How to transfer files to Xiaomi: everything from cable to cloud

Transferring files to Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces.If you just bought the new Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Or you want to make room for the old one. POCO X3, Data transfer options mass: from classical USB-It's a cable to wireless technologies like Mi Share or Nearby Share, but which way to go? It depends on the size of the files, the devices available, even the version. MIUI on your phone.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven file transfer methods, from the fastest to the most versatile, how to avoid common errors (such as why your phone can’t see a flash drive through an OTG), what formats are supported without additional applications, and how to speed up the transfer of large video files, and a comparative table of speed and compatibility of each method, so you can choose the best option in seconds.

1. File transfer through USB-cable: classics with nuances

The most reliable and quick way is to connect Xiaomi to a computer or laptop via USB-Type C (or Micro-USB for older models), but there are pitfalls: since MIUI 12, the manufacturer has changed the logic of the connection, and now the phone is charging by default, rather than opening up memory.

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC with the original cable (cheap analogues may not support data transfer).
2. Swipe down the notification panel on your phone and tap on the Charge option via USB.
3. Select File Transfer (MTP) or Photo Transfer (PTP) mode.

Windows. 10/11 The phone will show up as a removable disk in this computer. MacOS will require Android File Transfer (official software from Google). USB:

• 🔌 USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps) – old models like Redmi 5A.
• ⚡ USB 3.0/3.1 (before 5–10 Gbit / s) – the flagships of Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5.

⚠️ Note: If your computer can't see your phone, check if the Xiaomi screen is unlocked while you're connected. MIUI 14, the system blocks access to memory when the display is off.

Use the original cable|Unlock the phone screen|Select a regime MTP curtained|Update drivers on PC (if Windows does not recognize the device)-->

2 Wireless transmission via Mi Share: fast, but not without restrictions

Mi Share is Xiaomi's proprietary technology for file sharing between the brand's devices (and some others that support the protocol), and it works on the Wi-Fi Direct principle, which means creating a local network between phones without an Internet connection.

• 🚀 Speeds up to 20-30 MB/s (2-3 times faster than Bluetooth).
• 📱 Support for files of any format (including: APK, ZIP, RAW-photo).
• 🔒 Transmission encryption (as opposed to open Wi-Fi networks).

How to use:

1. Open the Files app on both devices.
2. Select files, click Share → Mi Share.
3. On the second phone, confirm reception (check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled).

Limitations:

• 📵 Does not work on devices older than Redmi Note 8 (required) MIUI 11+).
• 🔋 Strongly drains the battery when transferring large files (for example, video) 4K).
• 🌐 Incompatible with iPhone (alternatively Nearby Share).

Mi Share|Nearby Share|Bluetooth|Cloud services|Other-->

3. Cloud services: convenient, but not always secure

If you need to transfer files from your phone to your phone, for example, from your PC to Xiaomi, cloud storage will be a salvation.

For Mi Cloud (Xiaomi's built-in cloud):

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired file types (photos, contacts, notes).
3. On the second device, log in to the same account and download the data.

⚠️ Note: Files in Mi Cloud are stored in compressed format, for example, photos are converted to JPEG 90% quality, even if the original RAW or HEIF.

The alternative for large files is Telegram. Send the file to your Save Messages, then open it on another device. Plus: there is no limit on the number of downloads, minus the maximum file size of 2 GB.

4. microSD memory card: cheap and angry

If your Xiaomi supports memory cards (such as Redmi 12C or POCO M5), transferring files over a microSD can be the easiest solution.

• 🐢 Class 10 (up to 10MB/s) – suitable for documents and music.
• ⚡ UHS-I (U3) (Up to 90 MB/s – optimal for full video HD.
• 🚀 A2 (up to 4,000 IOPS) — the best choice for applications and 4K-video.

How to transfer files:

1. Put the card in your phone or card reader.
2. In the Files app, select files → Copy → Memory map.
3. Remove the card and insert it into another device.

Nuances:

• 📱 Not all Xiaomi models support microSD. for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite slot does not.
• 🔄 ExFAT cards (over 32 GB) may not be readable on older PCs without updates.
• 🛑 Do not remove the card during transfer – it can damage the file system.

5. Bluetooth and Nearby Share: When There's Nothing Else

If you don't have a cable and your Wi-Fi is off, you'll have Bluetooth or Nearby Share (the equivalent of AirDrop for Android), the first option is extremely slow (maximum 2-3 MB/s), but universal, it works even with iPhones or old phones, the second one is faster (up to 10-15 MB/s), but requires:

• 📱 Android 6.0+ both-device.
• 🔗 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled (even if there is no network connection).
• 📲 Installed Files from Google (for Nearby Share).

Instructions for Nearby Share:

1. Open the file in the Files app.
2. Press Share. → Nearby Share.
3. Select the recipient from the list of nearby devices.
4. On the second phone, confirm reception.

⚠️ Note: When transferring files over 100MB via Bluetooth, files over 100MB may freeze during the preparation stage, in which case, divide them into parts using an archiver (for example, ZArchiver).

💡

To speed up Bluetooth transmission, before sending both phones to Invisible mode for other devices – this will reduce interference from unauthorized connections.

Comparison of all methods: what to choose?

To avoid wasting time on experiments, use our table:

The choice depends on the task:

• 🎥 Video 4K org-arch → USB-cable.
• 📸 Photos and documents → Mi Share or Google Drive.
• 📱 Transfer between Xiaomi and iPhone → Nearby Share or Cloud.
• 🔋 No charging/cable → Bluetooth, but be prepared to wait).

💡

For maximum speed, use USB 3.0 or a UHS-I class microSD. If versatility is important, use cloud services or Nearby Share.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers to Xiaomi