How to sync two Xiaomi smartphones: 5 working ways

Why sync two Xiaomi devices

Synchronizing two Xiaomi smartphones opens up possibilities that many users don’t even know about: Imagine: you take a picture on one phone and the pictures instantly appear on the second; start typing a message on the Redmi Note 12 and end up on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra — without losing a draft; or automatically duplicate important notes, contacts and even call history so as not to lose data when you change the device.

But there are pitfalls here: Incorrect synchronization settings can lead to duplicate files, document version conflicts, or even leaking personal data when using unreliable methods. In this article, we will examine all the official and alternative ways of synchronizing the two Xiaomis, including hidden MIUI features that are not written about in standard instructions, and how to avoid typical errors that cause users to lose access to data.

Method 1: Synchronize with Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and easy way to do this is to use Xiaomi’s built-in ecosystem, which requires both devices to be linked to the same Mi Account, which takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires a stable Internet connection.

How it works:

1. On both phones, open the settings. → Mi Account.
2. Sign in with one account (if you haven’t already).
3. Go to Settings → Synchronize and turn on switches for the desired data (contacts, notes, calendar, etc.).

The synchronization will start automatically. Time depends on the amount of data, from a few seconds to a few seconds. 10-15 minute.

✅ Pluses:

• 🔒 Security: Data is encrypted and stored on Xiaomi servers.
• 🔄 Automation: Changes are synchronized in real time.
• 📱 Cross-platform: works even between Xiaomi and the POCO.

❌ Cons:

• 📶 Requires constant internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 📁 Restriction on the amount of cloud storage (5 GB free).
• 🔧 Not all types of data are supported (for example, SMS non-synchronize).

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Account to sync photos, check the Gallery settings → Mi Cloud → Autoload. Only the original resolution photos are uploaded by default, and the video is not. To sync the video, turn on the option to upload the video to the cloud.

Method 2: Local synchronization over Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth

If you don’t have access to the Internet or don’t want to upload data to the cloud, you can use direct transfer between devices, which is suitable for one-time transfers of large files (such as videos or archives) or when you need to quickly share contacts.

Instructions for Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On the first phone, open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On the second phone, do the same and select the first device from the list.
3. Confirm the connection on both phones.
4. Open Explorer, select files and click Send → Wi-Fi Direct.

Bluetooth is similar, but the transfer speed will be lower (up to 2-3 MB / s versus 10-15 MB / s for Wi-Fi Direct), but Bluetooth consumes less power and operates at a longer distance (up to 10 meters versus 5-7 for Wi-Fi Direct).

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If Wi-Fi Direct doesn’t find a second device, try rebooting both phones or turning on Visibility for All in Wi-Fi Direct settings.

Method 3: Sync through Google Account (alternative to Mi Cloud)

If you don’t trust the Xiaomi cloud or you have devices of different brands (such as Xiaomi and Samsung), you can use Google Account.This method synchronizes contacts, calendar, notes (via Google Keep), photos (Google Photos), and even some system settings.

How to set up:

1. On both phones, open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Sign in under one Google account.
3. Turn on synchronization for the desired categories (contacts, calendar, etc.).
4. For photos, install the Google Photos app and enable Backup and Sync.

⚠️ Google Photos compresses photos if you have a free rate (quality "High"). To maintain the original resolution, you will have to pay for additional space in Google One or use Mi Cloud for photos.

Advantages of the method:

• 🌍 It works on all Android devices, not just Xiaomi.
• 🔗 Synchronizes data from the PC (via the browser).
• 📅 Supports calendars and tasks (via Google Calendar).

Sign in to one account on both devices|Check the free space in Google Drive|Turn off photo optimization in Google Photos (if you need original quality)|Enable synchronization for all categories-->

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (ShareIt, Xender, Snapdrop)

If the built-in methods don't work, you can use third-party applications to transfer files, the most popular among Xiaomi users:

• 📲 ShareIt (from Xiaomi) – optimized for brand devices, supports transfer of large files without loss of quality.
• ⚡ Xender – works without the Internet, supports cross-platform transmission (Android-iOS-Windows).
• 🌐 Snapdrop – web service for transferring files through the browser (does not require installation).
• 📎 Send Anywhere – generates 6-digit code for fast transfer.

How to use ShareIt:

1. Install the app on both phones from Google Play or Mi App Store.
2. On the first phone, select Send, on the second, Receive.
3. Connect to a single Wi-Fi hotspot (the app creates it automatically).
4. Select the files and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Warning: When using third-party apps, disable mobile data on both devices to avoid additional traffic waste. Some apps (such as Xender) may download ads in the background if they do not restrict their access to the Internet.

Method 5: Synchronize via Mi Mover (transfer data when changing phone)

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi for transferring data from one device to another, pre-installed on most of the brand’s smartphones and allows you to sync:

• 📞 Contacts, messages, call logs.
• 📷 Photo and video (in original quality).
• 🎵 Music and documents.
• 📱 Applications (with data retention if supported).

How to use:

1. Install Mi Mover on both phones (if it is not in the system).
2. On the old phone, choose I am the sender, on the new phone, I am the receiver.
3. Connect to a single Wi-Fi network or use an access point.
4. Scan it. QR-screen code from the new phone on the old.
5. Select the data for transfer and confirm.

⚠️ Critical information: Mi Mover does not sync data in real time - it is a one-time transfer tool.If you need constant sync, use Mi Cloud or Google Account.

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Mi Mover is the only official way to transfer data apps (such as saving in games or setting up instant messengers) from one Xiaomi to another.

Synchronization Security: 5 Rules That 90% of Users Ignore

Synchronizing data between devices is always a risk of leaking personal information.

1. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for Mi Account and Google. Even if someone learns your password, without the code from an SMS or authenticator app, they won’t get access to the data.
2. Check application permissions. For example, ShareIt requests access to contacts and files — disable unnecessary permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions.
3. Don’t sync passwords through the cloud. Use dedicated managers (like Bitwarden or KeePassDX).
4. Clear your sync history. In Mi Cloud, you can delete old backups in Settings → Mi Cloud → Storage Management.
5. Avoid public Wi-Fi when transferring files. If you have to use an open network, turn on a VPN (such as Xiaomi VPN or ProtonVPN).

🔍 How to check which data is already synchronized?

Open Settings → Sync and see the status next to each category. If there is a tick next to Contacts or Notes, the data has already been uploaded to the cloud.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Problem 1: Syncing through Mi Cloud is 0% or 99%.

Decision:

• Check your internet connection (switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi).
• Clear the Mi Cloud cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Cloud → Clear the cache.
• Leave the account and log in again.

Problem 2: Photos sync, but video doesn't.

Solution: In the Gallery, open Mi Cloud → Settings → Autoload video and enable the option.

Problem 3: Wi-Fi Direct does not find the second device.

Decision:

• Reboot both phones.
• Turn on Flight Mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off.
• Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi enabled (even if you are using mobile data).

Problem 4: Once synchronized, the contacts are duplicated.

Solution: Use the Contacts app → Contact management → Combine duplicates.

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If sync is constantly getting lost, try resetting the network settings on both phones: Settings → Connection & Sharing → Network Reset. This will remove stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, but often solves connection problems.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions