Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A: how to connect to a computer - all ways and solutions to errors

Xiaomi Redmi Note Connection 5A It seems to be a simple task to the computer, but in practice users are faced with a lot of nuances: from the lack of response to the computer. USB-This is a device-based cable that's predetermined for device recognition errors. MIUI (Android 7.1 Nougat, which imposes specific restrictions on interaction with the PC. Unlike modern smartphones, there is no support for the device. USB 3.1 or wireless data transmission over Wi-Fi Direct protocol as standard.

The main problems arise from outdated drivers, incorrectly selected connection mode or locking on the part of the operating system. 10/11 Often "does not see" the device due to conflict with the drivers MediaTek (Chipset Redmi Note) 5A — MT6737 or MT6738). In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting - from the classical to the most popular. USB before alternative methods FTP-server PC Suite, and solve common errors such as “Device not recognized” or lack of memory access.

1. Preparation of the smartphone before connection

Before you connect the Redmi Note 5A to your computer, make the basic settings on the device itself, which will save you 80% of the recognition problems.

First thing you do is check the regimen. USB-By default, the smartphone can be configured to Charge Only, which blocks data transmission. To change that:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
2. Swipe down the notification bar on the Redmi Note 5A.
3. Tap on the notification “Charging via USB”.
4. Select the file transfer (MTP) or photo transfer (PTP) mode.

If the file transfer item is not on the list, the USB debugger is disabled on the smartphone.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. 7 times tap on the item "Version" MIUI», to unlock the developer menu.
3. Go back to the basic settings, open “More → For developers.”
4. Turn on "Debugging by" USB» and confirm the action.

Use the original. USB-cable (undamaged)

Check the USB port on your computer (try another connector)

Update MIUI to the latest version

Disable the antivirus (it can block the connection)-->

Also make sure that your computer has up-to-date MediaTek drivers installed, which can be downloaded from Xiaomi’s official website or through the Mi Flash Tool (more on this in the error solving section).

2. Connection via USB: step-by-step instructions

The classic way to connect is via a USB Type-C cable (or Micro-USB, depending on the Redmi Note 5A modification).

Step 1: Selection of cable and port

• 🔌 Use the original cable from the kit – cheap analogues often do not support data transfer.
• 🖥️ Connect to the back ports. USB on PC (they are more powerful than the front and less likely to fail).
• 🔄 If your computer is not responding, try another port or cable.

Step 2: Setup the connection mode

When you connect the cable, the Redmi Note 5A will display a notification, tap it and select:

• 📁 «File transfer (MTP)» — Access to Smartphone Memory (recommended).
• 📷 «Transmission of photographs (PTP)» — if MTP Not working (limited access).
• 🔋 «Charging only – blocks data exchange.

Step 3: Access to files on PC

On a Windows computer:

1. Open the "This Computer" (Win + E)
2. In the Devices and Disks section, a new device will appear - Redmi Note 5A.
3. Twice click on it to open your internal memory and SD-map (if installed).

MacOS will require additional software, such as Android File Transfer (you can download from the official Google website).

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If your computer can't see your phone, try restarting both devices, sometimes turning off the "Fast Charge" feature in the Redmi Note 5A battery settings helps.

3. Alternative ways of connecting

If USB-The connection is not working or you need wireless data transfer, use one of these methods.

3.1. via Wi-Fi (FTP-server)

For this method, you will need an application FTP-server, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Launch it. FTP-server in application settings.
3. Connect your computer and phone to a single Wi-Fi network.
4. Enter the server address (e.g., ftp://192.168.1.100:2221) in Windows Explorer or MacOS file manager.

3.2. with the Mi PC Suite

Xiaomi’s official utility, Mi PC Suite, allows you to manage files, backups and updates, download it from pcsuite.mi.com and follow the instructions:

• 📥 Install the program on a PC.
• 🔗 Connect the Redmi Note 5A through USB (regime MTP).
• 🔍 Wait for automatic device recognition.
• 📂 Use the Files tab to manage memory.

3.3. Cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive)

If you need to transfer multiple files, it is easier to upload them to the cloud:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: syncs photos, contacts and notes (available in Settings) → Mi Account).
• 📁 Google Drive: Upload files through the app, then download them to your PC.

USB-cable

Wi-Fi (FTP)

Mi PC Suite

Cloud services

Another option-->

4. Solving common mistakes

If your computer does not recognize the Redmi Note 5A, use this table to diagnose the problem:

A critical feature of the Redmi Note 5A: this model does not support the USB OTG protocol in host mode, so you will not be able to connect a flash drive or keyboard directly to the phone.

Installation of drivers manually

If Windows cannot find drivers automatically:

1. Download the archive with drivers for MT6737/MT6738 (for example, from the XDA Developers website).
2. Open the Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
3. Find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually under the "Other Devices" section).
4. Right-click → “Update driver” → “Play search on this computer”.
5. Show the way to the downloaded archive.

4.2 Resetting USB settings

If you previously connected your phone to other devices and now have errors, reset your USB settings:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
2. Find the item “Reset USB configuration” and tap it.
3. Confirm the action and reconnect the cable.

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If neither method worked, try connecting your phone to another computer to help you determine if the problem is in your smartphone or PC.

5. File transfer without connection to PC

If the physical connection is not possible (for example, broken) USB-Port, use these methods:

5.1. via Bluetooth

A slow but reliable way to do small files:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and computer.
2. Connect devices (enter the same confirmation code).
3. Select a file on Redmi Note 5A and tap “Send” → “Bluetooth”.

5.2. By email or messengers

For the transfer of documents or photographs:

• 📧 Send the file to your mail (Gmail, Mail.ru) from your phone, then download it to your PC.
• 💬 Use messengers (Telegram, Viber) - send the file to yourself in "Saved messages».

5.3. Through the memory card

If it's Redmi Note. 5A fixed SD-map:

1. Remove the card from the phone.
2. Put it in the card reader and connect it to the computer.
3. Copy the files you want.

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For frequent file transfers, we recommend using the Mi Cloud (15 GB free of charge when registering a Mi Account).

6. Connection security

Connecting your smartphone to your computer is a potential privacy risk.

• 🔒 Use only trusted computers when you first connect Redmi Note 5A Request permission to access data.
• 🛡️ Turn off the debugging. USB» after completion of work to prevent unauthorized access.
• 📵 Don’t connect your phone to public USB-Ports (airports, cafes) – they may contain malware.

Also check the synchronization settings:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Cloud.
2. Turn off automatic contact and photo sync if you are not using it.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi Note 5A to other computers, always choose the "Only Charge" mode and refuse requests for access to data.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)