Transferring photos between Xiaomi smartphones via Bluetooth seems like a simple task — but in practice, users are faced with connection errors, slow speed or no sending option. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step algorithm for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), explain why Bluetooth can not see files, and compare this method with alternatives like Mi Share or Nearby Share.
Xiaomi’s own data exchange protocols are a feature that sometimes conflict with the standard Android Beam. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5, when trying to send photos over Bluetooth, the system may suggest using Mi Share instead of classic sharing. We will show how to force activate transmission over Bluetooth if other methods are not available (for example, if there is no Internet or problems with Wi-Fi Direct).
Important: the transfer speed via Bluetooth is 10–50 times lower than over Wi-Fi, but the method works without connecting to the network and does not require the installation of third-party applications. If you need to throw 1-2 photos is the best option. For batch sending (for example, 50+ pictures), it is better to choose another method (we will talk about them at the end of the article).
Preparation of Xiaomi smartphones for photo transfer
Before you send files, make sure that both devices meet the following key requirements:
- 🔋 Battery charge above 15% - at low level MIUI Can automatically turn off Bluetooth to save energy.
- 📱 Version. MIUI at least 12 on old firmware (for example, MIUI 11 on Redmi 8) may not support file sharing via Bluetooth.
- 🔄 System Updates: Check for Updates in Settings → The phone. → Update the system. MIUI 14 fixes Bluetooth sharing bugs for Xiaomi models 13T and POCO F5.
- 📂 Photo format: Bluetooth does not transfer files weighing more than 50 MB (protocol restriction). RAW-Photos or Live Photos: Use Wi-Fi Direct.
Also turn off the power saving modes on both devices:
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance.
- Select Battery Mode → Performance (or Balanced, but not Charge Saving).
- Enable the option of No Limits for Bluetooth (if any).
How to enable Bluetooth on Xiaomi for file transfer
Activation of Bluetooth on Xiaomi is different from standard Android - MIUI has hidden settings that affect the visibility of the device.
- Open the notification bar with a swipe from top to bottom and hold the Bluetooth icon to go to settings.
- Turn on the Bluetooth slider (if it's grey).
- Press Bluetooth Devices → Device name (top of the screen).
- Check the box Visibly for all devices (important for detection by a second smartphone!).
- Go back and tap Additional → enable Bluetooth File Transfer (on some models this option is hidden – see spoiler below).
What to do if there is no option "File transfer over Bluetooth"?
Critical error: If the devices can’t see each other after turning on Bluetooth, check:
- 🔄 Reboot: Sometimes it helps to just restart the Bluetooth module (disable/enable in settings).
- 📡 Distance: maximum distance for stable transmission - 8-10 meters (without obstacles).
- 🛡️ Antivirus: Software like Avast or 360 Security can block file sharing. Add Bluetooth to the exceptions.
Step-by-step: how to send a photo via Bluetooth
When both smartphones are ready, follow this algorithm. An example is given for transfer from Xiaomi 13 Pro to Redmi Note 12 Pro+, but it is suitable for all models on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.
Both phones are charged (>15%)
Bluetooth is on and visible to everyone
Photos not in HEIC format (convert to JPG)
Distance between devices < 5 meters-->
- Open the gallery (Google Photos or the standard Gallery app) on the sending device.
- Select the photo you want (hold your finger for multiple choices).
- Tap Share → Bluetooth (if there is no option, click More and find it in the list).
- In the list of available devices, select the second Xiaomi (if not, check the visibility as described above).
- On the receiving device will be a request for confirmation – click Accept.
- Wait until the transfer is complete (the progress indicator will show the status), the photos will be saved to the Bluetooth or Download folder.
Transfer time depends on the file size:
| Size of photo | Bluetooth 4.2 Speed | Bluetooth 5.0+ Speed | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 MB (JPG) | 1–1.5 Mbit/s | 2–2.5 Mbit/s | 5-10 seconds |
| 5-10 MB (High Quality JPG) | 1–1.5 Mbit/s | 2–2.5 Mbit/s | 30-60 seconds |
| 20–50 MB (RAW or Live Photo) | — | — | Not supported |
⚠️ Warning: If the transmission is 0% or 100%, don't force the process to stop. MIUI"If nothing changes after 5 minutes, restart both devices and try again.
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the right Bluetooth setup on Xiaomi, you can experience failures, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
1.The devices can't see each other
Causes and solutions:
- 🔍 Incompatible Bluetooth versions: If one device supports Bluetooth 5.2 and the other supports 4.0, try updating your old smartphone’s firmware.
- 📵 On the plane mode: check the notification panel – sometimes Bluetooth turns off automatically.
- 🔄 Reset Bluetooth settings: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth. ⋮ (three-point) → Reset settings. Reset the phone.
2. photo not sent (mistake "Cannot be transmitted")
What to do:
- 📁 Check access rights: on the receiving device, open Settings → Annexes → Permits → Warehouse and give permission to the Bluetooth app.
- 🗑️ Clear the Bluetooth cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Show system-based → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the cache
- 📎 Change the format of the photo: convert HEIC into JPG via Google Photos (click More) → Save how JPG).
💡
If Bluetooth is not working hard, try temporarily disabling Mi Share in the settings. Sometimes the two protocols conflict: go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Mi Share and deactivate the function.
3.The transmission is interrupted in the middle
This is a typical problem for POCO and Redmi with custom firmware.
- 🔋 Connect charging: at low charge MIUI prioritizes energy savings, which leads to a break in the connection.
- 📶 Turn off mobile data: sometimes background activity 4G/5G Stability of Bluetooth.
- 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → System and device → Resetting settings → Reset Network Settings Attention: This Will Remove All Saved Wi-Fi Networks and Passwords.
Alternative ways to transfer photos between Xiaomi
If Bluetooth is not working (e.g., you need to send a lot of photos or videos), consider these methods:
| Method | Speed. | Requirements | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Share (built into MIUI) | 10–20 Mbps | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth included | It does not work with non-Xiaomi devices. |
| Nearby Share (Google) | 5–15 Mbps | Android 6.0+, both devices on the same Wi-Fi network | Can slow down with a large number of files |
| Local Area Network (FTP) | 30-50 Mbps | FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer | You need to connect to a single Wi-Fi network |
| USB-C/OTG cable | 40-100 Mbps | OTG adapter or C-C cable | You need a physical connection. |
Recommendation: Bluetooth is suitable for transferring 1-5 photos, Mi Share is suitable for 10–50 pictures, and for archives (100+ files), it is better to use FTP over Wi-Fi or cable.
💡
Bluetooth on Xiaomi is only optimal for transferring small files (up to 10 MB). For everything else, use Mi Share or LAN – they are 5-10 times faster and more stable.
How to speed up the transfer of photos on Bluetooth to Xiaomi
Bluetooth speed is limited by the protocol, but it can be improved a little bit.
- 📶 Use Bluetooth 5.0+: Check the support on Mi.com. For example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra and POCO F4 GT Bluetooth 5.3 is available, which speeds up the exchange by 20-30%.
- 📁 Archive photos: send multiple files in one ZIP-archive (use) RAR or 7-Zip).
- 🔄 Turn off background tasks: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find unnecessary apps (like games) and click Stop.
Enable the developer mode
Bluetooth debugging
Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times) → Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by Bluetooth⚠️ Note: on some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Turning on Bluetooth debugging can cause headsets to malfunction.
Security of transferring photos via Bluetooth
Bluetooth is less secure than Wi-Fi or cable.
- 🔒 Turn off visibility after transfer: return to Settings → Bluetooth → Device name and uncheck the tick, apparently for everyone.
- 🚫 Do not accept files from unknown devices: MIUI Unauthorized transmission protection is enabled by default, but hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in older versions of the protocol.
- 📱 Check your files: Before opening a photo or video, make sure the extension is format-specific (e.g.,.jpg, not.exe).
- 🔄 Update the firmware: in MIUI 14 and HyperOS fix critical Bluetooth vulnerabilities (e.g. BlueBorne).
Additional protection: Install Bluetooth Auto Connect from the Play Market, which allows you to:
- Automatically disable Bluetooth after transmission.
- Block connections from unknown devices.
- Maintain an activity log (useful for tracking unauthorized access attempts).
⚠️ Warning: Windows 11 laptops may require the installation of Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth driver for stable operation.