Why use Bluetooth to transfer files to Xiaomi
Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones via Bluetooth remains a viable method, despite the proliferation of cloud services and instant messengers, which helps when there is no Wi-Fi at hand, mobile traffic is limited, or you need to urgently send a file without installing additional applications, especially for owners of low-end models Redmi or POCO, where internal memory is often limited, and a USB Type-C cable is not always at hand.
Bluetooth connection between Xiaomi devices has its own nuances, from the protocol version (for example, Bluetooth 5.0 vs Bluetooth 5.2) to the features of the MIUI shell. In this article, we will analyze how to quickly and error-free transfer files from.HEIC photos to.PDF documents from one Android device to another using only built-in tools. Also compare transfer speed with alternative methods and give recommendations for eliminating typical problems, such as connection breakage or file freeze.
Preparation of devices: what to check before transfer
Before you start transferring data, make sure that both Xiaomi smartphones meet the minimum requirements. First, check the Bluetooth version: on devices older than 2018 (for example, Redmi Note 5) Bluetooth 4.2 can be installed, which will limit the transfer speed to ~2 Mbps. Current models (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) support Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3, which speeds up the process by 2-3 times.
Second, upgrade MIUI to the latest stable version. In older builds (e.g. MIUI 12), there were bugs with file sharing via Bluetooth, fixed in MIUI 14+. Check the relevance of the firmware can be in the Settings menu → About phone → System Update. Also make sure that both devices have enough free space — at least 10-15% more file size, otherwise the system may interrupt the process.
- 📱 Bluetooth model and version: Check in Settings → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth.
- 🔄 Update MIUI: Up-to-date firmware reduces the risk of errors in transmission.
- 📂 Free space: Minimum 1GB on the receiving device for large files.
- 🔋 Battery charge: At least 30% - the transmission "eats" up to 5-7% of the charge per hour.
Step-by-step: how to transfer files over Bluetooth to Xiaomi
The process of transferring files via Bluetooth to Xiaomi consists of three steps: connecting devices, selecting files and confirming acceptance. Let’s consider each step in detail, taking into account the features of MIUI.
1. Bluetooth activation and device pairing:
- On both phones, open Settings → Connections & Sharing → Bluetooth and turn on the switch.
- On the sender device, click Device Search and select the second Xiaomi smartphone in the list.
- Confirm the pairing on both screens (code must match).
2. Selection and sending of files:
- Open Explorer (Files) or gallery, select the desired files (for several – hold your finger on the first, then mark the rest).
- Tap Share (arrow icon) → select Bluetooth → specify the conjugated device.
- The receiver phone will receive a request to accept the file - confirm it.
☑️ Pre-sending check
3. Receiving and saving files:
By default, files are saved to the Bluetooth folder in internal memory (path: /storage/emulated/0/Bluetooth). To change the save location, press three dots in the upper right corner of the screen before confirming acceptance and select Save to... Please note: in MIUI 14+, when transferring file packets (for example, 50 photos), the system can break the connection after 20-30 files - in this case, re-initiate sending the remaining data.
Bluetooth Transfer Speed and Limitations on Xiaomi
The speed of data exchange via Bluetooth depends on the version of the protocol and the type of files. Below is a comparison table for Xiaomi devices with different versions of Bluetooth:
| Bluetooth version | Max, speed. | Transfer time of 1 GB | Xiaomi models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 | ~2 Mbps | ~1 hour 10 minutes | Redmi 5, Mi A1 |
| 5.0 | ~6 Mbps | ~25 minutes. | Redmi Note 8, POCO X3 |
| 5.2 | ~10 Mbps | ~15 minutes | Xiaomi 11, Redmi Note 10 Pro |
| 5.3 | ~12 Mbps | ~12 minutes | Xiaomi 13, POCO F5 |
It is important to note that the actual speed will be lower than the theoretical speed due to:
- 📶 Interference: other Bluetooth devices within a radius of 10 meters (earphones, speakers).
- 📁 File type: archives (.ZIP) It is faster than raw video (.MOV).
- 🔋 Power saving mode: when the battery is activated → Energy saving speed drops by 30-40%.
💡
To speed up the transfer, turn off the power saving mode on both devices and remove all unnecessary coupled devices from the Bluetooth list (they create background traffic).
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the right setup, Xiaomi users have trouble transferring files over Bluetooth, and let’s look at the most common errors and how to fix them.
⚠️ Note: If you're pairing devices with a message that says "Unconnected," check if one of the phones is in the "Invisible for Other Devices" mode in Bluetooth settings, which hides the smartphone in the list of available devices.
Error 1: Files are not sent (0% freeze)
- 🔄 Reboot both devices.
- 🗑️ Clear the Bluetooth cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Show system-based → Bluetooth → Clear the cache.
- 📱 Make sure the sender device does not have modem mode on (it blocks outbound connections).
Mistake 2: Transmission interruption by 50-70%
This problem is typical for Xiaomi with MIUI 12-13 when transferring files larger than 300 MB.
- Break the file into parts (e.g., ZArchiver archiver).
- Use an alternative method – Mi Share (built-in application for fast transmission over Wi-Fi Direct).
- Update the firmware to MIUI 14+, where the connection break bug has been fixed.
Why does Bluetooth stop connecting when transferring large files?
Alternative ways to transfer data between Xiaomi
If Bluetooth is unstable or files are too large, consider alternative methods.
| Method | Speed. | Limitations | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Share (Wi-Fi Direct) | ~20–30 Mbps | Requires Wi-Fi, drains the battery | Files 1-10 GB |
| USB-cable (OTG) | ~40–60 Mbps | I need an OTG adapter. | Big archives, backups. |
| The cloud (Mi Cloud) | Depends on the Internet. | Limit 5GB (free) | Backup |
| Messengers (Telegram) | ~10 Mbps | Limit 2GB per file | Photos, documents |
For the transfer of contacts or notes, it is more convenient to use the built-in MIUI tools:
- 📇 Contacts: Open the Contacts app → highlight → Share. → Bluetooth.
- 📝 Notes: In the Notes app, click on three dots → Exports → select the format (.TXT or.PDF) → send via Bluetooth.
💡
To transfer files over 500MB use Mi Share or USB-OTG – Bluetooth in MIUI has a software limit on the size of the data packet, which leads to errors.
Security: Risks of data transmission via Bluetooth
Bluetooth is considered less secure than Wi-Fi or cable, and the main vulnerabilities are:
- 🔍 Data interception: An attacker within a 10-15-meter radius can intercept transmitted files (especially relevant for Bluetooth 4.2).
- 📱 Unauthorized pairing: In public places (cafe, transport) scammers can connect to your device under the guise of a “familiar” gadget.
- 🦠 Viruses in Files: When receiving files from unfamiliar devices, the risk of malware infection (e.g,.APK trojan-like).
How to minimize the risks:
- Turn off Bluetooth after transferring files.
- Use Invisible mode in Bluetooth settings if you don’t plan to share data.
- Before opening the files, check them with an antivirus (for example, Google Play Protect or Dr.Web).
- For sensitive data (documents, passwords), use encryption (for example, a 7-Zip archiver with a password).
⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ The default is "Request for confirmation when receiving files." Don't turn it off, it's the only protection against automatic download of malicious files.