How to Connect Xiaomi Redmi 8 to a Computer via Wi-Fi: 3 Proven Methods

Connecting a smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8 Connecting to your computer via Wi-Fi opens up new possibilities for file transfer, app debugging, and remote control without the need for a USB cable. This method is especially useful if you have a broken USB port. USB-CWhether you want to avoid physical wear and tear on the port or simply prefer wireless technology, Wi-Fi requires some setup, unlike a wired connection, but once it's complete, the process is no less stable and convenient.

In this article we will look at three main ways to connect: via FTP server (for file transfer), ADB over Wi-Fi (for debugging and management) and specialized applications like AirDroid or PortalEach method has its advantages: FTP is suitable for bulk data transfers, ADB is for developers, and third-party apps offer the simplest interface. It's important to keep in mind that Wi-Fi transfer speeds depend on your router's standard (e.g., 802.11ac will provide up to 866 Mbps, but outdated 802.11n — only until 150 Mbps).

Before you begin, make sure your Redmi 8 and the computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a dual-band router (2.4 and 5 GHz), select one of the networks—mixing them won't work. Also, check your smartphone's battery: prolonged file transfers can drain it in a few hours.

1. Preparing your smartphone and computer for connection

Before setting up a wireless connection, there are a few mandatory steps you need to complete on both devices. Redmi 8 This involves enabling developer mode and activating USB debugging (yes, even a Wi-Fi connection will require it in the first step). Drivers will need to be installed on your computer. ADB and, if necessary, an FTP client.

Let's start with the smartphone:

• 📱 Open Settings → About phone and click on the item 7 times MIUI versionto activate developer mode.
• 🔧 Return to the main settings menu and find the new section For developers and turn on:
  

  — USB debugging
  

  — Debugging over Wi-Fi (if there is such a clause).

• 🔄 Restart your phone for the changes to take effect.

On a computer with Windows:

• 💻 Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (includes adb.exe).
• 📂 Unzip the archive to the root of the disk C:\ (For example, C:\platform-tools\) for convenience.
• 🔌 Connect Redmi 8 via USB, wait for the drivers to be installed (download them from the website if necessary) Xiaomi).

⚠️ Attention: If you use macOS or Linux, install adb via package manager (brew install android-platform-tools for Mac or sudo apt install adb (for Ubuntu). The command paths will remain the same.

Once prepared, test the USB connection by running the following in the command line:

adb devices

If the response shows your serial number Redmi 8 — everything is ready to switch to Wi-Fi.

Developer mode is enabled on the Redmi 8

USB debugging is enabled

ADB drivers are installed on the PC

Phone and computer on the same Wi-Fi network

USB connection checked (adb devices command)-->

2. Connecting via an FTP server (for file transfer)

The easiest way to transfer files between Redmi 8 and a computer without USB - use the built-in FTP serverThis method does not require installing additional programs on your PC (any FTP client is sufficient, for example, FileZilla or the built-in Windows Explorer), but has a speed limit - it depends on the power of the smartphone's processor and the quality of the Wi-Fi signal.

Setup instructions:

1. On Redmi 8 install the application FX File Explorer (or similar, for example, Solid Explorer).
2. Open the app, go to the section Network → FTP Server.
3. Click Start the server. Remember or copy the address of the form ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx, login and password (usually anonymous without password).
4. On your computer, open Conductor (or FileZilla) and enter the FTP address in the address bar.

Now you can drag and drop files between devices just like in a regular folder. The transfer speed will be 2–10 MB/s Depending on your router. To speed up the process:

• 📶 Connect to the router at a frequency 5 GHz (if supported).
• 📁 Archive large folders before transferring (for example, in .zip).
• 🔌 Disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi to reduce network load.

⚠️ Attention: The FTP server on your smartphone automatically turns off when the screen is locked. To prevent this, go to the settings FX File Explorer turn on the option Stay active when blocked (may reduce battery life).

3. Connecting via ADB over Wi-Fi (for debugging and control)

If you need to not only transfer files, but also manage Redmi 8 from your computer (for example, to debug applications or run commands), use ADB over Wi-FiThis method requires a preliminary USB connection for authorization, but then works completely wirelessly.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 8 to the PC via USB and run the following in the command line:

   adb tcpip 5555

   This command puts ADB into listening mode for Wi-Fi connections on the port. 5555.

2. Disconnect the USB cable and find the phone's local IP address in the Wi-Fi settings (e.g. 192.168.1.100).
3. Connect via Wi-Fi by following these steps:

   adb connect 192.168.1.100:5555

4. Check the connection:

   adb devices

   A device with an IP address should appear in the list.

Now you can use all standard ADB commands, for example:

• 📲 adb shell — access to the smartphone terminal.
• 📁 adb pull /sdcard/photo.jpg C:\ — download a file from your phone.
• 🔄 adb reboot — reboot the device.

⚠️ Attention: After reboot Redmi 8 port 5555 will be reset. To avoid repeating the command adb tcpip 5555 Each time, add it to startup via the application Tasker or script init.d (root rights required).

A critical detail: if your router assigns dynamic IP addresses (DHCP), your phone's address may change after reconnecting to Wi-Fi. To prevent this, lock the MAC address. Redmi 8 behind a fixed IP in the router settings.

How to find the MAC address of Redmi 8?

Open Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the name of your network → there will be a line at the bottom of the screen MAC address (For example, 00:11:22:33:44:55).

4. Using third-party applications (AirDroid, Portal)

If setting up FTP or ADB seems complicated, use specialized applications. The most popular options are: AirDroid And Portal by PushbulletThey offer an intuitive interface, support for file transfer, SMS, and even screen mirroring (in premium versions).

Instructions for Portal:

1. Install Portal from Google Play on Redmi 8.
2. Open your browser on your PC and go to the website portal.pushbullet.com.
3. Scan the QR code from your computer screen with your smartphone camera.
4. Done! Now you can drag and drop files in the browser or vice versa.

Advantages Portal:

• 🚀 No registration or setup required.
• 🔒 Data is transmitted via an encrypted channel.
• 📎 Files up to are supported 1 GB (in the free version).

For AirDroid You will need to create an account, but you will get additional features:

• 📱 Remote control of your phone from a PC (premium).
• 📞 View and reply to SMS messages from your computer.
• 🔋 Monitor battery charge level.

⚠️ Attention: Free versions of applications limit the transfer speed (usually up to 5 MB/s) and file size. For regular use, consider purchasing a premium subscription (cost - from $2–5 per month).

5. Solving common problems

When connecting Redmi 8 Errors can occur when connecting to a PC via Wi-Fi. Most of these are related to incorrect network settings, firewalls, or IP address conflicts. Let's look at the most common issues and how to resolve them.

5.1. ADB doesn't see the device over Wi-Fi

If after the command adb connect an error appears unable to connect:

• 🔄 Restart the ADB server:

  adb kill-server
  adb start-server

• 📡 Make sure that the phone and PC are on the same subnet (the first three octets of the IP must match, e.g. 192.168.1.x).
• 🛡️ Disable Windows Firewall or add an exception for adb.exe.

5.2. FTP server does not start

If the application returns an error when starting the server:

• 📱 Check if your antivirus software on your phone is blocking access (for example, Avast or 360 Security).
• 🔌 Try a different FTP client on your PC (for example, WinSCP instead of FileZilla).
• 🔄 Reboot your router - sometimes problems are caused by DHCP overload.

5.3. Slow file transfer speed

If files are copying too slowly:

• 📶 Switch to range 5 GHz (if the router supports it).
• 📡 Reduce the distance between your phone and the router (or use a signal repeater).
• 🔌 Disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi (especially those using torrents or video streaming).

If the problem persists, check the Wi-Fi channel settings in the router control panel. Channels 1, 6 And 11 (For 2.4 GHz) are usually less susceptible to interference.

6. Alternative connection methods

If none of the described methods are suitable, consider alternative wireless connection options. They are less versatile, but can solve specific problems.

6.1. Connecting via Bluetooth

Although Bluetooth is significantly slower than Wi-Fi (maximum 2–3 MB/s), it can help out in situations where:

• 📡 The Wi-Fi router is unavailable (for example, while traveling).
• 🔋 You need to save battery power (Bluetooth consumes less energy).

To transfer files:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on Redmi 8 and PC.
2. Pair the devices (password is usually 0000 or 1234).
3. On your PC, open Devices and printers, find Redmi 8, right click and select Transfer files.

6.2. Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

If speed isn't critical, upload files to the cloud and download them to your PC. For example, via Google Drive:

• 📁 Upload files to the folder Drive on the phone.
• 💻 Open drive.google.com on your PC and download them.

Advantage: Files are accessible from any device. Disadvantage: Storage space limitation (15 GB in a free Google account).

6.3. Local network via application LocalSend

LocalSend — an open-source application for transferring files over a local network without cloud servers. It works on the principle AirDroid, but completely offline:

1. Install LocalSend on Redmi 8 and PC (there are versions for Windows/macOS/Linux).
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Select a file on your phone and press Send and select PC from the list.

⚠️ Attention: When using cloud services or LocalSend Large files (>1 GB) may take a long time to upload. To speed up the process, zip them before sending.

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The connection method you choose depends on your needs. Below is a comparison table with recommendations.

For most users, the optimal solution will be a combination of methods:

• 📂 For regular file transfers - FTP server.
• 🛠️ For debugging — ADB over Wi-Fi.
• 🚀 For one-time tasks - Portal or LocalSend.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect Redmi 8 to PC via Wi-Fi without a USB cable?

Yes, but only if you've connected your phone via USB at least once and authorized your computer in developer options. Without this, ADB over Wi-Fi won't work due to security restrictions. Android.

Why doesn't ADB detect my Redmi 8 after reboot?

After rebooting the port 5555 reset. You need to run the command again. adb tcpip 5555 via USB or automate this process using Tasker (requires root).

How to speed up file transfers over Wi-Fi?

Use a router with support 5 GHz and standard 802.11ac. Also, disconnect other devices from the network and archive files before transferring (for example, in .zip or .rar).

Is it possible to control Redmi 8 from a computer via Wi-Fi?

Yes, with the help of AirDroid (premium feature) or scrcpy (free, but requires ADB setup). Scrcpy Allows you to mirror your screen and control your phone using your keyboard and mouse.

Is it safe to use FTP to transfer files?

FTP transfers data in cleartext, so it is not recommended to transfer confidential files (passwords, documents). For security, use SFTP (via Solid Explorer) or encrypt files before sending.