How to transfer data from phone to phone Xiaomi Android: all ways 2026

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or sharing large files. Unlike the iPhone, where the process is as standardized as possible through AirDrop, the Android ecosystem offers dozens of options, from embedded tools to third-party applications. But how to choose the fastest, safest and most convenient way for Xiaomi?

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven methods of data transfer between Xiaomi phones, including proprietary solutions (for example, Mi Share), cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive), as well as universal tools like Bluetooth or other devices. NFC. We will focus on transfer speeds, file size limits and compatibility with different models – from Redmi Note 12 to flagship Xiaomi 14. You will learn how to transfer not only photos and videos, but also contacts, messages, applications – and even system settings.

Important: Some methods require pre-configuration (for example, authorization to Mi Account or enabling debugging by the user). USB), So we'll go through each step in detail, and if you're looking for a way to transfer data without the Internet, without loss of quality, or between different brands, here's the answer.

1. Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is Xiaomi's proprietary tool

Mi Share is an analogue of AirDrop for Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, It allows you to transfer files without the Internet over a local Wi-Fi Direct network. The transfer speed reaches 10-20 MB / s (depending on the model), and the limitation on the file size is up to 10 GB in one session.

To use Mi Share, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open the Files app (or Mi Share in the app menu) on both phones.
• 🔍 Click Send on the source device and Receive on the target.
• 📶 Select files (photos, videos, documents) and wait for the second phone name to appear in the list of available devices.
• 🔗 Confirm the connection on both screens (entering may be required) PIN-code).

Advantages of Mi Share:

• ⚡ High speed (10 to 50 times faster than Bluetooth).
• 🔒 Encryption of data (files are transmitted over a protected channel).
• 📱 Works between Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and even some other brands (for example, Oppo, Vivo with Nearby Share support).

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14+ Mi Share can automatically switch to Nearby Share (a service from Google). To return to the proprietary solution, go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → Mi Share and disable the option to Use Nearby Share.

Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both phones

Update MIUI Up to the latest version (minimum 12.5)+)

Disable the power saving mode (may interrupt the connection)

Allow access to files and media in the application settings-->

2. Nearby Share is a universal tool from Google

Nearby Share (formerly Android Beam) is a cross-platform service from Google that works on all Android 6.0 devices.+. Unlike Mi Share, it supports data transfer not only between Xiaomi, but also with other brands (Samsung, Pixel, etc.). Transfer speeds up to 5-15 MB / s (depending on the protocol: Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth).

How to Enable and Use Nearby Share:

1. Go to Settings → Google → Devices and Sharing → Nearby Share.
2. Activate the function and select visibility (All contacts, Some contacts or Hidden).
3. On the source device, open the file (for example, in the Gallery or Files) and click Share. → Nearby Share.
4. Select the target device from the list and confirm receipt on the second phone.

When to choose Nearby Share instead of Mi Share? if you need to transfer files to a device of another brand (for example, with Xiaomi) 13T Samsung Galaxy S23) Mi Share is not stable on your model, but note that Nearby Share has a file size limit of 2 GB, whereas Mi Share allows you to transfer up to 10 GB.

Mi Share (branded by Xiaomi)

Nearby Share (from Google)

Bluetooth

Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

Another option-->

Bluetooth Transmission: Slow but Reliable

Bluetooth is the most versatile, but also the slowest way to transfer data, the speed usually does not exceed 1-2 MB / s, and when transferring large files (for example, video to video). 4K) It can take hours, but Bluetooth is indispensable if you want to do it:

• 🔋 You have both phones discharged (consumes minimal power).
• 📡 No access to Wi-Fi or mobile internet.
• 🔒 You need to transfer small files (contacts, text documents, small photos).

Instructions for transmission via Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings → Bluetooth).
2. Make the devices visible to others (Visibility or Detection option).
3. On the source phone, select the file, click Share → Bluetooth and select the target device.
4. Confirm the file on the second phone.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ When you transmit via Bluetooth, you may have a "failed to send a file" error. Solution: go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Bluetooth, clear the cache and restart the service.

Bluetooth 5.0 can be used to speed up the process.+ (Available on Xiaomi 11 and newer models, which supports the technology LE Audio increases bandwidth, but even then, Bluetooth loses Mi Share and Nearby Share in speed.

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If you want to transfer contacts via Bluetooth, export them to a.vcf file: open Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Export to file. This will speed up the process and save all the information (numbers, email, notes).

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

Cloud storage is ideal if you need:

• 🌍 Transfer files from a distance (e.g. from Xiaomi to another city).
• 🔄 Create a backup before resetting your phone.
• 📁 Synchronize data between multiple devices (phone, tablet, PC).

Let’s look at three popular services:

4.1. Mi Cloud (branded cloud Xiaomi)

Mi Cloud offers 5GB of free space (up to 10GB for Chinese accounts) to transfer data to:

1. Sign in to Mi Account on both phones (Settings) → Xiaomi account).
2. On the source device, upload files to Mi Cloud (via the Files app) → Mi Cloud).
3. On the second phone, download files from the cloud.

Advantage: automatic synchronization of contacts, notes, SMS Photos and Photos (if Settings are included) → Mi Cloud → Synchronization).

4.2. Google Drive

Google Drive provides 15GB free (shared space with Gmail and Google Photos) Suitable for transferring any files, including app backups (via Settings). → System system → Backup).

Alternatives: Yandex Disk, Dropbox, Telegram

If you need more space or specific features:

• 📤 Yandex Disk: 10 GB free, convenient for users from Russia.
• 📦 Dropbox: 2GB free, but high download speed.
• 💬 Telegram: You can send files to Telegram 2 GB via bot @SaveAsBot channel.

* Telegram files are stored in the cloud indefinitely if they are sent to Save Messages or a channel.

5. Transfer through USB-cable (OTG PC)

If you have one on hand. USB-cable (preferably with support) USB 3.0 for high speed, you can transfer data in one of two ways:

Direct connection via OTG-adapter

This will require:

• 🔌 OTG-adapter (or cable) USB-C to USB-C, If both phones are modern).
• 📱 On the receiver phone, turn on Settings → Additionally. → Regime. OTG.
• 📁 Connect the phone source as USB-drive (in the notification curtain, select File Transfer).

Transmission speed: up to 40 MB/s (when used) USB 3.0).

5.2. Through a computer (PC or Mac)

Algorithm:

1. Connect both phones to the PC.
2. Copy files from the first phone to the computer.
3. Transfer the files to the second phone.

Advantage: You can change the file format (e.g., convert videos) or edit them before transferring them.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 when connecting to the PC, a request to unlock may appear OEM Unlock.If you don't plan to unlock the bootloader, select Charge Only and reconnect by holding your finger on the notification USB file transfer.

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USB-cable is the most reliable way to transfer large amounts of data (for example, backups or video to the Internet). 4K), but requires additional accessories (OTG-adapter).

6. NFC: fast transfer of small files

NFC (Near Field Communication – short-range wireless technology that works up to 4 cm away on Xiaomi NFC Supported starting with the Redmi Note 8 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 9. the transfer speed is low (up to 400 KB / s), but convenient for the user:

• 🔑 Transfer of contacts (business cards in.vcf format).
• 🔗 Quick exchange of links or small texts.
• 💳 Payments (if you need to send card details via Google Pay).

How to transfer a file via NFC:

1. Turn it on. NFC on both phones (Settings) → Connections and sharing → NFC).
2. Open the file (such as contact in Contacts) and bring the phones back to each other.
3. Wait for the sound signal or vibration – transmission is complete.

Limitations:

• 🚫 It doesn't work for files. > 10MB.
• 🔋 Quickly drains the battery during long-term use.
• 📱 Requires precise positioning of phones (antenna) NFC usually located at the top of the back panel).

7 Third-party applications: SHAREit, Xender, Snapdrop

If the built-in tools Xiaomi do not suit you, you can use third-party applications.-3:

7.1. SHAREit

A popular application for transferring files at speeds up to 20 MB / s. Supports cross-platform transfer (Android, iOS, PC).

• ✅ Pros: no limits on file size, built-in media player.
• ❌ Cons: Shows ads, requires permission to access contacts.

7.2. Xender

An alternative to SHAREit with similar features, but with a simpler interface. Supports application transfer (.apk).

7.3. Snapdrop

A web service (no installation required) running through a browser, ideal for transferring files between Xiaomi and PC:

1. Open snapdrop.net on both devices.
2. Connect to a single Wi-Fi network.
3. Drag files into the browser window.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps (especially SHAREit and Xender), disable Auto Update in Google Play, as some versions contain vulnerabilities (e.g., SHAREit prior to 4.0.6.17 was vulnerable to Wi-Fi Direct attacks).

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The app side is handy for cross-platform transfer, but always check reviews and rankings on Google Play before installing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to Xiaomi