Transferring voice recordings from a voice recorder between Xiaomi smartphones only seems trivial at first glance. In practice, users face the limitations of the standard Dictophone application, synchronization problems via Mi Account, and the non-obvious nuances of using wireless protocols. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of transferring recordings β from official solutions to workarounds β and also explain why some methods may not work on certain models (for example, Redmi Note 10 vs. Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
We will pay special attention to the hidden folder with recordings of the recorder in MIUI, You will also learn how to bypass the restriction on transferring files larger than 50 MB via the Mi Cloud and why Wi-Fi Direct sometimes βdoes not seeβ a second smartphone even when the mode is on. At the end of the article - a table comparing methods for speed, safety and compatibility with different versions MIUI.
1.Official method: synchronization via Mi Cloud
The cleanest method, which doesn't require any additional applications or cables, but it only works if you meet three conditions:
- π± Both smartphones are tied to one Mi Account (or you are ready to log in to a second device).
- π Both phones have synchronization enabled. β Settings β Synchronization with Mi Cloud.
- πΆ There is a stable internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi, as records can weigh hundreds of megabytes).
Instructions:
- On the original smartphone, open the Recorder, tap three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings β Sync with Mi Cloud.
- Wait until the records are uploaded to the cloud (progress is displayed in the same menu).
- On the second Xiaomi, log in to the same Mi Account, open the Recorder and pull the screen down for an update. Records will appear in the Cloud section.
β οΈ Note: If the recordings don't appear on the second phone, check Settings β Accounts. β Mi Account β Sync and switch on the Dictophone switch (MIUI 13 and older) this item is hidden β you need to look for it in Additional Synchronization settings.
Advantages of the method:
- β Automatically update records when adding new ones.
- β No loss of sound quality (unlike compression when transmitted over Bluetooth).
Disadvantages:
- β File size limit: 50MB (long entries will have to be broken).
- β Internet and free space in the cloud (free is only 5 GB).
2. Bluetooth Transfer: When the Cloud is Unavailable
If syncing via Mi Cloud is not suitable (for example, there is no internet or records are too large), you can use Bluetooth.This method works on all Xiaomi models, but has speed and file size limits.
Step-by-step:
- On both smartphones, turn on Bluetooth (Settings β Connections β Bluetooth).
- On the original phone, open the recorder, find the desired record, tap on it and select Share β Bluetooth.
- Select the second Xiaomi from the list of devices and confirm the file acceptance on it.
Important nuances:
- π Make sure the receiving phone has enough charge β transferring large files can take up to 10-15 minutes.
- π Records will be saved to the Bluetooth folder in internal memory (path: /storage/emulated/0/Bluetooth).
- π« Do not interrupt the connection until the transfer is complete, otherwise the file will have to be sent again.
β οΈ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later, when transmitted via Bluetooth files more than 100 MB are automatically compressed with loss of quality.
π‘
If Bluetooth doesnβt see the second phone, try turning off and re-enable mode on both devices, and check if one of the smartphones has βInvisible to Other Devicesβ on the Bluetooth settings.
3. Wi-Fi Direct: fast transmission without internet
Wi-Fi Direct allows files to be transferred at a speed close to USB but without wire, a method ideal for large recordings (such as hour-long lectures or interviews), but requires pre-setting.
How to turn on and use:
- On both phones, open Settings β Connections β Wi-Fi β Wi-Fi Direct.
- On the original smartphone, tap on the name of the second device and confirm the connection.
- Return to Recorder, select recording, click Share β Wi-Fi Direct and send the file.
Comparison with Bluetooth:
| Parameter | Bluetooth | Wi-Fi Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | ~1-2 MB/s | ~5-10 MB/s |
| Max. File size. | Limited to 100MB (with compression) | Up to 1 GB (depending on model) |
| Charge consumption | Low. | Medium. |
| Compatibility | All models. | Only with MIUI 12 and newer |
If Wi-Fi Direct is not working:
- π Reboot both phones.
- π‘ Make sure both devices have Modem Modem and Access Point enabled (Settings) β Connections β Access point).
- π οΈ Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings) β The phone. β Updating the system).
Why canβt Wi-Fi Direct find your device?
4. USB cable transmission: reliable, but not always convenient
If you have one on hand. USB-This method guarantees 100% data transfer without loss and size restrictions.
Instructions:
- Connect the original smartphone to a PC or laptop through USB-cable.
- Select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification curtain.
- On PC, open the Explorer and go along the way: This computer β [The name of your Xiaomi] β Internal storage β MIUI β sound_recorder Here are stored all records of the recorder in format.m4a or.mp3.
- Copy the files you want on your PC, then connect the second Xiaomi and transfer them to the same folder. sound_recorder.
Alternative (without PC):
- π Use it. OTG-cable to connect the second smartphone as a flash drive to the first.
- π Through the file manager ("Files" from Xiaomi) find the folder sound_recorder And copy the notes into it.
β οΈ Note: If after copying the records do not appear in the Recorder, update the application database: Open Settings β Annexes β Application management β Press the Warehouse. β Clear the data (this won't delete the records, only reset the cache.
MTP mode is enabled on both phones
Original cable (or certified)
There is enough space in the memory on the receiving phone.
folder sound_recorder Not hidden (check the file manager settings)
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5 Third-party applications: when standard methods do not work
If none of the above methods work (for example, records are not synced through Mi Cloud, and Wi-Fi Direct is not available), third-party applications will come to the rescue. We tested the 3 most reliable options:
1. ShareMe (formerly Mi Drop)
- πΉ The official application from Xiaomi, preinstalled on most models.
- πΉ Transfer speeds up to 20 MB/s (10 times faster than Bluetooth).
- πΉ It works without the Internet (via Wi-Fi Direct).
How to use:
- Open ShareMe on both phones.
- On the original device, select Send β Audio and mark the required recordings.
- On the second phone, click Get and Scan QR-code.
2. LocalSend (open source)
- πΉ AirDrop for Android, with no file size restrictions.
- πΉ Transmission encryption (more secure than Bluetooth).
- πΉ Available on GitHub (installed) APK).
3. Snapdrop (web service)
- πΉ It works through the browser, does not require installation.
- πΉ Transfer over a local area network (both phones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi).
- πΉ Limitation - 1 GB per file.
Comparison of annexes:
| Annex | Speed. | Size limitation | Need the Internet? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ShareMe | ~20MB/s | No. | No. |
| LocalSend | ~15 MB/s | No. | No. |
| Snapdrop | ~10 MB/s | 1GB | Yes (local area network) |
π‘
When using third-party apps, always check the permissions they request, such as ShareMe requiring storage and location access (to search devices over Wi-Fi Direct), and LocalSend only for storage and network.
6. Problem Solving: Records are not transmitted or reproduced
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users face common errors, and we will discuss the most common ways to eliminate them:
Problem 1: Records do not appear in the Recorder after copying
- π§ Reason: Files copied to the wrong folder or application database not updated.
- π οΈ Solution: Check that files have an extension.m4a or.mp3. Move them to /MIUI/sound_recorder/. Clean the tape recorder cache (see instructions above).
Problem 2: File too big error when transferring via Mi Cloud
- π§ Reason: Mi Cloud Limits 50MB per file.
- π οΈ Solution: Break the record into pieces with apps like MP3 Cutter. Use alternative methods (Wi-Fi Direct, USB, ShareMe).
Problem 3: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct is permanently shutting down
- π§ Reason: Conflict with energy saving mode or weak signal.
- π οΈ Solution: Turn off the Adaptive Battery in Settings β Battery. Reduce the distance between devices (maximum 5 meters).Reboot both phones.
Problem 4: Records are played with noise or interrupted
- π§ Cause: File damage during transfer (especially relevant for Bluetooth).
- π οΈ Solution: Try to transfer the record by another method (for example, through a USB). Restore the file with Audacity (open the record and export it again).