How to transfer files from one Xiaomi to another: all the ways of 2026

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or sharing large files. Unlike the iPhone, where the process is strictly regulated through iCloud or Quick Start, the MIUI ecosystem offers several alternative ways, from the Mi Share brand solution to universal protocols like FTP or direct cable connection. The main problem is that the choice of method depends not only on the amount of data, but also on device models, firmware version and even the availability of root rights.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to transfer files between Xiaomi, including hidden MIUI 14/15 features, bypassing restrictions on older devices (for example, Redmi Note 5), and compare the transfer speed and reliability of each method. Particular attention will be paid to transferring contacts, SMS and applications – these data are often not enough during the standard migration through Mi Account. If you move from Redmi to POCO or vice versa, the instructions below will be suitable for these cases.

1. Mi Share: Xiaomi proprietary protocol (up to 20 MB/s)

Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is an optimized version of the Wi-Fi Direct standard that only works between Xiaomi, POCO and Redmi devices, with a major advantage: transfer speeds of 15-20 MB/s (3-4 times faster than Bluetooth), and files are transferred without compression.

• 📱 Works on MIUI 10 and newer (on Redmi) 4X or Mi A1 We have to use alternatives).
• 🔄 Requires Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled on both devices (even if they are not connected to the network).
• 🚫 Does not support the transfer of applications and their data (only media, documents, etc, APK).
• 🔒 On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) It can be blocked as an “unsafe connection".

To take advantage of Mi Share:

1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Mi Share on both phones.
2. Click Send on the original device and select the files.
3. On the target phone, tap Accept in the notification (will appear after scanning).
4. Confirm the transmission on both screens.

⚠️ Note: If the transmission is interrupted by 90-99%, try turning off Adaptive Brightness and Battery Optimization for the Mi Share application in the application settings. MIUI 14+.

Disable VPN on both devices

Make sure there is enough space on the target phone

Turn off the energy saving mode

Allow Mi Share to access files and location-->

Direct cable connection (OTG + USB-C)

The most reliable, but often ignored way is to use the OTG-cable (or adapter) USB-C → USB-C). Transmission speeds reach 40-50 MB / s (2 times faster than Mi Share), and most importantly - there is no risk of communication interruption:

• 📁 Transferring large archives (e.g. Titanium Backup backups).
• 🎮 Transfers of game data (for example, folders) Android/obb Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
• 🔧 Cloning of all internal memory (requires root or TWRP).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phones through OTG-cable (original telephone) as USB-Device, target-like host).
2. A notification will appear on the target phone "USB-Device is connected" - tap it and select File Transfer (MTP).
3. Open Explorer (or Mi File Manager) on the target device, and the internal memory folder of the original phone will appear there.
4. Copy the files you need manually (use ES Explorer with Multi-window function to speed up).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global when connecting through OTG There may be an error "USB-Solution: reboot both phones and reconnect by holding the cable in the connector (sometimes light swaying helps for better contact).

💡

If you want to migrate data apps, use App Cloner or Swift Backup (requires root).These tools back up APK+ data, which can then be restored to a new phone.

3.Mi Cloud Transfer (up to 10GB free)

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s official cloud storage that is integrated into MIUI and allows you to synchronize not only files, but also contacts, SMS, notes and even system settings.

• ☁️ Free tariff - 5 GB (expands to 10 GB when linking mail).
• 🔐 Data is encrypted, but Xiaomi can scan files for violations of the rules (for example, pirated content).
• ⏳ Download/download speed depends on the Internet connection (in Russia it can slow down due to geoblocking).
• 📱 On phones without Google Services (e.g. Redmi Note 11) SE Mi Cloud may not work in China.

How to transfer files through Mi Cloud:

1. On the source phone: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup → select data for backup.
2. Wait until the loading is complete (may take hours with a large volume).
3. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and restore the data to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore.

To transfer individual files (photos, videos, documents):

1. Open the Gallery or Explorer, select files.
2. Click Share → Mi Cloud and select the folder to download.
3. On the second phone, download files through Mi Cloud → Files.

Mi Share (Wi-Fi Direct)

OTG/USB cable

Mi Cloud or other cloud

Bluetooth

Another way.-->

Bluetooth 4: Slowly but without internet

Bluetooth is the most versatile but also the slowest method (speeds 1-3 MB/s), suitable for transferring small files (up to 50 MB) or when other methods are not available.

• 🔗 It works on all Xiaomi models, including the old ones (Redmi). 3S, Mi 5).
• 🔋 It doesn’t consume much battery (unlike Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🛡️ More secure than cloud services (data does not leave the local network).

How to transfer files:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings → Bluetooth).
2. On the original phone, select files in Explorer or Gallery, click Share → Bluetooth.
3. Select the target device from the list and confirm reception on the second phone.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ When you transmit files over 100MB via Bluetooth, they automatically compress, which can cause you to lose quality in your photos. → Additionally. → Transfer files and deactivate the option "Optimize for Bluetooth".

5. FTP-server via local area network (for experienced users)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (like a movie collection or backup) TWRP), The best option is to organize FTP-The server is on one of the phones:

• 📶 Connecting both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (or creating an access point).
• 📱 Server applications (e.g, FX File Explorer, Solid Explorer or Mi File Manager FTP).
• 🔧 Knowledge of basic network setting (IP-port).

Instructions for Solid Explorer:

1. Install Solid Explorer on both phones.
2. On the original phone: open the side menu → FTP-server → Launch.
3. Remember the address of the species ftp://192.168.x.x:2221, login (anonymous) and password (usually empty).
4. On the target phone: In Solid Explorer, press + → FTP and enter the server data.
5. Copy files through the application interface (speeds up to 10-15 MB / s).

For Mi File Manager:

1. Open the application → Network → FTP- Server.


2. Click "Run" and copy the address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.100:3721).




3. On the second phone, enter this address in the address bar of any conductor.

⚠️ Attention: If FTP-server not running MIUI 14+, Check if the firewall is blocking it. MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Permits → Add Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer with exceptions.

💡

FTP is the only way to transfer files without loss of quality (unlike Bluetooth or Mi Share, which can compress media) and is also suitable for transferring system files (for example, firmware for TWRP).

Portability of contacts, SMS and applications: separate instructions

Standard methods (such as Mi Share or cable) do not carry contacts, SMS or installed applications.

• 📇 Contacts: Export to.vcf file via Contacts → Settings → Import/Export: Transfer the file by any means (e.g., Mi Cloud) and import on a new phone.

SMS:

SMS Backup & Restore

.xml

Swift Backup

Annexes:

1. For APK without data: APK Extractor (retrieves installed APKs).
2. For data applications, Titanium Backup (root) or Migra (no root, but not all applications are supported).

For full system migration (including MIUI settings, wallpaper, sounds) use Mi Mover:

1. Install Mi Mover from the App Store (for iPhone) or find an APK for Android.
2. Connect your phones via Wi-Fi Direct (similar to Mi Share).
3. Select data for transfer (contacts, SMS, applications, media).

💡

If Mi Mover doesn’t see the device, check if Developer Mode is enabled (Settings → Phone → MIUI Version – tap 7 times). Then activate Debugging over Wi-Fi in the Developer Settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfer