How to transfer data from one Android to Xiaomi Redmi: all working ways

Transferring files between smartphones on Android is a challenge that every Xiaomi Redmi user faces. Whether you buy a new device, share photos with friends or transfer documents to your work phone, choosing the right method saves time and nerves. The problem is that there is no universal solution: Bluetooth is slow, Mi Share sometimes does not find devices, and cloud services require the Internet.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of data transfer to Xiaomi Redmi in the future. 2026 year, including hidden functions MIUI, circumvention of Android 13/14 We'll focus on the nuances of working with Redmi Note models. 12/13, Redmi 10/11 And the K-series flagships, where the manufacturer often blocks standard protocols, and you'll learn how to transfer not only photos, but also applications, contacts, SMS and even system settings without loss of quality and maximum speed.

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

Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) – Xiaomi’s proprietary solution optimized for devices on the market MIUI. It uses a combination of Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth to create a direct connection, which should theoretically give speeds up to the speed limit. 10-15 In practice, Redmi users often face connectivity problems, especially when transferring between different versions. MIUI.

To activate Mi Share:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Connections and sharing → Mi Share on both devices.
• 🔍 Enable visibility for other devices ("Visible to all nearby" option").
• 📎 On the sending phone, select files and click "Send" → "Mi Share".
• 🔄 Confirm the connection on the receiving Redmi (confirmation code must match).

Important nuance: on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ The newer Mi Share defaults to limit the transfer of files larger than 1 GB:

1. Go to the Mi Share Settings → Additionally.
2. Activate the option "Allow large files" (requires a connection to Wi-Fi).

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If Mi Share doesn't find the device, try turning off the power saving for the "Mi Share" app in the battery settings. This often solves the detection problem.

⚠️ Note: When transferred via Mi Share, files with the.apk extension (application installation packages) are automatically blocked by the security system. MIUI. To circumvent the restriction, rename the file to.zip before sending, and return the original extension after transfer.

2.Bluetooth: a universal but slow method

Bluetooth is the most compatible way to transfer data between Android devices, but its speed is not the same (1-2 MB/s on Bluetooth 5.0) It makes it virtually useless for large files, but it's also indispensable for transmitting contacts, notes, or small documents where compatibility is important, not speed.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both phones via notification panel or Settings → Bluetooth.
• 🔍 Click "Search for Devices" and select the target Redmi from the list.
• 🔑 Confirm the paired connection (usually code 0000 or 1234).
• 📎 In the file manager (Files or Explorer) select the necessary files → "Send" → "Bluetooth".

On the Redmi models with MIUI 14 and later Bluetooth supports packet transfer of up to 50 files per session (previously the limit was 10 files). HEIC (It is used in iPhones and is automatically converted to JPEG, reduces quality.

3. Wi-Fi Direct: Unlimited Mi Share alternative

Wi-Fi Direct is the standard Android protocol for direct transfer of files over Wi-Fi without a router. Unlike Mi Share, it works on all devices, including Samsung, Google Pixel and other brands. On Xiaomi Redmi, the feature is hidden in the Settings menu. → Connection and sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on both phones.
2. On the receiving Redmi, click "Accept Files" (the option may be called "Wait for connection").
3. On the sending device, select files in Explorer and click "Send" → "Wi-Fi Direct".
4. Confirm the connection on both phones.

The advantages of Wi-Fi Direct over Mi Share:

• 🌍 It works with all Android devices, not just Xiaomi.
• 📁 No File Size Limit (tested on files up to 20GB).
• 🔧 You can transfer.apk files without blocking.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note 11 Pro and older, when using Wi-Fi Direct, mobile Internet automatically turns off. To avoid a transmission break, activate the "Do not interrupt data transfer" mode in the Wi-Fi settings before starting.

Enable Wi-Fi on both devices|Disconnect mobile internet on the receiving phone|Close background applications (especially messengers)|Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)-->

4. Data transmission via cable OTG: maximum speed

Cable use OTG (On-The-Go is the fastest way to transfer large amounts of data between Android devices. 40-60 MB/s (nah) USB 3.0), what 5-10 It's faster than wireless methods. Xiaomi Redmi will need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C to USB-C (for new models or Micro-USB to USB-C (for Redmi 9/10).
• 📱 adapter OTG (If the cable does not support direct transmission between phones).
• 🛠️ File Manager with Support OTG (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).

How to transfer files:

1. Connect the phones with a cable. OTG.
2. Redmi will be notified "USB-Connection. Select "File Transfer" (MTP).
3. Open the file manager on the sending device, find the folder of the second phone (usually /storage/emulated/0/) and copy the files.

On Redmi models K50 and newer when first connected through OTG You may need to unlock access in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times to activate. Then go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include "Debugging by" USB".

5. Cloud services: transfer without distance restrictions

If the devices are in different places, the best option is cloud storage.

• 🌥️ Mi Cloud (5GB free, integrated into the MIUI).
• 📁 Google Drive (15GB, requires a Google account).
• ☁️ Yandex Disk (10 GB, popular in Russia).
• 🔗 Telegram (up to 2 GB per file, no number limits).

To be transmitted via Mi Cloud:

1. On sending Redmi, open Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired data types (photos, contacts, notes).
3. On the receiving phone, log in to the same Mi Account and wait for synchronization.

The advantage of cloud services is that it's automatic backup, for example, in Google Drive, you can set up folder autosynchronization. DCIM/Camera, All new photos should be uploaded to the cloud, but keep in mind that:

• 📶 Transfer of large files (>1 GB) requires stable Wi-Fi or 4G/5G.
• 🔒 Files in Mi Cloud are encrypted, but keys are stored on Xiaomi servers (risk of leakage when an account is compromised).
• ⏳ Synchronization of contacts and SMS It can take up to 24 hours with a large volume.

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To transfer applications (.apk) through the cloud, use archivers like ZArchiver, which allow you to pack APK in.zip and avoid blocking when downloading.

Transfer of contacts, SMS and applications: special methods

Photos and documents are easy, but how to transfer contacts, SMS Or even installed apps? There are separate tools for that:

Contact:

• 📇 Export via Google Contacts: Open the app, click ⋮ → "Contact management" → "Exports/imports".
• 📱 Transfer via Mi Cloud: Enable Contact Synchronization in Mi Account Settings.
• 📧 Sending a.vcf file by email or messenger (supported by WhatsApp, Telegram).

SMS:

For backups SMS Xiaomi Redmi is using the app SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play) saves messages to an.xml file, which can then be transferred to another phone. MIUI 14 requires the application to grant the right to send SMS manually (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → SMS).

Annexes:

Transfer of installed applications (.apk) + data may be obtained through:

• 🛠️ App Cloner (creates a copy of the application with data).
• 📦 Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 🔄 Mi Mover (built-in) MIUI, It only works when the new Redmi is first turned on).

⚠️ Note: When transferring applications via.apk files to Redmi with MIUI 13/14 Google Play Protect can work, blocking installation. To get around this, temporarily turn off Play Protect in the Google Play settings or use alternative stores like APKMirror.

7. Hidden functions MIUI data-transmitting

Xiaomi adds to the MIUI Little-known features that make it easier to share data:

1. Quick transmission via Quick Share:

Nana MIUI 14 and later, the notification bar has the option Quick Share (similar to Google's Nearby Share) that allows you to transfer files without running Mi Share:

1. Swipe down the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Press and hold the Quick Share icon.
3. Select the files and the receiver device.

2. Transmission via Screen Mirroring:

If you want to show photos or documents on another Redmi without transferring a file, use Settings. → Connection and sharing → Duplicate screen. This method doesn't copy data, but allows you to view it in real time.

3. Backup through “Local Backup”:

The function creates a full system backup, which can then be transferred to another Redmi:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data for backup (applications, contacts, SMS, setting).
3. Copy the backup file (.mbk) to the second phone and restore it through the same menu.

8 Problem Solving: What to Do If the Transmission Fails

Even with the right settings, data transfer can be interrupted. Here are the typical problems and solutions for Xiaomi Redmi:

If none of these methods work, try alternative applications:

• 📲 Send Anywhere (transfer by 6-digit code).
• 🔗 Snapdrop (web service, works through a browser).
• 📡 LocalSend (open source alternative to AirDrop).

On the Redmi models with MIUI 14 and later, some file transfer applications (e.g., SHAREit) may be blocked by the security system. To unlock them, go to Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Autostart and enable autostart for the desired application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to Xiaomi Redmi