How to transfer files from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: all the ways from fast to reliable

Why Standard Methods Don't Always Work

Transferring files between Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you face restrictions. For example, Bluetooth slows down when transferring video to 4K, and Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) sometimes “does not see” the second device due to conflicting versions of MIUI. Even cloud services like Mi Cloud or Google Drive require stable Internet and take time to download.

In this article, we’ve explored the most current ways to transfer files between Xiaomi in 2026, including the little-known MIUI 14/15 chips. We’ve tested each method on models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra to ensure you choose the best option for your case, whether it’s transferring 100 GB of photo or a single document.

1. Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) – Xiaomi’s built-in tool

Mi Share is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi that works without the Internet via direct Wi-Fi Direct. The transfer speed reaches 10-15 MB / s (depending on the model), and most importantly, there are no restrictions on the size of files.

• 📱 Both devices should be on MIUI 12+ (The older versions use Mi Drop with a different interface).
• 🔄 If a transmission is interrupted, check if the transmission is blocked. → Permits → Auto-Run for the Mi Share app.
• 📶 In the open space, the range of action is up to 50 Meters in the room can be reduced to 10-15.

How to use:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Mi Share.
2. Click "Send Files" on the first device and select files.
3. On the second device, tap "Accept Files" and confirm the connection.
4. Wait for the transfer to be completed (progress is displayed on both screens).

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled on both devices |

Updated MIUI to the latest version|

Power saving mode is turned off |

Notifications for Mi Share Allowed-->

⚠️ Warning: If Mi Share doesn’t find the second device, try restarting both smartphones or temporarily disabling them VPN. In 10% of cases, the problem is solved by changing the role: let the sender become the recipient and vice versa.

2. Wi-Fi Direct transmission (without Mi Share)

If Mi Share is a bug, you can use "clean" Wi-Fi Direct, a protocol that creates a direct network between devices, which works even on older Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi 5 or Mi 8), where there is no Mi Share.

The transfer speed is comparable to Mi Share, but the setup requires more action:

The advantage of the method: it works without installing additional applications. The disadvantage is that on new Xiaomi models (with MIUI 14), the Wi-Fi Direct menu can be hidden. To find it, type in the settings search query "Wi-Fi Direct".

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If Wi-Fi Direct is not enabled, check if the modem modem is activated (Settings → Access Point and modem).

Bluetooth 3: When speed is not important

Bluetooth is the most versatile, but also the slowest way, and it rarely exceeds 1-2 MB/s, but it works even on low-powered devices (consumes minimal power), suitable for transferring documents, contacts or small photos.

How to transfer files:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices (Settings → Bluetooth).
2. On the first device, select files in Explorer → Send → Bluetooth.
3. Select the second device from the list and confirm acceptance on it.

• ⚡ To accelerate, turn off Power Saving Mode in Bluetooth settings.
• 📁 Send files to archives (ZIP/RAR) — This will reduce the number of data packets.
• 🔋 On Xiaomi models with MIUI 13+ You can transfer up to 10 files simultaneously.

⚠️ Note: If Bluetooth breaks the connection during transmission, check if the devices are on mode in the plane (it turns off all wireless modules, except Wi-Fi in some firmware).

OTG + adapter cable: for large volumes

If you need to transfer tens of gigabytes (for example, backup or 8K video), the most reliable way is to physically connect through an OTG cable. The speed reaches 40-60 MB / s (depending on the USB version).

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C to USB-C (or USB-C Micro-USB for older models).
• 🖥️ adapter OTG (If the cable does not support direct host-mode).
• 📱 Both devices must be supported OTG (Check the characteristics of the model).

Instructions:

1. Connect the OTG cable to the first device (it will become the host).
2. Connect the second device to the adapter.
3. On the first device, open Explorer → select files → Copy.
4. Go to section. USB-device (appears after connection) and insert files.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Maximum speed among all wireless methods.
• 🔒 There is no risk of data interception (unlike Wi-Fi).
• 📱 It works even on discharged devices (if there is enough charge to copy).

5. Cloud services: Mi Cloud vs Google Drive

If the devices are not nearby, it is convenient to use the cloud. Xiaomi offers its service - Mi Cloud (5 GB for free), but it has limitations:

How to transfer files via Mi Cloud:

1. Upload files to cloud.xiaomi.com or through the Mi Cloud app.
2. On the second device, log in to the same Xiaomi account.
3. Download files to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.

Google Drive uses a similar algorithm, but with one caveat: if files weigh more than 100MB, use Google Photos for media (it compresses video without losing visual quality).

⚠️ Note: When transferring via Mi Cloud, files are encrypted but not leakproof if your Xiaomi account is compromised. Use encrypted archives for sensitive data (e.g. via via via a secure file). 7-Zip password-wise).

6. Local area network (FTP or SAMBA)

For advanced users, transfer over a local network via FTP or SAMBA protocols is suitable. The speed depends on the router (up to 50-100 MB / s on Wi-Fi 6), and most importantly, you can transfer files between several devices simultaneously.

How to set up FTP-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.
4. On the second device, connect through any file manager with FTP support.

SAMBA will require MiXplorer (enable SMB 2.0 in settings), a method that is convenient for regular file transfers (e.g. between a smartphone and Xiaomi TV).

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Local area network is the only way to transfer files between Xiaomi and other devices (PC, Mac, TV) without clouds or cables.

7.NFC: For instant transfer of small files

The NFC module is available in all Xiaomi flagships (starting with the Mi 8) and some models of the Redmi Note series. It allows you to transfer small files (up to 10 MB) in seconds - just attach devices to each other.

How to use:

1. Enable NFC on both devices (Settings → Connections & Sharing → NFC).
2. Open the file in the Gallery or Explorer.
3. Attach the devices with the back covers to each other (the NFC module is usually located at the top).
4. Confirm transmission on the second device.

Limitations:

• 🚫 It does not work on devices without NFC (Like Redmi. 9A, POCO M3).
• 📎 Only files up to 10 MB are supported (high resolution photos will have to be compressed).
• 🔋 Battery consumption is minimal, but the module NFC should be on in advance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers