Transferring data from Android to a flash drive in a Redmi phone: 5 proven methods

Transferring files from the internal memory of a smartphone Xiaomi Redmi to a microSD card is a task that every device owner faces sooner or later. Even models with 128 GB of memory (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 13C) eventually become clogged with high-resolution photos, 4K videos and application cache. A flash drive not only frees up space, but also serves as a backup copy of important data. However, standard methods of copying via MIUI often work unintuitively, and some functions (for example, transferring applications) require additional settings.

In this article we will look 5 ways to transfer data from basic copying through the built-in explorer to using a PC and third-party utilities. We will pay special attention to the nuances MIUIthat distinguish Redmi from “pure” Android: restrictions on writing to external media, working with OTG drives and hidden settings for developers. You will also learn how to avoid common mistakes - for example, why files “disappear” after transfer or why a flash drive does not appear in the list of devices.

1. Preparation: checking the flash drive and phone settings

Before transferring data, make sure that your microSD card is compatible with the phone. Redmi supports cards of format microSDXC (up to 2 TB), but the optimal choice for most models is UHS-I Class 10 or A2 (for installing applications). Cards of class Class 4 or lower may slow down the recording of large files.

To avoid problems:

• 🔍 Check the file system of the flash drive: Redmi works correctly with FAT32 (up to 32 GB) and exFAT (for cards >64 GB). NTFS only supported on some models via OTG.
• 📱 Make sure the card is formatted as portable storageand not as internal memory (this limits its use in other devices).
• 🔧 Enable the display of hidden files in Explorer: Settings → Advanced → Show hidden files.

⚠️ Attention: If you previously used a flash drive as internal memory, transferring data to it may lead to failures. In this case, it is better to copy the files to a PC, format the card as portable, and then return the data back.

Redmi model	Max. microSD capacity	OTG support	Features
Redmi Note 12/13	1 TB	Yes (USB-C)	Requires write permission for third-party applications
Redmi 10A/10C	512 GB	Yes (Micro-USB)	Slow writing to cards Class 10 lower A1
Redmi K60	1 TB	Yes (USB 3.2)	Supports exFAT without additional settings

2. Method 1: Copying through the built-in MIUI explorer

The easiest method is to use the standard one Explorer (File Manager) from Xiaomi. It is pre-installed on all Redmi and supports basic file operations. Instructions:

1. Open the application Explorer (folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to section Device (internal memory) and find folders with data (for example, for photos, for downloads). DCIM for photos, Download for downloads).
3. Select files with a long tap → press Copy or data-i="96">Copy Cut.
4. Return to the root directory, select SD card and paste the files into the desired folder.

If button SD card not displayed:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone - sometimes MIUI does not recognize the flash drive immediately after insertion.
• 📌 Check if the card is installed as internal memory (Settings → Memory → SD card → Settings → Format as portable).
• 🛠️ Update the software: in older versions of MIUI (below 12.5) there were bugs with displaying external media.

⚠️ Attention: When copying large files (>4 GB) on FAT32 an error will appear. Use exFAT or split the files into parts.

3. Method 2: Transfer via PC (most reliable)

If you need to transfer a large amount of data (for example, a backup WhatsApp or video to 4K), it is better to use a computer. This eliminates the risk of the process being interrupted due to low battery or MIUI crash. You will need:

• 🖥️ PC with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original from Redmi).
• 📁 Card reader (if a flash drive is not inserted into the phone).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect Redmi to the PC via USB, select the mode File transfer (MTP) in the notification shade.
2. Open on the PC Windows Explorer (or Finder on Mac) - the phone will appear as a removable disk.
3. Copy files from the phone’s internal memory to the PC (for example, to a folder on the desktop).
4. Remove the flash drive from phone, insert it into the card reader and transfer data from the PC to it.
5. Return the flash drive to Redmi and check the integrity of the files.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Speed: USB 3.0 (on Redmi Note 12 Pro+) copies data 3-5 times faster than over Wi-Fi.
• 🔒 Reliability: there is no risk of losing files when the phone is discharged.
• 🛠️ Flexibility: you can use apps like Teracopy to check checksums.

⚠️ Attention: If the PC does not see the phone in MTP mode, try:

1) Switch USB mode in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → MIUI version - tap 7 times to unlock).

2) Install drivers Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi).

4. Method 3: Using an OTG drive or adapter

If your Redmi supports OTG (On-The-Go), you can connect an external USB drive or card reader via an adapter. This is convenient for transferring data between several flash drives or if the phone does not have a microSD slot. Compatible models:

• 📱 Redmi Note 11/12/13 — full OTG support (USB-C).
• 📱 Redmi 10/9 — requires an adapter from Micro-USB to USB-A.
• 🚫 Redmi Go — OTG is not supported.

How to transfer data:

1. Connect the OTG adapter to the phone, and a flash drive or card reader to it.
2. A message will appear in the notification shade USB drive is connected. Tap on it.
3. Select Explorer and copy files between the internal memory and the OTG drive.

Limitations:

• 🐢 The recording speed on OTG is lower than on the built-in microSD (especially on Redmi with USB 2.0).
• 🔋 The OTG connection drains the battery faster - it is recommended to use a charger.
• 🔒 Some OTG drives with NTFS may not be readable (need to be formatted in exFAT).

How to check OTG support on your Redmi?

Install the application USB OTG Checker from Google Play. It will show and recognize the phone has external devices, and tests the read/write speed.

5. Method 4: Transfer through the cloud and then download to a flash drive

If you have a slow card reader or no OTG, you can use cloud services as intermediate storage. This method is suitable for small amounts of data (up to 10-15 GB) and requires a stable Internet connection. Popular services:

• ☁️ Google Drive — 15 GB free, integration with MIUI.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud — 5 GB free, optimized for Xiaomi.
• ☁️ Yandex Disk — 10 GB free, high speed in Russia.

Action algorithm:

1. Upload files from your phone to the cloud through the appropriate application.
2. Insert the USB flash drive into Redmi and open cloud storage.
3. Select files → Download → select SD card as the save location.

Disadvantages of the method:

• 🕒 Long upload/download times with large volumes.
• 📶 Traffic: if you have limited Internet, it is better to use Wi-Fi.
• 🔒 Confidentiality: sensitive data (documents, passwords) are not recommended to be stored in the cloud.

⚠️ Attention: When downloading from the cloud to a flash drive MIUI can create temporary files in internal memory. After transfer, clear the folder Download or MiCloud via Explorer.

6. Method 5: Third-party applications for data transfer

If standard methods do not work (for example, MIUI does not see the flash drive), you can use specialized utilities. They offer additional functions: batch copying, data compression before transfer and restoration of interrupted operations.

Top 3 applications for Redmi:

Application	Advantages	Disadvantages	Link
Files by Google	Quick search for duplicates, clear cache	No OTG support on some models	Google Play
Solid Explorer	Dual-panel mode, ZIP/RAR support	Paid version for advanced features	Google Play
FX File Explorer	Built-in FTP server, working with root	Complicated interface for beginners	Google Play

Example of transfer via Solid Explorer:

1. Install the application and provide access to memory.
2. Enable Root access (if you have root access) for working with system folders.
3. Select files → Copy → select SD card in the second window.
4. Click Insert and wait for completion.

Important: Applications like Solid Explorer may ask for permission to manage all files. Do not provide it if the utility is downloaded from unverified sources - this is a risk of malware infection.

7. Typical errors and their solutions

When transferring data to a flash drive, users Redmi often encounter the following problems:

1. The flash drive is not displayed in Explorer

• 🔌 Check the physical connection: remove and reinsert the card.
• 📱 Reboot the phone - sometimes MIUI “forgets” to mount the media.
• 🛠️ Format the flash drive on your PC in exFAT (if it was in NTFS).

2. There is not enough space on the flash drive, although it is empty

• 🗑️ Delete hidden files (.trashes, .thumbdata) via Solid Explorer.
• 🔍 Check the flash drive for viruses - some malware creates invisible files.
• 📊 Use the utility SD Maid to clean up garbage.

3. The copying speed is extremely low

• 🔋 Connect the phone to charge - MIUI limits performance when the charge is low.
• 📵 Turn off mobile data and Wi-Fi - background downloads slow down the operation.
• 🔄 Try a different wire or USB port on your PC.

4. The files were transferred, but do not open

• 📂 Check the file extensions - sometimes they are cut off during copying (for example, .jpg becomes .jp).
• 🔧 Use the application Fix File Extensions to restore.
• 🖥️ Try opening the files on your PC - if they are damaged, transfer them again.

⚠️ Attention: If after transfer the photos are not displayed in the gallery Redmi, update the media database: open Explorer, find the folder with the photos on the flash drive and create an empty one in it file .nomedia, and then delete it. This will force the scan.

8. Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer applications to a USB flash drive? Redmi?

Yes, but with limitations. B MIUI this only works if the flash drive is formatted as internal memory (Settings → Memory → SD card → Format as internal. After this, some applications can be transferred via Settings → Applications → Select application → Storage → Edit.

⚠️ Please note:

• Not all applications support transfer (especially system ones).
• The performance of applications on a flash drive is lower than in internal memory.
• After removing the flash drive, the transferred applications will stop working.

Why does an error occur when copying large files (>4 GB)?

This is a limitation of the file system FAT32, which does not support files larger than 4 GB. Solutions:

1. Format the flash drive in exFAT (via a PC or Redmi).
2. Split a large file into parts using an archiver (for example, ZArchiver).
3. Use an OTG drive with NTFS (if your Redmi supports this file system).

How to transfer contacts and SMS to a flash drive?

Contacts and messages are transferred via export:

1. Contacts: Open Contacts → ⋮ → Manage contacts → Export/Import → Export to storageSelect SD card and save the file .vcf.
2. SMS: Install SMS Backup & Restore, export the backup to XML and save it to a flash drive.

⚠️ You can restore SMS from a backup only through the same application!

Can a flash drive be used as the main storage for the camera?

Yes, but you need to change the camera settings:

1. Open the application Camera.
2. Tap on ⚙️ Settings → Storage → SD card.
3. Restart the camera - new photos and videos will be saved to the flash drive.

📌 Tip: Create a folder on the flash drive DCIM/Camera manually if it does not appear automatically.

What to do if, after transferring, files take up space on both the phone and flash drive?

This means that you used Copyand not Cut. Solutions:

• Remove duplicates manually through Explorer.
• Use the application Duplicate Files Fixer to automatically search for copies.
• The next time you transfer, select Cut (but make sure that the files were successfully copied to the flash drive!).