How to transfer files from Samsung to Xiaomi: from cable to cloud

The transition from Samsung to Xiaomi is not only about changing the interface, but also the need to transfer all the accumulated data: photos, contacts, music and documents. Many users face difficulties when trying to transfer files between devices of different brands, especially if they used ecosystem solutions like Samsung Smart Switch or Mi Mover, which are not always compatible with each other.

In this article, we will analyze 7 working methods of data transfer - from the classical to the traditional. USB-You will learn what is the fastest method (spoiler: it is not always the cloud), how to avoid loss of quality when transferring photos, and why some files can disappear when copying via instant messengers. And the only official way from Xiaomi, which works with Samsung, but it is known less than 20% of users.

Whether you’re switching from the flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra to the Xiaomi 14 Pro or from the budget Galaxy A14 to the Redmi Note 12, the instructions are for all models, and the key is to get both devices ready before transfer, to avoid errors like “insufficient memory” or “file corrupted.”

1. File transfer via USB-cable (OTG PC)

The most old-fashioned, but also the most reliable way is to use a cable, which is suitable for carrying large amounts of data (tens of gigabytes) without loss of quality and without depending on the speed of the Internet. OTG-Adapter or use of computer as an intermediary.

For direct connection you will need:

• 🔌 USB-C/USB-C cable (if both smartphones are modern) or USB-C/Micro-USB (for older Samsung models)
• 🔄 OTG-Adapter (if you want to connect one phone to another as a flash drive)
• 📱 Enabled file transfer mode on both devices

On Samsung, go to Settings → Connections → USB and select File Transfer. On Xiaomi, the path may be different: Settings → Additional → Developer Settings → USB Configuration (if the item is hidden, turn on Developer Mode by clicking 7 times on the MIUI version in About Phone).

⚠️ Note: When connecting Xiaomi to Samsung via OTG Some models may give you a "Device not supported" error, in which case you use your computer as an intermediate or try another cable, because cheap, uncertified wires often don't transmit data.

If you choose a computer, the algorithm is simple:

1. Connect Samsung to your PC, copy files to a folder on your desktop.
2. Turn off Samsung, plug in Xiaomi.
3. Transfer files from your PC to Xiaomi.

2.Use Mi Mover is the official way from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a Xiaomi-branded app designed to transfer data from other Android devices, and it supports not only Xiaomi phones, but most Samsung models, although this is not mentioned anywhere, and the main advantage is the automatic transfer of not only files, but also contacts, SMS, applications (if they are compatible).

How it works:

1. Download Mi Mover on both phones (available from Google Play and Galaxy Store).
2. On Xiaomi, choose I am a new user, on Samsung I am an old user.
3. Scan it. QR-code from the screen Xiaomi camera Samsung.
4. Select files to transfer and confirm the transfer.

The downsides include a limit on file size (up to 4GB per session) and possible errors when porting apps, and Mi Mover does not support data transfer from iPhone, but it works stable for Samsung.

💡

If Mi Mover can’t see your Samsung, try disabling VPN or mobile data – the app is sensitive to network settings.

3. Cloud services: Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Samsung Cloud

The cloud is a convenient way to do this if you have a stable Internet connection and don't need to transfer hundreds of gigabytes, but the main advantage is access to files from any device, and the disadvantage is the dependence on download/download speed and volume restrictions.

Compare three popular services:

• 📁 Google Drive: 15GB free, Android integration, perfect for documents and photos in original quality (unless the limit is exceeded).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: 5GB free, optimized for Xiaomi.Can automatically sync contacts and notes.
• 🌐 Samsung Cloud: 15GB free, but no gallery backup support (contacts and notes only) as of June 1, 2021).

Instructions for Google Drive:

1. On Samsung, upload files to Drive (select → Send → Save to Drive).
2. On Xiaomi, open Drive, select files and click Download.
3. To automate, enable Autoboot in Drive settings on both phones.

⚠️ Note: When uploading photos to Google Photos in the “High Quality” mode, they are compressed to a resolution of 16 MP. To maintain the original quality, select the option “Original Size” (considered as Drive quota).

4. Transfer via instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)

The quickest, but not the most reliable way is to send files to yourself via messenger, suitable for small volumes (up to 2 GB at a time in Telegram) and if you need to urgently transfer a couple of photos or documents.

Comparison of messengers:

How to send without loss of quality:

1. In Telegram, create a chat “Saved Messages” (or write to yourself).
2. Click the Paperclip → File and select the desired data.
3. On Xiaomi, open the same chat and download files.

5. Local area network: Wi-Fi Direct and FTP-server

If you don’t have a cable but have access to one Wi-Fi network, you can use Wi-Fi Direct or run it. FTP-This is a way of doing things faster than the cloud, but it needs to be configured.

For Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On Samsung, enable Wi-Fi Direct in Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On Xiaomi, follow the same path (some firmwares call it Direct Exchange).
3. Connect devices and select files to transfer.

For FTP-servers (for example, through an application) FX File Explorer):

1. Install FX File Explorer on Samsung.
2. Select from the menu FTP-server → Launch.
3. At Xiaomi, connect to the specified IP-Address through any file manager.

⚠️ Attention: When in use FTP-Disable mobile data on both phones to avoid additional traffic costs, and it is not recommended to transfer confidential files - data is transmitted without encryption.

6. MicroSD Memory Card: A Simple But Forgotten Way

If your Samsung supports memory cards (many Galaxy A and Galaxy S models are available until 2021) and Xiaomi has a microSD slot, this could be the easiest solution: just copy the files onto the card, paste it into Xiaomi and transfer the data.

Advantages:

• 🔄 No dependence on the internet or cables.
• 📁 You can transfer unlimited data (only the size of the card is limited).
• ⚡ The speed of copying depends only on the class of the card (recommended). UHS-I Class 10).

How to avoid mistakes:

• 🚫 Do not remove the card while copying – this can lead to data loss.
• 🔍 Before the penos, check the map for errors through Settings → Memory. → Verification SD-map.
• 📂 Use a file manager (e.g. Files by Google) to avoid duplicate files.

7 Specialized applications: Send Anywhere, Xender, SHAREit

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party file transfer applications, which usually work through a local area network or a cloud bridge.

Send Anywhere:

• 🔗 Transmission via 6-digit code or QR.
• 📁 Maximum file size – 10 GB (in the free version).
• ⚡ Speeds are dependent on Wi-Fi, but are usually higher than in the cloud.

Xender:

• 📶 It works without the Internet (it creates its own network).
• 🎮 Supports application transfer (APK).
• ⚠️ Sometimes they show ads.

SHAREit:

• 🚀 Fast transmission (up to 20 Mb/s).
• 📱 Cross-platform (even with iOS).
• 🔒 In the latest versions, there are questions about security (reads the contacts).

How to use (Send Anywhere):

1. Install the app on both phones.
2. On Samsung, select files and click Send.
3. Create a 6-digit code or QR.
4. On Xiaomi, enter the code or scan the QR.

💡

The app side is convenient for one-time transfer but not suitable for regular use due to the limitations of free versions and potential security risks.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions