Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones offer several ways to download music files, from classic USB connections to cloud sync. But not all methods are equally convenient: some require additional software and some file format restrictions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer music to Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi devices (including models from 2023 to 2026), and also explain how to avoid typical mistakes when copying tracks.
The MIUI feature is that the system by default hides some folders and can block access to files due to security settings. For example, when connecting over USB, a smartphone can appear as a βmedia deviceβ without access to internal memory. We will show you how to fix this. You will also learn which music formats are supported out of the box (.mp3,.flac,.aac), and which you will need to install a third-party player.
1.Preparation: What music formats Xiaomi supports
Before you pour in music, check if your smartphone can play it. The standard Mi Music player (or Music in newer versions of MIUI) works with most popular formats, but there are nuances:
- β Supported without additional codecs:.mp3,.aac,.m4a,.wav (up to 16 bits),.ogg,.flac (starting with the MIUI 12).
- β οΈ Limited support:.wma (requires conversion),.ape (played with lags on budget models),.dsd (only on flagships such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra).
- β Not supported:.mka,.opus (without third-party players),.ac3.
If your tracks are in a non-standard format, use converters like Freemake Audio Converter or Audacity. To play.flac on older models (for example, Redmi Note 8) you may need a Poweramp player or VLC player.
β οΈ Note: On smartphones with MIUI Android 13/14 at the first connection USB You get a request for permission to access files, and if you ignore it, the Music folder will be inaccessible to record!
| Format | Support for Mi Music | Recommended player | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| .mp3 | β Yes. | Anybody. | Optimal balance of quality and size |
| .flac | β Yes. MIUI 12) | Mi Music, Poweramp | Redmi 9A can brake |
| .aac | β Yes. | Anybody. | Standard for streaming (Spotify, Apple Music) |
| .wma | β No. | VLC, Foobar2000 | Requires conversion |
2. Method 1: Transfer of music through USB-cable (most reliable)
The classic method that works on all Xiaomi models β from Redmi 4X to Xiaomi 14 Pro. You will need a USB Type-C cable (or Micro-USB for older devices) and a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC. On the Xiaomi screen, select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
- Open the conductor (Win + E) on your computer. Your smartphone will appear as a removable disk.
- Go to Internal Storage β Music, and if you don't have one, create it manually.
- Copy music files into this folder, and for convenience, you can create subfolders by album or artist.
- After copying, safely remove the device (USB Sign β Extract).
If the Music folder isnβt displayed, check your hidden file settings on your PC or update your MTP drivers through Device Manager.
Disable "Debugging by USB" in the developer settings |Check the connection mode (must be MTP) |Create a Music folder if it is not |Use the original Xiaomi--> cable
β οΈ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5) When you first connect to Windows 11, you may need to install a Xiaomi driver ADB Download it from the official Xiaomi website or via Mi PC Suite.
Method 2: Download music through cloud services
If you donβt have a cable or want to sync music between multiple devices, use cloud storage. Xiaomi is tightly integrated with Mi Cloud, but there are alternatives as well: Google Drive, Yandex Disk or Dropbox.
Instructions for Mi Cloud:
- Download music to i.mi.com via your browser.
- On your smartphone, open the Mi Cloud app and log in.
- Go to the Files section. β Music.
- Select the tracks and click Download. Files will be saved to Internal storage β MiCloud β Music.
The advantages of the cloud method:
- π Sync between devices (e.g., with Xiaomi Pad 6 on Redmi Note 12).
- π± No need for cable.
- π Backup of the collection.
Disadvantages:
- β οΈ Volume limit: Free available only 5GB in Mi Cloud.
- β³ Download speed depends on the Internet connection.
Mi Cloud|Google Drive|Yandex Disk|Dropbox|Other|Not using.-->
4. Method 3: Music transmission over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
Wireless methods are convenient for transferring individual tracks, but not suitable for large collections (due to low speed).
Bluetooth:
- Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
- On the sender smartphone, select a file and click Send β Bluetooth.
- Take the file to Xiaomi. Music will be saved to Bluetooth β Received.
By Wi-Fi (via applications):
Use a tool like Send Anywhere or Xender:
- Install the app on both devices.
- On the sender, select the files and generate QR-code.
- On Xiaomi, scan the code or enter the key.
- Confirm the transfer. The files will be saved to the download folder.
β οΈ Note: When transferring over Wi-Fi, turn off mobile internet on both devices to avoid wasting traffic. Send Anywhere has Wi-Fi Direct Only option for this.
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If Wi-Fi transmission is interrupted, try reducing the file packet size (e.g. sending 10 tracks at a time) or switching to a smartphone access point.
5. Method 4: Streaming music (without downloading files)
If you don't need to store music in your smartphone, use streaming services. Xiaomi has a Mi Music app that supports:
- π΅ Local files.
- π Online radio (by genre).
- π± Synchronization with Mi Account.
How to set up streaming:
- Open Mi Music and go to the Cloud section.
- Sign in through Mi Account.
- Turn on the option to Show online music in the settings.
- Add your favorite tracks to your favorites for offline listening (available only for tracks from the Xiaomi catalog).
To access Spotify, Apple Music or Yandex Music, install the appropriate apps from Google Play. On models without Google services (such as Xiaomi for the Chinese market), pre-unblock Play Market through Settings β Additional β Region.
How to listen to Spotify on Xiaomi without Google Play?
Method 5: Use of a memory card (for models with a microSD slot)
If your Xiaomi supports memory cards (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO M5), you can upload music directly to the microSD, which will free up internal memory and speed up access to files.
Instructions:
- Insert the memory card into your smartphone or connect it to your PC through a card reader.
- Create a Music folder on the map (or use an existing one).
- Copy the tracks into this folder.
- In the Mi Music settings, select Folder to scan β Memory Map.
Important:
- π ExFAT microSD cards are supported by all Xiaomi smartphones with Android 10+.
- β οΈ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T) The card is formatted as internal memory, which can result in data loss when retrieved.
| Xiaomi model | Support for microSD support | Max. Volume. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | β Yes. | 1 TB | Hybrid slot (2 SIM or 1 SIM + microSD) |
| POCO X5 Pro | β Yes. | 1 TB | Separate slot |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | β No. | β | Only internal memory. |
7. Problem Solving: The music is not played or copied
If the tracks are not played or displayed in the player after downloading, check the following points:
- π File format: Make sure the extension is supported (see Section 1).
- π Location of files: Music must be in the Music folder or its subfolders. If the files are in Download, the player may not see them.
- π Media Library Update: In Mi Music, click Update (circle arrow icon).
- π οΈ Access Rights: C Settings β Annexes β Mi Music β Permits enable access to storage.
If the music is not copied via USB:
- π Try another cable or port. USB PC-only.
- π₯οΈ Update the drivers MTP via Device Manager (Portable Devices section).
- π± On your smartphone, reboot to Safe Mode (hold the power button). β Restart in Safe Mode and reconnect.
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If the player doesnβt see the music after copying, check the hidden files: in Windows Explorer, turn on the hidden elements display (the View tab β Hidden elements tab).
8.Optimization: How to Organize a Music Library on Xiaomi
To manage a large collection conveniently, use these tips:
- π Folder structure: Create subfolders in Music by artist or album. Example: Music β Queen β A Night at the Opera.
- π·οΈ Tags: Use programs like this Mp3tag for editing metadata (track title, album, cover).
- π¨ Album Covers: In Mi Music, covers are automatically downloaded, but for local files you can add them manually via Edit information.
- βοΈ Backup: Save music regularly to Mi Cloud or PC.
Xiaomiβs MIUI 14+ smartphones have a Smart Playlist feature that automatically groups tracks by mood, pace, or genre. To activate it, go to Mi Music β Settings β Smart Recommendations.
For advanced sorting, install the Poweramp player β it supports multi-level playlists and even volume (ReplayGain).
By folder (performer/album)|Playlists.|Chaotic, all in one folder.|Using tags (genre, year)|Other-->