How to connect Xiaomi Mi 9T to your computer: all ways + error solving

Why to connect Mi 9T to PC and what problems can arise

The Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in some regions) remains a popular device due to its balance of performance and price, and it may be necessary to connect it to a computer for file transfer, backup, firmware or debugging applications, but many users face typical problems: the PC does not see the phone, drivers are not installed, or the device is defined as “unidentified”.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting - from the standard USB-We'll also provide solutions for common errors, and we'll focus on settings. MTP, regime ADB And working with Mi. PC If you've tried to connect Mi before 9T Without success, here you will find a system manual taking into account the specifics of this model.

Important: instructions are relevant for Windows 10/11 and macOS, as well as for original and custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

Method 1: Standard USB connection (MTP mode)

The most common method is to use a USB Type-C cable that comes with the Mi 9T. By default, the smartphone should be defined as a media device (MTP), but often this does not happen. Here is a step-by-step instruction:

1. Connect the cable to your phone and your PC. Use the original cable or certified cable, because cheap cables may not support data transmission.
2. Unlock the smartphone screen. Xiaomi Mi 9T will not show up on your PC if the screen is locked.
3. Select Connection Mode. When you first connect, the USB Charge option will appear in the notification curtain, tap it and select File Transfer (MTP).

If the device is not determined:

• 🔌 Check the port. USB On PC, try another connector (preferably) USB 3.0, marked in blue).
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and PC – this resets temporary driver errors.
• 🔄 In the phone settings go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the line to activate the developer mode. → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.

The original Type-C cable is used.

Phone screen unlocked

Selected MTP mode in the notification curtain

USB 3.0 port on PC is free

USB debugging enabled (if needed)

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A critical feature of the Mi 9T: when connected to some motherboards with Intel 400-series chipset (for example, B460, H470), there may be a driver conflict: the solution is to install drivers manually through Device Manager, selecting the version for Qualcomm Snapdragon 730.

Method 2: Connect in PTP mode (for photos)

If you only need to transfer photos, you can use PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) mode, which often works more stable than MTP on Windows, especially if driver errors occur.

Instructions:

1. Connect the Mi 9T to your PC via USB.
2. In the notification curtain of the phone tap on the notification Charge via USB.
3. Select Photo Transfer (PTP).

After that, the device will appear in Windows Explorer as a camera, you can copy photos and videos from the DCIM and Pictures folders, but access to other files will be limited.

⚠️ Attention: In mode PTP You can't edit or delete files directly from your PC -- just copy. MTP.

MTP (file transfer)

PTP (Photo only)

ADB (debugging)

Wi-Fi (wireless)

Another option

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Method 3: Connect via Wi-Fi (without cable)

If USB-The port on your phone or PC is faulty, or you just want to avoid wires, you can connect over Wi-Fi. There are two options for this: through standard functions. MIUI or through third-party applications.

Option 1: Built-in "File Transfer over Wi-Fi"

Instructions:

1. On the phone, open the Files app (folder icon).
2. Go to the Transfer tab (or Mi Drop in older versions of MIUI).
3. Select Send and tag files for transfer.
4. Slip the Wi-Fi Direct button and select your computer from the list of devices.

Option 2: AirDroid or Portal App

For more stable transmission, we recommend using AirDroid:

• 📱 Install AirDroid on Mi 9T.
• 💻 Install the desktop version on your PC or open the web version.
• 🔗 Connect to the same Wi-Fi network on both devices.
• 📎 In the app on the phone, click Connect and scan. QR-PC-screen.

Advantages of wireless connection:

• ✅ No dependency. USB-cable.
• ✅ You can transfer files up to 10 meters away.
• ✅ Large files are supported (up to 1 GB in AirDroid).

⚠️ Attention: When you're on Wi-Fi, the speed depends on the router standard. 802.11n (2.4 GHz average speed — 5-10 MB/s, on 802.11ac (5 - Up to GHz 30 MB/s.

Method 4: Connecting through ADB (for developers)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is used to debug applications, install custom firmware or execute commands via a computer. To connect Xiaomi Mi 9T in this mode:

Step 1. Enable debugging over USB:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times to activate the developer mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Turn on USB debugging and confirm the permission.

Step 2. Set it up. ADB-PC drivers:

• 🖥️ For Windows: Download Android SDK Platform-Tools and unpack into any folder.
• 🐧 For Linux/macOS: Install adb via terminal: sudo apt install adb fastboot # For Debian/Ubuntu brew install android-platform-tools # For macOS

Step 3: Connect the phone and check the connection:

1. Connect the Mi 9T to your PC via USB and select File Transfer mode (yes, even for ADB!).
2. Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and type: adb devices
3. If the device appears in the list, the connection is successful. If not, reinstall the drivers manually through Device Manager.

Example of useful examples ADB-team 9T:

Method 5: Using Mi PC Suite (Official Software from Xiaomi)

Mi PC Suite is Xiaomi's official utility that makes it easy to manage your phone from your computer, and it supports backup, firmware updates, and file transfers, and can be downloaded from the official website.

How to connect:

1. Install Mi PC Suite on your PC and start the program.
2. Connect Mi 9T via USB and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. The phone will be asked for permission to access – confirm it.
4. In the Mi PC Suite interface, select the desired function: Files, Backup or Update.

Advantages of Mi PC Suite:

• 📁 Automatic backup of contacts, messages and applications.
• 🔄 Update MIUI data-free.
• 📱 Convenient interface for file management (alternative to Explorer).

⚠️ Attention: Mi PC Suite does not support devices with unlocked bootloader or custom firmware. ADB or Fastboot.

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If the Mi PC Suite doesn’t see the phone, try temporarily disabling the antivirus (like Avast or Kaspersky) – they can block Xiaomi drivers.

Solving common connection problems

Even with the right connection, there can be errors. Consider typical scenarios and their solutions for the Xiaomi Mi 9T:

Problem 1: Computer cannot see phone (unidentified device)

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Damaged cable: try another cable (preferably the original one) and cheap cables often don't support data transmission.
• 🖥️ No drivers: download drivers for Mi 9T from the official website and install manually through Device Manager.
• 📱 Failure in MIUI: Reboot your phone and reset your settings. USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Reset configuration USB.

Problem 2: Phone is connected, but files are not copied

Possible causes:

• 📂 Access rights: Check that you have read/write rights to the folder (e.g., in the DCIM download).
• 🛡️ Antivirus Blocks: Temporarily Disable Protection or Add a Phone Folder to Exceptions.
• 🔄 Conflict with other software: Close programs like iTunes or Samsung Smart Switch that may be USB-port.

Problem 3: Mi 9T is not detected in fastboot mode

If you’re trying to flash your phone through fastboot, but your PC can’t see the device:

1. Make sure the phone is really in fastboot mode (screen with the Mi Bunny logo and FASTBOOT label).
2. In the command line, type: fastboot devices If the list is empty, install drivers for Android Bootloader Interface manually.
3. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 – It works more consistently with fastboot).

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If none of these methods worked, check if the BIOS has disabled USB Legacy Support or XHCI Hand-off, which can block Android devices from being recognized on older PCs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi Mi 9T