How to pour music on Xiaomi: all ways with photo and video instructions

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 β€œmedia device” 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:

  • βœ… Supported without additional codecs:.mp3,.aac,.m4a,.wav (up to 16 bits),.ogg,.flac (starting with the MIUI 12).
  • ⚠️ Limited support:.wma (requires conversion),.ape (played with lags on budget models),.dsd (only on flagships such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra).
  • ❌ 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.

⚠️ 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!

FormatSupport for Mi MusicRecommended playerNotes
.mp3βœ… Yes.Anybody.Optimal balance of quality and size
.flacβœ… Yes. MIUI 12)Mi Music, PowerampRedmi 9A can brake
.aacβœ… Yes.Anybody.Standard for streaming (Spotify, Apple Music)
.wma❌ No.VLC, Foobar2000Requires conversion

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

The classic method that works on all Xiaomi models – 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:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC. On the Xiaomi screen, select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
  2. Open the conductor (Win + E) on your computer. Your smartphone will appear as a removable disk.
  3. Go to Internal Storage β†’ Music, and if you don't have one, create it manually.
  4. Copy music files into this folder, and for convenience, you can create subfolders by album or artist.
  5. After copying, safely remove the device (USB Sign β†’ Extract).

If the Music folder isn’t 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

⚠️ 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 don’t 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:

  1. Download music to i.mi.com via your browser.
  2. On your smartphone, open the Mi Cloud app and log in.
  3. Go to the Files section. β†’ Music.
  4. Select the tracks and click Download. Files will be saved to Internal storage β†’ MiCloud β†’ Music.

The advantages of the cloud method:

  • πŸ”„ Sync between devices (e.g., with Xiaomi Pad 6 on Redmi Note 12).
  • πŸ“± No need for cable.
  • πŸ”’ Backup of the collection.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Volume limit: Free available only 5GB in Mi Cloud.
  • ⏳ 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:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. On the sender smartphone, select a file and click Send β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. 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:

  1. Install the app on both devices.
  2. On the sender, select the files and generate QR-code.
  3. On Xiaomi, scan the code or enter the key.
  4. Confirm the transfer. The files will be saved to the download folder.

⚠️ 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.

πŸ’‘

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:

  • 🎡 Local files.
  • 🌍 Online radio (by genre).
  • πŸ“± Synchronization with Mi Account.

How to set up streaming:

  1. Open Mi Music and go to the Cloud section.
  2. Sign in through Mi Account.
  3. Turn on the option to Show online music in the settings.
  4. 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?
Install. APK-Spotify file from the official website (spoti.fi) β†’ Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Special access β†’ Open and log in. Please note that on some firmware (e.g, MIUI China) may not be able to pay subscriptions.

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:

  1. Insert the memory card into your smartphone or connect it to your PC through a card reader.
  2. Create a Music folder on the map (or use an existing one).
  3. Copy the tracks into this folder.
  4. In the Mi Music settings, select Folder to scan β†’ Memory Map.

Important:

  • πŸ“Œ ExFAT microSD cards are supported by all Xiaomi smartphones with Android 10+.
  • ⚠️ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T) The card is formatted as internal memory, which can result in data loss when retrieved.
Xiaomi modelSupport for microSD supportMax. Volume.Notes
Redmi Note 12 Pro+βœ… Yes.1 TBHybrid slot (2 SIM or 1 SIM + microSD)
POCO X5 Proβœ… Yes.1 TBSeparate slot
Xiaomi 13 Lite❌ 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:

  • πŸ” File format: Make sure the extension is supported (see Section 1).
  • πŸ“ 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.
  • πŸ”„ Media Library Update: In Mi Music, click Update (circle arrow icon).
  • πŸ› οΈ Access Rights: C Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Music β†’ Permits enable access to storage.

If the music is not copied via USB:

  • πŸ”Œ Try another cable or port. USB PC-only.
  • πŸ–₯️ Update the drivers MTP via Device Manager (Portable Devices section).
  • πŸ“± On your smartphone, reboot to Safe Mode (hold the power button). β†’ Restart in Safe Mode and reconnect.

πŸ’‘

If the player doesn’t 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:

  • πŸ“‚ Folder structure: Create subfolders in Music by artist or album. Example: Music β†’ Queen β†’ A Night at the Opera.
  • 🏷️ Tags: Use programs like this Mp3tag for editing metadata (track title, album, cover).
  • 🎨 Album Covers: In Mi Music, covers are automatically downloaded, but for local files you can add them manually via Edit information.
  • ☁️ Backup: Save music regularly to Mi Cloud or PC.

Xiaomi’s 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 – it supports multi-level playlists and even volume (ReplayGain).

By folder (performer/album)|Playlists.|Chaotic, all in one folder.|Using tags (genre, year)|Other-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about music on Xiaomi

Can I stream music to Xiaomi via iTunes?
No, iTunes doesn’t support Android devices, including Xiaomi. Instead, use Mi PC Suite (the official utility from Xiaomi) or any USB file manager.
Why does Xiaomi not see music on its memory card?
The reasons may be: The card is formatted in NTFS (needs FAT32 or exFAT); the music folder is labeled hidden (check on PC); Mi Music does not select a memory card to scan. Solution: Reformat the card to exFAT via PC, then repeat the copy.
How to download music from VK to Xiaomi?
Download tracks via your browser: Open the audio recording on VKontakte. Click More β†’ Save audio (if available). Or use sites like vkmusicsave.com (insert a link to the track). Files will be saved to Download. To show up in the player, move them to Music.
Can I listen to music with Xiaomi on a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, for this: Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and speaker. Conjugate devices (select your column from the list of available ones). Run playback in any player - the sound will be transmitted to the speaker. For better quality, use the aptX codec (available on flagships like Xiaomi 13 Pro).
How to remove duplicate music on Xiaomi?
Use Files by Google: Install it from Play Market. Open Cleanup β†’ Duplicates β†’ Audio. Select unnecessary copies and click Delete. Or use specialized utilities like Duplicate Files Fixer.