How to Connect Xiaomi to a Computer if the Screen is Not Working: The Complete Guide

Why Xiaomi’s screen might not work and what to do about it

A broken screen on a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the most frustrating breakdowns, especially if the device stores important data. Without a working display, you can’t unlock the phone, confirm your connection to the PC, or even see if it’s turned on at all. However, even in this situation, there are several ways to connect Xiaomi to a computer and access files, contacts, or even reflash the device.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of connection - from simple (through the Internet). USB-Debugging, if it was enabled in advance) to complex (use of the Fastboot mode or specialized utilities like Mi Assistant).We will pay special attention to the nuances for different models - from the Redmi Note 10 Pro to the flagships of Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and also understand how to bypass the lock Mi Account without a screen.

If you have never encountered ADB, Fastboot or EDL-We'll explain each step in detail, provide screenshots and commands for the terminal, and point out the typical errors that may occur.

Method 1: Connecting through USB-Debugging (if previously included)

The easiest way to access files on Xiaomi with a broken screen is to use USB-It's a debugging tool, if it's activated before it breaks, and it works even on a locked phone, but it requires some pre-setting.

To check if debugging is enabled, try connecting your phone to a PC. If a new device appears in the Device Manager (e.g. Android) ADB Interface, so the debugging is active. You can use it. ADB-telephone-control.

• 🔌 Connect Xiaomi to your PC through the original USB-cable (preferably the one that came with the set).
• 🖥️ Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) file ADB.
• 📱 Enter the adb device command – if the device is displayed, the debugging works.
• 📁 Use Adb pull to copy files /sdcard/ path

⚠️ Note: If the phone vibrates when connected, but is not defined as ADB-device, try restarting it to Fastboot (clip the power supply) + Down Volume for 10 seconds. In this mode, some models allow debugging via MiFlash to be enabled.

Try connecting in Fastboot |Use Mi Assistant to unlock |Try to connect the keyboard via OTG |Try to the service center-->

Method 2: Using Fastboot Mode to Firmware or Unlock

Fastboot is a low-level boot mode that allows you to flash through the device, unlock the bootloader, or even restore the system to work, even when the screen is completely broken, since it is controlled from a PC.

To log in to Fastboot on Xiaomi:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 15 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume down and hold for 10-15 seconds until you feel vibration.
3. Connect your phone to your PC – Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.

You can then use the MiFlash utility for firmware or the Fastboot command to unlock the bootloader. For example, to unlock the bootloader (if the Mi Account was previously tied), type:

fastboot oem unlock


fastboot flashing unlock

Method 3: Connect via Mi Assistant (official Xiaomi utility)

Mi Assistant (formerly Mi PC Suite) is Xiaomi’s official software that allows you to control your phone from a computer even if the screen is not working.

Download Mi Assistant from the official website and follow the instructions:

• 📥 Install the program and connect the phone to the PC.
• 🔑 If the screen is not responsive, try logging into Fastboot (as in Method 2) and connecting through it.
• 📂 In the Device section, select System Restore or Backup.
• 🔄 If the phone is blocked Mi Account, you may need to enter a login / password through the PC.

⚠️ Mi Assistant does not work with some Android 12 models+, If you don't have debugging enabled, then use it. ADB or Fastboot.

USB-debugging|Fastboot|Mi Assistant|Never plugged in.|Another way.-->

Method 4: Use OTG-keyboard or mouse to unlock

If the Xiaomi screen reacts to touch (for example, the backlight works, but the image is missing), you can try connecting it. USB-keyboard or mouse through OTG-It'll help unlock the phone, turn it on. USB-Debugging or confirming PC connection.

How it works:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to the phone and to it – keyboard.
2. Press Menu (or Win on the PC keyboard), then move the arrows around the menu.
3. Find the Settings section → System system → For developers and include USB-debugging.
4. Connect your phone to your PC – now you have to decide how to connect it. ADB-device.

This method does not work on all models, but it is successfully used for Redmi 4X, Redmi 5, Mi A1/A2 and other devices with USB OTG support.

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If the keyboard is not recognized, try using a wireless mouse with USB-Some Xiaomi models work better with a mouse than with a keyboard.

Method 5: Emergency EDL (for power users)

EDL-The Emergency Download Mode is the deepest level of phone access used to recover bricks (devices that do not respond to buttons) and operates through a special Qualcomm 9008 port and requires knowledge of authorized accounts to unlock.

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Close the contacts Test Point (location depends on the model, look for diagrams for your device).
3. Connect your phone to your PC – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Use MiFlash or QFil for firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right EDL It can be permanently blocked IMEI This method is recommended only for advanced users or in service centers.

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EDL-The mode is the last chance to restore the phone if other methods do not help, but it requires authorization through an official Xiaomi account and can lead to loss of warranty.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When connecting Xiaomi with a broken screen to a PC, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔌 The phone is not determined in Fastboot/ADB → Check the drivers (install Xiaomi) USB Drivers, try another cable or port USB 2.0.
• 🔒 Screen confirmation required → If the screen is not working, use it. OTG-keyboard or refashion through EDL.
• 📱 Mi Account blocks unlocking → You need to enter a username / password through Mi Assistant or contact Xiaomi in support.
• 🔄 Firmware interrupted at 99% → Check firmware file integrity and repeat the process in MiFlash with the clean all option.

Another common mistake is trying to flash your phone with the wrong version of software. Always download the firmware for your model (check the sticker under the battery or box). For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) will not work for the Redmi Note 10 (mojito).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions