How to send a file from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: complete methods of transfer

Owning multiple devices in the same ecosystem offers unique opportunities for users to share data. When it comes to how to send a file from Xiaomi to Xiaomi, many people are in the habit of looking for complex third-party applications or using social networks, which often leads to loss of quality of media files. However, the company's engineers have developed built-in tools that allow you to transfer heavy videos, archives of photos and lengthy documents in seconds without losing quality and the need for an Internet connection.

Transfer speeds between smartphones of the same brand can reach hundreds of megabytes per second, which is much faster than standard Bluetooth. This is especially true when transferring large videos to 4K or entire folders with working documents. Understanding the mechanisms of Mi Share and alternative protocols will help you save traffic and time, making interaction with gadgets as comfortable and efficient as possible.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available transmission methods, from native MIUI and HyperOS shell features to proven methods for older versions of Android. You will learn how to activate hidden features, what security settings can block transmissions, and how to organize the exchange of data between dozens of devices at once.

Use the Mi Share function for fast transfer

The most efficient and modern way to transmit data is Mi Share technology, which is built directly into the shell. MIUI And the new HyperOS, which uses a combination of Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth to detect devices and transmit data at high speeds. You don't have to search for devices, enter passwords or scan. QR-codes – the system itself will find neighboring smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, if they are within range of.

To get started, make sure that both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. The file transfer interface is integrated into the standard Share menu, making the process intuitive. Just select a photo or document from the gallery or file manager, click the Send button and select the Mi Share icon. The receiver smartphone will receive a pop-up notification prompting you to accept the file, and after confirmation, instant download will begin.

The main advantage of this method is that it doesn't compress. Unlike instant messengers, which often reduce video bitrate and image resolution, Mi Share copies the original bit file into bits. This is critical for photographers and videographers working with the dataset. RAW-formats or heavy video content.

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For maximum speed, make sure that both devices have an unlocked screen and open a file acceptance window or receiver selection menu.

It’s worth noting that the Mi Share feature is part of the broader Oppo Share standard (now known as Oplus), which allows files to be transferred not only between Xiaomi devices, but also to Oppo, Realme, OnePlus and Vivo smartphones.

Configure and activate Mi Drop on older versions of MIUI

Devices that were released several years ago or run on older firmware can use Mi Drop. This is the predecessor of the modern Mi Share, which also relies on creating a local Wi-Fi hotspot. The principle of operation is similar, but the interface and connection process may differ, requiring manual confirmation of the connection.

To send a file through Mi Drop, you need to open the application on both smartphones. The sender selects the files and presses the "Send" button, after which the system begins to search for the recipient. On the receiving device, you need to click "Receive" and wait for the sender name to appear in the list of available devices.

It is important to understand that Mi Drop creates a temporary Wi-Fi network, if the recipient's phone is on mobile Internet or connected to another Wi-Fi network, the connection may be unstable, and it is recommended to turn off mobile Internet during the transfer of large amounts of data, so that the system correctly switches to the local channel.

πŸ“Š What file transfer method do you use most often?
Mi Share
Mi Drop
Telegram/WhatsApp
Bluetooth
Google Files

For users who share files frequently, it will be useful to add a Mi Drop widget to the desktop, which will allow you to start the transfer process in one touch, without wandering through the deep settings menu. Also in the application settings, you can change the name of the device so that it is displayed in a clear way in the list of available gadgets, for example, Β«Xiaomi_Redmi_Note_10Β» instead of a complex serial number.

Transmission over Bluetooth: The Classic Method

Despite the advent of high-speed protocols, Bluetooth technology remains the universal standard found in the vast majority of mobile devices, a method ideal for transferring small files such as contacts, Word documents, PDF-files or single photos where speed is not a critical factor.

The process of pairing devices requires initial setup. You need to go to the Bluetooth settings on both phones, turn on visibility for all devices and perform (pairing). Once the devices are β€œmeeted” and the exchange of security keys is completed, subsequent transfers will occur automatically without requesting confirmation of connection.

Bluetooth has significant limitations, however: Transfer speeds rarely exceed 2-3MB/s, which means that 1GB video will be transmitted for about 10-15 minutes. In addition, the protocol consumes more power during long-term active transmission compared to optimized solutions like Mi Share.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for Bluetooth transmission

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To improve connection stability, make sure that there are no barriers between devices and the distance does not exceed 5-7 meters. Direct visibility of antennas significantly improves signal quality, especially in noisy ether conditions, where many other wireless devices operate.

Google Files and Nearby Share

Google’s file-sharing ecosystem, known as Nearby Share, is built into most modern smartphones based on pure Android and is available through the Google Files app on Xiaomi devices. It’s good for its cross-platform nature, working between Android devices of different brands and even Chromebooks.

To take advantage of this, install or update the Google Files app on both devices. Enable Nearby Sharing in the app settings. The mechanics are like AirDrop: you pick up a file, click Share, select Nearby Share, and the phone starts looking for devices nearby. Often using vibration or audible tone to confirm.

The advantage of Google Files is a smart compression and cleaning system. Before sending the application can suggest clearing the cache or removing duplicates, which saves space on the receiving device.

MethodAverage speedInternet is requiredData compression
Mi Shareup to 100 MB/sNo.No.
Bluetoothup to 3 MB/sNo.No.
Telegram (File)Depends on the network.Yes.No.
WhatsAppDepends on the network.Yes.Yeah (strong)

Consider that both devices need geolocation services enabled to operate Nearby Share, a security requirement for Android that allows for closer proximity, but it can be confusing for users concerned about privacy, but Google says location data is not shared or stored.

Problems with the visibility of devices and their solution

Often, users are faced with a situation where smartphones can not see each other, this can be caused by security settings or conflicting network profiles. First of all, check that both phones are on the same Wi-Fi network if you use methods tied to the router, although Mi Share and Bluetooth work independently of the access point.

The second common reason is the Invisibility mode or Hidden Profile mode. In the Mi Share or Bluetooth settings, make sure that the option is "Visible to all" or "Visible to contacts" rather than "Hidden", and it is also worth checking whether one of the devices is in the "Flight" mode, which can block individual communication modules.

⚠️ Warning: If devices can’t find each other for a long time, try rebooting the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules on both smartphones.

Another reason could be antivirus software or third-party file managers that are intercepting network access rights. Try using the standard MIUI file manager to transfer. Also make sure that both devices have up-to-date versions of Google Play Services system components, as they are responsible for basic detection protocols.

Hidden Developer Settings for Bluetooth
You can change the Bluetooth HCI or codec version of the Developer Menu, which can sometimes help solve compatibility issues with older devices, but you should do this with caution.

Alternative methods: FTP and cloud storage

If wireless hand-to-hand methods don't work or are inconvenient, you can use network protocols. Xiaomi's built-in file manager has a feature FTP-By activating it in the Remote Control menu, you get a link that can be opened on any device on the same Wi-Fi network, including another Xiaomi.

This method is convenient for massively transferring files without having to confirm reception on your phone every time. You just drag and drop files in the browser window on your computer or other phone. The speed is limited only by the bandwidth of your Wi-Fi router.

Cloud storage, like Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk, is also a great option. By uploading a file to the cloud on one device, you instantly access it on another. It's not a direct exchange between phones, but often the most reliable way to sync data, especially if the devices are in different geographic locations.

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Use of the FTP-A server via a file manager is the best way to transfer gigabytes of data to a computer or other phone without installing additional software.

Keep in mind that cloud methods require a stable internet connection and can consume your mobile traffic if you are not connected to Wi-Fi. Always check your download quality settings in cloud services applications to ensure that you do not lose the quality of your original photos and videos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I transfer files if one of the phones has custom firmware?
Yes, Bluetooth and Google Files (Nearby Share) transmissions will work smoothly, as these protocols are part of the Android core system.Mi Share may not work properly if MIUI system components have been removed or modified when custom firmware is installed.
Does the video quality decrease when it is transmitted via Mi Share?
No, Mi Share transfers files in their original quality without any compression or transcoding, and you will get an exact copy of the file that is identical to the original, regardless of its size or format.
Why is Bluetooth transmission interrupted at half?
This is most often due to one device going into power saving mode and turning off the Bluetooth module to save charge, and it can also be caused by the phones being removed from each other for a distance of more than 10 meters or the presence of strong radio interference.
Is it safe to accept files from unknown devices through Mi Drop?
The system requires manual confirmation of the file's acceptance on the recipient screen, until you click "Accept", the file will not be downloaded, but you should not accept files from unknown sources, since executable files (.apk,.exe) may contain viruses.