The transition from Samsung to Xiaomi is not only about changing the ecosystem, but also about moving personal data. Photos are often the most valuable part of that data: they take up a lot of space, store memories, and require special attention when transferring. Unlike contacts or notes that sync through the cloud in minutes, transferring media files can turn into a multi-hour procedure if you choose a suboptimal method.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to transfer photos between devices of two brands - from classic (cable, memory card) to modern (cloud services, specialized applications). We'll focus on image quality, speed, and nuances that manufacturers often keep quiet, such as why Samsung's Smart Switch might lose some of the photos. EXIF-Data, or how to avoid compression when uploading to Google Photos.
If you've tried to migrate files and you've encountered errors, there's a section at the end of this article that addresses typical problems, from "lacking space on Xiaomi" to "photos are displayed in blurry quality." And for those who are just planning a transition, we've compiled a method comparison table so you can choose the best option before you buy a new smartphone.
Preparation for transfer: what to do before transferring the photo
Before you start the transfer, follow a few mandatory steps that will save time and prevent data loss.
Clean up unnecessary files on Samsung:
- 📁 Remove duplicates (use apps like Duplicate Files Fixer or the built-in feature in the Samsung Gallery) → Management → Duplicate).
- 🗑️ Clean the cart (in the Gallery or Samsung Files) → Basket).
- 🔍 Check the folders. DCIM/Camera, Pictures/Screenshots Download – there are often accumulated unnecessary screenshots and downloads.
Check out the free space on Xiaomi:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Memory.
- 🔋 Make sure that it is free at least 15-20% the volume of the photos transferred (for example, for 50 GP photo needed 7-10 GB of free space).
- 🚫 If there is little space, transfer some files to a memory card or to the cloud temporarily.
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If Xiaomi has a microprogram installed MIUI 14+, Enable the function of memory optimization in Settings → Memory will release you to 5-10 GB by removing the cache of system applications.
Create a backup copy:
- ☁️ Upload the photo to Google Photos (in original quality!) or to Yandex.Disk.
- 💾 Copy the folder. DCIM computer.
- 🔄 Use Samsung’s Smart Switch to create a local backup on your PC.
⚠️ Note: If Samsung has enabled Memory Optimization (Settings) → Keeping the device, it can automatically delete photos older than 30 days if there is a shortage of space!
2. Method 1: Transfer via cable (OTG computer)
The most reliable method if you have a cable USB-C/USB-C (adapter OTG) It's good for transferring any amount of data without losing quality.
Option A: Direct Connection (OTG)
- Connect Samsung to Xiaomi via OTG-cable.
- On Xiaomi, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Open Files on Xiaomi, find a folder DCIM on Samsung and copy it to internal memory or memory card.
Option B: Computer-assisted
- Connect Samsung to your PC, copy the folder DCIM disk.
- Disable Samsung, connect Xiaomi and transfer files back.
| Parameter | OTG | Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | ~10-15 MB/s | ~20-30 MB/s (USB 3.0) |
| Quality preservation | 100% | 100% |
| Additional equipment | OTG-cable | Cable + PC |
| Limitations | It may not work on older models. | Requires a computer |
The cable supports data transfer (not just charging)
Xiaomi is in mode. MTP (Settings → Additionally. → Regime. USB)
Samsung unlocked the screen (some models block access to files when the screen is locked)
File system on memory card (if used) – exFAT or FAT32 (NTFS Not supported on Android)
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Critical nuance: if Xiaomi is installed MIUI 13 or older, when copying a large number of files (more than 1000) You might have a "Not enough memory" error, even if you have space. 500-800 piece.
Method 2: Memory Card (microSD)
If both phones support memory cards, this is the easiest method, but there are a few pitfalls:
How to move:
- Insert the card in Samsung, copy the photo to the folder (for example, Pictures/Transfer).
- Remove the card, insert it into Xiaomi.
- Open the files. → The device → Find a folder and move the photo to internal memory.
Challenges and solutions:
- 🚫 Files are not displayed: check the map format (should be exFAT or FAT32). Xiaomi may not be readable. NTFS.
- 🔒 Write Protection: Format the map on Samsung before using.
- 🐢 Slow Transmission: Use Class Cards UHS-I (U1/U3) speed up 90 MB/s.
Up to 5GB
5-20 GB
20–50 GB
More than 50GB
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⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11), the built-in Gallery app does not scan photos on the memory card automatically. → select a folder with a photo → Open with help → gallery.
4. Method 3: Cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud, Yandex.Disk)
Cloud services are convenient, but they have limitations in quality and volume, and we'll look at three popular options:
A. Google Photo
- ✅ Pros: automatic synchronization, access from any device.
- ❌ Cons: compression when choosing "High quality" (up to 16 MP for photo).
- 🔧 How to transfer: On Samsung: Open Google Photos → Photo Photo → Backup (select Original Quality) on Xiaomi: log in to the same Google account and wait for sync.
B. Mi Cloud (Xiaomi only)
- ✅ Pros: integration with MIUI, no compression.
- ❌ Cons: 5GB limit on free fare.
- 🔧 How to transfer: Upload photos from Samsung to your computer. Go to i.mi.com, log in and upload files. On Xiaomi, open Mi Cloud → Photo Photo → Synchronize.
C. Yandex.Disk
- ✅ Pros: 10GB free, no compression.
- ❌ Cons: slow loading with a large volume.
- 🔧 How to transfer: Install Yandex.Disk on Samsung, upload photos. On Xiaomi, download files through the application.
| Service | Max. Free volume. | Compression | Speed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Photos (Original) | 15GB (total with Gmail) | No. | Tall. |
| Google Photos (High) | Unlimitedly | Yes (up to 16 MP) | Tall. |
| Mi Cloud | 5GB | No. | Medium |
| Yandex.Disk. | 10GB | No. | Low. |
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If you select Google Photos in High Quality mode, a photo larger than 16 MP will be compressed to this resolution. S23 Ultra (200 MP) will be reduced to 16 MP, which is critical for further printing or editing.
5. Method 4: Special applications (Smart Switch, ShareMe, Snapdrop)
Manufacturers and third-party developers offer tools for fast data transfer.
A. Samsung Smart Switch
- ✅ Pros: transfers photos, contacts, messages.
- ❌ Cons: Not all Xiaomi models are supported (check compatibility on the official website).
- 🔧 How to transfer: Install Smart Switch on both phones. Choose Wireless or connect via cable. Check Photos and videos and start the process.
B. ShareMe (from Xiaomi)
- ✅ Pros: high speed (up to 20 MB / s), there are no volume restrictions.
- ❌ Cons: Requires Wi-Fi Direct.
- 🔧 How to transfer: Install ShareMe on both phones. On Samsung, select Send, on Xiaomi, Receive. Connect to the hotspot and select a photo.
C. Snapdrop (web service)
- 🔧 How to transfer: Open snapdrop.net on both phones. Drag a photo from Samsung to the Xiaomi icon.
Why Smart Switch can’t move all the photos?
Method 5: Transfer over a computer (advanced method)
If you need not just to copy the photo, but to save the folder structure, EXIF-So, you can use this method to avoid duplicate data, and it's suitable for transferring tens of thousands of files.
Step 1: Connect Samsung to your PC
- Use it. MTP-mode (default is enabled when connected).
- Copy the folder. DCIM on a disk, for example, D:\Samsung_Photos).
Step 2: Process the files (optional)
- 🖼️ Use FastStone Image Viewer or XnView to check EXIF and deletion of duplicates.
- 📂 Rename files by template (for example, YYYY-MM-DD_HH-MM-SS.jpg) Using Bulk Rename Utility.
Step 3: Move to Xiaomi
- Connect Xiaomi to the PC.
- Copy the folder into internal memory\DCIM\Camera.
- Reboot Xiaomi to let the Gallery update the library.
Example of the EXIF test command (if exiftool is installed):
exiftool -filename -datetimeoriginal -model D:\Samsung_Photos\*.jpg💡
If photos on Xiaomi are not displayed in chronological order, install the Simple Gallery app and enable sorting by shooting date (Settings) → Sorting → By date).
Typical problems and their solutions
Even with proper transfer, errors can occur.
Problem 1: Photos are not displayed in the Xiaomi Gallery
- 🔍 Reason:.nomedia file in folder or unsupported format.
- ⚡ Solution: Delete the.nomedia file (if any). Move the photo to the folder DCIM/Camera. Install Simple Gallery – it shows all media files.
Problem 2: Loss of quality after transfer
- 🔍 Reason: Compression when transmitting via messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) or cloud in the mode "Saving traffic".
- ⚡ Solution: Use direct transmission (cable, memory card) or check the cloud settings (Google Photos must select Original Quality Mode).
Problem 3: There is not enough space for Xiaomi
- 🔍 Reason: System files MIUI borrow 10-15 GB.
- ⚡ Solution: Clear the cache (Settings) → Memory. → Clear the cache. Move the applications to the memory card (Settings) → Annexes → Select an application → Move it to SD). Use Files by Google to delete unnecessary files.
Problem 4: File is corrupted when you open
- 🔍 Reason: Interrupted transmission or incompatible format (e.g..heic).
- ⚡ Solution: Repeat the transfer. Convert.heic to.jpg via HEIC to JPG Converter.