How to connect to a Xiaomi phone via a computer: all the ways of 2026

Connecting a Xiaomi smartphone to a computer opens up a lot of possibilities, from simple file transfer to deep system configuration via ADB or data recovery after a reset. However, many users face problems — the phone is not detected, drivers are not installed, or MIUI blocks the connection due to security settings. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connection (including hidden MIUI functions), and also solve typical errors, such as lack of access to memory or failures during debugging over USB.

Feature of Xiaomi devices – an additional layer of protection in firmware MIUI, which may interfere with the connection, for example, starting with MIUI 12, default mode is off MTP (transfer of media files, and for ADB We're going to look at more than just standard methods (via cable and Mi). PC Suite, but also alternatives - via Wi-Fi, via FTP-server, or even remote control from a PC, and if you need to copy photos, flash your phone, or debug your app, you can find a solution for any task.

1. USB Connection: Basic Method with MIUI Nuances

The most common way is to connect via a USB-TypeC cable (or MicroUSB for older models), but even here there are pitfalls: Xiaomi can by default block access to files or require OEM unlocking.

To connect:

• 🔌 Use the original Xiaomi cable – cheap counterparts often do not support data transfer.
• 📱 On your phone, unlock the screen and select the connection mode (usually a “Charge through” notification appears). USB»).
• 🖥️ On PC, check if drivers are installed (if not, download Mi). USB Driver from the official website).
• 🔒 B Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Press 7 times to activate the developer mode.

If the telephone is not identified:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
2. Turn on USB debugging and confirm the permission to connect to the PC.
3. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP) notice USB-connection.

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If the PC can’t see Xiaomi even after installing drivers, try connecting to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 blue) or reboot both devices.

⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 14, when you first connect to a new PC, the system may request a password from your Mi Account to confirm a trusted device. If you forget it, restore access via account.xiaomi.com.

2. File transfer without cable: Wi-Fi and FTP

If the cable is not available, or USB-The port is damaged, you can share files wirelessly. Xiaomi offers two built-in ways: through Mi Drop (outdated in new versions) or FTP-server.

To set up FTP:

1. Connect your phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On the phone, open Explorer → Network Storage → FTP.
3. Click Start Server and write down the address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
4. On PC, enter this address in the Explorer (Win + R → ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).

Advantages of the method:

• 📤 Transfer speeds up to 10 MB/s (depending on the router).
• 🔄 There are no limits on file sizes (unlike Bluetooth).
• 🛡️ Data is transmitted over a local network, without cloud services.

Disadvantages:

• 🔋 FTP-The server consumes the battery charge (about) 5-7% hourly).
• 🌐 Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection (not working via mobile internet).

3. Remote control of the phone from the PC: screen emulation

For full control of Xiaomi from a computer (for example, to stream games or customize the interface), programs like Scrcpy or Vysor are suitable. They broadcast the phone screen to the PC in real time and allow you to control from the keyboard / mouse.

Instructions for Scrcpy (a free open source tool):

1. Download Scrcpy and unpack the archive.
2. Connect your phone via USB and enable debugging via USB (see Section 1).
3. Run scrcpy.exe (for Linux/macOS, use the terminal).
4. On the phone, confirm permission to capture the screen.

Scrcpy functions:

Scrcpy works without root rights, but some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) require unlocking the bootloader.

4. Connection via Mi PC Suite: Official Xiaomi Software

Mi PC Suite is a proprietary utility for managing Xiaomi from a computer that allows you to update your firmware, backup and synchronize data, but the program has limitations: for example, it does not support models older than Redmi 5 and often gives errors when connecting.

How to use:

• 📥 Download Mi. PC Suite from the official website.
• 🔌 Put the phone on. USB and select the File Transfer Mode.
• 🔍 Wait for the program to determine the model (may take up to 2 minutes).
• 📁 Use Files tabs, Backup or Update.

Typical problems and solutions:

• ❌ Error "The device is not supported" → Set up Mi. USB Driver manually through Device Manager.
• ❌ No file visible. → In the phone settings, turn on Show hidden files.
• ❌ Hanging on "Connection..." → Restart the MiShareService service on your phone.

Install the latest version of the program | Update MIUI to the current version |Enable debugging on USB|Deactivate antivirus (can block drivers) |Use the original cable

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5. ADB and Fastboot: Connection for Developers

For advanced users who want to flash their phone, unlock the bootloader or debug apps, connect via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot, which are part of the Android SDK and require customization on both devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Android SDK Platform-Tools and unpack it in C:\platform-tools.
2. On the phone, enable debugging over USB and unlocking OEM in the developer settings.
3. Connect your phone via USB and open the command line in the platform-tools folder.
4. Check the connection command: Adb devices must appear serial number of the device.

The main ADB teams:

⚠️ Note: Fastboot oem unlock or fastboot flash commands can erase all data on your phone. Before firmware, back up via adb backup or Mi PC Suite.

6. Alternative methods: cloud services and third-party programs

If standard methods do not work, you can use third-party solutions:

Cloud services:

• 🌩️ Mi Cloud – official cloud from Xiaomi (5 GB free).
• 📁 Google Drive or Dropbox – for transferring files without connecting to a PC.

Synchronization programs:

• 🔄 AirDroid – Control your phone through your browser (there is a traffic restriction in the free version).
• 📲 Snapdrop — P2P-Transfer of files over a local network (does not require registration).

3. For data recovery:

• 🔍 Dr.Fone - Removing deleted files (works even on locked phones).
• 🛠️ Tenorshare ReiBoot – Fixing firmware errors via PC.

Warning: Third-party programs (especially for data recovery) may contain malware. download them only from official sites and check reviews.

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For maximum security, use official tools (Mi PC Suite, ADB) or proven cloud services. Avoid programs that require root access without an explicit need.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's PC connection