Why? USB-Connection between Xiaomi and Samsung doesn’t always work out of the box»
Samsung’s current Tizen TVs and Xiaomi devices (smartphones, tablets) based on MIUI or HyperOS should theoretically connect easily over USB. However, in practice, users face a number of limitations, from a lack of response to connection to the inability to transfer files or display screens, the reason lies in the difference in the data exchange protocols and security policies of both platforms.
The main problem is Samsung in the latest TV models (starting with the latest TVs). 2019 (a) block direct work from USB-device-wise MTP (Media Transfer Protocol, which Xiaomi smartphones use by default, instead expects the TV to see a flash drive in the format FAT32/exFAT At the same time, Xiaomi does not support mode by default. UMS (USB Mass Storage, which would emulate a flash drive, creates a conflict that can be solved in a number of ways, from changing the connection mode to using additional software.
In this article, we’ll break down all the working methods of connectivity, including circumventing restrictions, configuring USB debugging, and alternative options (e.g., via DeX or Miracast).
What Xiaomi and Samsung devices support USB-connection
Before you try to connect devices, make sure your equipment is technically capable of such interaction.
| Xiaomi devices | Samsung TVs | Supported functions | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 | Models 2019-2026 (QLED, Crystal UHD, The Frame series) | File Transfer (MTP/PTP), debugging over USB | No screen output without third-party software |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6, Redmi Pad | Models with Tizen 5.5+ (2020–2026) | File transfer, screen output via DeX (partially) | Cable required USB-C → USB-C Supported by DisplayPort Alt Mode |
| Xiaomi 13T/14, POCO F5 | Samsung DeX models (QN90C, S95C, etc.) | Full DeX mode, file transfer | You need to activate USB debugging and ADB drivers |
| Xiaomi Civi 2/3, Redmi K50/K60 | Older models (2018 and earlier) | File Transfer Only (MTP) | No DeX support, possible errors with MIUI 14+ |
A critical nuance: Samsung TVs of 2018 and older often do not recognize Xiaomi smartphones due to the outdated version of Tizen (up to 4.0), in this case, only updating the TV firmware or using alternative methods of connection (for example, via Wi-Fi Direct) will help.
⚠️ Note: If your Samsung TV doesn’t have a port USB 3.0 (blue connector), file transfer speed will be limited to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0. This is critical for video resolution. 4K — The files will be copied very slowly.
Preparation of devices: what to do before connecting
To avoid errors such as “Device not recognized” or “USB not supported”, pre-set both devices:
Update your TV firmware to the latest version (check Settings → Support → Software Update)
Install the latest version of MIUI/HyperOS on your smartphone (in Settings → About Phone → System Update)
Connect the cable to the original USB-TV port (not via hub!)
Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi (7 taps according to MIUI version in Settings → About phone)
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Pay special attention to the cable: it should support data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable!).
- 🔌 USB-C → USB-A (for most smartphones and TV)
- 🔌 USB-C → USB-C (For new models, for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Samsung QN900C)
- ⚡ Cable with DisplayPort Alt Mode (required for screen output in DeX mode)
If you plan to display the screen of the smartphone on the TV, additionally check:
- 📱 On Xiaomi: Is the Debugging option enabled USB (Settings → Additionally. → For developers)
- 📺 On Samsung: Is Samsung DeX supported (available in Settings) → General. → DeX)
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) regime MTP It might conflict with Tizen. In this case, try switching to mode. PTP (for photos) in the notification curtain when connected. 1: Connection to file transfer mode (MTP/PTP) It’s the simplest method that works on all devices, but with limitations: It allows you to copy files (photos, videos, music) from Xiaomi to or from your TV, but doesn’t display the screen. 💡Regime. MTP/PTP — The only way to transfer files without root rights and additional software. Step-by-step instruction: Connect your smartphone to your TV with a cable. On the Xiaomi screen, a notification will appear “Charge through” USB». Open the notification curtain and tap on the message. Select a mode: 📁 File transfer (MTP) — file-access 📷 Transmission of photographs (PTP) — if MTP On a Samsung TV, open the Media or Files app (depending on the model). Your device should show up as an external drive. Go to the Internal Storage folder (or SD-card if you use a memory card) and copy the files you need. Frequent problems and solutions: 🚫 TV can't see a smartphone: try another cable or port USB On some models, only the port works. USB 3.0 (blue). 🔄 Device plugs in and out: disable Battery Optimization for Media app on Xiaomi. 📂 Not all folders are available: in MIUI Some system folders are hidden. Use a file manager (like Mi File Explorer) to transfer files to the Download folder. USB Mass Storage (UMS)? Modern smartphones (including Xiaomi) have abandoned UMS mode in favor of MTP due to security risks and restrictions on simultaneous access to the file system. Samsung in Tizen still expects UMS, which creates conflict. This can only be avoided through ADB or root access, emulating a flash drive programmatically (for example, through the DriveDroid application). Method 2: Output the Xiaomi screen to the Samsung TV via USB (DeX) If you need not just transfer files, but duplicate the smartphone screen to the TV, you can use Samsung DeX mode. However, there are nuances: officially DeX supports only Samsung Galaxy devices, but you can use it bypassing it on the way. Requirements: 📱 Xiaomi smartphone on Android 10+ with an unlocked loader (for some methods) 📺 Samsung TV with DeX support (series) QLED 2019–2026, The Frame and others.) 🔌 Cable USB-C → USB-C Supported by DisplayPort Alt Mode 💻 Computer for installation ADB (Instructions for launching DeX on Xiaomi: Activate Debugging USB on Xiaomi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taper → For developers → Debugging by USB). Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command in ADB: adb shell settings put global dex_enable_force_fullscreen True This enforces DeX support. Connect Xiaomi to Samsung TV with cable. DeX launch request should appear on TV screen. If the request does not appear, try manually running DeX through the ADB: adb shell am start -n com.sec.android.app.desktoplauncher/.DesktopLauncher Limitations of method: 🎮 Not all apps will scale properly (for example, games can be displayed with black fields). 🔊 Sound can only be transmitted through the TV (earphones to the smartphone will not work). ⚡ With prolonged use, the smartphone will be very hot. 💡If DeX doesn’t start, try using the Second Screen or ApowerMirror app to duplicate the screen over the screen. USB. These programs do not require root rights, but may delay the program. 1–2 Seconds. Way. 3: Using Xiaomi as a gamepad or keyboard for Samsung TV Few people know, but Xiaomi smartphone can be used as a game controller or keyboard for a Samsung TV through the phone. USB. It is convenient for playing Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming or managing SmartThings. How to connect: Install an app on Xiaomi USB Driver for Gamepad (available on Google Play). Connect your smartphone to your TV with a cable and select mode MIDI or PTP (In the notification curtain, open the settings on the TV. → General. → Input devices → Add a device. Select your smartphone from the list. Now its touch screen will emulate the gamepad. Supported features: 🎮 Button emulation A/B/X/Y, joysticks and triggers (LT/RT). ⌨️ Text input via the on-screen keyboard Xiaomi (convenient for browser on TV). 🖱️ Control cursor (if the smartphone is enabled Mouse in Special features). ⚠️ Attention: On Samsung TVs 2020 This method requires you to disable the option “Only verified input devices” in Settings. → Security. Otherwise, the smartphone will not be defined as a gamepad. Frequent errors and their solutions Even with the right connection, users face errors.-5 Problems and ways to correct them: Error Reason «USB-The device is not supported, the TV is waiting UMS, And the smartphone offers MTP. Switch to mode. PTP or use ADB to emulate the flash drive. "" No access to files» MIUI Transfer files to Download or Pictures before connecting. TV doesn't see smartphone Faulty cable or port USB. Try another cable (preferably original) or port USB 3.0 "DeX is not supported" Smartphone is not certified for Samsung DeX. ADB-commands for forced activation (see section above) Slow file transfer Cable or port USB 2.0 It's speed limiting. USB 3.0 Use Wi-Fi Direct for large files. If none of these methods worked, check to see if the antivirus on the TV blocks the connection of external devices, Q60C) You need to manually add Xiaomi to the list of trusted devices in Settings → Security → Permits USB. Alternative ways of connecting (if) USB If it doesn't work USB-Connection is not possible (for example, due to a damaged port or incompatibility), consider alternative options: 📶 Wi-Fi Direct / Miracast: Wireless Screen Duplication via Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct on TV and settings → Screen. → Wireless display on Xiaomi. Minus: delay to 2 seconds. 🔗 HDMI-Adapter: Use the adapter USB-C → HDMI (for example, Xiaomi USB-C to HDMI Adapter. Supports 4K@60Hz, It requires external nutrition. 🌐 DLNA/UPnP: Transfer files over the local network. On Xiaomi, turn on Settings → Connections → Multimedia transmission, on TV open SmartThings or Media. ☁️ Cloud services: Upload files to Google Drive or Mi Cloud, then open them to TV via your browser or Smart Hub app: | Method | Speed. | Quality. | Delay. | Difficulty | |---------------------|----------|----------|----------|-----------| | USB (MTP) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | No. | ⭐ | | Samsung DeX (USB) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No. | ⭐⭐⭐ | | Wi-Fi Direct | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | 1-2 seconds | ⭐ | | HDMI-adapter | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No. | ⭐⭐ | | DLNA | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | 2nd- 3rd sec. | ⭐ | To play games or watch videos in 4K optimally HDMI-adapter, for transfer of files — USB (MTP) or DLNA, for screen duplication – Samsung DeX (if supported) or Wi-Fi Direct. FAQ: Can you connect Xiaomi to an old Samsung TV (2016) through the USB? On models 2016-2018. USB-Smartphone connection only works in mode UMS (Like a flash drive that Xiaomi doesn't support. Alternatives: Use HDMI-Adapter. Connect via Wi-Fi Direct (if TV supports). Move your files to a flash drive and connect it to your TV. Why does Samsung TV see Xiaomi as "Unknown Device"? It's because there are no drivers. MTP Solutions: Switch mode on your smartphone PTP (Update the TV firmware to the latest version. Connect via another version. USB-port (preferably) USB If nothing helps, use it. ADB forced-activation UMS (How to bring the sound from Xiaomi to Samsung TV via USB? The default sound is USB-The connection stays on the smartphone. To redirect it to TV: In Samsung DeX mode, the sound automatically goes to the TV. In the case of HDMI-Adapter sound is transmitted by HDMI. For MTP/PTP No TV audio – use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. Can you charge Xiaomi from a Samsung TV via a Samsung TV? USB? Yes, but with reservations: Samsung TVs give current up to 0.5A (against 1.5–2A Charging will be very slow. On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 12) You may see a "Slow Charging" notification. For fast charging, use a separate power supply. Which cables are suitable for connecting Xiaomi to Samsung TV? Recommended Options: Type of cable for which devices Supported features USB-C → USB-A Most Xiaomi smartphones and Samsung TV file transfer (MTP/PTP), charging USB-C → USB-C Xiaomi 12/13/14, Samsung QLED 2020+ MTP, DeX, screen output (with Alt Mode support) USB-C → HDMI (Adapters: Any Xiaomi with USB-C Screen output in 4K@60Hz, sound HDMI Important: Cheap cables may not support data transmission. USB-IF (Certified cables have a logo on the packaging).