How to use a flash drive on a Xiaomi phone: from connecting to transferring files

Modern Xiaomi smartphones are not just devices for calls, but full-fledged multimedia centers that can work with external media. USB-Unlike computers, where everything is intuitive, mobile devices require a few nuances, from choosing the right adapter to setting up the file system.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to connect a flash drive to Redmi smartphones, POCO Xiaomi flagship models – from the budget Redmi 10A You will learn which adapter to buy, how to avoid reading errors, what formats are supported, and how to transfer files between the phone and the drive without loss. MIUI, which allows you to automatically mount flash drives when connected - this is not known to many!

1. Which flash drives and adapters are suitable for Xiaomi

Not every flash drive will work with a Xiaomi smartphone, depending on three key parameters: the connection interface, the file system and the power supply. Let's get this straight.

Most of Xiaomi’s current smartphones (except for the oldest models) support the technology. USB OTG (On-The-Go, which allows the device to act as a host for external drives, but you will need an adapter to physically connect to the device:

• 🔌 USB-C → USB-A — Type-C models (all smartphones after 2017, including the Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T).
• 🔌 Micro-USB → USB-A — for older devices (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1 etc.).
• 🔌 USB-C → Lightning – if you’re trying to plug in a flash drive from an iPhone (rarely, but sometimes you need to).
• 🔌 Bilateral OTG-cable – to connect two devices at once (for example, flash drives and mice).

It is important to consider the file system of the flash drive. MIUI officially:

⚠️ Note: If your flash drive is formatted in NTFS, Xiaomi smartphone can see it, but it won't let you write files.

Also worth paying attention to nutrition: some powerful flash drives (especially with the help of the LED-The indicator requires more power than the port of the smartphone can give. OTG-feed-in.

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

Now, let's get to the point: it takes less than a minute to connect a flash drive to a Xiaomi smartphone, if you do it right.

1. Step 1. Check compatibility. Make sure your smartphone supports OTG. For that:

Step 2. Connect the adapter.

Put it in. OTG-You can use the adapter to connect to the phone, and then you plug in the flash drive "USB-device".

Step 3. Allow access.

Tap on the notification and select "Allow access to data" (in some versions) MIUI You may need to select the "File Transfer" mode").

Step 4. Open the file manager.

Go to the Files app (or the Explorer) - your flash drive will appear in the Devices section.

If the flash drive is not displayed, try the following steps:

Reconnect the adapter (sometimes the contact is bad)

Check the flash drive on your computer (it may be damaged)

Format the flash drive into exFAT/FAT32

Update MIUI to the latest version

Try another one. OTG-cable-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) When the first flash drive is connected, a request for permission may appear USB-Don't be alarmed, it's a standard security measure. Press "Allow" but don't turn on debugging unless you plan to use it. ADB.

If you're plugging in a flash drive for the first time, the system might suggest you install additional software to work with external media. MIUI It is sufficient for basic operations.

💡

To speed up access to the flash drive, add it to Favorites in the Files app. To do this, click on the three dots next to the drive name and select Add to Favorites.

3. Transfer files between phone and flash drive

Once you successfully connect the flash drive, you can copy files in both directions.

Copying from phone to flash drive

This is the most common case, for example, when you need to free up the memory of a smartphone by transferring photos or videos.

1. Open the Files app.
2. Go to the folder with the required files (for example, "DCIM/Camera" photo).
3. Select files with a long tap or through the "Select" button.
4. Click Copy (or Cut if you want to delete the originals).
5. Go to the flash drive section (usually called the "Flash Drive" section "USB-drive-by).
6. Press "Put in."

Copying from a flash drive to a phone

The algorithm is reversed:

1. Open the flash drive in the file manager.
2. Find the files you need and highlight them.
3. Press "Copy."
4. Go to the phone memory ("Internal Memory" section) or "SD-map" if it is fixed).
5. Select the destination folder (such as “Downloads” or “Music”).
6. Press "Put in."

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) when plugging a flash drive through OTG It can turn off charging. It's normal behavior -- the port can't power the phone and the flash drive at the same time. OTG-feed-in.

If neither of these methods worked, check the flash drive on another device, it may be damaged.

chkdsk E: /f /r

(where E: is the letter of your flash drive).

5. Hidden functions MIUI flash-drive

Many users do not know that MIUI It offers some hidden capabilities for working with external media, and here are the most useful ones:

Automatic mounting of the flash drive

By default. MIUI It asks for permission every time it connects the flash drive, to avoid it:

1. Connect the flash drive and tap on the notification "USB-device".
2. Activate the "Always Allow from this device" switch.
3. The flash drive will now be installed automatically.

Using a flash drive as an internal memory

On some Xiaomi models (with Adoptable Storage support), you can expand your internal memory using a flash drive.

1. Connect the flash drive and open the notification.
2. Select "Settings" → "Formatting as an internal memory".
3. ⚠️ Note: After that, the flash drive will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices!

This method does not work on all models and can reduce the speed of the flash drive.

Encrypting data on a flash drive

MIUI Allows you to encrypt files on external media:

1. Open the Files and go to the flash drive.
2. Select the files that need to be encrypted.
3. Press "More" → "Encrypt".
4. Set a password (at least 6 characters).

Encrypted files will have an.enc extension and will not be available without entering a password.

Viewing hidden files

If there are hidden files on the drive (such as system or backups), they can be displayed:

1. In the Files app, click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select "Settings" → "Show hidden files".

These features make working with flash drives on Xiaomi much more convenient than on the “bare” Android.

6. Alternative ways to connect the flash drive

If you don't. OTG-adapter or it's broken, there are a few workarounds:

Connection via the cloud

The most universal method:

1. Connect the flash drive to the computer.
2. Upload files to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk).
3. Open the cloud on your phone and download the files.

Cons: It takes time and requires the internet.

Using a Wi-Fi router

If you have a router with USB-port (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router) 4A Gigabit):

1. Connect the flash drive to the router.
2. In the router settings, enable "General access to" USB".
3. On the phone, connect to the Wi-Fi router network.
4. Open the file manager and go to the "Network" section" → "router".

Wireless flash drive

There are flash drives with built-in Wi-Fi (for example, SanDisk Connect):

• 📶 Connect to the flash drive network as an access point.
• 📱 Open your browser and enter 192.168.1.1 (or use the official app).
• 📁 Download files directly to your phone.

This method is convenient, but the transmission speed is usually lower than the speed of the OTG.

Connecting via another phone

If you have a second smartphone with OTG:

1. Connect the flash drive to the second phone.
2. Turn on "Modem Modem" on it" → "USB-modem".
3. Connect the first phone (Xiaomi) to the second phone OTG.
4. The flash drive will now be available as a network drive.

These methods are less convenient than direct connection, but can help in emergency situations.

7.Security: How to protect data on a flash drive

Working with external media always comes with risks, from data loss to virus infection.

Protection against viruses

Flash drives are one of the main sources of malware, so to keep the phone safe:

• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Avast or Dr.Web) and scan the flash drive before opening files.
• 🚫 Do not open suspicious files with extensions.exe,.apk,.bat.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, vulnerabilities are closed.

Backup

Before important operations (formatting, transferring large amounts of data), do the backup:

• 💾 Use the built-in backup function in "Settings" → Additionally. → Backup".
• ☁️ Upload critical files to the cloud (Google Photos for Media, Mi Cloud for Contacts).

Safe extraction

Never pull the flash drive out while recording!

• 💥 Data loss.
• 🔧 Damage to the file system (the flash drive will have to be formatted).
• 🔌 Breakdown OTG-port or adapter.

Right order:

1. Close all files opened from the flash drive.
2. In the notification, tap "Safe to remove the device".
3. Wait for the message "The device can be removed".

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9C) The Safe Retrieval function may not work properly, in which case, before disabling the flash drive, be sure to close all applications that may have interacted with it (for example, a gallery or video player).

8. Top.-5 Flash drive for Xiaomi: what to choose in 2026 year

Not all flash drives are equally good for smartphones, and we tested dozens of models and selected the best options for price/quality/compatibility:

For most Xiaomi users, the best choice is:

• 💰 Budget: Kingston DataTraveler Exodia (32–64 GB) + OTG-adapter.
• ⚡ Speed: Samsung Fit Plus (128-256 GB) – if you have a flagship with a high-speed phone USB 3.1.
• 📱 SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe – no need to buy an adapter.
• 🛡️ Reliability: Transcend JetFlash 920 – if you often take a flash drive with you.

Avoid nouneim flash drives, which often have understated real capacity and low speed. H2testw (Windows or F3 (Linux/macOS).

FAQ: Frequent questions about flash drives on Xiaomi