Xiaomi’s Not Connected to the Phone: Why Your Phone Is Not Connecting and How to Fix It

You try to transfer files from Xiaomi to another phone, connect a headset or sync devices, but see the words “Not connected to the phone”**?This error can appear when using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, Mi Share or even when connecting via a phone. USB-The causes range from simple software failures to hardware malfunctions.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios in which Xiaomi refuses to connect to other devices, and offer 10 proven ways to solve the problem, from the simplest to advanced. Particular attention will be paid to the models of the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and flagship Xiaomi 13/14, where the error occurs most often. If you have tried to reboot the phone, this is only the beginning: it will be more interesting.

1. Checking basic settings: what to do first

Before digging deeper, make sure that the problem is not the basic settings. Often Xiaomi users experience a “Not connected to the phone” error** due to disabled features or system limitations.

Start with a check:

• 📶 Airplane Mode: Even if it is turned off in the notification curtain, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Airplane mode and make sure the switch is grey.
• 🔄 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: on some firmware MIUI These modules can be turned off automatically to save charge. → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, turn them on manually.
• 🔒 Application permissions: If you’re trying to connect via Mi Share or third-party file managers (like Xender), check if they have access to Storage and Locations in Settings. → Annexes → Application management.

Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+ can trigger a “privacy protection” that blocks connections to unknown devices. To turn it off, go to Settings → Privacy → Special Permits → Access to location in the background and add the desired application to exceptions.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using POCO Launcher or custom firmware, some Mi Share features may not work properly.Try temporarily switching to standard launcher MIUI.

2. Bluetooth error: devices can't find each other

If the problem occurs when you try to connect Xiaomi to headphones, speakers, or other Bluetooth phone, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 Low battery power on one of the devices (Bluetooth shuts down at below 15%).
• 📱 Outdated version of the protocol: for example, headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 may not connect to a smartphone on Bluetooth 4.2.
• 🔄 Conflict with previously paired devices: too many connections are stored in the phone’s memory.

To correct:

1. Remove all unnecessary devices from the paired list: Settings → Bluetooth → Click on the gear next to the device → Delete.
2. Update the MIUI firmware: go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. Reset Bluetooth settings: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth → Three dots in the upper right corner → Reset settings.

For Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and later, there is a hidden feature called “Enhanced Bluetooth”** that can interfere with the connection.

Enter the code ##6484## → select “Bluetooth Test” → turn off “Enhanced Audio”

Remove all paired devices|Check the battery charge (>20%)|Update MIUI last-minute|Reset your Bluetooth settings|Disable "Enhanced Bluetooth" (for new models)-->

3. Wi-Fi Direct and Mi Share problems: files are not transferred

Xiaomi’s Mi Share feature often gives off a “Not connected to the phone” error because of:

• 🌐 Version incompatibility: if on one phone MIUI 13, and on the other — MIUI 14.
• 🔒 Firewall Blocks: Antiviruses like Avast or 360 Security can block transmission.
• 📶 Wi-Fi network interference: if there are many access points on the same channel.

Decisions:

1. Turn off VPN and antivirus on both devices.
2. Switch to Wi-Fi Direct manually: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. If the transfer is interrupted, try to reduce the file packet size (no more than 500 MB at a time).

For the POCO F4/F5 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra, there is a bug with Mi Share with Performance Mode enabled**.

Settings → Additional → Performance Mode → Disable

4. USB-Connection: The phone is not defined as a drive

If you connect Xiaomi to a PC or other phone via cable and see a Not Connected or Charging Notice notification, the problem may be:

• 🔌 Faulty cable: Use the original cable USB-C Xiaomi (cheap cables often don’t support data transfer).
• 🖥️ No drivers on PC (relevant to Windows).
• 📱 Incorrect Connection Mode: The phone can only be configured to charge.

Instructions for setting:

1. When connecting to a PC, swipe down the notification curtain on Xiaomi and select File Transfer (MTP).
2. If the option is inactive, go to Settings → Additional → Developer Settings → Default USB configuration and select MTP.
3. For Windows, download Mi PC Suite – this will solve the driver problem.

The Redmi 10C and POCO M4 Pro have a bug that automatically switches to charging mode in 30 seconds.

Settings → Battery and performance → Optimization → Disable "Optimization USB- Connection"

⚠️ Note: If the phone is defined as a media device (MTP), But the files don't show up, so try rebooting both devices with the cable connected. MIUI It resets the connection cache.

5. Network reset: a last resort

If none of these things worked, maybe the problem is with the network system settings, and resetting it will bring all Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and mobile internet back to factory settings.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Resetting Network Settings.
2. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN).
3. After restarting, reconfigure the connections.

Please note that after discharge:

• 📶 All saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords will be deleted.
• 🔄 Coupled Bluetooth devices will have to be reconnected.
• 📱 Mi Share and Wi-Fi Direct settings will reset.

Important: On the Xiaomi 12T and POCO F4 GT, the Wi-Fi Direct option may disappear after resetting the network. To return it, update the firmware to the latest version or manually activate the developer mode and perform:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times) → Return to “More” → Developer Settings → Enable “Wi-Fi Direct”

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Network resetting is an effective solution, but only use it if other methods have not worked. After the procedure, be sure to check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode).

6. Hardware malfunctions: when to contact the service

If none of the software methods solved the problem, it may be a physical breakdown.

Before visiting the service center:

• 🔧 Check the phone on another knowingly working device (for example, connect to another PC or headphones).
• 📱 Make sure the problem is not in the firmware: run the phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are on the official website).
• 💰 For models older than 3 years, replacing a Bluetooth module can cost up to 50% of the price of a new phone.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone falls or gets wet, don’t try to disassemble it yourself, it can lead to a short circuit.In 80% of cases, after an artisanal repair, the cost of repair increases 2-3 times.

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Before you turn your phone in, back up your phone via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. This will save your data even if the wizard needs a full reset.

7. Alternative methods of data transmission

If you can’t fix the “Not connected to the phone” error, use the following methods:

• ☁️ Cloud services: upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Telegram (limit 2 GB per file).
• 📁 FTP-Server: Install the application on Xiaomi FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer, Enable FTP-server and connect to it from another device on the local network.
• 🔌 adapter OTG: If you need to transfer files from the flash drive, use USB-OTG (It is supported by all Xiaomi MIUI 10+).

For transferring large files (video, backups) we recommend:

1. Archive data in.zip or.rar (reduces size by 10–30%).
2. Use Telegram bots like @FileTransferBot (support files up to 4GB).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via ADB (if MTP is not working): adb pull /sdcard/path to file C:\folder to pc

The Xiaomi 13 Pro and POCO F5 Pro have a built-in QR-code Quick Transfer feature** to use:

1. Open the Gallery or the Guide.
2. Select files → Share → Quick transfer → Generate QR.
3. Scan the code with the second device.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)