How to transfer files from one phone to another Xiaomi: all the working ways

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or sharing files with a friend. Unlike the iPhone, where the process is strictly regulated through iCloud, the MIUI ecosystem offers several flexible solutions at once, from branded tools like Mi Share to universal protocols like FTP or Google Drive. But what way to choose if you want to flip 50 GB of photos in 10 minutes? And if you have the old Redmi Note 4X and the new Xiaomi 14 Ultra, will there be differences in the process?

In this article, we will discuss 8 proven methods of file transfer between Xiaomi phones, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), features of working with HyperOS, and give checklists for each method. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden limitations of Mi Share when transferring files larger than 10 GB – information about this will not be found in the official documentation. You will also learn how to bypass the blocking of transmission over Bluetooth on some models and why Google’s Nearby Share can work faster than native tools Xiaomi.

1.Mi Share is Xiaomi's proprietary tool for fast transfer

Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi, optimized for transferring files between devices on MIUI or HyperOS. The technology works on the Wi-Fi Direct protocol, which provides speeds up to 20 MB / s (in theory) and does not require an Internet connection. However, in practice, the speed depends on the smartphone model and the firmware version.

To use Mi Share, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open the Files app on both phones (or swipe down on the home screen and find the Mi Share widget).
• 🔄 On the sender device, select files, click Share → Mi Share.
• 🔍 On the receiving device, activate the Reception mode in the same menu (Receive files).
• 🔗 Wait for the phones to detect each other and confirm the connection.

It is important to note that Mi Share has limitations:

• 🚫 Maximum size of one file is 2 GB (in MIUI 14 and HyperOS Restriction Removed, but Speed Declines When File Transfers >5GB).
• 📶 On older models (Redmi) 5/6) You may need to enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth manually.
• 🔋 Transferring a large amount of data (for example, 30 GB photo) drains the battery by 15-20% per hour.

Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices

Close background applications (especially messengers)

Connect phones to charge when transferring >10 GB

Check the free space on the receiving device-->

⚠️ Warning: If Mi Share doesn’t find the second device, try restarting both phones or temporarily disabling them VPN/AdGuard. On some firmware MIUI For the Redmi Note 8 Pro and POCO X3 You need to update the Files app to the latest version via Google Play.

2. Google's Nearby Share is an alternative to Mi Share

Nearby Share (formerly Android Beam) is a cross-platform tool from Google that works on all Android 6.0+ devices. Unlike the Mi Share, it supports transfer between Xiaomi and other brands’ smartphones (Samsung, Realme, etc.), and also has a more stable connection with a weak Wi-Fi signal.

How to Enable and Use Nearby Share:

1. Open Settings → Google → Devices and Sharing → Nearby Share.
2. Activate the function and select visibility (All contacts or some contacts).
3. On the sender device, select files, click Share → Nearby Share.
4. Confirm the connection on the receiving device.

The advantages of Nearby Share over Mi Share:

• ✅ It works with all Android devices, not just Xiaomi.
• ✅ Supports file transfer up to 20 GB (tested on Xiaomi 13 Pro).
• ✅ You can transfer files in the background (for example, continue to use messengers).

Mi Share

Nearby Share

Bluetooth

Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

Other-->

3. Transmission via OTG cable or adapter

If you need to move tens of gigabytes of data (like WhatsApp backup or video collection) 4K), The most reliable way is to use OTG-cable USB-This method is not dependent on Wi-Fi speed and does not drain the battery, but requires additional accessories.

You'll need:

• 🔌 OTG-cable (Type-C) → Type-C or MicroUSB → Type-C depending on the model).
• 💾 flash drive or external SSD (if the transmission is through an intermediate device).
• 🔄 adapter USB-A → USB-C (If you connect the phone directly to the phone).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-cable.
2. Insert a flash drive or connect a second phone (if you use a USB-C → USB-C adapter).
3. Open the Files app, select the data you need and copy it to an external drive.
4. Unplug the cable and connect it to the receiving device, then transfer the files to internal memory.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi phones with MIUI 13+ when connected through OTG You may see a notice saying, "Disable Data" or allow access or the files will not show up. Also note that Redmi Note 10 Pro and older support USB 3.1, which speeds up the transmission to 50 MB/s.

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If you don't. OTG-cable, but there is a computer, you can use it as an intermediate link: connect both phones over the phone. USB and transfer files through the conductor Windows/macOS.

4. Cloud services: Mi Cloud vs Google Drive

Cloud storage is handy if you need to transfer files without physical contact of devices or save a backup. Xiaomi offers its own service, Mi Cloud, but it has limitations that make Google Drive or Mega more versatile solutions.

Comparison of Mi Cloud and Google Drive:

How to transfer files through Mi Cloud:

1. On the sender device, open Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired data types (e.g. Gallery or Files).
3. Wait for the download to be completed (can be tracked in the Warehouse section).
4. On the receiving device, log in to the same Mi Account and download files from the cloud.

5. Bluetooth – Slowly but without internet

Bluetooth is the most versatile, but also the slowest, way to transfer files, rarely faster than 1-2 MB/s, but it works even without Wi-Fi and does not require additional accessories, suitable for transferring small files: contacts, PDF documents or multiple photos.

How to transfer files via Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).
2. On the sender device, select files, click Share → Bluetooth.
3. Select the target device from the list and confirm pairing.
4. On the receiving device, accept the file in the notification.

Limitations of Bluetooth on Xiaomi:

• 🐢 Transmission speed drops at a distance of more than 5 meters.
• 📁 You can’t transfer folders – only individual files.
• 🔋 On the Redmi. 9A Bluetooth 4.2 budget models limit speeds to 0.5 MB/s.

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Bluetooth is only suitable for transferring files up to 50MB. For everything else, use Mi Share, Nearby Share or cable.

6. FTP-Xiaomi server: for advanced users

If you need to transfer files between Xiaomi and a computer or other phone over a local network, you can run it. FTP-This method requires minimal technical knowledge, but provides high speed (up to 30 MB / s when connecting to Wi-Fi 5 GHz).

Instructions for setting up FTP:

1. Install the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer app from Google Play.
2. Open the app, swipe left and select FTP-server (in Solid Explorer path: ☰ → Networked → FTP-server).
3. Click Launch and write down the server address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
4. On the second device, open any file manager (or explorer on a PC) and connect to the specified address.

Advantages of FTP:

• ⚡ Speed is limited only by your Wi-Fi router.
• 📂 You can transfer entire folders without archiving.
• 🔒 Supported authentication by login / password.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use FTP Public networks (McDonald's, airports) - data is transmitted without encryption. For security, turn on the option "LAN Only" in the server settings.

7. Computer Transfer (USB + Xiaomi Software)

If you have access to Windows or Mac, you can transfer files through your computer using Xiaomi’s proprietary software, Mi PC Suite, which automatically identifies connected devices and allows you to manage files, contacts, and even install applications.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website and install it.
2. Connect both phones to your computer via USB (File Transfer Mode).
3. In Mi PC Suite, select the sender device, find the files you want and copy them to your PC.
4. Then go to the receiving device and paste the files into the desired folder.

Features of working with Mi PC Suite:

• 🖥️ Supports Windows 7–11 and macOS 10.12+.
• 📱 Automatically installs drivers for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.
• 🔄 We can synchronize. SMS, notebook.

8 Specialized applications: Send Anywhere, Xender

If standard methods don’t work, you can use third-party apps like Send Anywhere or Xender, which work on the principle of P2P (peer-to-peer) and often surpass Mi Share in speed and stability.

Comparison of popular applications:

How to use Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both phones.
2. On the sender device, select files and click Send.
3. 6-digit code is generated or QR-code.
4. On the receiving device, enter the code or scan the QR.

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Send Anywhere is the best choice for transferring large files (like 4K video) between Xiaomi and other brands (iPhone, Samsung).

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers to Xiaomi