Installation of Xiaomi drivers on your computer: full instructions with error solutions

Connecting a Xiaomi smartphone to a computer often becomes a real puzzle: the device is not detected, the ADB does not work, and the Mi Flash Tool refuses to see the phone. 90% of the time lies in the absence or incorrect installation of drivers. This article will help you understand what drivers are needed for various tasks, from simple file transfer to firmware via Fastboot, and also teach you how to install them without errors.

We will look at official and alternative installation methods, deal with common problems (for example, when Windows stubbornly ignores the connected Redmi Note). 12 or POCO X5), And we'll also give you some guidance on how to set up your system for stable operation. 7/10/11 Most of the Xiaomi models, including the new series 13/14 and budget Redmi A2.

Why do you need Xiaomi drivers on PC?

Drivers are software that allows Windows to communicate correctly with Xiaomi devices, without which the computer will see the phone as an "unidentified device" or ignore the connection altogether.

• 📱 Transfer of files through MTP (Media Transfer Protocol – when you need to copy photos, music or documents.
• 🔧 Fastboot firmware – for installing custom or official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🐞 Debugging by USB (ADB) — to work with Android Debug Bridge, unlock the bootloader or install modifications.
• 🔄 Data recovery – if the phone does not turn on, but the computer sees it in mode EDL.

Without the right drivers, even basic features can crash. For example, Xiaomi 12T can connect to a PC but not display internal memory, or POCO F5 will permanently shut down during file transfer. Especially critical when you are firmware: an inappropriate driver can lead to a device breeze (completely inoperable).

What drivers do you need for Xiaomi?

Depending on the task, different types of drivers are required, and they can be divided into three categories:

For most users, the first two types are enough, but if you plan to stitch your phone or restore it after a crash, you will need a Qualcomm driver (aka EDL). Importantly, these drivers are not recognized by Windows as “signed”, so installing them requires disabling digital signature verification.

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If you frequently use ADB, add the path to platform-tools to Windows environment variables, allowing you to use adb and fastboot commands from any folder in the terminal.

Preparation of the computer before installation

Before installing drivers, you need to configure Windows to avoid conflicts and errors.

Disable antivirus (it can block driver installation)|Update Windows to the latest version |Enable developer mode on your phone |Connect phone with original cable |Check USB ports (better use USB 2.0)

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Pay special attention to the developer mode on your smartphone, so you can activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You became a developer").
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock (if you plan to run firmware).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) unlock OEM It can reset all the data on the phone!

Check the cable, too. USB. Cheap, unoriginal cables often don't support data transfer, only charging. If the phone isn't identified, try another cable or port (preferably one that is not used). USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).

Method 1: Automatic installation via Windows Update

The easiest method is to let Windows find and install drivers on its own, and it is suitable for basic file transfer (MTP) and works on most modern Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. On PC, open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
4. Find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually under "Portable Devices" or "Other Devices").
5. Right-click → Update the driver → Automatic search.

If Windows does not find a driver, try manually pointing the path to the standard one. MTP-driver:

1. In Device Manager, select Search for drivers on that computer.
2. Click Select the driver from the list of already installed.
3. Find the MTP USB Device or Portable Devices.

⚠️ Warning: On Windows 7, the automatic installation may not work due to lack of support for new protocols.

Method 2: Manual installation of official Xiaomi drivers

If the automatic method didn’t work, download the official drivers from Xiaomi’s website. These include support for ADB, Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool. Suitable for all models, including Xiaomi 14, Redmi K60 and POCO F5.

Steps:

1. Download the archive with drivers at the official link (Mi Unlock Tool section includes drivers).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder (for example, C:\Xiaomi_Drivers).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the phone is off).
4. Open Device Manager, find a device with an exclamation point (usually Android or Other devices).
5. Right-click → Update the driver → Search on this computer.
6. Specify the path to the unpacked folder and confirm the installation.

After installation, check the ADB:

adb devices

If you see the serial number of the device in response, the drivers are installed correctly.

Method 3: Installation with Mi Flash Tool

Mi Flash Tool is the official firmware utility for Xiaomi devices via Fastboot.It automatically installs the necessary drivers when you first start, which is suitable for firmware or phone recovery (for example, after a failed update).

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
2. Install the program (administrator rights are required).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (see above).
4. Run the Mi Flash Tool – the program must automatically identify the device and install drivers.

If Mi Flash can't see the phone:

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Try the port USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall the driver manually (see Method 2).
• 🛠️ Disable the antivirus (it can block the installation of Qualcomm drivers).

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Mi Flash Tool works only with official firmware in.tgz or.zip format. For custom firmware (such as LineageOS), use fastboot manually.

Solving common problems

Even after installing drivers, errors can occur, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🖥️ Use another computer (possibly a problem with your Windows configuration).
• 📱 Test your phone on another cable/port (sometimes an adapter helps) USB-A → USB-C).
• 🔄 Reset network settings on your phone (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) may require re-unlocking the bootloader after firmware. Do not disconnect the phone from the PC until the process is complete!

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing Xiaomi drivers