How to sync your phone with Xiaomi Redmi: 5 working ways

Synchronizing two Xiaomi Redmi smartphones makes it easier to share files, back up data, and even remotely manage. But many users are facing problems: Bluetooth can’t find the device, Mi Account requires re-authorization, file transfer is interrupted halfway. In this article, proven synchronization methods are used to take into account the features of the MIUI 12-14 firmware, as well as solving typical errors.

Unlike the iPhone, where sync works almost automatically over iCloud, there are several alternative methods on Xiaomi Redmi. The choice depends on the purpose: do you need to constantly sync contacts and photos or just flip files one-time enough? We will analyze all the options, from standard MIUI features to third-party applications that bypass the limitations of the system.

⚠️ Note: If you sync your phones through Mi Account, make sure that both devices use the same region (e.g., "Russia" or "Global"). Different regions may block data sharing due to Xiaomi's policy.

1. sync through Mi Account (Xiaomi Cloud)

The most reliable way to continuously sync contacts, notes, calendars, and even some settings is to use a cloud-based Mi Account, which works on all Redmi models (from the 2017 Redmi 5 to the 2026 Redmi Note 13), but requires a stable Internet connection.

To enable synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Sign in or create a new account (if you don’t have one).
3. Go to Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
4. Activate sliders opposite the desired data (contacts, notes, photos).

⚠️ Warning: The free Mi Cloud only provides 5GB of storage. If you sync photos in original quality, the space will quickly end.

Make sure that both phones have the same version MIUI (or a difference not greater than 1st version)|Check that both devices are connected to Wi-Fi (mobile internet can block the download of large files)|Shut down. VPN — It can interfere with the connection to Xiaomi servers.|Check that there is no lock on your account for suspicious activity (e.g. too many login attempts)-->

2.Switching files over Bluetooth: a fast but limited way

Bluetooth is suitable for one-time transfer of small files (up to 50 MB) - photos, documents or contacts. The main advantage is that you do not need Internet. Cons: low speed (maximum 2-3 MB / s) and a limit on the number of files per session.

Instructions for transmission:

1. On both phones, turn on Bluetooth in the notification curtain.
2. On the sender phone, select a file → Share → Bluetooth.
3. Select the target device from the list.
4. On the receiving phone, confirm the receipt of the file.

If Redmi doesn't see the second phone,

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on both devices (turn off/on in settings).
• 📱 Reset the list of associated devices in Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Clear the list.
• 🔧 Update the firmware - in older versions MIUI There were bugs with device detection.

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If the transmission is permanently interrupted, try to reduce the distance between the phones to 1 meter and remove obstacles (walls, metal objects). Bluetooth on Xiaomi is sensitive to interference.

3. Wi-Fi Direct: High speed without internet

Wi-Fi Direct is a technology that allows two devices to create a local network without a router, with transfer speeds of 10-15 MB/s (5 times faster than Bluetooth), and a file size limit of up to 1 GB in one session, ideal for video or backups.

How to turn on Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On the sender phone, select a file → Share → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. On the receiving phone, confirm the connection.

If Wi-Fi Direct is not working:

4. sync through Google account (for contacts and calendar)

If you don't want to use Mi Cloud, you can sync your contacts, emails and calendars through your Google account, and this is universal and works even if one of the phones is not Xiaomi.

Synchronization setting:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account (or add a new one).
3. Activate sliders opposite Contacts, Calendar and Disc.
4. On the second phone, repeat the steps and log in to the same account.

⚠️ Note: If contacts are duplicated after synchronization, check the settings in the Contacts app → Contact management → Merger of duplicates. MIUI Sometimes creates copies of data conflicts between Mi Account and Google.

5.Side of the application: ShareIt, Xender, LocalSend

Standard MIUI methods are not always convenient: Mi Cloud is limited in volume, Bluetooth is slow, and Wi-Fi Direct sometimes gets glitchy.

• 📲 ShareIt is up to 20MB/s, but requires installation on both devices.
• ⚡ Xender works without the Internet, there is a backup function.
• 🔗 LocalSend is open source, ad-free, encrypts files that are being transmitted, perfect for sensitive data.
• 📁 Files by Google – built-in Offline Transfer feature for files up to 1GB.

How to transfer files via LocalSend:

1. Install the app on both phones from the official website or Google Play.
2. On the sender phone, select files → Share → LocalSend.
3. On the receiving phone, confirm acceptance in the notification.

LocalSend does not require registration or save files on servers, unlike ShareIt or Xender.It is the only application on the list that fully complies with the GDPR privacy policy.

6. synchronization via OTG cable (for large data volumes)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (like a backup or video collection), the most reliable way is to connect directly via an OTG cable.

• 🔌 Cable OTG (Type-C → Type-C or Micro-USB → Type-C, depending on the model).
• 📱 File Manager (Embedded Files or Solid Explorer).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the OTG cable to the receiver phone.
2. Connect the second phone to the cable (it will be defined as an external drive).
3. Open the file manager and copy the data as if from a flash drive.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) when connected via OTG You may need permission to access files in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → For developers → Configuration USB → File transfer).

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OTG cable is the only way to transfer data if one of the phones has broken Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and it is also the most secure method for sensitive files, as they do not pass through the cloud or third-party servers.

7 Remote Control: How to Use One Redmi as a Remote for Another

Few people know, but Xiaomi Redmi can be used for remote control of another phone through the Mi Remote app (for MIUI 12+) or TeamViewer QuickSupport.

• 🎮 Show your phone screen on a large screen (via Miracast).
• 🖱️ Manage a relative's device for setting up.
• 🔧 Remotely troubleshoot (for example, if the screen is broken).

How to set up remote management via TeamViewer:

1. Install TeamViewer QuickSupport on both phones.
2. On the phone you are controlling, launch the application and write down the device ID.
3. On the management phone, enter this ID in TeamViewer (full version).
4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

For Miracast (Wi-Fi screen transfer):

1. On the receiver phone, turn on Settings → Screen → Wireless display.
2. On the source phone, select Transfer the screen → [second phone name].

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronization Xiaomi Redmi