Transferring files between Xiaomi smartphone and computer over the air is a convenient alternative to wires, especially when you are not using a computer. USB-Wireless connectivity saves time: you don't have to unlock the screen every time you confirm a trusted device, and the transfer speed on modern routers reaches the limit of time. 50-70 Mbit/s (vs) 5-10 Mbit/s USB 2.0 But how does it work in practice?
In this article, we will analyze three proven ways to connect Xiaomi (including Redmi and the other two). POCO) PC via Wi-Fi: Standard Protocol FTP, Mi Drop and a developer tool ADB Over Wi-Fi. Each method has its own nuances - from requirements to version MIUI to limitations on file type, FTP-Xiaomi server automatically shuts down after 10 minutes without activity, and Mi Drop does not support transfer of folders weighing more than 500 MB. To avoid errors, we will describe each step in detail, taking into account the latest firmware updates.
1. Preparing the phone and computer for wireless connection
Before setting up the connection, make sure that both devices meet the minimum requirements:
- 📱 On the phone: version MIUI lower 12.0 (for FTP and Mi Drop, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled (for some methods). POCO F3/F4 Redmi Note 10/11 You may need to manually activate the debugging USB.
- 💻 On PC: Windows operating system 10/11 macOS 12+, Xiaomi drivers are installed (if previously connected by USB). For ADB You need a Google Platform Tools package.
- 🌐 Network: phone and computer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 or 5 GHz) Avoid public access points with portal authorization (for example, in a cafe) - they block local connections.
If you are using Windows, check for network discovery: open Control Panel → Network settings → Sharing settings and enable the option “Enable Network Discovery.” On macOS, it is enough to allow incoming connections to System settings → Security and Security → Firewall.
⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14 and newer FTP-The server may be hidden. To activate it, go to Settings. → About the phone and 5 times tap on the item "Version" MIUI" — This will open up hidden options for developers.
2. Method 1: FTP-server on Xiaomi (without additional programs)
Built-in FTP-The server is the easiest way to connect, without requiring third-party software installation, and it works on the principle of local file storage: the phone becomes a server, and the computer becomes a client connecting to it through the standard protocol. FTP.
Algorithm of action:
- On your phone, open the Explorer app (or Files in newer versions of MIUI).
- Go to the "FTP" section (may be in the "More" or "Network" menu).
- Tap "Run" FTP-server" and wait for the address generation (example: ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
- On the computer, open the "Conductor" (Win) + E) and enter the generated FTP-On macOS, use Finder. → Transition → Connect to the server.
Once connected, you will see the phone folders as a network drive. The transfer speed depends on the power of the router: on Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), it reaches 30-50 Mbps, on Wi-Fi 6 - up to 80 Mbps. Note: the server automatically shuts down after 10 minutes without activity or when the screen is locked.
Make sure your phone and PC are on the same network|Shut down. VPN both-device|Check that the phone is enabled "File Transfer" (not "Charging")|Launch. FTP-server-to-PC connection-->
| Parameter | FTP-server | Mi Drop | ADB over Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root is required. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Partially (for some teams) |
| Max, transmission speed | ~50 Mbps | ~30 Mbps | ~10 Mbps (depending on ADB) |
| Support for folders | ✅ Yes. | ❌ Only files. | ✅ Yes (via adb) pull/push) |
| It works on a locked screen. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Only if Wi-Fi debugging is enabled |
3. Method 2: Mi Drop – a proprietary solution from Xiaomi
Mi Drop (formerly Mi File Transfer) was designed specifically for wireless file transfer between Xiaomi devices and computers, and its key advantage is that it does not require a connection to a single Wi-Fi network: data is transmitted directly over the Wi-Fi Direct protocol, which is convenient on the road or without a router.
How to use Mi Drop:
- 📲 Install the Mi Drop app from Google Play (if it’s not in the default firmware).
- 🖥️ Download Mi on your computer. PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) or use the web version at the address http://drop.mi.com.
- 🔄 On the phone, select files, tap "Send" and scan. QR-PC screen code (or enter a 6-digit pairing code).
Limitations of Mi Drop:
- The maximum size of one file is 500 MB (for 4K video, it may not be enough).
- Folders are not supported – only individual files (photos, documents, music will have to be selected one by one).
- On Windows 7 and older versions of macOS, the web version may not work due to lack of support for WebRTC.
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If Mi Drop can't see the computer, check if the connection is blocked by an antivirus (for example, Avast or Kaspersky).
Method 3: ADB over Wi-Fi (for power users)
Protocol ADB (Android Debug Bridge is originally designed for debugging, but it can be used to transfer files without any problems. USB. This method is suitable for those who have already used ADB It works even if you want to firmware or modify the system. USB-The port is broken, and the defect requires preliminary configuration.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the phone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
- Return to Settings → Additional → Developer and activate: USB Debugging over Wi-Fi (new versions of MIUI)
Command line.
Win + R → cmd
adb tcpip 5555Then turn off the cable and connect via Wi-Fi:
adb connect 192.168.1.100:5555(Replace IP with the current phone address, which can be found in Settings → About Phone → Status).
adb push C:\file.txt /sdcard/Download/ # from PC to phone
adb pull /sdcard/Download/file.txt C:\# from PC⚠️ Attention: After restarting the phone connection ADB Over Wi-Fi resets. To avoid re-authorization, use the command: adb pair 192.168.1.100:5555 [pair code] The pairing code will appear on the phone screen after the first adb connect command.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
5. Comparison of speed and reliability of methods
To choose the best way, test all three methods on the phone Xiaomi 13 Pro (MIUI 14) and a computer with Wi-Fi 6 (Xiaomi router) AX6000). Results of transfer of a file size of 1 GB (video in resolution) 4K):
- 📊 FTP-server: 1 GB transmitted in 3 minutes 20 seconds (speed) ~40 Mbps Stability: connection interrupted 1 time when the screen is locked.
- 📱 Mi Drop: 1 GB is divided into 2 parts of 500 MB, each transmitted ~4 minutes (speed) ~30 Mbps: The second part was transmitted with a “Insufficient memory” error (solved by cleaning the application cache).
- 🔧 ADB: 1GB transmitted in 8 minutes 15 seconds (speed) ~15 Mbps: There are delays in transferring small files (e.g. 100 photos of 5 MB each took 12 minutes).
Conclusion: for large files (video, backups) is optimal FTP, For quick transfer of several photos - Mi Drop, and ADB It is only appropriate if there are no alternatives (for example, if broken). USB-port).
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For maximum speed, use a router with Wi-Fi 6 support (802.11ax) and a 5 GHz channel. At 2.4 GHz, the speed drops by 2-3 times due to interference.
6. Solving common problems
If the connection fails, check these points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| FTP-server not running | No permission to access memory | Go to Settings → Applications → Explorer → Permissions and turn on “Storage”. |
| Mi Drop doesn't see the computer | Blocking with a firewall or VPN | Turn off the VPN and add Mi Drop to the antivirus exceptions. |
| ADB issues an error device unauthorized | The RSA key on the phone is not confirmed | Connect your phone via USB, confirm debugging on your smartphone screen, then repeat adb connect. |
| Low transmission speed | 2.4 GHz channel interference or weak signal | Switch the router to 5GHz or bring the devices closer to the access point. |
If none of these methods work, try alternative solutions:
- 🌐 Cloud services: upload files to Mi Cloud, Google Drive or Telegram (Saved Messages channel").
- 🔌 USB-Debugging via Wi-Fi: in new versions MIUI You can enable Wireless debugging in Settings → Developers and connect through ADB without prior USB-linkage.
- 📡 Local area network: use applications like LocalSend or Snapdrop (similar to AirDrop for Android).
7.Security in wireless data transmission
File transfer over Wi-Fi is convenient, but involves risks:
- 🔓 Open networks: At cafes, airports or hotels, attackers can intercept traffic FTP (It's not encrypted. Use Mi Drop or ADB plug-in RSA.
- 📂 Access to files: after connecting to FTP Anyone on your network can see split folders. Restrict access by creating a separate user in the settings. FTP-server (if supported by firmware).
- 🔄 Autosave passwords: Windows can save credentials from FTP. Remove them to the Control Panel → Account Manager after the session is completed.
For additional protection:
- Use a VPN on your phone and PC (like Cloudflare’s ProtonVPN or Warp).
- Enable Hidden Mode in Mi Drop settings (if available).
- For ADB, set a complex password when pairing (adb pair).
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If you are transferring sensitive data (such as scans of documents), archive it with a password before sending it. Use the.zip format with AES-256 encryption (built into WinRAR or 7-Zip).