Why Xiaomi Charges via USB but Doesn't Transfer Files to Your Computer - Full Guide 2026

You have connected Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 computer-to-computer USB-cable, but instead of the expected access to files, you only see the words "Device Charge"? This problem is familiar to millions of users of Xiaomi smartphones, and it arises regardless of the model - whether it is the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra or the budget Redmi. A2. 80% of the time, the phone’s settings are faulty, not the cable or the computer.

In this article, we will analyze all possible causes - from the banal charging mode to hidden firmware problems. MIUI, We'll also give you step-by-step instructions with pictures on how to return file transfers, and we'll focus on Xiaomi's unique feature: automatic reset. USB-post-update MIUI, It's not even written in the official documentation, and you're ready to deal with it once and for all?

1. Check basic settings: USB mode by default

The first thing to do is make sure the phone is not locked in Charge Only mode. Xiaomi sets this mode by default after each connection to a new device (especially relevant for MIUI 14+).

How to check:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable (important: don’t use cheap no-name cables – they often don’t support data transfer).
• 📱 On the screen of the smartphone will appear notification «USB "To charge." Stick on it.
• 🔄 In the menu that opens, select “File Transfer» (MTP) or “Presentation of images» (PTP).
• 🖥️ On your computer, check if the phone appears in “This Computer” (Windows) or in the Finder (Mac).

If you don't have File Transfer on the list, the problem is deeper. USB-Debugging or debugging of the developer's settings. More on this in the next section.

2. USB-Debugging and hidden developer settings

MIUI hide some USB-It's designed for security, but it often interferes with users. Here's how to turn on the options you want:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. 7 times tap on the item MIUI version (the notification will appear "You became a developer").
3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
4. Find the option. USB-debug and turn it on.
5. Below, find the default USB configuration and select File Transfer (MTP).

⚠️ Attention: After activation USB-If you debug, you'll see a request to confirm your connection to your computer, and if you don't click "Allow", the file transfer won't work, even if the cable and port are good.

Developer mode activated

On. USB-debugging

Selected USB "MTP" configuration

The original cable is used.

Port port USB PC is working (check on another device)-->

3. Firmware problems MIUI: Why are settings being reset?

After each major update MIUI (For example, from 13 to 14 version, the smartphone automatically resets USB-This is a well-known bug that Xiaomi hasn't fixed in 3 years, and it's all the Redmi models. 9A Xiaomi 13T Pro.

How it manifests itself:

• 🔄 Before the update, files were transferred normally, after - only charging.
• 📱 In the developer settings, the item “Configuration” disappears USB».
• 🖥️ The computer makes the connection sound USB-devices, but the phone is not displayed.

Decision:

1. Do reset settings through Settings → Additional → Reset settings → Reset network settings.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Re-activate the developer mode and set up the USB as in the previous section.

4. Problems with cable, port or computer

If the settings are right, but the file transfer still doesn't work, check the hardware.

⚠️ Note: Cheap cables from AliExpress often do not support data transfer, even if they look like the original «USB 2.0 High Speed or Sync & Charge».

5. Conflicts with antiviruses and firewall

Sometimes the transfer of files is interfered with by security programs on the computer, especially with:

• 🛡️ Avast and AVG (block MTP-protocol)
• 🔥 Windows Defender (after updates) KB502xxxxx)
• 🔒 Kaspersky Internet Security (requires manual exceptions)

How to check:

1. Temporarily disable the antivirus.
2. Reconnect the phone.
3. If it works, add an exception to the MTP USB Device process in the antivirus settings.

For Windows Defender:

1. Open Windows Security → Virus and Threat Protection


2. “Manage settings” → “Add an exception”




3. Select "Process" and add "wudfhost.exe"

💡

If you use a Mac, install the Android File Transfer program – without it, macOS does not recognize Xiaomi as a drive.

6. Alternative methods of file transfer

If none of these methods helped, use the following ways:

• 🌐 Mi Drop (built-in to the MIUI wifi)
• ☁️ Cloud services: Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Telegram (send files to yourself)
• 📶 FTP-server: applications like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer can be used to create FTP-phone-side.
• 🔌 OTG-Adapter: connect the flash drive to the phone and copy the files to it.

For Mi Drop:

1. Open the “Mi Drop” app on your phone.
2. Select the files and click "Send".
3. On your computer, open your browser and go to the address that will show the phone (for example, 192.168.1.100:8080).
4. Download the files directly.

💡

Mi Drop only works on one local network, and if the phone is connected to the mobile Internet and the PC is connected to another Wi-Fi, the transfer will not take place.

Extreme measures: dumping and flashing

If all the methods are tried and the problem remains, you will have to use radical methods:

1. Reset to factory settings (delete all data!): Settings → Additional → Resets → Delete all data.
2. Fastboot Flashing (for power users): fastboot flash all [Firmware name].zip fastboot reboot
3. Recoil on the old version of MIUI (if the bug appeared after the update).

⚠️ Note: Flashing through fastboot can lock the phone if the bootloader unlock rules are not followed. Xiaomi requires official permission to unlock, which is issued through the Mi Unlock app (linking the account to the device is mandatory!).

FAQ: Frequent questions on USB-plug-in