How to transfer files from Samsung phone to Xiaomi: all working ways

Transferring files between smartphones of different brands is a challenge that every second user faces when changing devices. If you just bought a Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 or POCO X6 Pro instead of the old Samsung Galaxy S22, the question of “how quickly and without loss to transfer photos, videos and documents?” becomes critical. Unlike transferring within the same ecosystem (for example, between Samsung devices via Smart Switch), the exchange of data between Samsung and Xiaomi requires alternative solutions.

In this article, we will analyze 7 proven methods of file transfer – from classic (Bluetooth, OTG cable) to modern (Wi-Fi Direct, cloud services), special attention will be paid to the speed of transfer and data security when transferring large files (video in 4K, archives over 1 GB). Each method has been tested on current models of 2023-2026, including the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Pro, taking into account the features of their firmware (One UI 6.1 and HyperOS, respectively).

1. Transmission over Bluetooth: a simple but slow way

Bluetooth is a universal protocol that all smartphones support, but its speed is limited to 2-3 MB/s (at best), a method that is suitable for transferring small files, such as contacts, documents.pdf/.docx or several photos in compressed format. For Full HD videos or packets of hundreds of photos, Bluetooth will be a test of patience.

How to transfer files:

• 📱 On Samsung: Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and enable device visibility. Select files in gallery or file manager, click Share» → «Bluetooth» → Choose Xiaomi from the list.
• 🤝 On Xiaomi: confirm the file in the notification. the files will be saved to the Bluetooth folder in internal memory.
• ⚡ Tip: before transfer, turn off the energy-saving mode on both devices - this will speed up the process by 15-20%.

⚠️ Note: When transmitted via Bluetooth,.heic files (photo format on iPhone and some Android) are automatically converted to.jpg with loss of quality. If it is important to maintain the original resolution, use other methods.

2. Wi-Fi Direct: 10 times faster than Bluetooth

Wi-Fi Direct creates a direct network between devices without a router, providing speeds of up to 20-30 MB / s (depending on the model), which is the best option for transferring folders with photos, video in resolutions up to 1080p or backups of applications. The main disadvantage is that not all Xiaomi models support this feature out of the box (for example, on Redmi 9A it needs to be activated through the engineering menu).

Step-by-step:

1. On Samsung: go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct. Turn on the feature and wait for the device to be found.
2. On Xiaomi: open Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Wi-Fi Direct (on HyperOS, the path may be different: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wi-Fi Direct). Connect to Samsung.
3. Return to Samsung, select files in the file manager (My files) and click Share → Wi-Fi Direct.

The transmission speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard:

OTG + Adapter Cable: Maximum Speed and Reliability

Cable use OTG (On-The-Go with adapter USB-C → USB-C or USB-C → Micro-USB (depending on the port of the device) is the fastest method, especially for large files (more than 5 GB). USB 3.0) and the risk of data loss is minimal. + Adapters that are not always on hand.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable OTG supportive USB 3.0 (blue connector inside).
• 🔄 Adapter if the ports on the devices are different (e.g. Galaxy) S22 has USB-C, Redmi 9 - Micro-USB).
• 📁 File Manager on Xiaomi (for example, Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).

Connect. OTG-cable to Samsung (source of files)

Connect the second end to Xiaomi via an adapter

On Xiaomi, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification

Open the file manager on Xiaomi and find the Internal Storage folder of Samsung phone

-->

Important: Samsung may need to unlock access to files.

1. Connect. OTG-cable.
2. Swipe down the notification panel and click «USB-connection».
3. Select "File Transfer" (MTP).

⚠️ Attention: When transmitting through OTG Avoid removing the cable before copying is complete – this could damage the file system on Samsung (especially if the mode was used). PTP instead MTP).

4. Cloud services: Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Samsung Cloud

Cloud storage is convenient for transferring files if the devices are not nearby. For example, you can download data from Samsung to Google Drive at home, and download it to Xiaomi already at work. The main advantages are: there are no distance restrictions, files are available from any device. Cons: speed depends on the Internet connection, and free space is limited (15 GB on Google Drive, 5 GB on Mi Cloud).

Comparison of services:

Instructions for Google Drive:

1. On Samsung, open the Google Drive app, click “+” → “Download”.
2. Select the files and wait for the download to be completed.
3. On Xiaomi, log in to the same Google account, find the files in the “My Drive” section and download them.

💡

If you need to transfer more than 15 GB, use the Sharing feature in Google Drive: create a folder, upload files, then send a link to your Xiaomi account (for example, via Telegram).

5. Messengers: Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber

Send files via messenger is the most affordable way, but with strict restrictions:

• 📎 Telegram: up to 2 GB per file (without compression).
• 💬 WhatsApp: Up to 100MB (video and documents are compressed).
• 📱 Viber: up to 200MB, but transmission speed is low.

How do I tell you?

1. Open a chat with yourself in the messenger (for example, “Saved Messages” in Telegram).
2. Click “Attach” → select files on Samsung.
3. On Xiaomi, download files from the same chat.

Telegram has the advantage of not compressing photos and videos (unlike WhatsApp, where.jpg automatically decreases to 1600px on the long side), but you have to send hundreds of files in packs of 10-20 pieces, which is inconvenient.

6. File transfer applications: Send Anywhere, Xender, ShareMe

Specialized applications (such as Send Anywhere or Xender) are optimized for fast transfer between devices on different OSes. P2P-connection (like torrents), which speeds up data exchange to 50 MB/s on the local network, the main advantage is the absence of restrictions on file size and maintaining the original quality.

How to use Send Anywhere:

• 📲 Install the app on both phones from Google Play.
• 📤 On Samsung, select files → press "Send» → Generate a 6-digit code.
• 📥 On Xiaomi, enter this code in the “Get” field» → wait until the transfer is complete.

💡

Send Anywhere does not require registration or save files on its servers — transfers are directly between devices, which guarantees the confidentiality of data.

Comparison of popular applications:

7. Computer Transfer: Reliable but Long

If you have a PC or laptop, you can use it as an intermediary:

1. Connect Samsung to your computer via USB-cable, select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Copy the necessary files to the hard disk.
3. Disable Samsung, connect Xiaomi and transfer files back.

This method is reliable for backup, but takes a long time (especially if files are more than 10 GB). USB-port:

• 🖥️ USB 2.0: up to 35MB/s.
• 🖥️ USB 3.0: up to 600 MB/s (real) ~100–150 MB/s).

⚠️ Note: When you copy files with the.nomedia extension (such as some applications cache) through your computer, you may not be able to see them in the Xiaomi gallery. To see them, use the file manager with the option “Show hidden files” enabled».

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers