File transfer mode on Xiaomi: how to turn on MTP, PTP or MIDI 30 seconds in a row

Did you connect Xiaomi to your computer and the files aren't displayed? Is the smartphone charging, but the photo and document folders are not available? Is the problem with the wrong data mode, POCO Or Mi set up Charge Only mode, blocking access to memory, and we'll figure out how to enable file transfer to Xiaomi via the USB-cable – from basic settings to solving common errors.

In this article you will find:

• 🔌 3 ways to turn on the mode MTP (Transfer of media files on any Xiaomi;
• 🖥️ Step-by-step instructions for Windows 10/11, MacOS and Linux;
• ⚙️ How to fix the "Device not recognized" error or «MTP-not installed»;
• 📱 Difference between regimes MTP, PTP and MIDI — Which one to choose for your task;
• 🔄 Alternative methods of transferring files without USB (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cloud).

Important: instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi devices MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including Redmi Note 12 models, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T If your smartphone is released before 2018, some menu items may differ - check the section FAQ end-of-article.

Basic method: incorporation MTP notice-curtain

The fastest method is to use the notification bar, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices and does not require deep customization.

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer using the original USB-cable (preferably from the kit) The use of uncertified wires may lead to transmission errors.
2. Unlock the Xiaomi screen – on the locked device, file transfer mode is not available.
3. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
4. Find the Charging Notification through USB (or USB-connect) and tap it.
5. In the window that opens, select File Transfer (MTP).

If the item "Transfer files" is not in the list, then on your device debugging is disabled. USB or you need to update your drivers on your PC. Go to the next section.

Use the original. USB-cable

Unlock the Xiaomi screen

Update MIUI/HyperOS to the latest version

Check the ports. USB on your computer (try another connector)

Turn it off. VPN/firewall on PC-->

2. Alternative method: Configure via “Developer Options”

If the standard method did not work, turn on the developer mode and activate it. MTP This method will also help if you have custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

Step 1: Enable the Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the item Version. MIUI And you tap it 7 times in a row, and you'll get a message saying, "You're a developer!».

Step 2. Activate. MTP:

1. Return to the main Settings menu and select Additional Settings → Developer Settings.
2. Scroll down to the Network section and find the default USB configuration.
3. Select File Transfer (MTP) or PTP (If you only need access to a photo).
4. Connect the device to the PC – the mode is activated automatically.

On HyperOS devices, the path to settings may be different: → Connections and sharing → Developer parameters → Configuration USB.

3. Solving Connection Problems on Windows

Frequent error on Windows PC – the message “Device” MTP Not installed" or "Driver not found" This is due to the lack of standard drivers for Xiaomi:

Method 1. Installation of drivers manually:

1. Download the official drivers from the Xiaomi website (the “Drivers” section).
2. Unpack the archive and run the MiPhoneManager.exe file.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and wait for the driver to install automatically.

Method 2. Update through Device Manager:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Find Portable Devices or Other Devices in the list – your Xiaomi device with an exclamation point should be displayed there.
3. Right-click on the device and select Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer.
4. Specify the path to the driver folder (from Method 1) and wait for the installation to be completed.

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If Windows still doesn’t see Xiaomi, try connecting your phone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 - they're usually black. Ports. USB 3.0 (blue) can cause compatibility issues on older versions MIUI.

4. Connection to MacOS and Linux: features and nuances

On MacOS and Linux mode MTP It works differently than Windows. There's no need for drivers, but you may need additional software.

For macOS:

• 🍎 Install Android File Transfer – the official software from Google to work with MTP.
• 🔌 Connect Xiaomi to your Mac and start the program. If the files don't show, restart the phone.
• ⚠️ On macOS Ventura 13.0+ You may need to allow access to System settings → Confidentiality and security.

For Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint):

• 🐧 Install packages for support MTP: sudo apt install mtp-tools libmtp-common
• 📁 Use the Nautilus File Manager (GNOME) ordolphin (KDE) — They support MTP «box».
• 🔄 If the device is not mounted, reboot the mtp: sudo service mtp-server restart

⚠️ Note: Some Linux distributions (e.g. Arch Linux) may require manual compilation of the jmtpfs module. PTP (Camera mode – it works more stable.

5. The difference between MTP, PTP and MIDI: mode?

Xiaomi has 3 data transfer modes available through USB. Each of them is designed for different tasks:

When to use PTP instead MTP?

• 📷 If you are a photographer and work with Lightroom or Capture One — PTP Provide a more stable connection.
• 🐧 On Linux. PTP often works better than MTP, nucleus-specific.
• 🔌 If MTP It is permanently disabled and files are not copied – switch to PTP temporary.

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For most users, the optimal mode is MTP. PTP It is only necessary for professional work with photos, and MIDI — musician.

6. Alternative ways to transfer files without USB

If USB-The connection is down or the cable is damaged, use wireless methods. They're slower, but they don't require a physical connection.

Method 1. Wi-Fi transmission (MIUI/HyperOS):

1. Open the Settings. → Connections and sharing → File transfer.
2. Select Wi-Fi Transfer and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. On PC, open your browser and enter the address specified on your phone (for example, ftp://192.168.1.100:8888).

Method 2. Applications for transmission:

• 📲 Xiaomi File Manager: Built-in file manager supports sending via Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🌐 Send Anywhere or Snapdrop: Cross-platform services for transferring files between devices.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Mi Cloud, Google Drive or Dropbox (suitable for large files).

Method 3. Bluetooth (for small files):

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC.
2. Connect devices in the Settings menu → Bluetooth.
3. Select a file on Xiaomi and click “Send via Bluetooth”.

⚠️ Wi-Fi transmission drains the battery 15-20% faster than over the phone USB. For large files (video, backups), it is better to use a cable or cloud.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even after the switch on MTP There may be failures. Let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The phone is connected, but the files are not displayed:

• 🔍 Check if files are hidden in Xiaomi settings (Files) → Settings → Show hidden files).
• 🔄 Restart both devices (phone and computer).
• 🛠️ Update Xiaomi firmware to the latest version.

Problem 2: The device is running slowly (Windows):

• 🖱️ Turn off the phone, then connect to another. USB-port (preferably on the back of the system unit).
• 🔧 Open Device Manager, find Xiaomi in the list and update the driver.
• 🚫 Disable the antivirus (such as Kaspersky or Avast) – they can block the virus. MTP.

Problem 3: MacOS files are copied with errors:

• 🍎 Remove Android File Transfer and install it again.
• 🔄 Switch mode on the phone with MTP on PTP back and forth.
• 📁 Try another file manager, such as Commander One (supports the file manager). MTP).

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If none of the methods worked, try resetting your network settings on Xiaomi: Settings → System system → Reset → Network resets, which will remove stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, but often solves problems with the network. USB-connection.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions