Sharing photos between smartphones of different brands is a challenge that every second user faces when changing devices, and this is especially relevant for owners of Xiaomi and Samsung, whose ecosystems are built on different principles: MIUI vs One UI, their own cloud services and unique data sharing features. Unlike transferring between devices of the same manufacturer (for example, through Mi Mover or Smart Switch), this requires a more flexible approach.
In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods, from the classic (cable, Bluetooth) to modern (cloud services, specialized applications), each method is tested on current models: Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy A54. You will learn not only how to transfer photos, but also how to avoid typical errors such as loss of quality during compression or problems with format compatibility (.HEIC vs.JPEG).
Transfer through USB-cable (OTG PC)
The most reliable method, independent of Internet connection or wireless protocol compatibility, is suitable for transferring large volumes (tens of gigabytes) without loss of quality.
- 🔌 Cable USB-C → USB-C (or USB-A → USB-C s OTG-adapter)
- 💻 Computer (Windows/Mac/Linux) — Optionally, if you are transferring directly between phones
- 📁 File Manager (built-in or Solid Explorer, FX File Manager)
If you use a direct connection (without a PC), on Xiaomi select File Transfer mode (MTP) On Samsung, open my file. → USB-The storage device and allow access:
1. Connect the cable to both smartphones
2.On Xiaomi, tap "File Transfer" in the notification
3. On Samsung, open "My File" → "USB-accumulator"
4. Find the DCIM → Camera folder on Xiaomi
5. Copy the photo to any folder on Samsung
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Advantages: maximum speed (up to 480 Mbps with USB 3.0), no volume restrictions, metadata (dates, geotags) are stored. Disadvantages: a physical cable is required, on older Xiaomi models (up to Redmi 9) OTG may not work without root rights.
⚠️ Note: When connected to a PC, Samsung can automatically start the Smart Switch – open the explorer manually to avoid unnecessary synchronization.
2 Wireless Wi-Fi (Mi Drop, Nearby Share, LocalSend)
If you don’t have a cable, use a local Wi-Fi network. Modern smartphones support protocols that allow you to share files at speeds up to the next few days. 10-15 MB/s (depending on the Wi-Fi standard). 3 variant:
| Method | Speed. | Limitations | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Drop (included in MIUI) | 8-12 MB/s | Only for Xiaomi → Samsung (backwards not working) | Photo up to 500MB at a time |
| Nearby Share (Google) | 5-10 MB/s | Requires Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled | Any files, but slower than Mi Drop |
| LocalSend (annex) | 10-15 MB/s | We need to install both phones. | Large folders (up to 10 GB) |
For Mi Drop on Xiaomi, open the Gallery, select a photo → Share → Mi Drop. On Samsung, accept the file via your browser (opens automatically).
- 📶 Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- 🔄 Reboot Xiaomi – sometimes the Mi Drop service will freeze"
- 🚫 Turn it off. VPN/Firewalls (they block local traffic)
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If Mi Drop does not find a Samsung device, try manually entering it. IP-Xiaomi address to the address bar of the browser on Samsung (format: http://192.168.x.x:8080).
3. Cloud services: Google Photos vs Mi Cloud vs Samsung Cloud
Cloud storage is convenient for backing up and transferring photos to a new device, but there are nuances:
- 📸 Google Photos compresses images for free storage (up to 16 MP for photos)
- ☁️ Mi Cloud is limited to 5GB and may not open on Samsung
- 🌐 Samsung Cloud requires a Samsung account (not all users create it)
Optimal algorithm:
- On Xiaomi, upload a photo to Google Photos (select Original Quality if the location permits).
- On Samsung, log in to the same Google account and download photos through the app.
- To speed up, use Settings → Backup on Samsung.
⚠️ Note: If the photos are saved in Xiaomi format.HEIC (iPhone compatible, Google Photos automatically converts them to.JPEG To avoid loss of quality, pre-convert files through the application HEIC to JPEG Converter.
Google Photo
Mi Cloud
Samsung Cloud
Yandex.Disk/Cloud Mail.ru
Other
I don't use clouds.-->
4. Applications for file transfer (Send Anywhere, Xender, SHAREit)
Specialized applications often outperform embedded tools in speed and convenience. Consider the top-3:
Send Anywhere (Recommended!):
- 🔗 generates a 6-digit code or QR join
- 📈 Up to 20 MB/s on Wi-Fi Direct
- 📁 Supports folders and archives (ZIP)
Instructions:
1. Install Send Anywhere on both phones
2.On Xiaomi: select a photo → “Send” → generate a code
3.On Samsung: Enter the code in the "Get" field
4. Confirm transmissionXender and Shareit work similarly, but have limitations:
- 🚫 Shareit shows ads and requires multiple permissions
- 🐢 Xender is slower than Send Anywhere 30–40%
- 🔒 Both applications collect device data (see Privacy Policy)
How to speed up transfer to Send Anywhere?
5. Transfer via instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)
Suitable for a small number of photos (up to 50-100 pieces), the main advantage is that you do not need to install additional applications.
| messenger | Max. File size. | Compression | Speed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telegram | 2GB | No (when sent as a file) | Depends on the Internet. |
| 100MB | Yeah (strong) | Slower Telegram | |
| Viber | 200 MB | Yeah (moderate) | Medium |
For transfer without loss of quality in Telegram:
- Create a personal chat (Saved Messages) or chat with yourself.
- Click Paperclip → File (not “Photos”!) and select images.
- On Samsung, download files through the file menu (⋮ → Save it to the gallery).
⚠️ Note: When sent via WhatsApp as a “Photo” (not a file), the resolution is reduced to 1600×1200 pixels, and the weight shrinks to 100–300 KB: To maintain quality, use the Document (clip icon) → "File").
6.Use of a memory card (microSD)
If both smartphones support memory cards, this method will be the easiest:
- Insert microSD in Xiaomi.
- Copy the photo to a folder on the map (for example, DCIM → Camera).
- Remove the card and paste it into Samsung.
- Use My file to transfer the photo to your internal memory.
Critical nuance: on some Samsung models (for example, Galaxy) S22 Ultra - microSD slot is combined with SIM-Before you take the card, make sure you translate it. SIM eSIM or use an adapter for two cards.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔄 No dependency on internet or compatibility
- 📦 Suitable for transferring thousands of photos (limit only on the size of the map)
- 🛡️ All metadata is retained (EXIF)
7.Smart Switch Transfer (for new Samsung models)
Samsung Smart Switch is designed to migrate data from other devices, but does not work with all Xiaomi.
- 📱 Xiaomi is installed MIUI 12 or newer
- 🔄 Cable is used. USB-C → USB-C (Wi-Fi mode often fails)
- 📂 The volume of the photo does not exceed 20 GB (otherwise the process will be interrupted)
Instructions:
- Install Smart Switch on Samsung (usually preinstalled).
- Connect your phones with a cable and select Get Data → Android.
- On Xiaomi, allow access to files (you may need to enable USB debugging).
- Select the Gallery in the data list for transfer.
⚠️ Note: Smart Switch does not transfer photos in format.HEIC — They'll be missed. Convert them to.JPEG via HEIC Converter.
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Smart Switch is the most convenient way for owners of new Samsung (Galaxy S21 and newer), but it works unstable with Xiaomi based on Android 10 and below.