Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need for fast data transfer between devices. Whether it is buying a new gadget, sharing a heavy video file with a friend or creating a backup, speed and quality of transfer play a crucial role. The MIUI ecosystem and the new HyperOS provide many built-in tools that allow you to share information without losing quality and using Internet traffic.
Current data transfer methods are far superior to older methods like Bluetooth, which is still only relevant for transferring tiny files like contacts or links. For multimedia and archives, high-speed protocols like Wi-Fi Direct or cloud-based synchronization technologies are better used. The choice of the right method depends on the amount of data, the distance between devices and the version of the operating system.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways that users of Xiaomi devices can use, how to use native applications, cloud services and third-party utilities to work with files as efficiently as possible. It is important to understand that each method has its own characteristics, which we will discuss in detail below.
Using the Mi Drop app for fast transfer
One of the most effective built-in tools is the Mi Drop app (known as ShareMe in some regions), which uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to create a direct connection between two smartphones without having to connect to a router or mobile Internet, and can transfer speeds up to 20 MB/s or higher, which is several times faster than classic Bluetooth.
To get started, make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Run the Mi Drop app through the app menu or find it in the Tools folder. On the sender device, you need to select the files you want to transfer, which can be photos, videos, apps, or even entire folders with documents.
After selecting files, click Send. The app will start scanning available devices within range. The receiver device must also be running Mi Drop, and it should be visible for search. Once the phones find each other, confirm the connection on the receiving device.
- 🚀 High data transfer speeds up to 20 MB/s without using traffic.
- 📱 The ability to transfer files to Android devices, iOS and even PC.
- 🔒 A secure connection using a unique password or QR-code.
- 📂 Support for transfer of any type of file, including APK-installer.
The transfer process is displayed in real time with the progress bar. It is important not to lock the device screens and not leave the application until the operation is completed, to avoid disconnection. After successful transfer, files are automatically saved to the corresponding folders on the new device.
📊 What file transfer method do you use most often?
Mi Drop (ShareMe)
Bluetooth
Google Photo
Telegram/WhatsApp
USB cable
⚠️ Note: When you transfer via Mi Drop, files can only be automatically received if the security settings allow reception from unknown devices. If the transfer freezes, try to re-enable Wi-Fi on both smartphones.
Sync with Mi Cloud and Google Photos
Cloud technology is becoming the standard for backup and data transfer. Xiaomi smartphones have a deep integrated Mi Cloud service that allows you to synchronize contacts, messages, notes, gallery and voice recorder.
To set up sync, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. Here you will see a list of data categories. Activate the switches against the types of files you want to save. The system will suggest freeing up space on the device by deleting the originals after successfully uploading to the cloud, but with this option you should be careful.
The alternative is Google Photos, which is pre-installed on all certified devices, and offers unlimited or original storage (within the Google One quota), with the advantage of being cross-platform: photos will be accessed from any device that logs into your Google account.
⚠️ Warning: Free space in Mi Cloud is limited to 5 GB. Large amounts of data will require a paid subscription or regular cloud cleaning.
To transfer data to a new phone, just log in to the same account, all synchronized data will automatically pull up, which is ideal for those who change devices and want to see the familiar environment immediately after turning on.
How do you make room in the cloud?
In the Gallery app, select Albums, then Cloud. Click on the settings icon and select Clear Cloud to delete previously deleted files permanently. Data migration when changing your phone via Mi Mover When buying a new Xiaomi smartphone, it is most advisable to use a specialized Mi Mover app. It is designed specifically for cloning the system, settings, layout of the home screen and all user data from the old device to the new. This method is the most complete and deep. Start the application on both devices. On the old phone, select the role of the sender (Ser) and the new device will create a connection point (Receiver). ☑️ Preparation for data migration Charge both phones to minimum 50%Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (optional)Close background applications Make sure there is free space on a new phone: 0 / 4 Once you connect, you'll see a list of categories to migrate, and you can select all of them at once, or you can only mark the right items, like System Data, Applications, Photos and Videos. A key feature of the Mi Mover is the ability to carry even Wi-Fi passwords and some system settings, which eliminates the need to configure the phone from scratch. SMS Yes Yes No (for Mi Mover) Apps (APK) Yes No (list only) No Photos and Videos Yes (limited) Yes (cloud) Wi-Fi passwords Yes No No Desktop layout Yes Partially No Migration time depends on data volume. For gigabytes of information, the process can take 15 to 40 minutes. Don't interrupt the process and keep devices close to each other. While Bluetooth and NFC file transfers leave much to be desired for modern standards, this method remains a universal lifeline when other methods are not available. It is built into the Android core and does not require the installation of additional applications or configuration of complex connections. To transfer the file, open the gallery or file manager, select the desired object and click on the "Share" button. In the list of available methods, select "Bluetooth". The phone will begin to search for devices. It requires the installation of the installation of the interface in the smartphone to be used frequently in the interface of the NFC. By attaching the backs of your smartphones to each other, you can initiate file transfers via Android Beam (if the feature is supported by the OS version) or simply quickly open the sharing menu. NFC not used due to extremely low capacity. 🐢 Low transfer speed (about 0.5-1 MB/s), suitable only for small files. 🌍 Maximum compatibility with any phones, tablets and laptops. 🔋 Minimal power consumption compared to Wi-Fi Direct. 📶 It doesn't require the Internet or the router to be set up. Use this method to send business cards (files.vcf), links to websites or small documents. 4K It can take an unnecessarily long time to drain the battery via Bluetooth. USB-cable. And when you connect your phone to your computer, you access the file system like a flash drive. USB (appear when you connect the cable, select File Transfer mode, or MTP. On your computer, open “My Computer”, find your Xiaomi device and copy the folders you want (usually). DCIM, Download, Pictures, to the hard drive. Then plug the second phone in and copy the data there. This is the perfect method for creating full backups before you flash it or sell it: /DCIM/Camera - Photo and video from the camera /Download - Uploaded files from the browser /Music - Musical tracks /Documents - Documents and PDF There are also special cables. USB Type-C to Type-C, which allows two phones to be connected directly, in which case the system will suggest copying the data using a fast charging and data protocol. The speed of such a connection is limited only by the capabilities of ports. USB on phones (usually) USB 2.0 or 3.0). 💡Use the original cable from the delivery kit. Cheap charging-only cables don't transmit data, and the computer won't see the phone. Third-party solutions and instant messengers Don't ignore popular messaging apps like Telegram or WhatsApp. They let you transfer files over the Internet. But there's a caveat: by default, messengers compress media files, degrade their quality. To send a photo or video in its original quality, send it as a "Document" rather than an image from a gallery. For users working on the same Wi-Fi network, file sharing applications that work through the browser are an excellent solution, for example, LocalSend or the built-in “Sharing with the Environment” function in Android. They don't require you to install an app on a second device if it has a browser. QR-There are also third-party cloud storages: Yandex Disk, Dropbox, MEGA. They work in a similar way to the Mi Cloud, but they can provide more free space or have a more user-friendly interface for the PC. Once you upload a file to a server, you can download it on any other device, logged in to the akka Can you transfer files from your iPhone to Xiaomi? Yes, it's possible. Use Mi Drop (ShareMe) on both devices. iPhones need to download the app from the App Store. Google Photos or cloud services also work. Direct Bluetooth between iOS and Android is limited. Why can't Mi Drop see the other phone? Make sure that both devices are enabled GPS (geolocation, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. In Android 10 and above, geolocation permission is critical to Wi-Fi Direct. Also check if one of the phones has Invisible mode in the application settings. How long does it take to transfer 100 GB of data? When using Mi Mover or USB 3.0 cable, the process will take about 10-15 minutes. Through Wi-Fi router (without direct connection), the speed will drop, and the time will increase to 40-60 minutes. Through Bluetooth, this amount of data is impractical (it will take several days).