Xiaomi Mi Phone Not Connecting to PC? 11 Troubleshooting Tips
"I have a Xiaomi 14, and I used to often transfer files between it and my Windows 11 PC over a USB cable. The phone does show on the computer. But I can't find any settings on the phone or the computer to transfer files - the Mi phone not connecting to PC. Am I missing something very simple?" -- from Android Enthusiasts
Establishing a seamless connection between a Mi phone and a PC arises in various situations, such as transferring files, managing data, or updating firmware. However, many Xiaomi owners encounter the frustration of their phones not connecting to their PCs, often prompting the question, "Why is my Xiaomi not connecting to my PC?" One common hurdle is bumping into the "Update your device before connecting" error.
Fret not! In the sections that followed, we will explore possible reasons and 11 techniques designed to swiftly resolve connectivity problems, ensuring a smooth interaction between Mi and PC.
Part 1: Why My Mi Phone Is Not Connecting to PC via USB Cable?
If your Mi phone is not connecting to your PC via USB cable, there could be several reasons for this issue. Here are some common causes:
- Mismatched Drivers for the Mi Phone.
- Improper USB Connection Configuration.
- Non-Original USB Cable for the Phone.
- Issues with the Phone or Computer USB Port.
- Failure or Glitch in the Android Operating System.
- Outdated Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) Driver.
- Temporary Issues in Phone Processes.
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Part 2: How to Troubleshoot Mi Phone Not Connecting to PC? [10 Makeshifts]
Fix 1: Try a different USB cable/port
- Utilize another authentic USB cable provided with the Xiaomi Mi 14/13/12/11i/Redmi 12/Note 13 if the current one is faulty.
- Explore the functionality of the USB ports by experimenting with different phones and cables.
- Attempt disconnecting and reconnecting the phone to different USB ports.
Fix 2: Use another computer
If your Mi phone is not connecting to PC Windows 11, it could be a hardware or software problem. Try using a different PC to determine if the issue lies with the computer or the smartphone.
Ensure that your PC has the latest Windows updates installed. If not, follow the easy guide: Open PC's "Settings > Update & Security"; click on "Windows Update > "Check for updates"; download and install available updates; then restart your computer if required.
Fix 3: Clear Mi cache
- Open "Settings" on your Xiaomi phone.
- Scroll down and select "Apps" or "Installed apps", depending on your device.
- Choose the app for which you want to clear the cache and tap on "Storage".
- You should see options to "CLEAR CACHE " and "CLEAR DATA".
- Tap the former to clear the app cache and data on Androd/Xiaomi.
Fix 4: Enable USB debugging
- Open "Settings" and go to "About phone".
- Tap "MIUI version" seven times to unlock Developer Options.
- In "Settings", go to "Additional settings"/"System & Device" > "Developer options".
- Toggle on "Developer options" and enable "USB debugging".
- Confirm any prompts that appear.
Note: The menus' names and steps might vary slightly depending on the model and version of MIUI on your Mi phone. If you can't find the "Developer options" or "USB debugging" based on these instructions, give a click on this guide - How to enable USB debugging on a Xiaomi device?
Fix 5: Use Mi File Manager
To fix Mi phone not connecting to PC wirelessly, open Mi File Manager and follow the steps:
- Access Mi File Manager and tap the three horizontal lines.
- Choose "FTP/Connect to computer" and start the server.
- Ensure both your device and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Note the FTP address provided and select the desired storage volume.
- Open Explorer on your computer and input the FTP address. Press "OK".
Fix 6: Upgrade your PC
For optimal performance using Mi PC Suite to manage your Xiaomi phone on your computer, ensure you have the latest software version:
- Open the software and check the current version.
- Visit the official Xiaomi website for the latest version.
- Download and run the installer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install.
- Restart Mi PC Suite and connect your Xiaomi device via USB.
- Check for updates within the software.
- Follow prompts to update if available.
Fix 7: Install Mi Driver
- Connect your smartphone to the PC and right-click on "My Computer".
- Go to "Manage", click "Device Manager", and expand "Portable devices" to find "Android".
- Right-click "Android", choose "Update Driver Software", and pick "Browse my computer for driver software".
- Pick "Let me pick a list of a device driver on my computer" and choose "Universal Serial Bus Devices".
- Click "Next" and select "MTP USB device" before clicking "Next" again to install the smartphone driver.
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Fix 8: Install PC Driver
This method assists in addressing the issue of the Mi phone not connecting to PC Windows 10 and only charging. Here's the guide:
- Connect your Mi phone to the PC and right-click on "My Computer".
- Select "Manage", click on "Device Manager", and expand "Portable devices" to find "Android".
- Right-click on "Android" and go to "Properties".
- If not found, expand "Other devices", right-click on "ADB interface", and go to "Properties".
- In the "Details" tab, select "Hardware ids".
- Copy the ID and search it on Google for the best driver download link.
- Download and install the driver for your PC, and your smartphone will connect seamlessly.
Fix 9: Restart Mi and PC
This may resolve connectivity problems caused by potential software bugs on both devices. To restart your Mi phone, press the "Power" button and select the "Reboot" option that appears. For your PC, hold the "Power" button for 10-15 seconds, allow it to turn off, and then power it back on.
Fix 10: Contact customer support
- Visit the Xiaomi Support website.
- Navigate to the "Support" or "Contact Us" section.
- Select your Mi phone model or relevant product category.
- Choose a contact method such as live chat, email, or the customer support hotline.
- Provide detailed information about the connection issue.
- Follow any instructions given by the support team.
Part 3: How to Connect Mi Phone to PC Smoothly without USB? [Final Solution]
While Mi PC Suite is commonly used for Xiaomi to PC connections, it may lack efficiency in managing Xiaomi/Mi/Redmi phones, leading to occasional failures. For a safer and more effective virtual connectivity experience, consider MobiKin Assistant for Android (Win and Mac). This reliable tool streamlines the process with the automatic completion of simple steps. For More Features of this product, check out the brief list:
- Connect Mi phone to PC via WiFi or USB quickly and smoothly.
- Flexibly copy data between Xiaomi to PC.
- Back up & restore any Android smartphone without errors.
- Supported data types: Contact, SMS, call logs, photos, videos, music, apps, documents, etc.
- Organize/manage Android phones/tablets on your computer directly.
- Free trial, instant technical support, high user satisfaction, etc.
- Work for practically all Android phones, including Mi 14/Mi 13/Mi 12/Mi 11i/Mi 10/Mi 9/Mi 9 SE/Mi 8, Mi MIX 3, Redmi 12/11/10/9/8/7, Redmi Note 13/12/11/10/9/8/7 Pro/4/4A, etc.
- It won't let out your privacy.
How do I connect my Mi phone to my computer via MobiKin Assistant for Android?
Step 1. Connect via WiFi
Enable the "WiFi" feature on your Mi phone and connect to a strong WiFi network. Start the software following download and installation, then choose "Connect via WIFI" from the upper right.
Step 2. Scan a QR code
Download MobiKin Assistant for Android (Android Version) on your Mi device. Launch the .apk file, click "Scan QR Code", and use your Xiaomi/Mi/Redmi to scan the code on your PC.
Step 3. Establish a stable connection
Ensure both devices are on the same network. Congratulations! You've now successfully established a wireless connection between your Xiaomi device and PC.
When the connection is created, you can run Mi phone backup to PC and restore the device with one click, seamlessly transfer data between your Xiaomi device and PC, or manage your phone on this computer.
Summing Up
As we delve into the 10 quick tricks, keep in mind that ensuring your device is up to date and roughly understanding the potential causes of connection issues are vital steps in troubleshooting. At the end of this article, you are furnished with a credible product - MobiKin Assistant for Android to overcome obstacles and establish a stable connection between your Mi phone and PC. Just opt for this as your primary option if you wish to avoid intricate and frustrating reconnection attempts.
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