FAQ
TL;DR: 0 devices appeared in Device Manager; “my phone doesn’t even show up in the device manager.” Fix with a data‑capable cable, File Transfer (MTP), driver updates, or hardware diagnostics. If no USB options appear, suspect hardware. [Elektroda, Neoprene, post #18164858]
Why it matters: For Xiaomi/MIUI and Windows 10 users whose phone isn’t detected, this FAQ speeds diagnosis and avoids unnecessary repairs.
Quick Facts
- MIUI often defaults to Charging-only; you must pick File Transfer (MTP) each session for file access. [“Transfer files between your computer and Android device”]
- Redmi 4A routes USB on a small daughterboard; upstream electronics can still fail independently. [Elektroda, zjo, post #18158251]
- USB tethering on Windows uses RNDIS and appears as a new network adapter. [“Remote NDIS (RNDIS)”]
- Charge-only cables lack data lines and can’t do MTP, ADB, or tethering. [Anker, 2023]
- USB 2.0’s theoretical link is 480 Mbps; actual transfers are lower. [“USB 2.0”]
Why doesn’t my Xiaomi Redmi 4A show up in Windows 10?
Use a known data‑capable USB cable and unlock the phone. Connect to a direct USB port on the PC. Open the notification shade and tap the USB alert. Select File Transfer (MTP). If missing, try a different cable and port. Restart both devices and replug. Install Windows updates, then reconnect and wait for drivers. Test on another PC to isolate the issue. These steps resolve most Android–Windows detection problems. [“Transfer files between your computer and Android device”]
How do I force MTP/File Transfer when MIUI keeps reverting to Charging?
Re‑connect the phone and open the USB notification. Manually select File Transfer (MTP) each session. MIUI can default back to Charging after reconnects or reboots. If the USB mode menu never appears after connecting, suspect a socket or board‑level fault. “It is normal to return to ‘charge only’.” [Elektroda, zjo, post #18158251]
USB tethering is greyed out—how do I enable it on Windows 10?
Connect the phone to the PC with a data‑capable cable. Then open Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & tethering. Turn on USB tethering. If greyed out, Windows didn’t enumerate a data link. Try a different cable, port, or Windows driver update. Once enabled, Windows creates a new network connection for internet sharing. [“Share your mobile data connection by tethering”]
Nothing appears in Device Manager when I plug the phone in—what next?
Unplug the cable. Reboot the phone and PC. Try another USB port and a known data cable. Avoid USB hubs. Run Windows Update, then reconnect and wait. In Device Manager, click Scan for hardware changes. If still absent, check for debris in the phone’s port and test on another PC. Persistent absence suggests a hardware path fault. [“Fix USB device problems in Windows”]
Mi PC Suite doesn’t detect my Redmi 4A. Does it still work?
Mi PC Suite is outdated and often fails with newer MIUI versions. Use standard MTP for files or alternatives instead. For backup and sync, consider Google Drive, Photos, or third‑party tools. Avoid relying on Mi PC Suite for Windows 10 and MIUI 8/9/10 devices. [“Mi PC Suite not compatible with MIUI 8/9”]
How do I install or update the Xiaomi/OEM USB driver and ADB on Windows?
Enable Developer options and USB debugging on the phone. Connect the device. In Device Manager, right‑click the unknown Android device and choose Update driver. Select Browse my computer and point to the OEM USB driver folder. Complete the wizard and reconnect. This enables ADB and improves detection stability. [“Get OEM USB drivers”]
What should I see in Windows when MTP works?
In Device Manager, the phone appears under Portable Devices, often as the model name. In File Explorer, it shows under This PC as a portable device. You can then browse Internal shared storage and copy files. If it doesn’t appear, reselect File Transfer on the phone and reconnect. [“Media Transfer Protocol”]
Could replacing the USB port still fail to fix detection?
Yes. If upstream electronics are damaged, replacing the socket won’t restore data. In the thread, two technicians replaced the socket, yet tethering still failed. That points to a board‑level issue beyond the port or daughterboard. Consider mainboard diagnostics if symptoms persist. [Elektroda, Neoprene, post #18175932]
How fast can USB tethering or MTP be on this phone?
Redmi 4A’s Micro‑USB uses USB 2.0. The theoretical maximum is 480 Mbps. Real transfer and tethering speeds are lower due to protocol overhead, storage speed, and drivers. For large copies or updates, expect performance well below the theoretical ceiling. [“USB 2.0”]
What’s the quick 3‑step to make Windows see my phone?
- Use a known data cable and a direct USB port on the PC.
- Unlock the phone, open the USB alert, and select File Transfer (MTP).
- Install Windows updates, replug, and wait for drivers to finish. [“Transfer files between your computer and Android device”]
Why don’t any USB options appear on the phone after I plug it in?
If the USB menu never shows, Android may not detect data lines. This happens with charge‑only cables, port damage, or upstream faults. “If the connection mode selection menu does not activate after connecting to the computer, most likely you have a damaged socket, or worse – one of the electronics.” [Elektroda, zjo, post #18158251]
Should I enable USB debugging and ADB for file transfers?
File transfers (MTP) don’t require USB debugging. Debugging enables ADB, helpful for development and some driver checks. “With debugging turned on, it should appear in the manager as ‘adb interface’ anyway.” Use ADB only if you need it or for diagnostics. [Elektroda, zjo, post #18157748]
Could a factory reset fix USB detection issues?
A reset can clear misconfigurations and conflicting apps. Back up first. The service suggested resetting here, but the user had already done it and detection still failed. That outcome suggests hardware rather than software. Try software fixes first, then evaluate hardware. [Elektroda, Neoprene, post #18164734]
Are there safe alternatives to USB for transferring files?
Yes. Use Nearby Share for fast local transfers, or upload via Google Drive or Photos. You can also use Wi‑Fi file managers or Bluetooth for smaller files. These avoid USB hardware issues entirely and work across many devices. [“Share files with Nearby Share”]
