How to sync two Xiaomi phones: the full guide 2026

Synchronizing two Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face when buying a new device, working together, or having to transfer files quickly. Unlike the iPhone, which has AirDrop for this, Xiaomi has several built-in tools, from the Mi Cloud cloud service to the proprietary Mi Share protocol, but not everyone knows that the choice of method depends on the type of data, file size and even the phone model.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working synchronization methods, from standard ones (via Mi Account) to obscure ones (for example, transferring over Wi-Fi Direct without the Internet), how to migrate contacts, photos, notes and even system settings without losing data, and why syncs sometimes break down and how to fix them.

Important: If you use models older than the Redmi Note 10 (2021), some features may be missing, in which case, note the alternative methods at the end of the article.

1. Synchronization through Mi Cloud: Cloud Backup

The most reliable way to sync two Xiaomi phones is to use the proprietary Mi Cloud, a method that can transfer contacts, notes, call history, SMS, and even some system settings, with the main advantage of being available on any device linked to a single Mi Account.

How it works:

• 📱 On the old phone, a backup is created in the Mi Cloud.
• ☁️ Data is saved on Xiaomi servers (up to 5 GB free of charge).
• 🔄 New phone restores selected data categories.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud on both phones.
2. Make sure you use the same account. If not, log in.
3. On your old phone, go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Backup to Mi Cloud.
4. Select categories to reserve (e.g. Contacts, Messages, Notes) and click Create Backup.
5. On the new phone in the same menu, click Restore from backup and select the latest saved version.

Sign in to one Mi Account on both phones

Connect both devices to Wi-Fi

Check the space available in Mi Cloud (minimum 1 GB)

Disable battery optimization for the "Backup" application

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Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Photos and videos are synced only if the Gallery option is enabled. → Settings → Synchronization with Mi Cloud.
• ⚠️ Settings of Wi-Fi networks and applications are not always portable (depending on the version). MIUI).
• ⚠️ Free storage is limited to 5GB – for large amounts of data will require a paid subscription.

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If you don’t have a backup, check if Auto Backup is enabled in the Mi Cloud settings, and make sure that your phone has enough free space (at least 10% of the storage capacity).

2. Mi Share: fast file transfer without the Internet

Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi Quick Share) is a proprietary protocol for transferring files between Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices over Wi-Fi Direct. Transfer speeds reach 10-20 MB / s (depending on the model), which is 2-3 times faster than Bluetooth. Supports files of any type: photos, videos, documents, APK.

How to turn on Mi Share:

1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Mi Share.
2. Activate the Mi Share slider.
3. Select the device name (by default – the phone model).
4. In the Visibility section, set All contacts or only my devices.

Instructions for file transfer:

1. On the sender phone, open the Explorer (or Gallery for photos).
2. Select files, click Share → Mi Share.
3. On the receiving phone, confirm the receipt of files in the notification.
4. Wait for the transfer to be completed (progress is displayed on both screens).

Mi Share (Wi-Fi Direct)

Bluetooth

Cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive)

OTG cable

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Challenges and solutions:

• 🔴 Devices can't see each other: check if Wi-Fi and Mi Share are on on both phones.
• 🔴 Transfer interrupted: Turn off Power Saving Mode in Battery Settings.
• 🔴 Low speed: Make sure there are no sources of interference (microwaves, other Wi-Fi networks).

3. synchronize contacts through a Google account

If you don’t want to use Mi Cloud, you can sync contacts, calendar and email through your Google account, a method that works even between Xiaomi and other brands’ smartphones (such as Samsung or iPhone).

How to set up synchronization:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account and enable sliders for Contacts, Calendar and other data.
3. Click Sync Now (or wait for automatic sync).
4. On the new phone, add the same Google account and enable sync.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works on any Android or iOS devices.
• ✅ There are no limits on volume (unlike the Mi Cloud).
• ✅ Data is automatically reserved when connected to the Internet.

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Google sync is more reliable than Mi Cloud if you change smartphones from different brands often, but Mi Share or cloud services like Google Photos are better for sharing photos and videos.

Attention:

⚠️ If contacts are duplicated after synchronization, check the settings in the Contacts app. → Contact management → Also disable contact sync in Mi Cloud to avoid conflicts.

4. Data transfer via Bluetooth: when there is no Wi-Fi

Bluetooth is the most versatile, but also the slowest way to transfer files between Xiaomi phones, rarely faster than 1-2 MB/s, but it works without the Internet and does not require additional settings, suitable for transferring small files: documents, small photos or contacts.

How to transfer files over Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings → Connection and Sharing → Bluetooth).
2. On the sender phone, find the receiver device in the list and connect (code confirmation may be required).
3. Open Explorer, select files and tap Share → Bluetooth.
4. Select the receiver and confirm the transfer.

Limitations and nuances:

• 🐢 Maximum file size: 50–100 MB (depending on model).
• 🔋 Transferring large files severely drains the battery.
• 📶 The distance between the devices should not exceed 10 meters.

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If Bluetooth is permanently disabled during transmission, turn off Adaptive Bluetooth in the battery settings, and check if the Security app is blocking the transmission (under Permissions → AutoRun).

5. OTG Cable Synchronization: for Big Data

If you need to transfer tens of gigabytes of data (for example, 4K video or app backup), the fastest way is to use an OTG cable (or USB-C to USB-C adapter).

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C to USB-C (or OTG-cable + common USB-C).
• 📱 Both phones should be supported OTG (All Xiaomi models after 2018).
• 🔋 Charge at least 30% (transfer of large files consumes battery).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phones with a cable. The screen will show a notification. USB-connection.
2. On the sender phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Open Explorer on the receiver phone – there will appear the folder of the internal memory of the first device.
4. Copy the files you want manually (or use Cut/Put in).

Attention:

⚠️ Do not turn off the cable during transmission, this can cause data loss or file damage. If the phone gets too hot, pause for 5-10 minutes.

Pros of the method:

• ⚡ Maximum speed among all methods.
• 📁 You can transfer system files and folders (for example, Android/data playback).
• 🔒 There is no risk of data breaches (unlike cloud services).

6. Alternative ways: what to do if nothing works

If standard synchronization methods are not suitable (for example, due to old Xiaomi models or problems with MIUI), you can use third-party solutions.

Applications for file transfer:

• 📲 Xender – works via Wi-Fi Direct, supports application transfer.
• 📲 Send Anywhere – generates 6-digit code for fast transfer.
• 📲 LocalSend - open analogue of AirDrop with encryption.

Cloud services:

• ☁️ Google Drive – 15 GB free, Android integration.
• ☁️ Yandex Disk – 10 GB free, high speed in Russia.
• ☁️ Telegram – you can send files up to 2 GB in saved messages.

Manual transfer via PC:

1. Connect both phones to your computer via USB.
2. Copy files from one device to a PC, then to a second phone.
3. For contacts, export them to.vcf via Contacts → Management → Export.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right setup, synchronization between Xiaomi phones can crash.-5 problems and ways to correct them:

1. The devices don't see each other in Mi Share:

• 🔹 Check whether Wi-Fi and Mi Share are on both phones.
• 🔹 Reboot both devices.
• 🔹 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (older versions have bugs).

2. synchronization of Mi Cloud hangs:

• 🔹 Turn it off. VPN Adblockers – they can block the connection to Xiaomi servers.
• 🔹 Clear the Mi Cloud app cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔹 Check if the storage limit is exceeded (5 GB).

3. Contacts are not synced via Google:

• 🔹 Make sure that your Google account settings enable Contact Synchronization.
• 🔹 Check if contacts are duplicated in Mi Cloud (turn off contact sync there).
• 🔹 Export contacts to.vcf file and import manually.

4. Bluetooth breaks the connection:

• 🔹 Turn off Bluetooth Power Saving Mode in Battery Settings.
• 🔹 Remove a couple of devices and connect again.
• 🔹 Check if the antivirus or optimizer is blocking the transmission.

5. When transmitting over OTG, the phone is not recognized:

• 🔹 Try another cable (low quality) OTG-cables often don't work).
• 🔹 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔹 Reboot both phones.

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If none of these methods work, check if regional firmware is blocking data transmission, and some models (like China) have Mi Share disabled, so flashing to the global version of MIUI will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions