Transferring data from Android to Android via Bluetooth: a complete guide for Xiaomi

File transfer between Xiaomi smartphones via Bluetooth remains a viable way to share data, despite the proliferation of cloud services and high-speed Wi-Fi Direct.This method does not require an Internet connection, saves battery life compared to a mobile hotspot and works even in poor network coverage. However, many users face problems from slow transfer speeds to sudden connection breaks.

In this article, we will explore not only the basic steps of transferring files over Bluetooth on Xiaomi devices, but also nuances that the manufacturer rarely mentions in the official instructions.+ or POCO F5) standard data exchange through MIUI Bluetooth Share can be blocked and how to get around it, and you’ll also learn which file types are transferred the fastest and which are best sent in alternative ways.

The focus is on security: how to avoid personal data leakage when you transfer over Bluetooth, why you shouldn’t accept files from unknown devices, and how to check if a stranger has connected to your smartphone, which are often ignored, although the risks of using wireless technologies remain relevant even in 2026.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi devices for data transfer

Before you start transferring, you need to make sure that both Xiaomi smartphones are ready to exchange data. MIUI 14 and later, the connection algorithm may differ from older versions (e.g, MIUI If an outdated firmware is installed on one of the phones, this may cause failures.

It is also important to consider battery discharge: transfer of large files (for example, video in resolution). 4K It can take up to 10-15 minutes to use Bluetooth and it costs a lot of charge, and we recommend charging both devices up to 30% to avoid a sudden shutdown.

Equally critical is the free space on the receiving device, for example, if you're trying to send a 2GB folder of photos and the second smartphone has only 1.5GB of free memory, the transmission will be interrupted in the middle. → Warehouse.

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 30% on both devices.
• 📱 Version. MIUI: preferably MIUI 13 or later (older versions may have file size restrictions).
• 📁 Free space: the receiving device must be at least +20% of the volume of data transmitted.
• 🔒 Security: Turn off Bluetooth visibility for all devices after transfer (more on this in the Settings section).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro) Bluetooth file transfer is disabled by default to save power. To activate it, go to Settings → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth and enable the "Visibility for All" option".

2. Turning on Bluetooth and setting visibility

Activating Bluetooth on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple procedure, but there are a few nuances here: for example, if you just turn on Bluetooth through the Quick Settings Panel, the device will not automatically become visible to other gadgets.

Instructions for inclusion:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the Bluetooth slider (if it is not already on).
3. Click on “Visibility of the device” and select “Visible for everyone” (usually for 2-5 minutes).
4. On the second device, repeat the same steps.

After that, both smartphones should find each other in the list of available devices. If one of the devices does not appear, try restarting Bluetooth (disable and turn on again) or restarting the smartphone itself. MIUI 14 Sometimes helps reset network settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings, but resort to this is only as a last resort.

Bluetooth enabled on both devices |

Devices are visible to everyone.|

Distance between smartphones not more than 10 meters|

There is enough free space on the receiving device-->

Note the names of the devices in the Bluetooth list. Sometimes Xiaomi displays models with non-obvious names (e.g., the name of the device, "Redmi_7a34" Redmi Note instead 11). To avoid confusion, you can rename the device in Bluetooth settings.

3. Methods of data transfer via Bluetooth to Xiaomi

There are three main methods of transferring files via Bluetooth on Xiaomi smartphones:

1. Standard exchange through MIUI: built-in function, works on all models, but is limited in speed.
2. File Manager: convenient for transferring folders and large files.
3. Third-party apps: Send Anywhere or Xender, for example, which use Bluetooth for initial synchronization and then switch to Wi-Fi Direct for acceleration.

Let's look at each method in more detail.

Standard exchange through MIUI

This is the simplest method, but it is only suitable for transferring small files (up to 50 MB).

1. On the sending device, select a file (e.g., in a gallery or file manager).
2. Press "Share" → "Bluetooth".
3. Select the target device from the list.
4. On the receiving smartphone, confirm the receipt of the file.

In the models with MIUI 14 and later, when transmitted via standard Bluetooth, images are automatically compressed if their size exceeds 10 MB. To send the original, use the file manager.

Transfer via the Files app

This method allows you to send folders and files of any size (within the free space on the device).

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Find the desired file or folder, hold your finger on it to highlight.
3. Press "More" (three dots at the bottom) → "Send" → "Bluetooth".
4. Select the target device and confirm the transmission.

The advantage of this method is that it can send multiple files at once, but the transfer rate remains low (on average 1-2 MB/s).

Third-party applications for accelerated transmission

Apps like Send Anywhere or Xender use Bluetooth for initial synchronization only, and then switch to Wi-Fi Direct, which speeds up the process by 5-10 times.

1. Install the same app on both devices (e.g. Send Anywhere from Google Play).
2. On the sending smartphone, select files and click "Send".
3. A 6-digit key is generated or QR-code.
4. On the receiving device, enter the key or scan. QR-code.

The transmission speed in this case reaches 10-15 MB / s, which is comparable to the speed of the transmission. USB-However, this method requires additional software to be installed and may be inconvenient if you frequently transfer files between the same devices.

4 What files can be transferred via Bluetooth to Xiaomi

In theory, you can send any file via Bluetooth, but in practice there are restrictions associated with firmware. MIUI And the hardware of the devices:

• 📸 Photos: Transmitted without loss, but large files (e.g, RAW-Images from Xiaomi 13 Ultra can be “hang” when sending. ZIP beforehand.
• 🎵 Music: formats MP3, AAC, FLAC pass on without problems. WAV-Large files can be interrupted.
• 📄 Documents: PDF, DOCX, XLSX They are sent quickly, but when the archives are transferred (RAR, ZIP) Possible unpacking errors.
• 🎬 Video: Files up to 500MB are transmitted stably.Video to 4K Or with a high bitrate, it is better to send via Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📇 Contacts: Transmitted via standard vCard (.vcf) exchange, but MIUI 14 may not retain a history of calls.

Special attention deserves APK-It's possible to transfer applications over Bluetooth, but MIUI by default, block the installation APK To allow installation, go to Settings. → Annexes → Special permits → Install unknown applications and select the file manager you will install through APK.

⚠️ Attention: In transmission APK-There is a risk of catching a virus over Bluetooth if the file has been maliciously altered (MD5 or SHA-1) downloaded applications before installation.

If you need to transfer a large amount of data (for example, a backup of WhatsApp or a folder with projects), it is better to use alternative methods:

• 🔌 USB-cable OTG (speed).
• ☁️ Cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).
• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct or Local Network Transfer in the Files app".

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If you need to transfer a lot of small files (for example, photos from a vacation), pre-archive them in the archive. ZIP. This will speed up the process and reduce the risk of errors in transmission.

5. Common errors and their elimination

Even with the right Bluetooth setup on Xiaomi, users are facing problems. Let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

5.1 Devices do not find each other

If smartphones don’t detect each other in the list of available devices, check the following:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth: Disable and re-enable the module on both devices.
• 📱 Update the firmware: on older versions MIUI (Below 12.5) there may be compatibility issues.
• 🚫 Remove old connections: In Bluetooth settings, delete all saved devices and try to connect again.
• 🔋 Check the energy saving mode: in Settings → Battery and productivity → Power saving mode disable Bluetooth restrictions.

5.2 Transmission is interrupted or is too slow

If files are being transferred in jerks or the speed drops to 0 KB/s, try:

• 📶 Reduce distance: the maximum stable distance for Bluetooth is 10 meters, but for high-speed transmission it is better to keep the device within 1-2 meters.
• 🔌 Disable other wireless devices: Headphones, fitness bracelets, or smartwatches can interfere.
• 📂 Break up large files: If you’re transferring a video or archive over 500MB, split it up.
• 🔄 Change the protocol: in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times) turn on the option "Bluetoothbusting".

5.3 Files are not opened after transfer

If the transferred files are damaged or not opened:

• 🔍 Check the format: some formats (e.g, HEIC Photos may not be supported on older versions MIUI.
• 📦 Delete before transfer: if sent ZIP-File, try to transfer the contents of the folder separately.
• 🔄 Restart your device: Sometimes the file manager cache prevents you from opening correctly.

6.Alternative ways of data transfer between Xiaomi

If Bluetooth is unstable or too slow, consider alternative methods, some of which are even easier to set up and faster in speed.

6.1. Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct technology allows you to transfer files at speeds up to 30-50 MB / s without connecting to a router.

1. On both devices, open Settings. → Connections and sharing → Wi-Fi.
2. Select "Wi-Fi Direct."
3. On one of the smartphones, click "Create a group", on the second - connect to it.
4. Use the file manager to transfer data.

6.2. Mi Share (Xiaomi Quick Transfer)

Mi Share is Xiaomi’s proprietary technology for wireless file transfer between the brand’s devices, with speeds of 20MB/s and setup taking less than a minute:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Select files and click "Send" → "Mi Share".
3. On the second device, confirm acceptance.

Mi Share only works between Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO s MIUI 12 and newer.

6.3 Cable USB (OTG)

If wireless methods are not suitable, the most reliable way is to use the USB-cable OTG. For that:

1. Connect both smartphones with a cable (you will need an adapter). USB-C → USB-C or USB-C → Micro-USB, depending on the model).
2. On one of the devices, select the File Transfer mode (usually a notification appears when you connect).
3. Open the file manager and copy the data.

The transmission speed through the cable reaches 40-60 MB / s, which is 20-30 times faster than Bluetooth.

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For transferring large files (video, backups), it is better to use Wi-Fi Direct or USB-Bluetooth is only suitable for small data (photos, documents, contacts).

7. Safety Tips for Transmission over Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a convenient, but not the most secure, data channel. Here's how to minimize the risks:

• 🔒 Turn off visibility: After transferring files, return the device visibility setting to the hidden state".
• 🚫 Do not accept files from unknown devices: this may be an attempt to infect your smartphone with a virus.
• 📱 Check device names: scammers can mask their gadgets under names like "Xiaomi_Service" or "Mi_Support".
• 🔄 Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI Vulnerabilities that allow you to connect to Bluetooth without permission.

If you often share sensitive data (such as document scans or work files), consider using encryption.

1. Archiving password files (ZIP s AES-256) beforehand.
2. Use apps like Signal or Telegram with end-to-end encryption to send files.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, when you first connect via Bluetooth, you receive a request for confirmation "Allow access to contacts and media files?". If you do not trust the device to which you are transmitting data, refuse this permission - otherwise the receiving smartphone will be able to scan your files without knowing.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)