How to transfer data to Xiaomi: all the ways from fast Wi-Fi to ADB

Transferring data to Xiaomi devices is a challenge that every user faces: whether it’s transferring photos from an old phone, downloading movies to Mi. TV But not all of them are equally effective: you'll lose speed somewhere, you'll face file format restrictions, and some methods require root rights. In this article, we will analyze 7 working methods of data transfer to Xiaomi – from standard (like Mi Share) to advanced (for example, through the use of a mobile phone). ADB local-network).

Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers both universal solutions (suitable for all Android devices) and exclusive tools, such as Quick Share (formerly Mi Share) or Xiaomi Cloud, depending on three key factors: The amount of data (gigabytes of video or multiple documents?), the type of device (smartphone, TV, smartwatch?) and the availability of additional equipment (cables, router, computer). We tested each method on current models from 2023-2026 — from Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ Xiaomi 14 Ultra – and highlighted their pros, cons and “pitfalls».

If you need to urgently transfer files, scroll to the section about Mi Share/Quick Share. For large volumes (for example, backup), a local network or a network is better suited. ADB. If you are a smart device (like a Mi Band) 8 Xiaomi Smart Camera – Pay attention to Mi Home integration.

1. Standard Android Methods: USB, Bluetooth and Nearby Share

To start with, the basic methods that work on any Xiaomi device without installing additional applications are the main plus – versatility, but there are also disadvantages: limited speed (especially Bluetooth) and possible problems with file compatibility.

USB-cable is the most reliable way to transfer large files (for example, video to the Internet). 4K But there are nuances here:

• 🔌 Connect the device to the computer through USB-C or Micro-USB (depending on the model). On the smartphone screen, select File Transfer mode (MTP).
• 📂 The computer will display the device as a removable disk. Copy the files to the Internal Storage folder or to the internal storage folder. SD-card (if supported).
• ⚡ Speed depends on version. USB: USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps) vs. USB 3.1 (up to 10 Gbps) on flagships like Xiaomi 13T Pro.

Bluetooth is convenient for transferring small files (up to 50 MB) between devices up to 10 meters away.

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices (Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth).
2. Connect the devices by confirming the code on the screen.
3. Select a file in the gallery or file manager, click Share» → «Bluetooth».

⚠️ Attention: Bluetooth 5.0 (available on Redmi Note 12 and later) transmits data at speeds up to 2 Mbps, but in practice the speed rarely exceeds 1 Mbps. HD It's too slow.

Nearby Share, similar to Google's AirDrop, works via Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth Low Energy.

1. Activate Nearby Share in the settings (Google) → Devices and sharing → Nearby Share).
2. Select a file, click "Share» → «Nearby Share and select the target device.

Speeds up to 10 Mbps, but there is a limitation: both devices must support Google Play Services (some Chinese firmware Xiaomi does not).

2.Mi Share/Quick Share: Xiaomi's exclusive tool

Mi Share (renamed Quick Share in 2023) is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for fast file transfer between the brand’s devices. It works on the Wi-Fi Direct protocol, which provides speeds up to 20-30 Mbps (2-3 times faster than Bluetooth), the main advantage is that there are no file size restrictions (unlike Nearby Share, where the limit is 2 GB).

How to use:

Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices

Open the file (photo, video, document) and click Share

Select Quick Share and the target device

Confirm receipt on the second device-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later Mi Share automatically updates to Quick Share. MIUI 13, and the other — MIUI 14, may require manual update of the app via Google Play.

Compare Quick Share with the analogues:

Quick Share supports whole folder transfer, which is a unique feature that is not available in Nearby Share or Bluetooth. DCIM/Camera with photos in one tap, without selecting files separately.

3. Transmission over local area network: FTP, HTTP-server SMB

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (like a backup or movie collection), a local network is the best solution (802.11ax) It can reach 500-900 Mbit / s, and up to 1 Gbit / s via Gigabit Ethernet cable.

Let's look at three ways:

1. Built-in FTP-server MIUI

• 📱 Open the files. → Network disk → FTP-server.
• 🔑 Start the server and write down the address (for example, ftp://192.168.1.100:2121).
• 💻 On your computer, connect via FileZilla or Windows Explorer (enter the address in the address bar).

⚠️ Note: By default, the username and password are anonymous and empty field. For security, change them in the settings FTP-server.

2. HTTP-server

Install Simple. HTTP Server from Google Play:

1. Start the server and specify the folder for shared access.
2. Copy the link (for example, http://192.168.1.100:8080).
3. Open it in the browser on another device and download the files.

Speed is faster than that. FTP, No download support (only downloading).

3. SMB (Windows network folder)

For permanent access to files, set up a shared folder on your PC:

1. On Windows: Control Panel → Network parameters → Modify additional parameters of general access → switch on public access.
2. On Xiaomi: in the Files → Network disk → SMB Add a PC address (for example, \\192.168.1.2\Shared).

💡

If SMB It does not connect, check that the PC is enabled protocol SMB 1.0 (c) Enabling or disabling Windows components. MIUI 14+ maintained SMB 2.0/3.0 default.

4.Cloud Services: Xiaomi Cloud, Google Drive and Alternatives

Cloud storage is convenient for synchronizing data between devices or transferring files over distance, but it has limitations in terms of volume and speed.

Xiaomi Cloud

• 📱 Enable synchronization in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
• 📁 Download files manually or enable autosynchronization for photos/contacts.
• 🔄 On the second device, log in to the same account and download files.

Free 5 GB, for additional space will have to pay (from 149) ₽/The download speed depends on your Internet connection.

Google Drive

A universal solution with 15 GB of free space to transfer files:

1. Upload files to Drive via your browser or app.
2. Generate a shared link (PCM by file) → Public access → Link up).
3. Send a link to the second device.

⚠️ Note: When you download a large number of files (such as a backup), Google may block your account for 24 hours “for security checks».

Telegram and other messengers

To transfer files to 2 GB (in Telegram Premium – up to 4 GB) you can use bots like @SaveToCloudBot Or just chat rooms, the speed is limited by your Internet, but there's no ecosystem connection.

5. Advanced methods: ADB, Fastboot and Termux

If standard methods are not suitable (for example, you need to transfer files to a locked smartphone or system folders), tools for developers will be useful. USB-Debugging and sometimes unlocked bootloader, but give full control.

ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

It allows you to copy files directly to any folder, including protected ones.

1. Turn it on. USB-debugging → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).
2. Connect the device to the PC and confirm trust.
3. In the terminal, run: adb push /path / to / file /sdcard/folder on device For example: adb push backup.zip /sdcard/Download

Speed depends on USB-port, but usually 30-50 MB/s.

Fastboot

Used to transfer firmware or modified img files (e.g, boot.img when receiving root, command:

fastboot flash partition /path/to/file.img

⚠️ Warning: The wrong command in fastboot can permanently damage the partition of the device. boot.img From another model, it will lead to a bootloop.

Termux + SSH

If the device is installed Termux, you can start SSH-server:

1. Install Termux and execute: pkg install openssh sshd
2. Connect with PC: scp file.mp4 u0_a123@192.168.1.100:/sdcard/

💡

ADB Fastboot and Fastboot are the only ways to transfer files to a broken-screen device (if you have a broken-screen device). USB-debugging was included in advance).

6. data transfer to Xiaomi smart devices (Mi Band, cameras, lamps)

Xiaomi smart devices (such as Mi Band 8, Xiaomi Smart Camera 3, or Yeelight) do not support direct file transfer, but some data can be synced via Mi Home or Zepp Life.

Mi Band / Zepp Life

• 📱 Install Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) and tie the bracelet.
• 🔄 Step, sleep and pulse data are automatically synchronized with the cloud.
• 📊 Export statistics to CSV through profile → Settings → Export of data.

Xiaomi Smart Camera

The video from the cameras is transmitted to the cloud or to a microSD, so you can download the footage.

1. Open Mi Home → Choose a camera → Settings → Local storage.
2. Connect a microSD to your PC or download video via the app (if the camera is connected to Wi-Fi).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi cameras with support ONVIF (Xiaomi Home Security Camera 360° 2K) can be connected to third-party NVR through RTSP-stream, but to do this, you need to turn off cloud binding in Mi Home.

Yeelight and smart lamps

Here, data transfer means setting up scenarios, for example, to synchronize the color of the lamp with the music:

• 🎵 Install Yeelight or Mi Home.
• 🔗 Connect the lamp to the same Wi-Fi network as the smartphone.
• 🎛️ B Lamp settings → Music Mode Select the Sound Source (Microphone or Media Files).

7. Solving the Problem: Why Data Is Not Transferred

Even with the right settings, data transmission can be interrupted. Consider typical errors and their solutions:

1. Devices can’t see each other via Wi-Fi Direct (Quick) Share/Nearby Share)

• 🔄 Reboot Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
• 📶 Make sure that the devices are enabled Visibility Mode (Settings) → Connected devices → Visibility mode).
• 🔧 Nana MIUI 14+ Check if the transfer is blocked by security and privacy → Special access → File transfer.

2. FTP-server not running

Error failed to start. FTP-The server is created because:

• 🛑 Occupied port (default 2121) Change it in settings.
• 🔒 Windows Firewall or Antivirus (Add) MIUI FTP excepted).
• 📶 Unstable Wi-Fi Connect to 5GHz network for greater stability.

3 ADB does not see the device

If the adb device command returns an empty list:

1. Check if it's on. USB-Debugging and whether access is confirmed on the device.
2. Update the drivers ADB on PC (download Google) USB Driver or Xiaomi ADB Driver).
3. Try another one. USB-cable (some charging cables do not support data transmission).

adb shell


su




setenforce 0

This will temporarily disable SELinux (root required).-->

4. Xiaomi cloud doesn't sync files

• 📶 Check your Internet connection (Sync only works via Wi-Fi or mobile data with the option of Sync over the mobile network enabled).
• 🔄 Update Mi Cloud to Google Play (Manual installation may be required on Chinese firmware) APK).
• 📁 Make sure that files are not restricted (e.g., videos over 10GB are not synced).

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to Xiaomi