How to connect Xiaomi to a computer over Wi-Fi: 5 working ways

Connecting a Xiaomi smartphone to a computer via Wi-Fi saves time and eliminates the need to use cables, a technique that is especially useful when you need to quickly transfer files, debug applications or control the device remotely, but not all users know that a wireless connection can be as stable as a wired one when set up correctly.

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to connect Xiaomi to a PC over Wi-Fi: from standard features MIUI You'll learn how to set up advanced tools for developers. FTP-server, use Mi Drop, work with ADB Wi-Fi and cloud-based sync, and how to avoid Typical errors that interfere with stable connectivity.

Important: Not all methods are equally convenient, FTP It's good for large file transfers, and Mi Drop is good for quick photo sharing, depending on your task.

1.Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you set up a connection, make sure both devices are ready to go, which will save you 80% of the connection problems.

Requirements for the Xiaomi smartphone:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Device on the base MIUI 10 or later (older versions may not have the necessary features).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery charge of at least 30% โ€“ at low charge, the system can limit background processes.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Connecting to the same Wi-Fi network as a computer (or creating an access point on a smartphone).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Permission to install applications from unknown sources (for some methods).

Computer requirements:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux with the latest updates.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Disabled firewalls or antiviruses that block network connections (e.g. Avast, Kaspersky).
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Stable Wi-Fi connection (preferably at 5 GHz for speed).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Installed drivers ADB (If you plan to use debugging).

โš ๏ธ Note: If your Xiaomi is connected to a corporate or public Wi-Fi network (such as a cafe or office), some methods may not work due to network limitations.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of connection method have you tried before?
USB-cable
Wi-Fi (FTP/ADB)
Cloud services (Google Drive)
Never plugged in.

2. Method 1: Mi Drop - simple file sharing without installing software

Mi Drop - built-in application in the MIUI, It allows you to transfer files between Xiaomi devices and computers through a browser.

How to use Mi Drop:

  1. Open the Mi Drop app on your smartphone (if not, download it from Google Play).
  2. Click Send and select the files to transfer.
  3. At the bottom of the screen will appear QR-code http://192.168.x.x:port.
  4. On your computer, open your browser and enter the address from item 3 or scan. QR-code.
  5. Confirm the transfer on the smartphone โ€“ the files will start to download to the browser.

Advantages of the method:

  • โšก There is no need to install programs on PC.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Data is transmitted directly, without cloud servers.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Supports files of any type (photos, videos, APK, document).

โš ๏ธ Note: If files are not transferred after you connect, check if the browser is blocking download (e.g. Chrome may require confirmation for each file). Also make sure that the smartphone has Developer Mode enabled (if used). MIUI 12+).

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparation for transfer via Mi Drop

Done: 0 / 4

3. Method 2: FTP-server โ€“ transfer of large files over a local network

If you need to transfer gigabytes of data (for example, backup or video to the 4K), FTP-A server on a smartphone is the optimal solution, and this method works like a local cloud drive that you can connect to through any device. FTP-client (e.g. FileZilla or WinSCP).

Instructions for setting up FTP Xiaomi:

  1. Download from Google Play app FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer (they have built-in) FTP-server).
  2. Open the app, go to the menu โ†’ FTP-server (or network) โ†’ FTP).
  3. Click Launch Server - the address of the view will appear ftp://192.168.x.x:port, login.
  4. On your computer, open Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) and enter FTP-address.
  5. Enter the login/password (usually anonymous without a password or data from the application).
AnnexTransmission speedMax. File size.Is software required on a PC
FX File ExplorerUp to 50 MbpsNot limited.No (works through the conductor)
Solid ExplorerUp to 70 MbpsNot limited.No.
Mi File ManagerUp to 30 MbpsUp to 4GBYes. FTP-client)

Tip: to speed up the transfer, turn off the traffic saving in the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone. You can also turn on Flight Mode and manually activate Wi-Fi - this will reduce background network activity.

๐Ÿ’ก

If FTP-server is shut down through 5-10 Check the energy saving settings in the Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery management and add file manager to exceptions.

4. Method 3: ADB Wi-Fi for developers and advanced users

ADB (Android Debug Bridge, which allows you to control your smartphone from your computer over Wi-Fi, install applications, execute commands, copy system files, requires initial setup, but gives you maximum control.

Step-by-step:

  1. Enable Xiaomi Developer Mode: Go to Settings โ†’ About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI.
  2. Back to Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers and activate debugging by USB and Wi-Fi debugging.
  3. Connect your smartphone to your PC USB and run in Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux):
adb tcpip 5555


adb connect 192.168.x.x:5555

(substitute 192.168.x.x real IP-The address of your smartphone, which can be found in the Settings โ†’ Wi-Fi โ†’ Current network).

  1. Turn it off. USB-cable โ€“ now the device will be available over Wi-Fi.
  2. Check the connection with the command:
adb devices

Your device should appear on the list with a device tag.

Important: after restarting the smartphone or changing the Wi-Fi network, you will have to repeat the adb connect command.

Examples of useful ADB-team:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Copying files from PC to smartphone: adb push file.apk /sdcard/
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Installation APK: adb install app.apk
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot: adb reboot
  • ๐Ÿ“‹ View logs: adb logcat
What to do if ADB Can't see the device on Wi-Fi?
1. Check that the smartphone and PC are on the same network (even if IP-Addresses are similar, they can be on different subnets. 2. Disable Windows Firewall or add an exception for adb.exe. 3. Try another port (e.g. adb tcpip 5556). 4. Reinstall drivers ADB Download the latest version from Google).

5. Method 4: Cloud services โ€“ universal, but dependent on the Internet

If local methods donโ€™t work (for example, due to network limitations), you can use cloud services such as Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Dropbox or Telegram (via Saved Messages), which does not require configuration, but depends on Internet speed and file size limits.

Comparison of services for Xiaomi:

ServiceMax. File size.Loading speedRegistration is required.
Google DriveUp to 750 GB (for paid accounts)Restricted to your internetYes.
Mi CloudUp to 10GBLow (servers in China)Yeah (Mi Account)
TelegramUp to 2GBTall.Yes.
DropboxUp to 50 GB (for paid accounts)MediumYes.

How to transfer files via Google Drive:

  1. On your smartphone, upload files to Google Drive (application or web version).
  2. On PC, open drive.google.com and download files.
  3. Use Backup and Sync (Googleโ€™s PC app) to speed up.

โš ๏ธ Note: When transferring sensitive data (such as backups) through the cloud, enable two-factor authentication in your account. Also check if your ISP is blocking access to Mi Cloud (relevant for some regions).

6. Method 5: Scrcpy โ€“ Control Xiaomi from a computer over Wi-Fi

Scrcpy is open source software that allows you to control your smartphone from your computer via Wi-Fi: view the screen, click on elements, type text from the keyboard, ideal for gamers, testers or those who often work with mobile applications.

How to set up Scrcpy:

  1. Download Scrcpy from the official website (github.com/Genymobile/scrcpy) and unpack the archive.
  2. Connect Xiaomi to the PC by USB And let the snails be as good as the snails. ADB).
  3. Run Scrcpy through the command line:
scrcpy --tcpip
  1. Turn it off. USB-Now the smartphone screen will be duplicated on the PC.
  2. For a permanent Wi-Fi connection, use:
adb tcpip 5555


adb connect 192.168.x.x:5555




scrcpy

Scrcpy features:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Support for gamepads (e.g. Xbox Controller).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Transfer of sound from phone to PC (need SoundWire or analogues).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ High-resolution screen recording.
  • โšก It works without root rights.

๐Ÿ’ก

Scrcpy is the only way to fully manage Xiaomi from PC over Wi-Fi without lag. However, for high-demand games (such as Genshin Impact) it is better to use it. USB-connection.

7.Error Fixing: Why Xiaomi is not connecting to PC over Wi-Fi

If none of the methods work, check for Typical problems:

Problem 1: Devices canโ€™t see each other on the network

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not to different bands). 2.4/5 GHz).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Restart your router โ€“ sometimes DHCP-The server is giving out incorrect IP-address.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ On Xiaomi, turn off Adaptive Wi-Fi in network settings.

Problem. 2: FTP/ADB It is connected, but files are not transferred

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Disable antivirus on PC (for example, Avast blocks port 5555).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Check if other ports are occupied (for example, Skype may use port 80).
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Try connecting via a mobile hotspot instead of home Wi-Fi.

Problem 3: Mi Drop or FTP-The server is shut down in a few minutes.

  • โšก Add the app to the Battery Optimization Exceptions (Settings) โ†’ Battery โ†’ Consumption management).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ In Wi-Fi settings, turn off Auto-Switching When Inactivity.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต If you use MIUI 13+, Check the settings. โ†’ Special facilities โ†’ Screen retention (must be enabled).

๐Ÿ’ก

After the update MIUI stopped working FTP or ADB, Reset network settings on your smartphone: Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Reset โ†’ Resetting network settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi to PC over Wi-Fi

โ“ Can you connect Xiaomi to a PC over Wi-Fi without USB-cable?
Yes, but for the first connection through ADB Or Scrcpy still needs a cable to allow debugging, and then you can go wireless. FTP demand USB altogether.
โ“ Why Wi-Fi Transfer Speeds Are Lower Than Wi-Fi Transfer Speeds USB?
It depends on several factors: ๐Ÿ“ถ Wi-Fi signal quality (walls, interference from other devices). ๐Ÿ”Œ Wi-Fi standard (only 802.11n speed up to 150 Mbit/s, by 802.11ac โ€” up to 1 Gbps). ๐Ÿ“ฑ Background processes on your smartphone (synchronization, updates). For maximum speed, use 5 GHz Wi-Fi and turn off traffic savings on your smartphone.
โ“ How to connect Xiaomi to Mac over Wi-Fi?
The process is no different from Windows, but there are nuances: ๐ŸŽ For ADB Install Android File Transfer and Homebrew (for adb installation by brew install android-platform-tools). ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ For Scrcpy, download the version for macOS from the official website. ๐Ÿ”Œ Finder Connection to the FTP It works through Cmd. + K โ†’ ftp://192.168.x.x.
โ“ Can you run Xiaomi from a PC without root rights?
Yes, Scrcpy and ADB However, some actions (such as changing system files) require root, and without root, you don't have features like a sound screencast (you need SoundWire or analogues).
โ“ How to transfer files from your PC to Xiaomi if there is no room on your phone?
Use an external drive: ๐Ÿ“ Connect the flash drive through OTG-Adapter and select it as the target folder in Mi Drop or FTP. โ˜๏ธ Upload files to the cloud (Google Drive) and then download them to a memory card. ๐Ÿ”„ If you use ADB, point the way SD-map: adb push file.zip /storage/XXXX-XXXX/ (You can find out the way through adb shell ls. /storage/).