How to transfer photos and videos from your phone to your Android phone Xiaomi: all the ways of 2026

Transferring photos and videos between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge faced by every second owner of the devices of this brand. According to Mi Community statistics, 68% of users are looking for alternatives to cloud services due to the limitations on the amount of free storage, and 42% prefer direct transmission over Wi-Fi Direct as the fastest method. But what is the way to choose if you need to reset 50 GB of vacation photos or send video in resolution? 4K quality-free?

In this article, we will discuss 7 current methods of transferring media files between Xiaomi phones (including Redmi models, POCO And Black Shark, we'll compare them in speed, security and convenience, and we'll focus on the hidden settings. MIUI, And then there's the kind of things that speed things up, and the typical errors that cause the transmission to stop. MIUI 14+ Quick Transfer automatically compresses video unless you manually disable this option?

To avoid experimenting, use our method comparison table below to help you choose the best option based on the amount of data and tools available. And if you need to transfer files from Xiaomi to a device of another brand (such as Samsung or iPhone), at the end of the article there is a bonus section with instructions for cross-platform transfer.

1. Mi Share (Fast Transmission) - built-in tool MIUI

Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi Quick Share) is Xiaomi’s proprietary Wi-Fi Direct file sharing technology that works without internet, supports up to 20MB/s (in theory) and is integrated into the shell. MIUI The main advantage is the absence of file size restrictions and no compression (unless the option Saves traffic is activated).

To use Mi Share, both phones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or be in Bluetooth range (to initialize the connection).

• 📱 Open the Files app on both devices.
• 🔍 Select files (photo/video), click Share → Mi Share.
• 🔄 On the second phone, confirm reception in the notification or through the Mi Share menu in the curtain.
• ⚡ Wait for the transfer to be completed (progress is displayed as a percentage).

Important: B MIUI 14+ Mi Share is the default feature that compresses video to resolution 1080p, If you have "Adaptive Quality" enabled, then to transfer files in the original resolution, go to Settings. → Special facilities → Mi Share → Transfer quality and select Original.

Turn off the power saving mode on both phones

Make sure there is enough free space on the receiving device.

Turn it off. VPN (It can block the local connection)

Check that both phones are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled-->

Transfer speed depends on the phone model and version MIUI. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15 average speed is 12-15 MB / s, while on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 13 it drops to 5-8 MB/s. If the gear is 99% got stuck, try turning off battery optimization for the Mi Share app in the settings.

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring large files (>1 GB) there is an error "Can not send", check if the sender is enabled on the mobile traffic Saving mode in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks. This mode restricts background data transmission.

2. Bluetooth transmission: when justified

Bluetooth is the most versatile, but also the slowest way to share files, and should only be used to transfer small photos (up to the end of the day). 10 MB each) or if other methods are not available (e.g. no Wi-Fi) Average Bluetooth transmission speed 5.0 Xiaomi is 1–2 MB/s and on older models (Redmi) 5/6) — everything 0.5 MB/s.

Instructions for transmission:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (in the notification curtain or via Settings) → Connections and sharing).
2. On the sender phone, select files in the Gallery or Files app, click Share → Bluetooth.
3. Select the target device from the list and confirm pairing (input may be required when the first connection is made). PIN-code).
4. On the receiving phone, accept the file in the notification.

The main disadvantage of Bluetooth is the file size limit (usually up to 50MB per transmission), if you want to send a video or a pack of photos, they will have to be broken up into parts, and the connection can be interrupted if the phones are more than 10 meters apart.

Mi Share (Fast Transmission)

Bluetooth

Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

OTG cable or adapter

Other-->

To speed up the process, you can turn on Bluetooth mode with high bandwidth (available on phones with a high bandwidth). MIUI 12+):

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → More.
3. Activate the option High transfer speed (can reduce battery charging time).

⚠️ Note: When transmitted via Bluetooth, files may lose metadata (shoot date, geotagged). If critical, use alternative methods or check files after transfer in the Google Photos app.

3. Cloud services: Mi Cloud vs Google Drive vs Yandex.Disk

Cloud storage is convenient for transferring files if the phones are in different places or if you need to back up.

To transfer files via Mi Cloud:

• 📁 Upload files to the cloud from the first phone: Open the Gallery → Choose a photo/video → More. → Save it to Mi Cloud.
• 🔄 On the second phone, log in to the same Xiaomi account and download files through the Mi Cloud app.

Google Drive is suitable for large files, but has a nuance: when downloading through the mobile application, video in resolution 4K They can automatically shrink to avoid that:

1. Open Google Drive on the sender phone.
2. Click + → Download and select the files.
3. In the loading settings (⚙️) Turn off the option to compress before downloading.

💡

If you want to transfer files quickly and without compression, use the "Send a copy" function in Google Photos. → press "Share" → "Create a link. The link will last 7 days and can be opened on any device without registration.

4.Cable OTG Adapters: Direct exchange without loss

Cable transmission OTG (adapter USB-C to USB-C) — The most reliable method for large files (for example, video in the video) 8K or RAW-Speed reaches 40-60 MB / s (on Xiaomi with a port). USB 3.1) and the risk of data loss is minimal, but this method requires a physical adapter that is not always available.

Step-by-step:

• 🔌 Connect the adapter. OTG Recipient's phone (it must maintain the mode) USB-The host that is in all Xiaomi since Redmi 4).
• 📱 Connect the second phone to the adapter via cable (for example, USB-C to USB-C).
• 🖥️ A notification will appear on the recipient phone "USB-Device is connected. Click on it and select File Transfer (MTP).
• 📂 Open the Files app on the recipient phone, go to the section USB-device and copy the necessary files.

If the phone does not recognize the connected device, check:

• 🔋 Is there enough charge on both phones (at low charge) MIUI block the transmission of data).
• 🔄 Does the adapter support OTG your model (some cheap adapters don’t work with Xiaomi due to the firmware features).
• 🛠️ Is the developer mode and debugging enabled? USB (Sometimes it is necessary to use old models).

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Maximum transfer speed (up to 1 GB in 20-30 seconds on Xiaomi flagships).
• 🔒 No file compression and loss of quality.
• 📶 No Internet or local area network required.

Disadvantages:

• 💰 You need to buy an adapter (cost from 200 to 1000 rubles).
• 🔋 The battery quickly goes down on the sender phone.

5. Local area network (FTP-server SMB)

If both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can arrange the transfer of files through the Internet. FTP-server SMB. This method is suitable for sending large amounts of data (for example, backup gallery) and does not require additional devices.

To set up FTP-servers on Xiaomi:

1. Install the app FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer (free version available on Google Play).
2. Open the application, go to the section Network → FTP-server.
3. Click Start Server and write down the address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
4. On the second phone, open any file manager (such as Files from Xiaomi), enter the server address in the search bar, and connect.

For the record. SMB (Suitable for transfer between Xiaomi and computers):

• 📌 Install the MiXplorer app on both phones (available on the phone) 4PDA).
• 🔧 On the sender phone, go to MiXplorer → Network → SMB and set up a shared folder.
• 🔗 On the second phone, connect to this folder via MiXplorer. → Network → Add SMB.

Transmission speed FTP/SMB router-dependent:

• 📶 On Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): 10-15 MB/s.
• 🚀 On Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): up to 25MB/s.

⚠️ Attention: When transmitting FTP/SMB files are not encrypted unless your Wi-Fi is password protected or uses an outdated protocol. WEP, Intruders can intercept data. For security, turn on encryption. FTPS (FTP over SSL) server settings.

6.Social networks and instant messengers: a fast, but risky way

Transfer of photos and videos via Telegram, WhatsApp or VK It is easy to use, but has critical limitations:

• 📉 File compression: even in Telegram, videos are compressed to 1080p, a on WhatsApp, before 480p.
• 📌 Size limit: Telegram: up to 2GB (no compression only for premium users). WhatsApp: up to 100MB (with strong compression). VK: up to 200 MB for video).
• 🔒 Privacy: files are stored on messenger servers, which is not safe for personal data.

If you still decide to use messengers, follow these tips:

• 🤖 In Telegram, send files as a file (not as a media) to avoid compression.
• 📎 V VK Upload video through the Videos section, not through messages – this will keep the quality better.
• 🔄 For WhatsApp, use Document instead of Gallery (limited to 100MB, but no compression).

Example of transfer via Telegram:

1. Open a chat with yourself (Saved Messages).
2. Press the paper clip. → File and select the media files you need.
3. On the second phone, open the same Telegram account and download the files.

💡

Messengers are only suitable for transferring small files (up to 100 MB) and if the quality is not critical. OTG cloud-based.

Alternative methods: NFC, QR-codes and specialized applications

If the standard methods do not fit, you can use less common, but sometimes more convenient methods:

• 📶 NFC: Suitable for transferring a single photo (up to 1 MB). Just touch the phones with the back covers (NFC should be included in the settings → Connections → NFC).
• 🔲 QR-Codes: Apps like Send Anywhere or Snapdrop generate QR-The speed depends on the Internet, but it is convenient for transmission over a distance.
• 📱 Specialized applications: Send Anywhere: transfer without registration, speeds up to 10 MB / s. Snapdrop: works through the browser, does not require installation. Xender: supports transfer between Android and iOS.

Example of transfer via Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both phones.
2. On the sender phone, select the files and click Send.
3. 6-digit code is generated or QR-code.
4. On the second phone, enter the code or scan. QR — transmission will start automatically.

Advantages of alternative methods:

• 🌍 Works between different platforms (Android, iOS, PC).
• 🔗 No need to connect to a single network (for Send Anywhere).
• 📱 Often support transmission without compression (unlike messengers).

Disadvantages:

• 🛡️ Risk of data leakage (especially when using public information) QR-code).
• 📉 Speed depends on the Internet connection.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions