How to transfer data from your phone to Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways 2026

Transferring files between Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces: whether it’s vacation photos, important documents or a collection of music, choosing the right method saves time and nerves. In 2026, Redmi owners have at least 7 working ways to share data, from built-in MIUI tools to universal cloud solutions.

The main problem: most users are limited to 1-2 familiar methods, unaware of faster or safer alternatives. For example, Mi Share works 3 times faster than Bluetooth, but requires the right setup, and Google’s Nearby Share supports cross-platform transmission, but it is often ignored. In this article, we analyze all the current methods with step-by-step instructions, a comparative speed table and life hacks to speed up the process.

We will focus on the problem of interrupting transmission on the Redmi Note 12/13 series when using Wi-Fi Direct, a common MIUI 14/15 bug, for which there is a workaround solution, and we will also discuss how to safely transfer sensitive data (passwords, bank documents) without the risk of interception.

1.Mi Share is Xiaomi's built-in instant transfer tool

Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi, optimized for devices on MIUI. Works on the Wi-Fi Direct protocol, which provides speeds up to 10-15 MB / s - 5-10 times faster than Bluetooth. Supports the transfer of any files (including folders) without size restrictions, but there are nuances with compatibility.

How to turn on:

1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Mi Share.
2. Activate the slider and allow access to files/media.
3. On the second phone, repeat steps 1-2.
4. Select files to transfer → click “Send” → select the target device from the list.

Important: On Redmi with MIUI 14+ Mi Share, you may conflict with Nearby Share. If the transfer is interrupted, turn off Nearby Share in Google settings (Settings → Google → Devices & Sharing).

Turn off power saving mode | Make sure both phones are charged >30%| Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth|Close background applications using the network-->

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and newer when transferring files >1 GB Mi Share can cause a "failed to send" error. Solution: break the file down into parts. 700-800 Use an alternative method (see section on the FTP).

2. Google’s Nearby Share: A Universal Cross-Platform Method

Nearby Share is an analogue of AirDrop for Android, working on all devices with Google Play Services. The advantage over Mi Share: supports transfer between Xiaomi and other brands (Samsung, Pixel, etc.).

• 🔄 Wi-Fi Direct (up to 20MB/s) – the fastest, but requires a stable connection.
• 📶 Hotspot (up to 5MB/s) – more reliable, but slower.
• 🔵 Bluetooth (up to 1 MB/s) for small files.

How to use:

1. Activate Nearby Share in Settings → Google → Devices and Sharing.
2. Choose the visibility: "All contacts" or "Hidden" (for security).
3. In the file manager, select files → Share → Nearby Share → Select your device.

On Redmi with MIUI 15, Nearby Share can automatically switch to Bluetooth when the Wi-Fi signal is weak.

1. Open the notification panel


2. Hold the Wi-Fi icon → “Advanced” → “Wi-Fi Direct Mode”




3. Select "Always use Wi-Fi Direct"

Bluetooth 3: Slowly but Reliable for Small Files

Bluetooth is still relevant for transferring files up to 50-100 MB – contacts, small documents or individual photos. The speed is limited to 1-2 MB / s, but the method works without the Internet and does not require additional settings. Redmi with Bluetooth 5.2/5.3 (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro) supports the LE Audio protocol, which slightly speeds up the exchange.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings → Bluetooth).
2. Make the devices visible (the “Visibility” or “Device Search” option).
3. On the sender phone, select files → Share → Bluetooth → Select the target device.
4. Confirm reception on the second phone.

Challenges and solutions:

• 🚫 Unsend Error: Reboot the Bluetooth module (turn off/on Bluetooth) or clear the cache of the Bluetooth Share app in the settings.
• 🐢 Slow Transfer: Make sure both devices support Bluetooth 4.0+. On the Redmi. 9A/10A speed-limited 0.5 MB/s.

⚠️ Note: When transmitted via Bluetooth, Redmi automatically compresses images to resolution 1920×1080, Even if the original is bigger, you can use different methods to avoid loss of quality.

4. FTP-Server: Transfer of large files over a local network

If you need to pass 10+ GB data (for example, backup or video in the 4K), FTP-The server is the best choice. The speed is up. 30-50 MB / s when connecting to one Wi-Fi network. For Xiaomi Redmi, applications will suit:

• 📁 FX File Explorer (built-in) FTP-server).
• 🌐 Solid Explorer (supports) SFTP cryptographic).
• 🔌 WiFi FTP Server (Simple Interface).

The following is the FX File Explorer:

1. Open the application → swipe to the left → “Remote access” → “FTP”.
2. Click "Start" and the address of the form ftp://192.168.x.x:2221 will appear.
3. On the second phone, open any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager) → “Connect to FTP” → enter the address.
4. Copy files like they would from a regular folder.

For safety:

• 🔒 Set the password on FTP-server in application settings.
• 🛡️ Use it. SFTP (port 22) instead of the standard FTP.
• ⏱️ Limit server time (for example, 30 minutes).

5. Cloud services: Dropbox, Google Drive, Mi Cloud

Cloud storage is convenient for transferring files if the devices are not nearby. Xiaomi Redmi preinstalled Mi Cloud (5 GB free), but for large volumes it is better to use Google Drive (15 GB) or Dropbox. Speed depends on the Internet connection, but files are available on any device.

Comparison of services:

How to transfer files via Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired file types (photos, videos, documents).
3. Upload files to the cloud from the first phone.
4. On the second phone, log in to the same Mi Account and download files.

💡

If you’re transferring sensitive data through the cloud, archive it with a password (use 7-Zip or RAR) before downloading, which will protect your files even if your account is hacked.

OTG + Adapter Cable: The Most Reliable Method for Large Volumes

If you want to transfer 50+ GB (for example, a backup system or a movie collection), a direct connection via OTG is the best choice. Speeds reach 40-60 MB / s (2-3 times faster than Wi-Fi), and the risk of data loss is minimal. Xiaomi Redmi will need:

• 🔌 Cable OTG (Type-C → Type-C or Type-C → USB-A).
• 🖥️ Adapter (if you connect to the PC as an intermediate link).
• 📱 File Manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Total Commander).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phones with an OTG cable (or via a PC adapter).
2. On the sender phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Open the file manager on the receiver phone → find the connected device in the Devices section.
4. Copy files as if from a normal flash drive.

On Redmi Note 11/12/13, you may need to unlock your data when you first connect (will you see a notification "Allow access to your device?").

• Check the cable (cheap OTGs often don't support MTP).
• Update MIUI to the latest version (older versions had bugs with OTG).
• Enable Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB.

💡

OTG-Connection is the only method that works even if the phone is broken. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module or no Internet.

7. QR-codes and temporary links: for transmission without connection

If you want to transfer a file to one person once (such as a document or photo), it is convenient to use temporary links or QR-This eliminates the need for passwords or account sync:

• 🔗 WeTransfer (up to 2 GB without registration, link is valid for 7 days).
• 📊 Snapdrop (works through the browser, does not require installation).
• 🤳 QR Code Generator (converts a link to a file to a file) QR-code).

How to transfer a file via Snapdrop:

1. Open snapdrop.net on both phones in your browser.
2. The devices will automatically detect each other (they must be on the same Wi-Fi network).
3. Drag the file to the recipient's avatar or click "Send".

For Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 14+, there is a caveat: the Mi Browser browser can block file downloads through Snapdrop.

• Use Google Chrome or Firefox.
• In the browser settings, allow downloading files from "unknown sources".

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on three factors: file size, Internet availability and device compatibility.

For most tasks on Xiaomi Redmi, Mi Share (if both are Xiaomi devices) or FTP (for large volumes) is optimal. If you want to transfer data to an iPhone or another brand, choose Nearby Share or the cloud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to Xiaomi Redmi