How to Transfer Files from One Xiaomi to Another: All the Working Methods 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 automated through iCloud, Xiaomi has several ways of transferring – from built-in functions. MIUI And the problem is that not all methods are equally fast and reliable, and that's why we're not all connected to the cloud.

In this article, we will discuss 7 The most current ways to transfer files between Xiaomi devices – from the simplest (via Mi Account) to universal (using the use of the most basic and practical methods of transferring files between Xiaomi devices) OTG-We will pay special attention to the hidden restrictions. MIUI 14/15 When transmitted via Wi-Fi Direct, which can block large files (>4 You will also learn how to circumvent the Bluetooth contact limit and why Google Photos sometimes “loses” image quality when synchronized.

Whether you want to transfer photos and videos with Redmi Note 12 Xiaomi 14, copy the documents between POCO X5 redmi 13C, Or just share music, and you'll find the best method for your task here. MIUI 14/15 and relevant to models 2020–2026 year-end.

1. Transfer via Mi Account (the fastest way for new devices)

If you’re setting up a new Xiaomi smartphone and want to migrate data from your old one, the most reliable way is to use Mi Account, a method that copies not only files, but also system settings, apps (including their data), and even desktop wallpapers, the main condition is that both devices must be tied to the same Xiaomi account.

How it works:

• 📱 On the new smartphone, when you first turn on, select Data Transfer → Mi Account.
• 🔄 On the old device, confirm synchronization (notification will come).
• ⚡ Wait until it is completed – the process will take from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data.

⚠️ Note: If your old phone is disabled AutoRun for Mi Cloud, sync may be interrupted. Before transfer, check the settings in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Cloud → Auto-start.

Enable Wi-Fi on both devices

Connect both phones to charging

Check the free space on the new smartphone (should be) ≥ portable)

Shut down. VPN (can block synchronization)-->

2. Wi-Fi Direct transmission (without internet and cables)

Wi-Fi Direct is a built-in feature of Xiaomi that allows you to transfer files directly between devices without connecting to the router. Transfer speeds reach 10-15 MB / s (2-3 times faster than Bluetooth), but there are nuances:

• 🚫 It does not work for some models with MIUI 13 and older due to firmware restrictions.
• 📁 Maximum size of one file is 4 GB (on the Redmi line there may be a limit of 2 GB).
• 🔋 Strongly drains the battery - it is recommended to connect charging.

Instructions:

1. On both phones, open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On the receiver, click Receive Files, on the sender, select files and click Send.
3. Confirm the connection on both devices.

⚠️ If the transmission is interrupted by 90-99%, try it:

• Turn off Adaptive Brightness (it can reset the connection).
• Reboot both phones and try again.
• Use a different method for files >2GB.

Through the Mi Account.

Wi-Fi Direct

Through Bluetooth.

Through the OTG cable

Google Drive (Mi Cloud) and Mi Drive (Google Drive)-->

3. Classic Bluetooth: When Speed Is Not Important

Bluetooth is the most versatile, but also the slowest way (speed) ~It is suitable for transferring small files (documents, contacts, small photos) or when other methods are not available, the main plus: it works even without the Internet and on older models like Redmi. 4X.

How to transfer files:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings → Bluetooth).
2. Connect the devices (click on the name of the second phone and confirm the code).
3. In the file manager (Mi File Manager) select files → Share. → Bluetooth.

Limitations:

• 📸 Photos are transmitted in reduced quality (max. 12 MP).
• 📄 Documents.pdf/.docx >50 MB may not be going.
• 📞 Contacts are only sent one at a time (no batch sending).

💡

To speed up Bluetooth transmission, archive files to ZIP. This will reduce their size by 10-30% and reduce their time.

4. Cable transfer OTG (big-data)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (like a movie collection or WhatsApp backup), the best option is to move — OTG-cable (or Type-C adapter) → Type-C: Transfer speeds are 40-60MB/s (10 times faster than Wi-Fi Direct) and there are no file size limits.

What you need:

• 🔌 OTG-Type-C cable (for newer models) or Micro-USB (for older models).
• 📱 Both phones should be supported OTG (Check in the settings → The phone. → Specifications).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-cable.
2. Connect the second phone to the cable (it will be determined as the phone is connected). USB-accumulator).
3. On the receiving phone, open Mi File Manager and copy files manually.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi Note 11) when connected OTG There may be an error "USB-device not identified." Decision:

1. Reboot both phones.
2. Try another cable (cheap) OTG often UVC).
3. Enable Developer Mode and activate Debugging over USB.

5. Cloud services: Mi Cloud vs Google Drive

If you have stable Wi-Fi or mobile internet, cloud services are a convenient way to transfer without cables. Xiaomi offers two options: Mi Cloud (5 GB free) and Google Drive (15 GB).

How to transfer files through Mi Cloud:

1. On an old phone: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Select the data to copy (photos, contacts, messages) and click Create backup.
3. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and restore the data.

⚠️ Warning: If you use Google Photos to transfer images, check the compression settings! >16 MPs are kept in a reduced quality ("High quality" instead of "Original") to avoid this:

1. Open Google Photos → Settings → Backup and Sync.
2. Choose Original Quality (but note that it ranks in your Google Drive).

6. Transfer of contacts and messages (separate instructions)

Contact and SMS They're transferred differently than normal files. MIUI, But many users are facing problems, like duplicate contacts or loss of message history.

Method 1: Mi Account (for contacts and SMS)

If the contacts are saved to Mi Cloud or Google Account, they are automatically synced to the new phone. SMS:

1. On an old phone: Settings → Memory. → Backup → Local backups.
2. Create a backup and transfer the file to a new phone (for example, via a OTG).
3. On the new phone, restore the backup through the same path.

Method 2: Export/import through VCF (contact)

The universal method that works on any Android-devices:

1. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/exports → Export to file.
2. Select contacts and save the.vcf file.
3. Transfer the file to a new phone and import it.

⚠️ Note: If you have duplicate contacts after transfer, use a built-in cleaning tool:

1. Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Connecting contacts.
2. Choose Autounification - the system will find duplicates.

💡

To transfer the history of WhatsApp or Telegram, use the built-in backup features of these applications. Cloud/Google Drive) do not save chat messengers!

7. Alternative methods: SHAREit, Snapdrop and FTP-server

If the standard methods do not work (for example, due to errors in the MIUI), We can use third-party solutions. Let's look at three proven options.

1.SHAREit (for large files without restrictions)

The SHAREit app allows you to transfer files at up to 20 MB/s over a local network.

• 🚀 There are no file size restrictions (unlike Wi-Fi Direct).
• 📱 It works even on old Xiaomi (supports Redmi). 3S newer).
• 🔒 Encrypts transmission (important for sensitive data).

Cons: Contains advertising and requires installation on both devices.

2. Snapdrop (transfer via browser)

Snapdrop works directly in the browser without registration, ideal for transferring files between Xiaomi and iPhone or PC:

1. Open snapdrop.net on both devices (on the same Wi-Fi).
2. On the sender, drag files into the browser window.
3. On the receiver, confirm receipt.

3. FTP-Xiaomi server (for advanced users)

If you need to transfer thousands of files (such as a backup game or project), you can run it. FTP-server directly to Xiaomi:

1. Install the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer app.
2. Turn it on. FTP-server in application settings.
3. Connect to it from another device via File Manager → Connection to FTP.

⚠️ Attention: FTP-Xiaomi server automatically shuts down after 15 minutes without activity.To avoid this, disable Battery Optimization for File Manager.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring files between Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔧 Regional firmware: on Global and China ROM The transfer function may differ.
• 📶 Network settings: turn off VPN and traffic savings.
• 🛠️ File system damage: if files are not copied even through OTG, perform the check through the settings → Memory. → Verification and correction.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions