How to transfer files from one Xiaomi phone to another: all ways of 2026

Shifting data between Xiaomi smartphones may seem like a trivial task, but in practice, users face a lot of nuances, from file size restrictions to compatibility issues between old and new models. In 2026, owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi have at least 7 working ways to transfer files — from built-in MIUI functions to universal solutions like cloud services or physical media. The choice of method depends on the type of data (photos weighing 200 MB will be transferred differently than a text document at 50 KB), Internet connection speeds and even firmware versions on devices.

In this article, we will analyze each method in detail - taking into account the features of the transfer between devices on the MIUI 14 and later, where the Mi Share feature was replaced by Quick Share as part of a collaboration with Google.You will learn how to get around the 500MB file size limit when wirelessly transferable, why Xiaomi 13 Ultra may not see the Redmi Note 10 via Bluetooth, and what settings need to be changed to make the cable USB-C to USB-C It's actually made for direct copying, and then there's a speed comparison table for each method, based on real-world device tests.

1. Quick Share (formerly Mi Share) – official way from Xiaomi

Quick Share (formerly Mi Share) is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for wireless file transfer between devices on MIUI. It works on the principle of Wi-Fi Direct, creating a local network between phones, which provides speeds up to 20 MB / s (in practice – 8-12 MB / s depending on the model), the main advantage is the lack of need for the Internet and ease of use.

To use Quick Share, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open the Files app on both phones (or swipe down the screen and find the Quick Share tile in the notification bar).
• 📁 Select the files you want to transfer (you can mark several at once).
• 🔗 Press the Send button. → Quick Share.
• 🔍 On the second phone, confirm receipt of files (notification should appear).

Important nuances:

• ⚠️ File size limit: maximum size of one file is 500 MB. 4K Or the archives will have to use a different method.
• 🔄 Compatibility: only works between Xiaomi devices, POCO Redmi on MIUI 12+. Older versions may need an update.
• 📶 Interference: In crowded places (for example, in the subway), transmission speeds may fall due to interference in the 2.4 GHz range.

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If Quick Share doesn’t find the second device, check whether Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on on both phones. Also try restarting the feature by disabling and turning it back on in Connection and Sharing settings → Quick Share.

2. Transmission via USB-C cable (OTG or direct)

Using a USB-C to USB-C cable is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to transfer large amounts of data (for example, a photo or video collection in 8K resolution). Transfer speeds can reach 40-60 MB / s (depending on the USB version: 2.0 or 3.0).

First, not all cables support USB OTG (On-The-Go) mode, which allows the phone to act as a host. Second, some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9A) may need to enable USB debugging in the developer settings. Third, if you have an old cable with a Micro-USB connector, you will need an adapter.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phones with a USB-C to USB-C cable (or use a Micro-USB adapter).
2. On the receiver phone, select File Transfer (FTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. On the source phone, open the Files → Devices → select the second phone.
4. Copy the files to the memory of the second device.

Enable USB Debugging (if required)

Use the original USB-C 3.0 cable or certified

Check the available space on the receiver

Turn off Fast Charging during transmission (reduces heating)

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Comparison of transmission speeds depending on the type of cable:

Bluetooth 3: When speed is not important

Bluetooth is the most versatile but also the slowest way, with speeds rarely exceeding 1-2MB/s, and for files larger than 50MB, the process can take several minutes, but it is suitable for sending small documents, contacts, or notes when cable or Wi-Fi is not at hand.

How to transfer files over Bluetooth:

• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings) → Connections → Bluetooth).
• 🔍 On the source phone, find the second device in the list and connect to it (entry may be required). PIN-code, usually 0000 or 1234).
• 📎 In the Files app, select the desired files → Share. → Bluetooth → Select the device.
• ✅ On the receiver, confirm receipt.

⚠️ Note: When you transfer multiple files over Bluetooth, they may come in random order. For example, if you send 10 photos, the first and last can swap places!

4. Cloud services: Xiaomi Cloud, Google Drive, Telegram

Using cloud storage is convenient when phones are in different places or when you need to save a file backup. Xiaomi offers its own cloud - Xiaomi Cloud (5 GB for free), but it has limitations: for example, video in resolution above Full HD is automatically compressed. Alternatives are Google Drive (15 GB for free) or Telegram (up to 2 GB per file).

Comparison of cloud services for Xiaomi:

Instructions for Xiaomi Cloud:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Cloud and log in.
2. Upload files to the cloud through Files → Xiaomi Cloud.
3. On the second phone, log in to the same account and download files.

5. Local area network (FTP or SMB) for advanced users

If you need to transfer large files (for example, backup) TWRP collection RAW-photo), and there is a router at hand, you can use the protocol FTP or SMB. This method requires minimal technical skills, but provides speeds of up to 10-15 MB/s (depending on the router).

To set up FTP-servers on Xiaomi:

1. Install an FTP Server application (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Start the server and write down the address (usually ftp://192.168.x.x:2221).
3. On the second phone, connect to this address through any file manager.

For SMB (if you have a router with USB-port):

• 📌 Connect the flash drive to the router.
• 🌐 Enter in the browser address bar \\192.168.1.1 (or your router’s address).
• 🔑 Log in and copy files through the network folder.

⚠️ Attention: When in use FTP over the mobile Internet (without Wi-Fi), traffic will be charged as normal data consumption, for example, transferring 1 GB of files will eat 1 GB of your tariff.

6. MicroSD Memory Card: The Good Old Way

If both phones support microSD cards, this method remains one of the most reliable, with speeds depending on the card class (e.g. UHS-I U3 provides up to 90MB/s), and the main advantage is that there is no Internet dependence or firmware compatibility.

• 💾 Cards larger than 256GB may not be supported by older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X).
• ⚡ With frequent use, the card can wear out (especially cheap models without overwriting protection).
• 🔄 Not all files can be simply copied (for example, some applications’ data is stored in encrypted folders).

How to transfer files through the memory card:

1. Put the card in the first phone.
2. Copy files to a folder on the card (for example, DCIM for a photo).
3. Remove the card and insert it into the second phone.
4. Copy the files into internal memory.

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ExFAT microSD cards support files larger than 4GB, while FAT32 has this limitation: If you're streaming 4K video, format the card to exFAT in advance.

7.Alternative applications: Send Anywhere, Xender, SHAREit

If the built-in methods do not work (for example, due to different versions) MIUI), You can use third-party applications, and they often offer faster speeds and fewer file size restrictions.-3 decision:

Send Anywhere:

• 🌍 It works over the Internet (generates 6-digit code for connection).
• 📦 Maximum file size – 10 GB (in the free version).
• ⚡ Speed up to 10MB/s.

Xender:

• 🔗 Creates a local Wi-Fi network (does not require Internet access).
• 📁 Supports folders and archives.
• ⚠️ Can show ads.

SHAREit:

• 🎮 Optimized for transferring large media files.
• 🔒 Encrypts data during transmission.
• 📱 Requires installation on both devices.

Example of transfer via Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both phones.
2. On the source phone, select files and click Send.
3. A 6-digit code is generated – enter it on the second phone.
4. Confirm receipt.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers between Xiaomi