You connected Xiaomi to your computer through USB-cable, but instead of accessing files, you only see a charging notification, POCO Or, the fact is that the default device is based on the MIUI They activate Charging Only, blocking data transmission, and we'll figure out how to fix this in 2 minutes, from basic settings to solving complex cases where the mode switch button doesn't appear.
In this article, you will find the latest instructions for MIUI 12/13/14 and Android 10–14, including features of new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+). We will also reveal the reasons why a smartphone can “forget” USB settings after a reboot, and what to do if the PC does not see the device at all.
Why does Xiaomi automatically turn on Charging Only?
The manufacturer configures MIUI so that the default charging mode is activated when connecting to the USB.
- 🔋 Security: Preventing unauthorized access to files when connecting to public USB-Ports (for example, airports).
- ⚡ Charging speeds: Charging only allows you to use maximum current, whereas MTP (Data transmission may limit the power.
- 🛡️ Virus protection: reducing the risk of infection through vulnerabilities in the protocol MTP (Especially relevant for Android 10 and older).
But this is a problem when you have to copy photos or install firmware on Fastboot, and 90 percent of the time, it's solved with a single tap in the notification curtain, but what if there's no mode switch?
⚠️ Attention: On models POCO F5 redmi K60 Android 13+ A bug may be triggered where the file transfer mode selection is reset after the cable is removed. MIUI before the latest version or use ADB (Method 1: Switching mode through the notification curtain (basic method) This is the fastest and most versatile way to work on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the version MIUI: Connect your smartphone to a PC or laptop using the original USB-cable (important: cheap cables may not support data transfer!) Unlock the Xiaomi screen (on the locked device, the mode switch button will not appear). Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar. Find the Charge notification via USB (or USB To transfer files) and tap it. In the window that opens, select File Transfer (MTP) or Transfer of photographs (PTP), If you want to work with images in Lightroom or Photoshop, if there is no notification in the curtain USB-connection: 🔌 Check the cable and port – try another PC connector or charging cable. 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and reconnect. 🖥️ On PC, update Mi drivers PC Suite or install Android SDK Platform-Tools: Use the original USB-cable|Unlock the smartphone screen|Check the port. USB PC (better) USB 3.0)|Update drivers on the computer|Disable debugging mode by USB (if not) --> Method 2: Developer settings and forced mode selection USB If the switch button does not appear even after the reboot, the reason may be: 📱 Failure MIUI (especially after updating). 🔧 Disabled developer settings. 🛠️ Damaged system files (solved by resetting settings). To forcely impose a regime MTP Default: Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone, tap 7 times on the version MIUI, until the notification appears You became a developer! → Additionally. → For developers, find the configuration option. USB by default and select File Transfer (MTP). Connect your smartphone to your PC – now the mode must be activated automatically. ⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) option Configuration USB It may not be available by default. ADB (How to do it if there is no "Developers" item? If after 7 clicks on the Version MIUI Developer mode is not activated, check: 1. Is the firmware updated to the latest version (in older versions) MIUI could have been a bug. 2. Is there a custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) installed where the path to the developer settings may differ. 3. Is guest mode activated, there are some settings hidden. Method 3: Using Mi PC Suite for forced activation MTP Official software from Xiaomi - Mi PC Suite – not only manages backups, but can also “wake up” hidden modes USB. This is especially useful for older models (Redmi). 4X, Mi A1), where MIUI Download the program from the official website and follow the instructions: Install Mi PC Suite on your PC and launch it. Connect Xiaomi to your computer. If the program can't see the device, click Connect Manual. From the program menu, select Device → Connection settings. Activate Enable File Transfer (MTP). Reboot your smartphone (required!). The advantage of this method is Mi. PC Suite automatically installs the necessary drivers, which solves the problem with device recognition on Windows 10/11. However, the program may conflict with ADB, So you'd better close it after you set it up. PC Features of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Yes, version is required. 3.2.1 or newer POCO X5 Pro Yes Can not see the device without debugging USB Mi 11 Ultra Yes Supports Transmission RAW-photo-register PTP Redmi 9A Partially need to manually install drivers 4: Mode switching through ADB (If none of the previous methods worked, then Android Debug Bridge remains (ADB) — It's the only way to get back to mode. MTP, if: 📵 The smartphone does not respond to the connection USB. 🔧 Settings MIUI slipped off after the firmware. 🛠️ The device is located in the Fastboot or EDL. Instructions for Windows: Download ADB Fastboot Tools and unpack the archive to the root of the disk C:\. Activate debugging on USB in the developer settings (see Method) 2). Connect Xiaomi to your PC and open Command Prompt (Win) + R → Enter the commands in turn: cd C:\platform-tools adb devices If the device appears in the list, do: adb shell settings put global usb_configuration 2 where 2 — code MTP (for PTP use 3). Reboot your smartphone. On Android models. 12+ You may need an additional command to unlock. USB: adb shell am broadcast -a android.hardware.usb.action.USB_STATE --es usb_state connected --es configured true 1. Reinstall drivers via Device Manager (select "Update driver" → "Perform a search on this computer" → Specify a folder with platform-tools). 2. Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). 3. Enable the option in the developer settings Cancel debugging authorization USB reconnect.--> Method 5: Often it is not the smartphone that is to blame, but the computer. If Xiaomi is defined as an unidentified device or MTP USB Device with an exclamation point, follow the following steps: For Windows 10/11: Open Device Manager (Win) + X → Device Manager.Look for Portable Devices or Other Devices on your Xiaomi (may display as Android or Android) MI). Right-click. → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer. Select Install from the list of available drivers and manually specify MTP USB Device, for you. macOS/Linux: 🍎 On Mac, install Android File Transfer from the official website. 🐧 On Linux, add rules for udev: sudo nano /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules And insert a line: SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="2717", MODE="0666" (where 2717 — Vendor ID Xiaomi). ⚠️ Attention: POCO F4 GT redmi K50 Gaming may require an additional driver for Fastboot mode. Download it from the Xiaomi Support page (Drivers section). 10/11|macOS|Linux|Android (via OTG)|other--> Frequent errors and solutions Even after all the manipulations, problems can arise. Let's analyze typical scenarios: Problem Cause Solution Button File Transfer Inactive No debugging USB lock-in MIUI Enable debugging (see Method) 2) or update the firmware PC sees Xiaomi, but folders are empty Cache Failure MTP Reboot your smartphone or run adb shell rm /data/media/* Mode resets after Bug cable is turned off MIUI 13/14 Set the configuration. USB by default, see. Method 2 The device is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB Activated mode EDL (Turn off your smartphone, press the volume+ and connect to PC Special case: Xiaomi in Fastboot mode If the smartphone screen shows Fastboot (robot with an open stomach), you need to transfer data: Download Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers. Connect the device to the PC and enter the command: fastboot oem edl (to go into mode EDL, if you need a firmware. 1. Unoriginal USB-cable. 2. Outdated drivers on PC. 3. Failure of settings MIUI (discharged ADB). --> FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions My Xiaomi does not show notice USB-What do you do? Try: Use another one. USB-Cable (original from Xiaomi) Connect to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC. Enable Developer Mode and Set Configuration USB default = MTP. Update the firmware through Settings → System update. If nothing helps, check if the connector is damaged. USB-C on your smartphone (try charging the device — if charging is in jerks, repairs are required). How to transfer files without connecting to a PC (via Wi-Fi)? Use built-in features MIUI: Open Explorer on Xiaomi. Tap three dots in the top right corner. → FTP-- server, connect to the specified IP-You can use the address from Total Commander or FileZilla on your PC, and you can use the alternatives for apps like Send Files to TV (For TV transmissions or Xender (for phone-to-phone exchanges). Why doesn't the smartphone appear in Finder when you connect to a Mac? macOS requires: Install Android File Transfer (see link above). In Xiaomi's settings, select PTP instead MTP (MacOS works better with macOS PTP Reboot both devices for photos. If the problem persists, check if Little Snitch or the built-in macOS firewall is blocked. Can I turn on data when the screen is locked? No. For security reasons, MIUI blocks access to files if the screen is locked. This protects data when you steal or accidentally connect to other devices. To get around the restriction: Activate Smart Lock (set up trusted devices or places). Use ADB to unlock (requires a pre-set debugging). On some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) this restriction is removed, but we do not recommend that you reset the USB file to charge it again. Or you turn off the cable and reconnect, and the default charge is activated. If the button doesn't appear, reset the settings. USB through ADB: adb shell settings put global usb_configuration 0