Connecting a Xiaomi smartphone to a computer offers a wide range of possibilities, from simple file transfer to full remote control of the device. However, many users face problems when trying to access the phone through a PC – the system does not recognize the device, drivers are not installed, or you need to unlock the bootloader. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, including official tools from Xiaomi and universal solutions for power users.
Xiaomi phones are a closed MIUI ecosystem that often blocks unauthorized access. For example, using ADB or Fastboot may require activating developer mode and unlocking OEM Unlock. We will explain in detail how to circumvent these restrictions without risking data damage or breaching warranty. You will also learn which methods are suitable for locked phones and which are for devices with a broken screen.
1.Official method: Mi PC Suite for basic access
Mi PC Suite is Xiaomi’s proprietary software that allows you to synchronize data, install updates and manage multimedia files. The program supports all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but has limited functionality compared to alternative solutions.
To connect via Mi PC Suite:
- 📥 Download the latest version from the official website (avoid third-party sources - they may contain viruses).
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 On the phone, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) plug-in.
- 🖥️ Launch Mi. PC Suite and wait for automatic synchronization.
The program will display basic information about the device: model, MIUI version, battery level and available memory. Through the Files tab, you can view and copy photos, videos and documents. However, for full screen control or custom firmware installation, the Mi PC Suite is not suitable - you will need other tools here.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is not detected, check if Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers are installed (depending on your model's processor.
2. Remote control via Mi Assistant (for new models)
Mi Assistant is an app from Xiaomi that lets you control your phone from your computer via Wi-Fi or USB. Unlike the Mi PC Suite, it offers full screen control, including gestures and text input, and works on devices with MIUI 12 and later.
Instructions for setting:
- Install Mi Assistant on your phone from Google Play (for POCO, it can be called POCO Assistant).
- Download the desktop version from the Xiaomi website (Mi Assistant section).
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB or connect to a single Wi-Fi network.
- In the app on your phone, click Connect to PC and scan QR-computer-screen.
After synchronization, the phone screen mirror will be displayed on the PC with the possibility of:
- 🖱️ Control the mouse cursor as touch input.
- ⌨️ Print text from the PC keyboard.
- 📁 Drag files between devices.
- 🔋 Review notifications and respond to messages.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) require you to disable Optimization to run the Mi Assistant MIUI In the developer settings, otherwise, you may be able to lag when you transmit an image.
Enable USB debugging in developer settings |Install the latest MIUI |Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (5 GHz recommended) |Disable VPN on both devices-->
3. ADB and Fastboot: for power users
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot are deep-access Android tools that allow you to execute commands on your phone directly from your computer, install firmware, unlock the bootloader, and even recover data, but they require:
- 🔓 Unlocked OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings.
- 🔧 Installed Google Drivers USB Driver or Mi Driver.
- 💻 Android availability SDK Platform Tools on PC.
Basic commands to get started:
Adb devices # Checking connected devices
adb shell # Launching the Android shell
fastboot devices # Check in Fastboot mode
Fastboot oem unlock # Unlock the bootloader (HAPPY!)With ADB, you can:
- 📂 Copy files from your phone: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/.
- 🔄 Install APK: adb install app.apk.
- 🔍 View the system logs: adb logcat.
- 🔧 Change system settings (root rights required).
| Team team. | Description | Do you need root rights? |
|---|---|---|
| adb backup -f backup.ab | Creation of a backup of data | No. |
| adb shell pm list packages | List of all installed applications | No. |
| adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png | Screenshot of the phone screen | No. |
| fastboot flash recovery twrp.img | Installation of custom recovery | Yes (unlocked bootloader) |
⚠️ Warning: The fastboot oem unlock and fastboot flash commands can erase all data on your phone and cancel the warranty. Use them only if you understand the consequences!
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
4. Scrcpy: Managing your phone from a PC without root
Scrcpy is an open source software for displaying and managing an Android device through a computer.
- 🖥️ It works on USB Wi-Fi (after initial setup).
- 🎮 Supports game controllers and keyboard.
- 🔒 No need to root.
- 📶 Minimum delays (suitable for streaming games).
Installation and launch:
- Download Scrcpy from GitHub (versions available for Windows, macOS and Linux).
- Unpack the archive and launch scrcpy.exe.
- Connect your phone via USB and allow debugging (if the request does not appear, check the adb devices).
For Wi-Fi connection:
adb tcpip 5555
adb connect IP_TELEphone:5555Where IP_The phone can be found in the settings → The phone. → Status. → IP-address.
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If the image is slowing down, reduce the bitrate by the scrcpy command. --bit-rate 2M or lower the resolution: scrcpy --max-size 1024.
5.Mi Remote: Controlling a locked phone
If the screen of Xiaomi phone crashes or does not respond to touch, but the device is turned on, you can use the Mi Remote feature (remote management via Mi Account).
- 🔑 Find Device was enabled on the phone (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
- 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
- 🔄 Mi Account was not deleted from the device.
Instructions:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select your phone from the list of devices.
- Press Remote Control (Remote Control).
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
Through the web interface you can:
- 📍 Determine the location of the phone.
- 🔊 Activate the beep.
- 🔒 Lock the device or erase data.
- 📁 Download backup of contacts and photos (if synchronization was enabled).
⚠️ Warning: If the phone has enabled two-factor authentication for a Mi Account, unlocking will require access to the linked email or phone number.
6.Alternative methods: Vysor, TeamViewer QuickSupport
If the standard methods are not suitable, you can use third-party programs:
Vysor:
- 🖥️ The paid version allows you to control your phone from a PC (free – only viewing).
- 🔌 Works through USB or wifi.
- 🎮 Supports game controllers.
Download: vysor.io.
TeamViewer QuickSupport:
- 📱 Installs on the phone as a regular application.
- 🔑 Remote access permission (physical access to phone to confirm).
- 🌍 It works over the Internet, without USB.
Download: Google Play.
These programs are convenient for technical support or temporary access, but have limitations:
- ❌ There may be advertising in free versions.
- ❌ Not all phone features are available (for example, you can’t flash the device).
- ❌ Requires the installation of the application on the phone (not suitable for locked devices).
💡
For full control of the Xiaomi phone with PC, it is better to use Scrcpy (free, no root) or Mi Assistant (official gesture-enabled solution).