Why to connect Xiaomi tablet to your computer and what methods exist
Xiaomi tablets are not just entertainment devices, they are full-fledged working tools. Connecting to a PC offers a lot of opportunities, from simple file transfer to debugging apps or using the tablet as a second monitor. However, many users face problems β the computer does not see the device, drivers do not install, or data transfer is unstable.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways of connecting (USB, Wi-Fi, Mi Share, ADB, and even cloud services), and solve common errors. We will focus on Xiaomi Pad 5/6, Redmi Pad and other popular tablets of the brand, if you just need to copy photos or customize the development of Android applications, there is a solution.
Before you get to the instructions, check: 1. File Transfer (MTP) mode is enabled on the tablet (more on it below). 2. USB cable supports data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable!). 3. Current drivers are installed on the PC (especially for Windows 7/10).
Method 1: Connect via USB (MTP, PTP, MIDI)
The fastest and most reliable method is to use a cable. USB Type-C (or Micro-USB for older models) but there is a nuance: a tablet can be defined as a media device (MTP), camera (PTP) or MIDI-Let's figure out how to choose the right mode.
Step instructions:
- Connect the tablet to the PC with the original cable (cheap analogues often do not support data transfer).
- The tablet will display a USB Charge notification.
- Select a mode: π File transfer (MTP) β accessing the tablet memory as a flash drive. π· Transmission of photographs (PTP) β If you only need to copy a photo/video. π΅ MIDI β Musical controllers (rarely used). π Charging only β blocks data transfer.
The PC will open a Explorer window with the folders of the tablet, and if that doesn't happen, check the error section.
Use the original Xiaomi | MTP/PTP mode enabled on the tablet | Drivers are installed on the PC (especially for Windows 7) | USB port on the PC works (try another port)
-->
β οΈ Note: Some models of Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro and Redmi Pad SE regime MTP It can automatically reset to only charge after rebooting. This is a firmware bug -- check the settings every time you connect.
If youβre connecting a tablet for the first time, Windows may request the installation of drivers. download them from the official Xiaomi website (Drivers section) or use the universal Google USB Driver package for Android.
Method 2: Wireless file transfer (Wi-Fi Direct, Mi Share)
Do you want to mess with cables? Xiaomi offers several wireless solutions: Mi Share (similar to AirDrop), Wi-Fi Direct and even FTP-server through third-party applications.
Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is the easiest way to transfer files between Xiaomi and PC devices:
- On the tablet, open Settings β Connection and Sharing β Mi Share.
- Turn on visibility for other devices.
- Download the official Mi Share app for Windows.
- Select files on the tablet β Send β find your PC in the list.
Wi-Fi Direct is an alternative for transferring files without the Internet:
- On the tablet: Settings β Wi-Fi β Wi-Fi Direct.
- On PC: Enable Wi-Fi Direct through Network Settings β Mobile Hotspot (Windows 10/11).
- Connect the tablet to your PC as an access point and use Explorer to transfer files over the SMB protocol.
USB-cable|Wi-Fi (Mi Share/FTP)|Cloud services (Google Drive)|Not a PC connection.
-->
Method 3: Managing a tablet through ADB (for developers)
If you're a developer or want to get advanced access to the system, connecting via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is your choice, and this method allows you to install APKs, backups, change system settings, and even unlock the bootloader.
π§ What's the matter:
- π₯οΈ PC with installation ADB Tools.
- π± On the tablet, Developer Mode and Debugging are enabled USB.
- π Cable USB data-supported.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the Developer Mode on the tablet: Settings β About the tablet β MIUI version (tap 7 times).
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers and include: π§ Debugging by USB π Unlocking OEM (If you need to unlock the loader)
Connect the tablet to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
Open the command line on your PC and check the connection:
adb devicesIf the tablet is displayed in the list, the connection is installed.
π‘ Useful. ADB-teaming:
adb pull /sdcard/Download/ C:\Backup\# Copy Download folder on PC
adb install app.apk # Install APK
adb shell pm list packages # List of all installed applications
adb reboot bootloader #Reboot to fastboot mode-->
β οΈ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause data loss or blockage of the tablet. e.g., the adb shell rm command -rf /data It will completely delete user files!
Method 4: Use the tablet as a second monitor (Duet Display, Spacedesk)
You can turn Xiaomi into a PC screen with specialized applications, which are convenient for document management, programming or streaming.
1. Duet Display (paid but stable)
- π₯ Install Duet Display on PC and Tablet.
- π Connect devices through USB or wifi (USB less latency).
- π₯οΈ In PC settings, select the screen expansion mode.
2. Spacedesk (free but with delays)
- π₯ Download Spacedesk Driver on PC and app on tablet.
- π Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- π On a PC in Spacedesk, find your tablet and plug it in.
π Comparison of decisions:
| Annex | Cost | Delay (Wi-Fi) | Support for USB support | Permission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duet Display | ~$10 | 10-30 ms. | β | Up to 4K. |
| Spacedesk | Free of charge. | 50-100 ms | β | Up to 1080p. |
| TeamViewer QuickSupport | Free of charge. | 200+ ms. | β | Up to 1080p. |
β οΈ Note: When using the tablet as a monitor via Wi-Fi, the battery discharge is accelerated in the 2-3 We recommend you to connect the charger or use the power saving mode.
Method 5: Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Telegram)
If a physical connection is not possible (like a tablet and PC on different networks), cloud storage will help. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud service, but it is limited to 5GB of free space.
1. Google Drive / OneDrive
- π Upload files from the tablet to the cloud.
- π₯οΈ Open the web version of the service on PC and download files.
- β‘ Speed depends on your internet connection.
2. Telegram (for fast transfer)
- π Send files to yourself in Save Messages.
- π» Open the Web version of Telegram on PC and download them.
- π Limit: Up to 2 GB per file.
3.Mi Cloud (official decision from Xiaomi)
- π₯οΈ Register your Mi Account on your tablet.
- π± Enable synchronization in Settings β Accounts. β Mi Cloud.
- π₯οΈ Go to i.mi.com from PC and download files.
How to increase the limit of Mi Cloud for free?
Solving Mistakes: PC Can't See Xiaomi Tablet
If the connection is not working, check these points:
1. Problems with drivers (Windows)
- π§ Open Device Manager. β Find other devices or portable devices.
- π If there is an exclamation point, update the driver manually (download from Xiaomi website).
- π¨ Windows 7 may require Media Feature Pack installation.
2. Wrong USB mode
- π± On the tablet, when connecting, select File Transfer (MTP), Not just charging.
- π If the mode is reset, try another cable or port. USB PC-only.
3. Antivirus blocking
- π‘οΈ Temporarily disable the antivirus (for example, Avast or Kaspersky can block the antivirus). MTP-linkage).
- π Add adb.exe to the antivirus exceptions if you use it. ADB.
4. Problems with the firmware of the tablet
- π² On some versions MIUI (especially beta) there are bugs with MTP. Check for updates in Settings β Updating the system.
- π§ If the tablet is not determined on any PC, reset settings (Settings) β Memory. β Resetting settings).
-->