Connected Xiaomi to the computer via USB, but the phone is persistently charging and files are not transferred? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones Redmi, POCO or Mi — the device by default often chooses only charging mode, blocking access to memory. In this article, we will discuss 3 working ways to switch USB mode, including hidden settings for power users.
The reasons Xiaomi doesn't go into data mode can range from MIUI firmware bugs to incorrect drivers on the PC. We'll look not only at standard methods through the notification curtain, but also at a universal way through the developer's settings, which works even on locked devices, and also find out why sometimes the computer doesn't see the phone at all - even after the mode change.
Why Xiaomi doesn’t automatically switch to data transfer
By default, Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) choose Charging Only mode when connected to USB. This is done for safety, so the manufacturer minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to data. However, this is often a problem for the user.
The main reasons for the automatic switching:
- 🔌 Faulty cable or port: Physical damage or contamination of contacts can block data transmission, leaving only charging.
- 🖥️ Lack of drivers: on Windows PCs (especially) 7/8 Version) often lacks drivers MTP or ADB.
- 📱 Lockdown MIUI: firmware MIUI 13/14 Added protection from connecting to untrusted devices.
- 🔧 Resettings USB: After updating or resetting, the connection parameters may fly off.
If your Xiaomi previously connected normally to a PC, but suddenly stopped, check Settings → Connections and Sharing → USB. Sometimes the priority mode is reset there.
Method 1: Quickly switching through the notification curtain
The easiest method is to use the notification bar. It works on all Xiaomi models with MIUI 10 and later (including Redmi 10C, POCO F4, Mi 11 Lite).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your phone to your PC via the original cable (preferably from the kit).
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the Charge notification via USB (or USB for file transfer) and tap it.
- In the window that opens, select File Transfer (MTP) or Photo Transfer (PTP).
If there is no file transfer point in the curtain:
- 🔄 Try to disconnect and reconnect the cable.
- 🔌 Use another one. USB-port on PC (preferably) USB 3.0 blue).
- 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes it resets the locks MIUI.
Use the original Xiaomi cable
Connect to the back. USB-port
Unlock the phone screen
Disable VPN/Proxy on PC
Update the drivers USB-->
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) regime MTP It may not work with third-party cables. Use only certified accessories.
Method 2: Manual switching in system settings
If the notification curtain doesn’t show the option to change mode, try changing the settings manually, which is suitable for devices with MIUI 12/13/14, where the USB connection interface has been redesigned.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
- Select USB (on some firmware, the item is called USB Mode by default).
- In the list of available modes, mark File Transfer (MTP).
- Connect the cable to the PC – the phone will automatically apply the selected mode.
On older versions of MIUI (up to 11), the path may be different:
Settings → Additional → For developers → USB configuration by defaultIf there is no USB option in the settings:
- 🔍 Check if the phone screen is unlocked when connected.
- 🔄 Try to turn on the debugging on USB (below).
- 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.
What to do if there is no USB in the settings?
Method 3: Switching through developer settings (for experienced)
If standard methods don't work, the one-size-fits-all option is to force a mode change through the developer menu, which will help even on locked devices or custom firmware.
How to enable MTP mode through the developer:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified you have become a developer!).
Settings → Additional → For Developers
USB configuration by default
USB-configuration
MTP (Media Transfer Protocol)
Connect the cable to the PC – the mode will apply automatically.
Additional settings that may help:
- 🔓 Turn on Debugging. USB (required for some PCs).
- 🔄 Disable the Installation through USB and Withdrawal of permits USB, if they're active.
- 📱 Reboot your phone after the changes.
⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) item Configuration USB may be called USB default configuration. If your PC still can't see your phone after changing mode, try turning off debugging. USB — Sometimes she's in conflict with MTP.
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If your computer can’t see Xiaomi even after the mode change, try connecting your phone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB Some motherboards are blocking MTP port USB 3.0 due to driver issues.
Table: USB modes on Xiaomi and their purpose
On Xiaomi smartphones, there are several USB connection modes available. Let's figure out what you need:
| Regime. | Appointment | When to use | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just charging. | Charging the battery without data transmission | When connected to chargers, powerbank | It is impossible to access files |
| MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) | Transfer of files (music, photos, documents) | To copy data to PCs with Windows/macOS | Slow transfer speed of large files |
| PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) | Transfer of photos and videos as from a camera | Import media files into Lightroom or Photos | Does not show other file types (APK, documents) |
| RNDIS (USB Ethernet) | Sharing Internet access via USB | For distribution of mobile Internet on PC | Requires settings on PC, does not work with file transfer |
| Audio Source | Transfer audio over USB | For connection to car radios | Not supported by most PCs |
On most Xiaomi devices, only MTP and PTP are available by default. To see all modes (including RNDIS), you may need to unlock the bootloader.
What to do if your computer can’t see Xiaomi even after a mode change
You switched mode to MTP, but the PC still doesn't recognize the phone? The problem may be on the computer side.
- Check drivers: On Windows, open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager). Find your Xiaomi portable devices or Other devices in the list. If there is a yellow triangle nearby, right-click and select Update Driver.
Install Mi PC Suite
Xiaomi's official software automatically installs the drivers you want. Download it from pcsuite.mi.com.
Try another cable.
Cheap cables often don't support data transfer (charging only). Use the original cable from the kit.
Turn off the antivirus.
Some antiviruses (e.g. Kaspersky, Avast) block MTP connection as potentially dangerous.
If nothing works, try connecting your phone to another computer, and if the problem persists, it may be faulty. USB-port.
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On Windows 10/11 PCs, the MTP driver is installed automatically when you first connect. If that doesn't happen, download it manually from Microsoft's website or via Mi PC Suite.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When switching USB modes to Xiaomi, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
- 🚫 "Device not identified": Reason: no drivers MTP or ADB Solution: Install Mi PC Suite or download the Google driver USB Driver.
- 🔄 Mode resets after shutdown: Reason: default mode is not saved in the settings. Solution: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → USB and choose MTP priority.
- 📱 Phone fails to respond to cable connection: Cause: pollution USB-Solution: Clean the port with compressed air and check the cable on another device.
- 🔒 MIUI Blocks the connection: Reason: Insecure devices are enabled. Solution: Unlock the phone screen and confirm trust in the PC in the window that appears.
⚠️ Note: On devices with unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) mode MTP It can be unstable. In this case, try using it. ADB For file transfer: adb push local file /sdcard/phone-file