Owning a modern Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone involves not only calls, but also active exchange of information with the computer. Often users are faced with a situation when after connecting the cable, the device only charges, but does not display files in the Windows system or provide access to the Internet. This is because by default the MIUI security system blocks access to data, leaving only the charging mode active. Understanding how to set up this setting is a basic skill for any gadget owner.
There are several ways to organize communication between a mobile device and a PC: it can be simple transfer of photos, using the phone as a mobile device. USB-A modem for distributing the Internet or debugging applications, each of these scenarios requires the correct activation of the appropriate protocol in the settings menu. In this article, we will take a closer look at all the nuances of connectivity, from basic menu settings to solving complex driver problems that often occur in Windows 10 or 11.
Before you start setting up, make sure you use a quality cable that can transmit data, not just current. Cheap wires often cause the computer to physically not see the connected device, even if all the software settings are done correctly. Next, we will look at an algorithm that will help you establish a stable connection in a few minutes.
Basic setting of file transfer mode
The most common scenario for using a cable is to copy photos, music and documents, so that the computer can see the internal memory of the phone, you need to manually switch the mode of operation. USB-Right after you connect the cable to the smartphone connector and USB-port of the computer, pay attention to the top of the screen of the mobile device.
There should be a system notification with a text like “Charging through” USB» or «USB-If you don't see this message, try pulling the notification curtain down -- sometimes it's hiding there. By clicking on this notification, you'll open a small menu where you'll select "File Transfer" (sometimes it may be called "File Transfer"). MTP).
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Use the original cable from the bundle or a certified analogue with data labeling, as cheap wires often support only charging mode.
Once you select the file transfer mode, the computer will make a distinctive sound of connecting the new hardware, a new disk with the name of your smartphone will appear in My Computer or Explorer, and you can now move files freely between devices, creating backups or freeing up space on your phone.
⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone screen goes out or the connection is permanently interrupted when switching mode, the problem may be physical damage to the charging port or cable itself.
In some versions of MIUI, the mode selection menu may not appear automatically, so you need to go to the developer settings, which will be discussed in detail in the following sections, and it is worth considering that when you lock the screen, some phone models may break the connection in order to save energy.
Using Xiaomi Smartphone as a USB-modem
The function of distributing the Internet from phone to computer via cable, known as USB-The modem is a great solution for laptops without Wi-Fi modules or in conditions of poor wireless signal. Unlike Bluetooth, cable connection provides higher speed and stability, and allows you to simultaneously charge the device. To activate this function, you do not need to install applications.
First, make sure your smartphone has mobile data enabled and a strong network signal. Then connect the device to your computer with a cable. Go to the settings menu, select Connect and Share (or Other Connection Ways in older versions). MIUI). Find the switch «USB-modem and activate it.
The system automatically detects a new network connection, and in the Windows tray (bottom right) a wired connection icon will appear, and the Internet should start working.
If the computer does not see the network, it may not have drivers installed on it. RNDIS-In this case, you may need to manually install drivers through the Device Manager. It is also worth noting that some telecom operators may block the distribution of the Internet or charge an additional fee for it, so the terms of your tariff plan should be clarified in advance.
Activation of the “For Developers” menu and debugging by USB
For more advanced users who need access to system files, device firmware or app debugging, the hidden menu must be activated, and the key setting is USB Debugging. Without this option, many Android tools will not be able to interact correctly with the smartphone.
To get to the menu you want, open Settings and go to About Phone. Find the MIUI Version (or OS Version in the new HyperOS) and quickly click on it 7-10 times in a row. The system will tell you you've become a developer. Then go back to the main settings menu, select "Additional" and find "Developers" option.
Path to the menu: Settings -> About Phone -> (Tapaim according to MIUI) -> Settings -> Additional -> For developersIn the list you have opened, find the item “Debugging by USB» And you turn it on. It alerts you to the potential risks -- confirm the action. Now every time you connect to a new computer, you'll see a confirmation request on the screen. RSA-The key, which is a security measure.
Why do you need USB debugging?
You can also find the default USB configuration settings in the same menu, and you can set a mode where the phone will always connect, like File Transfer, so you don't have to manually select the mode every time you use the notification curtain.
Solving driver problems in Windows
A common problem for users is when the phone is charging but not being defined by the computer as a drive or modem. 90% of the time, it is due to missing or incorrect drivers in the Windows operating system, especially on Windows 7 or in stripped-down Windows 10/11 builds.
First, try connecting your phone to another. USB-If that doesn't work, open Device Manager on your computer, and find an unknown device or device with an exclamation mark on the list. It is usually found in the “Portative Devices”, “Other Devices” or “Network Adapters” sections».
| Type of device | Required driver | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Android Phone / Unknown | MTP USB Device | Device Manager -> Update the driver |
| RNDIS / Ethernet Gadget | Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device | Device Manager -> Network Adapters |
| ADB Interface | Google USB Driver / Xiaomi ADB Driver | Official website or SDK Platform Tools |
To install the driver, right-click on an unknown device, select “Update driver”, then “Search for drivers on this computer” and “Select driver from the list of available.” From the manufacturer list, select “Xiaomi” or “Google Inc.”, and from the model list, select “MTP USB Device” or “Android ADB Interface”.
☑️ Checklist of diagnostics of connection
If standard methods don’t help, it’s recommended to download and install the official Xiaomi Mi PC Suite utility or drivers from the developer’s website. There is also a universal driver Universal ADB Driver, which often solves problems with determining the device in debugging mode.
Features of work in the system HyperOS and MIUI 14
With the release of the new shell HyperOS and update to MIUI 14, the interface and logic of some system functions have changed. Users may notice that the usual menu items have moved or changed names. USB-modems are now most often hidden in the depths of the Connection and Sharing menu».
Newer versions also have enhanced security measures, which means that when you first connect to a computer in file transfer mode, the system can ask permission not only to access the photo, but also to control the device, to protect against viruses that can spread through infected computers.
In addition, the new firmware has improved the work with file systems. Now, when connecting to Windows, the phone can offer a choice between compatibility modes, which is especially true for models with a F2FS file system. If you use an old computer, try switching the mode in the developer settings to a more compatible one.
⚠️ Note: After upgrading to HyperOS, the old drivers from MIUI 12 may not work properly. It is recommended to completely remove old drivers from the Device Manager before installing new ones.
Flagship owners should pay attention to support for USB 3.0 and higher. To implement full data transfer speeds in such devices often require a special cable that comes with a bundle, as conventional USB 2.0 cables will limit speed.
Frequent errors and ways to fix them
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have specific errors. USB This may indicate a lack of power in the port of the computer, especially if you connect the phone through the phone. USB-If you do, you can plug the cable directly into the motherboard port.
Another problem is endless connectivity or cyclical reconnection, often caused by a software conflict or damage to Android system files. Try rebooting both devices. If the problem persists, reset the network settings on your phone: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
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Most connectivity problems are solved by replacing the cable or reinstalling the MTP drivers, rather than by complex firmware manipulations.
It’s also worth checking if the phone is on Charging Only mode in the default USB configuration in the developer menu, sometimes resetting after the update, and the phone returns to safe mode, blocking data transfer.
If nothing works, try to turn on debugging mode and use ADB commands to check the connection status. The adb device command will show if your computer sees your device at a low level. If the list is empty, the problem is precisely in the drivers or the cable.