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

Why Standard Copying Methods Don’t Always Work

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones only seems like a simple task – in practice, users face unexpected limitations. For example, the Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) function can fail if one device has an outdated version of MIUI installed or permissions for system applications are disabled. And traditional Bluetooth, despite its versatility, makes transferring gigabytes of photos into an excruciating wait – speeds rarely exceed 2-3 MB / s.

Another trap is cloud services like Mi Cloud or Google Drive, which are convenient for backup, but when you synchronize a lot of data (for example, 50 GB of video), you risk hitting the limits of free rates or spending hours downloading over the mobile network. In addition, some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or other models). POCO X3 Pro) have features in security settings that block file transfers through USB-cable without additional manipulation.

In this article, we’ll break down 7 proven ways to transfer files between Xiaomi devices, including little-known tricks to speed up the process and bypass typical errors. OTG-Adapter – Choose a method for your task.

Method 1: Mi Share is the fastest option for MIUI

The built-in Mi Share app (formerly called Mi Drop) is optimized specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem and provides transfer speeds of up to 10-15 MB / s – 5-7 times faster than Bluetooth.

• 📱 Both devices must be working on MIUI 12 or newer (on MIUI 11 and older use Mi Drop).
• 🔗 Connect both smartphones to the same Wi-Fi network or enable an access point on one of them.
• 🔒 On the receiving device, allow installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special permits).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Mi Share on both devices (find through search).
2. On the sender smartphone, select files (photos, videos, documents) and click “Send”.
3. On the second device, confirm the receipt of files by scanning QR-code or selecting a device from a list.
4. Wait until the transfer is complete – progress is displayed in real time.

⚠️ Warning: If Mi Share doesn't find the second device, check if the power saving mode is blocking the application's background operation. → Battery → Energy saving regime.

Enable Wi-Fi on both devices

Update MIUI to the latest version

Allow Mi Share to access files and location

Shut down. VPN (It can block the local network)-->

Method 2: Direct USB OTG cable for large volumes

If you need to transfer tens of gigabytes (for example, a backup or video collection to the Internet) 4K), USB-cable OTG It's going to be the most reliable solution, and it's going to be 40 to 60 Mbps, depending on the version. USB), And the risk of data loss is minimal. But there are pitfalls:

• 🔌 It will. OTG-adapter (or cable) USB-C to USB-C new-model).
• 📲 The Receiver Device must be enabled File Transfer Mode (MTP).
• 🔋 Charge both smartphones at least 50% – long transfer drains the battery.

How to connect:

1. Connect your smartphones with a cable (use an adapter if the ports are different).
2. On the sender device in the notification panel, select File Transfer mode.
3. On the second device, open Files by Google or the standard Mi File Manager – there will be a folder of the first smartphone.
4. Copy files as if from a normal flash drive.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) when connected through OTG may need to be unlocked OEM In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times to activate the developer mode).

Mi Share (Wi-Fi Direct)

Bluetooth

USB-cable/OTG

Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

Another option-->

Method 3: Bluetooth – When There Is Nothing Else

Bluetooth is inferior in speed to Mi Share and USB, but it helps if you do not have a cable or Wi-Fi at hand. The average speed is 1-3 Mb / s, but for the transfer of several photos or documents, this is enough.

• 📶 Bluetooth 5.0 (starting with the MIUI 11) supports duplex mode – you can send and receive files at the same time.
• 🔋 Turn off Bluetooth battery optimization in settings, otherwise the connection will break.
• 📁 Files larger than 50 MB are better broken into parts – Bluetooth can “hang».

Instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them (enter the same one). PIN-code, if required).
2. On the sender smartphone, select files in Explorer and click Share → Bluetooth.
3. Select the target device from the list and confirm reception on the second smartphone.

💡

If Bluetooth is permanently shut down, try turning off power saving mode for system applications in the battery settings.

Method 4: Cloud Services – for Backup

Using clouds (Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Yandex Disk) is convenient if you need to not only transfer files, but also save them to backup.

• ☁️ Mi Cloud only gives 5GB for free (15GB for Google Drive).
• 📶 Downloading a large volume on a mobile network will “eat” traffic (better use Wi-Fi).
• ⏳ Syncing can take hours if there are many files (like WhatsApp backup).

How to transfer via Google Drive:

1. On the sender device, upload files to Google Drive (My Drive folder).
2. On the second smartphone, log in to the same Google account and download files.
3. To speed up, use the Offline access function (files will be downloaded in the background).

Method 5: Local area network (FTP-server) - for advanced

If you need to transfer files between Xiaomi and another device (like a laptop), or if standard methods don’t work, you can deploy it. FTP-This will allow you to access files through Windows Explorer or FileZilla at a speed close to the speed of USB. Minus – additional software installation is required.

Annexes required:

• 📱 FX File Explorer (built-in) FTP-server).
• 💻 FileZilla Client (for PC) or any other client FTP-client on second smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Install FX File Explorer and open the side menu → Remote Manager → Start the server.
2. Write it down. IP-address and port (e.g, ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
3. On the second device, connect to this address through FTP-client (login and password are data from the FX File Explorer).
4. Copy files as if they were on a regular network disk.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use FTP for sensitive data transmission (e.g. screenshots of banking applications) - the protocol does not encrypt traffic. FTPS (FTP + SSL) server settings.

Method 6: SD-card or flash drive - a universal method

If both smartphones support memory cards or USB OTG, transferring files through an external drive remains one of the most reliable ways.

• 💾 No dependence on the Internet or Bluetooth.
• 🔄 You can use a single card for multiple devices.
• 🛡️ Data does not fly to the cloud (relevant to sensitive information).

How to move:

1. Copy files to SD-map USB-flash drive (via adapter) on the first smartphone.
2. Remove the drive and insert it into the second device.
3. Import files through the Explorer.

On Xiaomi models with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 11) you can not use two at the same time. SIM-maps SD-map, you'll have to choose.

Method 7: Third-party applications

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t work, you can use third-party apps, which often offer additional features, such as compressing data before transfer or continuing after a cliff.

Top.-3 file-transfer:

How to use Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both devices.
2. On the sending smartphone, select files and generate a 6-digit key.
3. On the receiving device, enter this key – the transfer will begin automatically.

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The side of the application is convenient for transferring files between Xiaomi and smartphones of other brands (Samsung, iPhone), where Mi Share does not work.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions