How to transfer a file from Xiaomi to Samsung: the complete guide

Changing a smartphone often raises questions, especially when devices belong to different ecosystems. Moving from Xiaomi to Samsung is not just about buying a new gadget, but also the need to transfer accumulated gigabytes of photos, contacts and documents. Fortunately, modern technology allows you to do this as quickly as possible and without loss of data quality.

In this article, we will take a look at all the migration methods available, from built-in system tools to third-party applications, and learn which way to choose to transfer large amounts of data and which is suitable for sending a single file quickly.

Regardless of which model you have Mi or Redmi or which Galaxy you have purchased, the algorithms of actions will be similar. We will look at the nuances of working with Android versions and features of the MIUI and One UI shells.

Use of Samsung Smart Switch app

The most reliable and official way to migrate data is to use a proprietary utility from the manufacturer of the new device. The Smart Switch app is pre-installed on most modern Samsung smartphones, but it can be downloaded on Xiaomi, which is ideal for initial configuration, as it allows you to transfer not only files, but also desktop layout, Wi-Fi settings and even alarm clocks.

The process starts with installing the app on both devices. On Xiaomi, you will need to download it. APK-If you want to use the file or find the app on Google Play, if it's available in your area, you need to select the role of each device after you run it: "Sender" for your old smartphone and "Receiver" for your new phone.

• 📲 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or use a cable USB-C faster-transmission.
• 🔒 Allow data access on both screens by following system security requests.
• 📂 Select data categories for copying: contacts, messages, images, videos, applications.
• 🚀 Click the “Transfer” button and wait for the process to be completed without turning off the screens.

Importantly, when transmitted over Wi-Fi Direct, speeds can vary depending on the bandwidth.If you have the option, using a USB-C to USB-C cable will provide stable speeds of up to 30-40 MB/s, which is critical when carrying tens of gigabytes.

⚠️ Note: When transferring data via Smart Switch, do not open other heavy apps on Xiaomi, so as not to interrupt the data flow and avoid synchronization errors.

Transfer files via Mi Drop (ShareMe)

The second most popular method, which often turns out to be even faster than standard Android tools, is the use of Mi Drop technology, which in global firmware versions is known as ShareMe. It is a native Xiaomi application that works perfectly in conjunction with any Android devices, including Samsung.

The main advantage of this method is that there is no need for the Internet. The application creates a local access point using the Wi-Fi module of the smartphone, which ensures high transfer speeds. On the Samsung side, you will need to install the ShareMe application from Google Play or use the built-in “Quick Share” feature, which now supports the Nearby Share transfer protocol (formerly Android Beam).

The algorithm is simple and intuitive. Open a gallery or file manager on Xiaomi, select the desired objects and click the "Send" button. In the list of available methods, select ShareMe. The application will automatically scan the airwaves for the presence of devices.

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For maximum speed when transmitting via ShareMe, come close to each other devices so that the Wi-Fi Direct signal is as powerful and stable as possible.

If the automatic search does not work, you can use it. QR-On Samsung, in ShareMe, you have to select "Get" and on Xiaomi, you have to select "Send" and scan the code from the screen of the new phone, which ensures that you connect to the right device in an area with a lot of gadgets.

Use of Google Photos and Drive Cloud Storage

Cloud technology has become the de facto standard for syncing data between devices from different manufacturers. If you already have a Google account on Xiaomi, half the work is done. Photos and videos uploaded to Google Photos will automatically appear on Samsung after you log in to the same account.

For documents and archives, Google Drive is the best option. Upload files to the cloud from your old phone, and on a new phone, just download them. This method is convenient because it doesn't require devices to be near each other. You can prepare data at home and download it in the office or on the road.

But the cloud approach has its limitations: Google's free plan only provides 15GB of space that is shared between mail, photos and drive. If you plan to transfer a large amount of video to 4K, there may not be enough space, in which case you will either have to buy a temporary subscription or clean the storage before migrating.

And other cloud services, like Yandex Disk or Dropbox, are similar to the way they work: download on one device, download on another, and it's a great backup channel if the basic methods fail.

Transfer via Bluetooth and Nearby Share

Classic Bluetooth remains the universal but slowest mode of transmission, and should only be used to send a few contacts or light documents when there is no cable or internet at hand. Transfer speeds rarely exceed 1-2 MB/s, so 1 GB video will last for several hours.

A more modern alternative is Nearby Share (now part of Google Quick Share), which is built into Google Play services and is available on both smartphones, and unlike classic Bluetooth, it uses a Wi-Fi channel to transmit data while maintaining ease of pairing.

To send the file:

• 🔵 Enable Bluetooth and Geolocation on both devices.
• 📡 Activate the “Nearby Share” function in the notification curtain.
• 📤 Select a file on Xiaomi, click Share and find Samsung name in the list.
• ✅ Accept the request for transmission on the screen of the new phone.

The advantage of this method is that it is deeply integrated into Android, so you don't need to install additional apps, which reduces the risk of third-party malware getting to your device, but like Wi-Fi Direct, battery life can be substantial when you're actively transferring it.

⚠️ Note: When using Nearby Share, make sure that both devices have a “All Contacts” or “All Devices” display in their visibility settings, otherwise the gadgets may not see each other.

Use of wired USB-OTG connection

For users who prefer reliability and top speed, there is an “old school” method of direct cable connection. Modern smartphones Xiaomi and Samsung are equipped with USB Type-C ports, which allows you to connect them directly with a C-to-C cable.

With this connection, one of the phones (usually the new Samsung) will identify the connected device as an external drive. You don't need any special applications other than the standard file manager My Files on Samsung. Just copy the folders from Xiaomi's internal drive and paste them into the memory of the new device.

This is especially true if the Wi-Fi module on one of the devices is unstable or if you need to throw terabytes of data. the speed is limited only by the USB standard (usually USB 2.0 or 3.0 depending on the model), which is much faster than any wireless methods.

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Direct cable connection is the only way to securely transfer large files (movies, game backups) without the risk of communication interruption and at the highest possible speed.

In some cases, the system may request permission to access USB data. Xiaomi needs to select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the developer menu (if required) or in the system notification, rather than just Charging.

Solutions and optimization after the transfer

Once the file transfer is successful, it's important to make sure that all the data is read correctly, and it's often the photo albums on a new device are mixed up or the shooting dates are down, and that's solved by re-indexing the media files: just restart Samsung and the system will rescan the storage.

It’s also worth checking the app permissions. When you migrate through Smart Switch, the apps themselves will install, but you’ll have to re-allow your camera, microphone, or geolocation for Android security reasons. Go to Settings → Apps and check your mission-critical programs.

Remember to clear the cache of old system apps on Xiaomi before finally putting it aside if you plan to sell or give away the device.Reset to factory settings Wipe data/factory reset is a must to protect your personal information.