How to quickly and safely transfer files from Xiaomi to Samsung: the full guide 2026

Why file transfers between Xiaomi and Samsung require a special approach

Transferring data between smartphones from different manufacturers is a challenge that every second user faces when changing devices, especially for owners of Xiaomi and Samsung, who together occupy more than 40% of the global market, the main problem lies in different ecosystems: Xiaomi MIUI and One UI from Samsung use their own data exchange protocols, which often leads to errors in standard transmission over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.

The second nuance is file formats. For example, Xiaomi defaults to save photos in.heic format (starting with MIUI 12), while Samsung still actively uses.jpg. This can lead to the fact that the transferred pictures simply do not open on the new device without additional actions. and videos shot on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ at 4K@60fps resolution may not play on older Galaxy A models due to the lack of support for the H.265 codec.

In this article, we will analyze 7 working methods of file transfer - from classical (cable, memory card) to modern (cloud services and specialized applications), taking into account the transfer speed, data security and format compatibility between MIUI and One UI.

Transfer through USB-cable: the most reliable, but not the fastest way

Using a USB-C cable – USB-C (or USB-A – USB-C with an adapter) remains the most stable method, especially if you need to transfer large amounts of data (from 10 GB), the transfer speed is limited only to the USB port version: on Xiaomi 13 Ultra (USB 3.2) and Samsung Galaxy S23 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), it will be up to 10 Gbit / s, while on budget models like Redmi 10A (USB 2.0) – only 480 Mbit / s.

To avoid errors, follow the algorithm:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via cable. In the notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy the desired files on the PC (for example, in a folder) D:\Xiaomi_Backup).
3. Disable Xiaomi, connect Samsung and transfer the data in reverse order.

Critical: If Samsung has enabled Data Protection Knox (active by default on flagships), the system can block copying of executable files (.apk,.exe). To avoid this, temporarily disable Knox in the security settings.

⚠️ Note: When transmitted via cable, Xiaomi can automatically convert.heic files to.jpg if the device has enabled the option Compatibility with other devices (Settings) → Additionally. → This will reduce the quality of photos by 15-20%, but will allow them to open on Samsung.

Use the original cable (not cheap analogues)|Check the version. USB both-device|Disable Knox on Samsung when transferring APK|Copy files to the root folder (not in Downloads)|Check the integrity of the data after transfer (comparison folder sizes)-->

2 Wireless Wi-Fi: Quick Share vs Mi Share

Samsung and Xiaomi have their own fast file transfer protocols, Quick Share (formerly Samsung Link Sharing) and Mi Share, respectively. On paper, both promise speeds of up to 10MB/s, but in practice it all depends on the firmware version and smartphone model.

Let's compare their capabilities:

You can see from the table that there's no direct transmission between Mi Share and Quick Share, but there's a workaround.

1. On Xiaomi, send files via Mi Share to your computer (you need to install Mi PC Suite).
2. On Samsung, activate Quick Share and select Get from your computer.
3. Drag files from PC to Samsung via the Quick Share web interface (opens automatically).

Bluetooth|Wi-Fi Direct (Mi Share/Quick Share)|Google Drive, Mi Cloud)|Send Anywhere, Xender)|Never transfer files between devices-->

3. Memory card use: when justified

Transferring files via microSD is important in three cases:

• 📱 Both devices support memory cards (e.g. Samsung Galaxy). A54 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro).
• 📁 You need to transfer small files (documents, music) up to 32 GB (limitation) FAT32).
• 🔋 No access to a computer or the internet (for example, on a hike).

Algorithm of action:

1. Insert the card in Xiaomi, format it in FAT32 (if it is new).
2. Copy files to the card’s root folder (not in DCIM or Downloads to avoid conflicts with system folders).
3. Remove the card, paste it into Samsung and transfer the data to internal memory.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi has memory card encryption enabled (Settings) → Warehouse → Encryption SD-Samsung will not be able to read the files.Be sure to decrypt the media or copy the data to an unencrypted map before transferring.

The transfer speed over microSD UHS-I (Class 10) will be about 80-90 MB/s, but only if both devices support this standard. On budget models (for example, the Samsung Galaxy M13 or Redmi 9A), the speed will drop to 20-30 MB/s due to the limitations of the memory controller.

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If the memory card is not defined on Samsung, try formatting it on this device in exFAT format. This removes the 4GB file size limit (relevant for 4K video).

4. Cloud services: convenience vs limitations

Using cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Samsung Cloud) is convenient for transferring files from a distance, but has hidden pitfalls:

• ☁️ Google Drive: limit on downloading 750 GB / day (for accounts with a tariff of up to 2 TB.
• 📱 Mi Cloud: Free available only 5 GB, and downloading video in original quality takes up 3 times more space due to lack of compression.
• 🌐 Samsung Cloud: no backup of photos/video (only contacts and notes) since 2021).

The best algorithm for Google Drive is:

1. On Xiaomi, upload files to the Drive folder via Google’s Files app (it automatically compresses.heic to.jpg).
2. On Samsung, disable autosynchronization of media (Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync) to avoid duplication.
3. Download files via mobile network or Wi-Fi (when downloaded via mobile Internet, Drive compresses video to 480p).

For large video (1 GB), it is better to use Send Anywhere or Xender – they do not compress files and allow you to transfer data at speeds up to 20 MB / s over the local network. The main thing is to disable traffic optimization in Samsung settings (Settings → Connections → Data Use → Optimization), otherwise the speed will drop by 5-10 times.

5. Specialized applications: Send Anywhere, Xender, Snapdrop

File transfer applications often outperform embedded tools in speed and stability.-3 decision:

For transmission via Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both devices.
2. On Xiaomi, select files and click Send – a 6-digit code is generated.
3. On Samsung, enter this code in the Receive field.
4. Confirm the transmission on both devices.

If the transmission is interrupted, check:

• 🔗 Wi-Fi connection stability (click closer to router).
• 🔋 Battery level (below 15% of Android limits background processes).
• 🛡️ Power saving settings on Samsung (Settings) → Maintenance of the device → Battery → Adaptive Battery Mode – Turn off for Send Anywhere).

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Send Anywhere is the only app in the world-3, which correctly transfers.heic files without conversion, maintaining the original quality and metadata (EXIF).

Transfer through OTG-Adapter: for devices without a microSD slot

If you have a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Xiaomi 13T Pro doesn’t support memory cards, but you do have one. USB-storage SSD, can be used OTG-Adapter: This method is relevant for large archives (e.g., a 50-weight.tar backup).+ GB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to Xiaomi and insert a flash drive (formatted in exFAT or NTFS).
2. Copy files through any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).
3. Disable the adapter, connect to Samsung and transfer the data to internal memory.

Important nuances:

• 🔌 Use active OTG-Adapter (powered) for external SSD — Passive adapters may not provide sufficient current.
• 📊 Read/write speed on NTFS through OTG 30-40% lower than exFAT.
• 🔒 On Samsung with One UI 5.0+ You may need permission to access USB-storage device → Annexes → Special access → Access to USB.

⚠️ Note: When copying files through OTG On Samsung with Data Protection (Knox) enabled, the system can block the execution of copied.apk files. To avoid this, turn off the option to block unknown sources in the security settings before copying.

7. Computer Transfer: Mac vs Windows

Using a computer as a middleman is convenient if you need to not only transfer files, but also convert formats or sort data before copying.

For macOS, you will need:

1. Install Android File Transfer (official software from Google).
2. Connect Xiaomi to File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Copy the data to a folder on a Mac, then connect Samsung and transfer the files back.

On Windows 11, you can use the built-in Your Phone tool (available from the Microsoft Store) that allows you to:

• 📲 View files on Xiaomi directly from the PC.
• 📎 Drag and drop up to 100 files at a time (service restriction).
• 🔄 Synchronize notifications and SMS (If Xiaomi has installed the application Communication with Windows).

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If macOS doesn’t see Xiaomi in mode MTP, Reboot your smartphone with the volume button clamped. USB-stack and reconnect.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions