as MTP or with a yellow exclamation point) in the list.
4. Right-click → Update the driver → Automatic search.
5. If it doesn’t work, download Google’s official ADB drivers and install them manually.

Windows 7 will require the Media Feature Pack (available on Microsoft's website). On MacOS, install Android File Transfer from the official website.

⚠️ Note: If after updating the drivers, the phone is still not determined, try connecting to another USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0, marked in blue. Some ports USB-C Not supported on laptops MTP.

Method 5: Alternative methods of transferring files without USB

If USB-The connection never worked, use wireless alternatives:

• 🌐 Mi Drop: Open the Mi Drop app on your phone, select files and send them to your PC via Wi-Fi Direct. Up to 20MB/s.
• ☁️ Cloud services: Upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Telegram (Saved Messages channel), then download to your computer.
• 📡 FTP-server, install the application FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer, activate FTP-server and connect to it from the PC through Explorer (view address) ftp://192.168.x.x).
• 🔗 Pushbullet/Portal. Services for instant file transfer between devices via browser.

For larger files (video, backups), USB is better, but if the speed is not critical, wireless methods will save time to set up drivers. Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ also has a built-in Quick Transfer (analogue of AirDrop), but it only works between Xiaomi devices.

Frequent errors and their correction

Even after the right setup, there can be failures. Let's look at typical scenarios:

If none of the methods worked, reset your USB settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the reset and restart the phone.

This will return all USB resolutions to factory settings, but will not delete personal data.

💡

On devices with MIUI 13 and older after discharge USB-Re-activation of the developer mode may be required.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions