How to transfer data from Android to Xiaomi: all ways without loss

Introduction: Why data transfer between Android and Xiaomi requires a special approach

Transferring files between two Android smartphones seems like a trivial task — until you encounter the nuances of Xiaomi’s firmware. Unlike “pure” Android, the brand’s devices use their own protocols (for example, Mi Share instead of the standard Nearby Share), optimized synchronization services and even MIUI restrictions. This means that universal methods like Bluetooth or cloud services can work slower or with errors.

Adding to the complexity is the lack of support for Google Play Services on some Xiaomi models for the Chinese market, which blocks Nearby Share. In this article, we will discuss not only standard transmission methods (from cable to Wi-Fi Direct), but also specialized Xiaomi tools, as well as workarounds for devices with custom firmware. MIUI — from MIUI 12 to HyperOS.

1.Mi Share: Xiaomi's proprietary protocol for fast transfer

Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi Quick Share) is a proprietary Nearby Share alternative optimized for the brand’s devices. The protocol uses a combination of Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth LE to establish a connection, allowing you to transfer files at speeds up to 10-15 MB/s (in theory up to 20 MB/s on new models), the main advantage is the lack of file size restrictions and support for batch transmission.

To take advantage of Mi Share:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Connection and sharing → Mi Share on both devices.
• 🔄 Activate visibility for contact (or select All Devices mode").
• 📎 On the sending smartphone, select files in the gallery / guide and tap "Send" → "Mi Share".
• 🔍 Confirm the connection on the receiving device.

Important: Mi Share only works between Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices on MIUI 11+. Transfer from other Android brands (such as Samsung or Google Pixel) will require an alternative method. Also check that both phones are enabled with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi - even if they are not connected to the network.

2. Nearby Share: a universal method for all Android devices

Nearby Share (formerly Android Beam) is a cross-platform protocol from Google that should work on any Android 6.0+ device. However, on Xiaomi it is often disabled by default or conflicts with Mi Share. The transfer speed is lower at about 5-8 MB / s, but the method is suitable for sharing data with other brands.

How to turn Nearby Share on Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings → Google → Devices and Sharing → Nearby Share.
2. Turn on the slider and select Visibility Mode (All Contacts or Hidden).
3. On the sending device, select files → Share → Nearby Share.

If Nearby Share is not displayed in the menu, you may have a MIUI installed on your device for the Chinese market (without Google Mobile Services).

• 🌐 Install Google Play Services manually through APK (For example, with APKMirror).
• 🔧 Use alternative launchers like Nova Launcher, which can unlock hidden features.

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If Nearby Share is permanently breaking the connection, try disabling Adaptive Battery in Xiaomi’s power settings – this often solves the problem with background processes.

3. USB cable transmission: maximum speed and reliability

The most stable, but least convenient way is to connect directly via USB-C or Micro-USB (depending on the model), with transfer speeds of 40-60 MB/s (using USB 3.0), and the risk of data loss is minimal.

• 🔌 OTG-cable (or adapter if on one of the devices) USB-C, And on the other, Micro-USB).
• 📱 Enabled Mode File Transfer (MTP) both-smartphone.
• 🖥️ File Explorer (e.g. Solid Explorer or standard file Explorer) MI File Manager).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-cable to the receiving device Xiaomi.
2. Connect the second end to the sending Android smartphone.
3. On the receiving Xiaomi, select File Transfer (MTP) in the notification curtain.
4. Open the conductor on the receiving device – the second smartphone will appear as an external drive.
5. Copy the files into the desired folder.

Turn off the screen lock on both devices

Check integrity OTG-cable

Make sure there is enough space on the host Xiaomi

Close the background applications (especially antiviruses)

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Warning: Some Xiaomi models (like Redmi Note) 10 Pro on MIUI 13) can automatically turn off MTP through 5-10 To avoid this, activate Developer Mode and turn off the Set-off option. USB-scoring-point → Additionally. → Special facilities.

4. Local Wi-Fi network: transmission without Internet

If both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can use local protocols such as: FTP, HTTP-This method is suitable for transferring large files (for example, backups or videos to the server). 4K) size-free.

The most reliable applications for Wi-Fi transmission:

Example of settings FTP-servers via Mi File Manager:

1. Open Explorer on Xiaomi (receiving device).
2. Go to the FTP section (side menu).
3. Tap Start Server - the address of the form ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx will be displayed.
4. On the sending Android device, connect to this address through any FTP-client, ES Conductor).

5. Bluetooth: Slowly but without internet

Bluetooth is the most versatile, but also the slowest way (speeds rarely exceed 1-2 MB/s), it should only be used to transfer small files (up to 50 MB), such as contacts or documents. Xiaomi has a nuance: Bluetooth power saving mode is turned on by default, which limits speed.

How to speed up Bluetooth transfer to Xiaomi:

• 🔋 Turn off Bluetooth Power Saving Mode in Settings → Bluetooth → Additionally.
• 📶 Make sure there are no physical barriers between the devices (walls, furniture, etc).
• 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth module by turning it off and on again.

For transmission:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
2. On the sending smartphone, select the file → “Share” → “Bluetooth”.
3. Select the Xiaomi target device from the list.
4. Confirm reception on the receiving phone.

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Bluetooth on Xiaomi works more stable if before transfer to turn off Wi-Fi – this reduces interference in the radio range.

6. Cloud services: convenience vs. limitations

Using cloud storage (such as Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Telegram) is convenient for transferring files over a distance, but has limitations:

• 📉 File size limit (e.g., 15GB in Google Drive for free accounts).
• ⏳ Dependence on Internet speed (on Xiaomi may work limit background traffic).
• 🔒 Risk of data leakage when transmitting confidential information.

Optimal options for Xiaomi users:

To speed up cloud loading on Xiaomi:

1. Disable Background Data Limitation for Storage Application in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.
2. Use High Performance Mode in the battery settings.
3. Connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi (if available)

7. ADB and Terminal: for advanced users

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on devices with a damaged Wi-Fi module), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to transfer files over the command line, which requires terminal skills but guarantees stability.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on both devices (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Mode).
3. Connect the sending device to the PC and execute: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/photo.jpg C:\Xiaomi_Transfer\ (Replace the paths with the relevant ones).
4. Connect the Xiaomi receiving device and execute: Adb push C:\Xiaomi_Transfer\photo.jpg /sdcard/Download/

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 It works even with damaged wireless modules.
• 📥 There are no restrictions on the size or type of files.
• 🔒 Suitable for transferring system files (e.g. backups) TWRP).

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If ADB does not recognize the device, try updating drivers via the Mi Flash Tool or manually specify ID manufacturer (0x2717 for Xiaomi adb_usb.ini.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to Xiaomi