How to sync Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones: all ways of 2026

Why you need synchronization between Xiaomi and Redmi devices

Xiaomi’s ecosystem and its sub-brand Redmi offer users not only high-quality smartphones, but also convenient tools for their interaction. Synchronizing devices allows you to automatically transfer files, contacts, notes and even settings between gadgets without unnecessary manipulation. For example, you can start watching a movie on Xiaomi 14, and continue on Redmi Note 13 Pro+ – or instantly send a photo from one phone to another.

Synchronization is especially important for multi-device owners, saving time, eliminating the need to manually copy data, and reducing the risk of losing important information. But how do you set up this interaction? In this article, we'll look at all the current ways, from cloud synchronization via Mi Account to wireless file transfer via Mi Share.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally effective, like Bluetooth synchronization for small files, but it's not useful for backing up system settings, and Mi Cloud can limit the amount of free storage, and we can help you choose the best option for your tasks.

1. synchronization via Mi Account (Mi Cloud)

The most versatile way is to use a single Xiaomi account, which allows you to sync contacts, notes, photos, call history and even some system settings, the main advantage is that the data is available on any device where you log in.

To enable synchronization:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Mi Account on both devices.
• 🔑 Sign in to the same account (if you haven’t already done so).
• ☁️ Go to Mi Cloud. → Synchronize and activate the necessary items (contacts, notes, gallery, etc.).
• 🔄 Click Sync and wait for the process to be completed.

Note that the free Mi Cloud plan provides only 5 GB of storage, and if you need to sync large amounts of data (such as videos or backups), you will have to buy additional space or use alternative methods.

💡

If sync is stalled, try logging out of Mi on both devices, restarting them, and re-enrolling, often solving the sticky process.

⚠️ Note: When you change your Mi Account password, sync is temporarily suspended, and you will need to re-authorize on all devices to resume it.

2. Wireless file transfer via Mi Share

Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi File Transfer) is a proprietary technology for fast file transfer between Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices without Internet. The speed can reach 20 MB / s, which is several times faster than Bluetooth.

How to use:

1. Activate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
2. Open the Files app (or Mi Share in some firmware).
3. Select files to transfer and click Send → Mi Share.
4. On the second device, confirm receipt in the notification.

Mi Share supports transfer of any type of file: photos, videos, documents, APK. The main limitation is that both devices must be within a radius of 10 meters from each other, and the function may not work on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices |

Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI|

Make sure that the devices have enough free memory |

Disable power saving mode (may block background transmission)-->

⚠️ Note: If Mi Share does not find the second device, try to temporarily disable it. VPN Firewalls – they can block a local connection.

Synchronization via Bluetooth: When appropriate

Bluetooth is the easiest, but also the slowest way to exchange data between Xiaomi and Redmi, and should only be used for transferring small files (up to 50 MB), for example:

• 📞 Contacts (one or small groups).
• 📝 Short text notes.
• 🎵 Musical tracks in low quality.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. Make them Visible to everyone in Bluetooth settings.
3. Connect devices to each other (code confirmation is required).
4. Select file → Share → Bluetooth → Select the second device.

Bluetooth transmission speeds rarely exceed 1-2 MB/s, and when signaled weak, the connection can break, but this method does not require Internet and works even on older models (for example, Redmi 4A or Mi A1).

Mi Account (cloud) |

Mi Share (wireless transmission) |

Bluetooth|

Another way.-->

4. Backup and Recovery through MIUI

If you need to migrate all settings and data from the old Xiaomi to the new Redmi (or vice versa), use the backup feature in MIUI. It creates a full copy of the system, which can then be restored to another device.

How to make a backup:

Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup

Select data for saving (applications, settings, SMS etc.) and wait until the backup file is completed. SD-map.

To recover data on the second device:

1. Copy the backup file (usually in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder) to the new device.
2. Follow the same path in the settings and select Restore.
3. Confirm the recovery and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Restore backup on a device with a newer version MIUI It can cause a breakdown, like a backup with a MIUI 12 is not recommended to restore to MIUI 14.

5. Synchronization through third-party services (Google, Samsung Smart Switch, etc.)

If Xiaomi’s branded tools are not suitable for some reason, you can use alternative services, for example:

• 📱 Google Account: syncs contacts, calendar, email, notes (via Google Keep) and photos (via Google Photos) if you actively use Google services.
• 🔄 Samsung Smart Switch: Despite its name, it supports Xiaomi devices, can carry contacts, messages, photos and even some settings.
• 🌐 Telegram or WhatsApp: to transfer individual files (photos, videos, documents) via chat".

The advantage of third-party services is cross-platform, for example, if you switch from Redmi to Samsung or iPhone, Google Account will help you move most of the data, but there are also disadvantages:

• ❌ Not all settings. MIUI will be moved (for example, themes or controls).
• ❌ Some data may be duplicated (e.g., contacts from Mi Account and Google).

If you choose Google Photos to sync your media files, remember: from June 2021, free storage of photos in original quality has been abolished. Now all new downloads take up space in your Google Drive (15 GB free).

6.Sync Xiaomi Smart Devices (IoT Ecosystem)

In addition to smartphones, Xiaomi offers a wide range of smart devices: fitness bracelets (Mi Band), smart lamps (Yeelight), robot vacuum cleaners (Mi Robot), etc. All of them can sync with smartphones through the Mi Home app.

To connect a smart device to multiple smartphones (e.g., Xiaomi 13T and Redmi Note 12):

1. Install Mi Home on both phones.
2. Sign up with one Xiaomi account.
3. Add the device to the app (click + → Add the device and follow the instructions).
4. On the second smartphone, the device will appear automatically after updating the list.

Important: Some devices (such as the Mi Band) can only be tied to one smartphone at a time. To reconnect them, you will need to reset the bracelet settings through Settings → Untie the device.

💡

For stable operation of smart Xiaomi devices on several smartphones, use one Mi Home account and regularly update the firmware of gadgets through the application.

7.Chronicle problems and their solution

Even with the right setup, synchronization between Xiaomi and Redmi can be a problem, and let’s look at the typical issues and how to fix them:

Problem 1: Mi Share does not find the second device.

• 🔹 Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Geolocation enabled.
• 🔹 Reboot both smartphones.
• 🔹 Check if Power Saving Mode blocks Mi Share background work.

Problem 2: The Mi Cloud doesn’t sync photos.

• 🔹 Check if there is enough space in the cloud (free only 5GB).
• 🔹 Make sure you have the Mi Cloud settings → Gallery enabled by Autoboot option.
• 🔹 Try uploading photos manually through the Gallery app.

Problem 3: There are errors when restoring the backup.

• 🔹 Check the compatibility of versions MIUI old and new.
• 🔹 Make sure the backup file is not corrupted (try creating a new one).
• 🔹 If the backup is made on Redmi with a Mediatek processor, and restore on Xiaomi with Snapdragon, conflicts may arise.

If neither of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings on both devices (Settings). → SIM-maps and networks → Network resetting. This often solves connection problems.

FAQ: Frequent synchronization questions for Xiaomi and Redmi