How to sync two Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Synchronizing two Xiaomi devices allows you to share files, contacts, photos and even settings effortlessly. But how to properly configure this feature so that data is transmitted quickly and safely? In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of synchronization, from standard MIUI tools to third-party solutions that work even on older models.

Many users have trouble connecting two Xiaomis: Bluetooth refuses to connect, Mi Account doesn’t sync contacts, files are transferred too slowly. We tested all the methods on devices from different generations — from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra — and collected step-by-step instructions based on the nuances of each version of MIUI.

Important: if you plan to synchronize not only files, but also system settings (for example, wallpaper, themes or notification options), use a cloud account Mi. Wi-Fi Direct will suffice for a one-time transfer of photos or documents.

1. synchronization through Mi Account (cloud)

The most reliable way to link the two Xiaomis is to use the official Mi Account, a method that automatically synchronizes contacts, notes, calendar, photos, and even some system settings, with the main advantage that data is available on any device, even if one of them breaks or is lost.

To enable synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. Sign in with one account on both devices.
3. Turn on switches opposite the data you want (e.g. Contacts, Gallery, Notes).
4. Click Sync and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: If one of the devices is enabled with the function of Traffic Saving (Settings) → Connections → Data savings, synchronization can be unstable. Turn it off before setting up.

Authorization under one account on both devices |

Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) |

Enough free space in the cloud (free 5GB) |

Battery saving mode for the application "Accounts and synchronization" is disabled"-->

If the synchronization is not started, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📱 Sign out of your Mi Account and log in again.
• 🌐 Switch from mobile to Wi-Fi (or vice versa).
• 📦 Clear the app cache Settings → Annexes → Application management → Accounts and synchronization → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

2. Transfer of files over Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a classic way of exchanging data between the two Xiaomis, but it is only suitable for small files (up to 50 MB), the transfer speed is low, but does not require an Internet connection.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth or via the notification panel).
2. On the first phone, select the file you want to submit (e.g. in the Gallery or File Manager).
3. Click Share → Bluetooth and select the second device from the list.
4. Confirm the file on the second phone.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ When you transmit via Bluetooth, you may have a "failed to send a file" error:

• 🔗 Reconnect devices (forget a couple and mate again).
• 📱 Disable Double Applications for Bluetooth (Settings) → Annexes → Dual annexes).
• 🔄 Reboot both smartphones.

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If you need to send multiple files, pre-archive them to ZIP, which will speed up the transfer and reduce the risk of errors.

3.Use of Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct is a technology that allows two devices to connect to each other directly, without a router.Transfer speeds are faster than Bluetooth but lower than Xiaomi Share.This method is suitable for transferring medium-sized files (up to 1 GB).

How to turn on Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Wi-Fi Direct.
3. On the first device, click Device Search, and on the second, Make it visible.
4. After connecting, select the files to be transferred through the File Manager or Gallery.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 or Redmi 9A) Wi-Fi Direct can be hidden. To find it, search for the settings for "Wi-Fi Direct".

Mi Account (cloud) |

Bluetooth|

Wi-Fi Direct|

Xiaomi Share (Mi Share)|

Annex side (SHAREit, Xender)-->

Advantages of Wi-Fi Direct:

• 🚀 Faster than Bluetooth 5-10 times.
• 🔒 It does not require an internet connection.
• 📱 It works even on older models with MIUI 9+.

Disadvantages:

• 📶 Connection may be interrupted if devices are far apart (more than 5 meters).
• 🔋 Fast-planting battery.

4. Xiaomi Share (Mi Share) is the fastest way

Xiaomi Share (formerly Mi Share) is a proprietary technology from Xiaomi, optimized for transferring large files between the brand’s devices. The speed reaches 20 MB / s (10 times faster than Bluetooth), and the file size limit is up to 10 GB.

How to use Xiaomi Share:

1. Activate the function on both devices: Settings → Connections → Xiaomi Share.
2. On the first phone, select files in Gallery or File Manager and click Share → Xiaomi Share.
3. On the second device, confirm the receipt of files.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5+ Xiaomi Share feature may conflict with Google's Nearby Share.If transfer does not start, turn off Nearby Share in settings (Settings) → Google → Devices and exchanges → Nearby Share).

Tips for speeding up transmission:

• 📶 Place the devices side by side (preferably on one surface).
• 🔋 Connect both phones to charging – this will prevent speeds from slowing down due to energy savings.
• 📴 Turn off mobile internet during transmission.

5. Synchronization through third-party applications

If standard methods don’t work or you need additional features (for example, transferring call history or SMS), you can use third-party applications.

• 📲 SHAREit – supports file transfers, applications and even backups.
• 📱 Xender – convenient for sharing music and video.
• 🔗 Send Anywhere – allows you to send files via a link or QR-code.
• 📎 Feem – works without the Internet, creates a local network.

How to set up Sharet:

1. Install the app on both devices from Google Play or App Gallery.
2. Open Shareit and select Send on one phone and Receive on another.
3. Connect to the created access point and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications:

• 🛡️ Check the permissions that the program requests (some applications may collect data).
• 📴 Turn off the mobile internet to avoid traffic.
• 🔄 After transferring files, delete the application if it is no longer needed.

💡

The side of the application is convenient for one-time transfer of large files, but for constant synchronization it is better to use Mi Account or Xiaomi Share.

6. Synchronization of settings and themes

In addition to files, between the two Xiaomi can synchronize system settings: themes, wallpaper, notification options and even control gestures.

1. Sign in with the same Mi Account on both devices.
2. Open Settings → Wallpaper and themes → My themes.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Sync themes.

You can also reschedule:

• 🎨 Wallpaper - through Settings → Screen. → Wallpaper.
• 🔔 Notification settings - in Settings → Notifications.
• 👆 Gestures - in Settings → Additionally. → Gestures.

⚠️ Note: Theme sync only works between devices with the same version MIUI. For example, the theme with Xiaomi 13 (MIUI 14) may not appear correctly on the Redmi Note 8 (MIUI 12).

7. Solving problems in synchronization

If the synchronization is not working, check the following points:

If nothing helps, try:

• 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → Connections → Resetting network settings).
• 📱 Update MIUI last-minute.
• 📦 Clear the cache of system applications (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Systemic → Clear the cache).

FAQ: Frequent questions