How to sync two Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways + problem solving

Synchronizing two Xiaomi devices allows you to quickly transfer contacts, photos, notes and even system settings without losing data, a feature that is especially useful when buying a new smartphone, backing up or working with loved ones. However, not all users know that synchronization is possible not only through the Mi Account cloud, but also through local networks, Bluetooth or specialized applications.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to sync the two Xiaomis, from standard MIUI tools to alternative solutions for devices without access to the Internet. You will learn how to avoid common errors (for example, “Disconnected to the device”), what data can be transferred and what can not be transferred, and how to speed up the process of file sharing.

1. sync through Mi Account (Xiaomi Cloud)

The most reliable and versatile way is to use the official Mi Account cloud service, which allows you to synchronize contacts, notes, photos, call history, and even some system settings between all devices associated with a single account, the main advantage is that data is available on any Xiaomi smartphone after authorization, even if one of the devices is lost or broken.

To enable synchronization:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account on both phones.
2. Sign in with one account (if you haven’t already).
3. Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
4. Activate sliders in front of the desired categories (for example, Contacts, Gallery, Notes).
5. Click Sync and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Warning: The free Mi Cloud tariff only provides 5GB of storage.If you need to sync a large number of photos or videos, consider buying extra space or using alternative methods (see Section 4).

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Before syncing, check if your Mi Account is linked to another device (like an old smartphone). To avoid conflicts, remove unnecessary devices in the Mi Account → Device Management section.

2. Local synchronization via Wi-Fi Direct

If you don't have access to the Internet or don't want to upload data to the cloud, use Wi-Fi Direct, which is a direct connection between devices, which is suitable for transferring large files (video, archives, backups) without limiting the volume, transfer speeds can reach 10-15 MB / s, which is 2-3 times faster than Bluetooth.

Instructions for connection:

• 📱 On the first phone, open the settings. → Connection and sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔍 On the second phone, do the same thing and select the name of the first device from the list.
• ✅ Confirm the connection on both smartphones (entry may be required) PIN-code).
• 📁 You can now transfer files through any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager) by selecting the option Send via Wi-Fi Direct.

⚠️ Note: Wi-Fi Direct consumes more power than Bluetooth. If one device's battery is under 20%, we recommend connecting it to charge during transmission.

3. Fast data transfer via Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the most energy-efficient way to sync, but only suitable for small files (up to 50 MB), it is convenient to use for transferring contacts, short videos or documents when there is no Wi-Fi at hand.

How to sync devices:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings → Connection and Sharing → Bluetooth).
2. On the first device, click Device Search and select the second smartphone from the list.
3. Confirm the pairing on both phones (code must match).
4. Open the file manager, select the files you want, and select Send → Bluetooth.

The transmission speed over Bluetooth 5.0 (available in most modern Xiaomi) reaches 2 MB / s, but in practice it can be lower due to interference.

• 📶 Make sure there are no physical barriers between the devices (walls, furniture, etc).
• 🔋 Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, fitness bracelets) that may interfere.
• 📱 Transfer both phones to Do Not Disturb mode to avoid interruption of transmission by incoming calls.

4. Synchronization through third-party applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to MIUI limitations or lack of internet), you can use third-party applications.

• 📲 SHAREit – transfer of files at speeds up to 20 MB / s via a local network.
• 📱 Xender – supports cross-platform synchronization (Android, iOS, PC).
• ☁️ Google Drive is an alternative to Mi Cloud for backup.
• 🔄 SyncMe Wireless – Automatic synchronization of contacts and calendars.

Example of transmission via SHAREit:

1. Install the app on both phones from Google Play or Mi App Store.
2. On the first device, click Send, on the second - Receive.
3. Select the files and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Warning: When using third-party apps, never connect to public hotspots (such as cafes or airports). Attackers can intercept the data being transmitted.

5. Synchronization of settings and applications

In addition to files, you can sync between Xiaomi devices:

• 🔧 System settings (wallpaper, sound schemes, screen brightness) through Settings → Additionally. → Transfer of data.
• 📱 Installed applications (list and data of some programs) via Mi Account.
• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords – if both phones are connected to the same account, the second smartphone will automatically receive saved networks.
• 📅 Calendars and reminders – synced via Mi Cloud or Google Account.

To transfer messages (SMS/MMS) and call log, use the built-in Backup function:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Choose Local Backup and create an archive.
3. Transfer the backup file to the second phone and restore the data.

Charge of both devices > 30% | VPN and proxy disabled | Enough free space on both phones | Internet connection stability checked (for cloud synchronization)

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6. Solving common problems

When syncing two Xiaomi users often encounter errors. Here's how to fix them:

Problem 1: “Unable to connect to the device” via Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth.

• 🔄 Reboot both phones.
• 📱 Make sure that the devices are enabled Visibility for all (in the settings) Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → Connection and sharing → Resetting network settings.

Problem 2: Files are not transferred through Shareit or similar applications.

• 📶 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (or create an access point on one of them).
• 🚫 Disable the firewall or antivirus that may block the connection.
• 🔄 Update the application to the latest version.

Problem 3: The data in the Mi Cloud is not updated.

• ☁️ Check your internet connection (synchronization only works via Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔄 Manually update the data: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronize.
• 📱 Make sure that the device has enough free space (minimum 100 MB).

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If sync through Mi Account has been suspended during the Waiting phase, try logging out and re-enrolling on both devices, often solving the problem of “hang” sessions.

7.Security in synchronization: 5 rules

Transferring data between devices always involves risks, and follow these guidelines to protect personal information:

1. Use only trusted networks; avoid public Wi-Fi (in hotels, airports) to transmit sensitive data; rather, create a hotspot on one of the phones.
2. Encrypt backups. In the Backup settings, enable Encrypt Data and set a strong password.
3. Turn off automatic sync. In Mi Cloud, only leave the categories you really need to turn on (like contacts and notes).
4. Check application permissions. Party programs (such as SHAREit) often request access to contacts, SMS, and location. Refuse unnecessary permissions.
5. Remove unnecessary devices from Mi Account. Check the list of connected gadgets in Mi Account → Manage devices regularly and delete those you no longer use.

⚠️ Warning: If you sell or transfer one of your smartphones, be sure to log out of Mi Account and reset to factory settings, otherwise the new owner will be able to access your data in the cloud!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi synchronization