Modern Xiaomi smartphones boast massive storage and high-resolution cameras, quickly accumulating gigabytes of photos and videos. At some point, users inevitably face the need to free up space or simply save important data to a more secure drive. Cable connections often present challenges: the cable can be lost, damaged, or simply unavailable when needed.
Luckily, the Android ecosystem, and MIUI in particular, offers a lot of advanced tools for wireless syncing. Data transfer via Wi-Fi — it's not only convenient, but also often faster than using old USB 2.0 cables. You can sit anywhere in your apartment while your phone charges at the router and your files are transferred to your hard drive.
In this article, we'll cover all the relevant methods, from built-in system features to third-party apps. You'll learn how to set up an FTP server in a couple of seconds, how to use the proprietary Mi Share app, and which cloud services are best for automatic backups. Wireless technology It will free you from the tangled mess of wires and allow you to manage your phone's file system directly from Windows Explorer.
Using the built-in FTP server in MIUI File Explorer
The fastest and most effective way, without installing any additional software, is to activate the FTP server through the standard file manager. In MIUI, this feature is deeply integrated into the system and works reliably. You don't need to search for IP addresses in the router settings or set up static routes—everything happens automatically.
To get started, open the app Conductor (File Manager) on your smartphone. In the interface, find the "Network" tab or the computer icon in the top menu. By clicking the "Start" button, the system will create a local address that the computer can use to see the phone's storage. Make sure both devices are connected to the same network. Wi-Fi networks.
On your computer, open "My Computer" or any folder. In the address bar at the top, enter the address that appears on your phone's screen (usually it starts with ftp://...). After pressing Enter, the contents of your Xiaomi device's memory will appear as a regular folder. You'll be able to copy, delete, and rename files as quickly as you normally would.
What to do if the computer does not see the FTP server?
If the connection fails, check your Windows firewall settings. Antivirus software or system firewalls often block incoming connections on port 2121. Add an exception rule for your home network or temporarily disable firewall protection to test. Also, make sure AP Isolation is not enabled in your router settings.
The main advantage of this method is that you don't need to log in each time if you save the address in your history. However, keep security in mind: while the server is running, anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi can theoretically access your files.
⚠️ Caution: Do not leave the FTP server running when you are in public places or connected to guest networks. This may result in the leaking of personal photos and documents.
Mi Drop (Mi Share) app for fast transfer
Xiaomi has developed its own file sharing solution, which was originally based on Wi-Fi Direct technology, but is now integrated with the function Mi ShareThis is an analogue of Apple AirDrop, allowing you to transfer huge files in seconds without loss of quality or compression.
To send files, open your gallery or file manager, select the desired items, and click the "Send" button. From the list of available methods, select Mi Drop or Mi ShareA QR code or list of available devices will appear on the screen. If this is your first time transferring data to your computer, you'll need to scan the QR code with your camera or click the link in your browser.
- 🚀 High transfer speed thanks to the use of the 5 GHz protocol (if supported by the router).
- 📱 No need to install applications on your PC; everything works through a web interface in your browser.
- 🔒 Connection encryption ensures data security during transmission.
The app's interface is intuitive: you can see the progress bar and speed in real time. This is especially convenient when transferring 4K videos, which weigh several gigabytes. Unlike Bluetooth, there are no delays or connection interruptions.
It's worth noting that Mi Share may require a dedicated client or web version to work on a computer, depending on your MIUI version. In new updates, the feature is often renamed simply to "ShareMe," but the essence remains the same: instant data sharing.
Third-party apps: AirDroid and Send Anywhere
If the built-in tools don't suit you for some reason, the market offers powerful alternatives. The app has been the leader for many years. AirDroidIt allows you not only to transfer files but also to fully control your smartphone from your computer: reply to SMS, view notifications, and even mirror your screen.
To get started, you need to install the app on your Xiaomi device and the client (or use the web version) on your PC. After registering, all your devices will be synced. You can drag and drop files in the browser, and they will instantly appear on your phone's memory.
Another great option is - Send AnywhereIts key feature is transfer using a 6-digit code. You don't need to register or keep your devices on the same Wi-Fi network (although LAN mode offers faster speeds). You generate the code on your phone, enter it on your computer, and the file transfers directly.
| Application | Need an account? | Working without the Internet (LAN) | File size limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirDroid | Yes (preferred) | Yes (Premium) | No (depending on the disc) |
| Send Anywhere | No | Yes | Unlimited LAN |
| Portal by Pushbullet | No | Yes | No |
⚠️ Note: Free versions of third-party apps often have speed or monthly cloud data transfer limits. Always check if the app is running in Local Network mode to avoid wasting data.
Using third-party software provides flexibility, but requires installing additional software. This may be overkill for a simple task like "downloading photos," but it's indispensable for regular document management.
Synchronization via Google Photos and Cloud Services
The laziest, but most effective way is automatic synchronization. Service Google Photos Installed by default on all Android smartphones, Auto Backup ensures that every photo you take is instantly uploaded to the cloud.
After that, simply open your computer's browser and go to photos.google.com. All your images will be available there. You can select the ones you need and download them as an archive via Google Takeout or simply drag and drop them into a folder on your hard drive. This isn't exactly direct Wi-Fi transfer in the traditional sense, but the result is the same.
☑️ Set up auto-upload in Google Photos
An alternative could be Google Drive or Yandex.Disk. By setting up automatic downloads for specific folders (for example, "Screenshots" or "WhatsApp Images"), you can access your files from any device. The downside of this method is that it depends on your internet speed and available cloud storage.
For users of the Xiaomi ecosystem, this service is useful Mi CloudIt allows you to sync contacts, notes, and your gallery. On a PC, you can go to i.mi.com and download files. However, free storage is limited, making paid plans a consideration.
Transferring files over a local SMB network
For advanced users who have a shared folder on their computer, the protocol method is available SMBYou can map a network drive directly in Xiaomi File Explorer and write files there, just like you would to a flash drive. This requires configuring access rights in Windows, but gives you full control.
In the File Explorer app on your phone, go to Network -> Remote Devices (or Add). Select SMB and enter your computer's IP address and your Windows account username and password. Once connected, the computer's folder will be writable.
Connection path: smb://192.168.1.X/SharedFolderThis method is ideal for backing up large amounts of data without human intervention. You simply copy the files on your phone and select "Copy to...", specifying the network folder on your PC. The speed is limited only by the capacity of your router and hard drive.
Solution and speed optimization
Users often complain about slow transfer speeds or connection drops. In 90% of cases, the problem lies with the Wi-Fi frequency band. If your router is dual-band, make sure both your phone and computer are connected to the network. 5 GHz, not 2.4 GHz.
The 2.4 GHz band is heavily congested with neighboring networks and household appliances, causing interference and speed drops to 2-3 MB/s. In the 5 GHz band, speeds can reach 30-50 MB/s and higher, comparable to USB 2.0. Also, check that your router's Wi-Fi module isn't in power-saving mode.
- 📶 Move closer to the router to prevent signal loss.
- 🔄 Restart your router if it has been running without being turned off for several months.
- 📱 Close background apps on your phone that consume data.
If you use complex passwords or special characters in the network name, some older versions of Android may not connect correctly to shared resources. In such cases, creating a guest network with a simple password exclusively for file transfers can help.
Why does the transmission drop out at 99%?
This is most often due to insufficient space on the destination drive or a temporary glitch in the Windows network driver. Try transferring a smaller file. If the issue persists, reset your phone's network settings (Settings -> Connection and Sharing -> Reset Wi-Fi & Mobile Networks).
Is it possible to transfer files if there is no router?
Yes, you can use hotspot mode. Enable hotspot on your phone and connect your computer to it (using mobile data unless you set up a local bridge). Or, vice versa, enable hotspot on your laptop and connect your phone. In both cases, the devices will be connected to the same local network without internet access, and FTP/SMB will work.
Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi for transferring?
It's strongly recommended not to transfer personal files over public networks without using a VPN or secure protocols. In cafes or airports, an attacker could intercept your traffic. Use only trusted home networks or mobile hotspots.