How to quickly and securely transfer files from phone to phone Xiaomi: all the ways 2026

Transferring files between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces: whether it’s transferring photos to a new device, sharing documents with a colleague, or sending videos to relatives. Unlike the iPhone, where everything is tied to iCloud, Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers flexibility: From proprietary solutions like Mi Share to universal protocols like Bluetooth or FTP-But what's the best way to do that if you want to transfer 50GB of photos in 10 minutes? And if you have an old Redmi Note 4 and a new Xiaomi 14 Ultra?

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to transfer files between Xiaomi phones in 2026, including hidden MIUI features, bypassing restrictions on large files and solutions for devices without the Internet. Particular attention will be paid to transfer speed, data security and compatibility with different versions of MIUI (12 to 14).

1. Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) – a proprietary solution from Xiaomi

Mi Share is a proprietary protocol from Xiaomi, optimized for transferring files between the brand’s devices, and works on the principle of Wi-Fi Direct, but with improved speed and support for large files (up to 10 GB in one session), the main advantage is the lack of Internet need and minimal battery consumption.

To use Mi Share, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open the Files app on both phones (or swipe down on the home screen and find the Mi Share widget).
• 🔄 Send on the sending device, receive on the receiving device.
• 🔍 Select files (in bundles) and confirm the transfer. Make sure both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.
• 🔐 Confirm the connection on the receiving device (a notification with the pairing code will appear).

The transmission speed depends on the phone model:

• 🚀 Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi K60: before 20 MB/s (120 Mbit/s).
• ⚡ Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5: 10–15 MB/s.
• 🐢 Redmi 9A, old-model MIUI 11 and below: 2-5MB/s.

⚠️ Note: If the transmission is interrupted by 90-99%, try turning off Adaptive Brightness in the screen settings. MIUI 14 This solves the problem with the connection break.

2. Bluetooth: universal, but slow

Bluetooth is the most compatible method, but only suitable for small files (up to 500 MB), transfer speeds rarely exceed 1-2 MB / s, but the method works even on the oldest Xiaomi models (up to the Redmi 3S), the main advantage is low power consumption and no need for additional settings.

Instructions for transmission via Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).
2. On the sending device, find the file in the Files app, tap Share → Bluetooth.
3. Select the receiving phone from the list of associated devices.
4. Confirm the file on the second phone.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ When you send files over 100MB via Bluetooth, they are automatically archived, which can delay the process by 20 to 30 percent. → Additionally. → File transfer and deactivate the option to compress large files.

OTG + Adapter Cable: for large data volumes

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (like a backup or video collection), the most reliable way is to use an OTG cable and a USB-C → USB-C adapter (or Micro-USB → USB-C for older models), transfer speeds up to 40-60 MB / s (depending on the USB version), and the risk of data loss is minimal.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable OTG (model-suitable).
• 💾 Adapter or Hub (if one of the phones does not have a port) USB-C).
• 📱 File Manager application (for example, FX File Explorer or standard files from Xiaomi).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-cable to the phone to which the files will be copied.
2. Connect the second phone to the other end of the cable (you may need to allow access to the data).
3. On the receiving phone, open the file manager – the second phone will appear as a removable drive (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12).
4. Copy the necessary files into the device memory.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Maximum speed (up to 100 MB / s on Xiaomi 13 Pro with) USB 3.2).
• 🔋 No battery consumption (unlike wireless methods).
• 🔒 Data is not transmitted by air – the risk of interception is minimal.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14 at the first connection through OTG There may be a request to unlock OEM Ignore it, it doesn't affect file transfer.

4. FTP-server: for advanced users

If you need to transfer files between Xiaomi and a computer or other phone over a local network, FTP-The server is the perfect solution. This method allows you to exchange data at speeds up to 30-50 MB / s (on Wi-Fi 6) and has no restrictions on file size.

How to set up FTP-server:

1. Install the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer app from Google Play.
2. Open the side menu and select Remote Access. → FTP-server.
3. Open the server (the address of the view will appear) ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
4. On the second device, connect to this address via any file manager or browser.

Recommendations for sustainable work:

• 📶 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (better 5 GHz).
• 🔒 Set a password for FTP-server in application settings.
• 🔄 If the connection is terminated, try changing the port (e.g., 2221 to 2121).

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

If your phones are on different networks or you need to back up, cloud services are the best choice. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud (5 GB for free), but for larger volumes it is more convenient than Google Drive (15 GB) or Mega (20 GB), the speed depends on the speed of the Internet, but the files are available from any device.

Comparison of cloud services for Xiaomi:

How to transfer files via Google Drive:

1. Open the Google Drive app on the sending phone.
2. Tap + → Download and select files.
3. After downloading, open Drive on the second phone and download the files.

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If you’re transferring sensitive data through the cloud, archive it with a password before downloading it, using the RAR or 7-Zip app (available on Google Play).

NFC and Android Beam: For instant transfer of small files

Many Xiaomi phones (starting with the Redmi Note 7) support NFC, which can be used to transfer small files (up to 10 MB) through Android Beam.It’s convenient for sharing contacts, links or small images – just attach the phones to each other.

How to turn on Android Beam:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → NFC.
2. Activate the NFC switch and turn on Android Beam (some versions of MIUI call Data Transfer).
3. Open the file you want to send (for example, a photo in a gallery).
4. Put the phones on the back sides of each other and the transfer will start automatically.

Limitations of the method:

• 📏 Maximum file size: 10 MB (by MIUI 14 can be increased to 50 MB through the developer settings).
• 🔋 Battery consumption is higher than Bluetooth, but lower than Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📱 It only works between phones with NFC (Not suitable for Redmi 9A, POCO M3 etc.).

7. Alternative methods: Snapdrop, Send Anywhere and others

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party applications, which often offer unique features, such as:

• 🌐 Snapdrop - a web service for transferring files through a browser without registration (operates over a local network).
• 📤 Send Anywhere – supports transfer of files up to 10 GB on a unique 6-digit code.
• 🔗 Pushbullet – syncs files between devices via Google account.
• 💻 LocalSend – an open analogue of AirDrop for Android (without size restrictions).

Example of Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both phones.
2. On the sending device, select the files and click Send.
3. A 6-digit code is generated – enter it on the receiving phone.
4. Confirm file acceptance.

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Snapdrop or Send Anywhere side applications often bypass the limitations of MIUI on large file transfers (e.g. 4K video), but require a stable Internet connection.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers to Xiaomi