How to transfer files from Xiaomi to Samsung: all ways with pros and cons

Transferring files between smartphones of different brands is a challenge that every second user faces when changing devices, and this is especially true for owners of Xiaomi and Samsung, where operating systems (MIUI and One UI) have different approaches to data exchange. Unlike transferring within the same ecosystem (for example, between two Samsung devices via Smart Switch), it requires workarounds – from classic solutions like Bluetooth to modern cloud services.

The main challenge is that manufacturers are optimizing their tools to work within their own lineup, with Xiaomi pushing Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi Quick Share) and Samsung pushing Quick Share (formerly Samsung Share) with incompatible protocols, forcing users to look for alternatives. In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to transfer files, from the simplest to the fastest, with data volume, speed and security in mind.

1. Bluetooth Transmission: Slowly but without Internet

The most versatile, but also the slowest, way to transfer small files (up to 50MB) — like a few photos or documents — the main advantage is that it doesn't require Wi-Fi or mobile Internet connection.

On Xiaomi, the path to Bluetooth: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth. On Samsung: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth. After activation on both devices:

• 📱 On Xiaomi, select a file → Press "Share» → Choose Bluetooth.
• 🔍 In the list of available devices will appear the name of your Samsung – tap on it.
• ✅ On Samsung, confirm the file's acceptance in the notification.

⚠️ Note: The transmission speed over Bluetooth 5.0 is ~2 MB/s, and via Bluetooth 4.2 – only ~1 MB/s For video in 4K Or archives, it's not a good option.

If Bluetooth does not find the device:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on both smartphones.
• 📱 Make sure that the devices are no more than 10 meters away without obstacles.
• 🔒 Turn off power saving mode – it can limit Bluetooth.

2. Wi-Fi Direct: faster than Bluetooth, but with nuances

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to transfer files at speeds up to 25MB/s (in theory), which is 10-15 times faster than Bluetooth. However, in practice, the speed depends on supporting 802.11ac/n standards on both devices, this method is ideal for transferring photo packets or medium-sized videos (up to 1-2 GB).

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Activate the function and wait until the smartphone finds Samsung.
3. Click on the device name and confirm the connection.

On Samsung, the path may vary depending on the One UI version:

• 📱 One UI 5.0+: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📱 One UI 4.0 and below: Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Wi-Fi Direct.

After connection:

1. On Xiaomi, select files → Share → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Select Samsung from the list.
3. On Samsung, confirm acceptance in the notification.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10), Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with a connection to normal Wi-Fi. If the transmission is interrupted, disable the main network.

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If Wi-Fi Direct is not working, try turning on Access Point mode on one of your devices and connecting to it from the other. Then use any file manager (such as Solid Explorer) to transmit over the LAN.

OTG + USB Cable: Reliable, but not always convenient

If you have one on hand. OTG-adapter USB-A flash drive (or external drive) will be the most reliable method. USB: USB 3.0 gives you up to 60 MB/s and USB 2.0 – up to 5 MB/s. Suitable for large files (movies, backups, archives).

Procedure:

1. Connect the flash drive to Xiaomi via OTG-adapter.
2. Copy files to the drive (use Files or Mi Explorer).
3. Disconnect the flash drive and connect it to Samsung.
4. Transfer files to internal memory or SD-map.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Security: Files are not transmitted by air, zero risk of interception.
• 📦 Volume: You can carry tens of gigabytes (limit only on the size of the flash drive).
• 🔄 Universality: Works even without the Internet and Bluetooth.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Additional equipment is required (OTG-adapter).
• ⏳ Slower than local network transmission (if the flash drive is old).

4. Cloud services: convenient but with limitations

If you have a stable Internet, cloud storage will be the easiest solution: Popular services: Google Drive, Mi Cloud (Xiaomi only), Samsung Cloud (Samsung only), Yandex Disk, Dropbox. Free rates are usually limited to 5-15 GB.

The following is a step-by-step instruction on Google Drive:

1. On Xiaomi, open Google Drive → click “+” → “Download”.
2. Select the files and wait for the download to be completed.
3. On Samsung, open Google Drive, find uploaded files.
4. Click on the file → “Download” (or “Save to the device”).

The advantages of cloud services:

• ☁️ Access from any device: files can be downloaded not only on Samsung, but also on PC.
• 🔄 Synchronization: Changes to files are automatically updated.
• 📱 No hardware binding: no cable or Bluetooth required.

⚠️ Note: When downloading large amounts of data (e.g. 10 GB) on a slow Internet, the process can take several hours, and some services (e.g. Mi Cloud) automatically compress photos, which degrades their quality.

5. Local area network (FTP/HTTP-server: for advanced users

This is a method that works for those who are willing to understand the settings a little bit, and the bottom line is that one device becomes a server, and the other becomes a client that downloads files over the local network, and the speed is limited only by the Wi-Fi router (up to 100 MB/s on 802.11ac).

Instructions for Xiaomi (as server):

1. Install the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer app.
2. Open the side menu. → «Remote access» → «Launch. FTP-server».
3. Remember the address of the species ftp://192.168.x.x:xxxx and entry data.

On Samsung:

1. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open any file manager (such as My Files).
3. Enter the address. FTP-server to the connection bar (or use the application) ES Conductor).
4. Copy the files you want.

The alternative is to use HTTP-servers via the Servers Ultimate application or KWS (Kore Web Server In this case, the files will be accessed by a link in the browser.

Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network|Install. FTP-server|Remember. IP-port|Open the port in the firewall settings (if required)|Use the file manager on Samsung to connect-->

6. File transfer applications: fast and specialized

There are applications that are optimized specifically for file sharing between devices, and they often use a combination of Wi-Fi Direct and LAN for maximum speed.

• 📲 Send Anywhere: transfer without registration, supports files up to 10 GB.
• 📲 Xender: speeds up to 40 MB/s, there is a group transmission function.
• 📲 ShareMe (Mi Drop): Xiaomi, but it works on Samsung.
• 📲 Snapdrop: web service, does not require installation (works through the browser).

Example of Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both devices.
2. On Xiaomi, select files → click “Send” → generate a 6-digit code.
3. On Samsung, type this code in the “Get” field.
4. Confirm transmission.

Advantages of specialized applications:

• ⚡ Speed: Up to 50MB/s (faster than Wi-Fi Direct in most cases).
• 🔗 Cross-platform: working between Android, iOS and PC.
• 📊 No compression: files are transferred in original quality.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Xender) show ads and may ask for unnecessary permissions.

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For transferring large amounts of data (for example, application backup), it is better to use Send Anywhere or Snapdrop – they do not limit the size of files and do not compress data.

7. Smart Switch (for full migration only)

Samsung Smart Switch is the official solution for transferring data from other devices to Samsung, which supports transfer of not only files, but also contacts, messages, applications and settings, but it does not work with all Xiaomi models.

Requirements:

• 📱 Samsung with One UI 3.0 or newer.
• 📱 Xiaomi on Android 8.0+.
• 🔌 Cable USB-C → USB-C or USB-C → Micro-USB (depending on the connectors).

Instructions:

1. Install Smart Switch on Xiaomi from Google Play.
2. Connect the devices with a cable.
3. On Samsung, open the Smart Switch (usually preinstalled).
4. Select “Get Data” → “Android” → follow the instructions.

Limitations:

• ❌ Not all Xiaomi models are supported (especially older or custom firmware).
• ❌ May not migrate some applications due to differences in architecture MIUI one UI.
• ❌ Requires cable – Wi-Fi is unstable.

Important: Smart Switch can reset network settings on Samsung after migrating. save Wi-Fi passwords in advance!

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers