How to transfer files from one Xiaomi to another: 7 proven ways

Transferring data between smartphones of the same brand seems like a simple task — until you face the limitations of MIUI, protocol features or sudden errors. If you need to transfer photos, videos, contacts or even apps from the old Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 to the new Xiaomi 14 Ultra, standard methods like Bluetooth or email are useful only for a couple of files.

In this article, we will examine all the current ways of transferring data between Xiaomi devices, from built-in MIUI functions to advanced tools like ADB or LAN. We will pay special attention to the nuances: why Mi Share sometimes “does not see” a device, how to circumvent the limitation on file size in Mi Cloud, and what to do if Xiaomi insists on using only proprietary services, you will learn which method is the fastest, which is the most reliable, and which is suitable for transferring hidden folders and system data without root rights.

1.Mi Share: Xiaomi's built-in wireless tool

Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for sharing files between devices on MIUI, which works on the principle of Wi-Fi Direct, which should theoretically provide high transfer speeds, but in practice users often face connection problems or communication interruptions.

To take advantage of Mi Share:

• 📱 Open the Files app on both devices.
• 🔍 Select the files you want to transfer and click Share» → «Mi Share».
• 🔄 On the second device, enable file reception via Settings. → Connections and sharing → Mi Share.
• 🔗 Wait for the devices to detect each other and confirm the transmission.

Transfer speed depends on the model of the smartphone and the version of MIUI. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14 files are transmitted at speeds up to 20 MB / s, while on Redmi 9A with MIUI 12 this figure barely reaches 5 MB / s. In addition, Mi Share has a limit on the size of one file - up to 10 GB.

⚠️ Note: If Mi Share doesn’t find the second device, check whether Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on both smartphones. MIUI — Differences in firmware can cause conflicts.

2. Transmission via OTG cable: maximum speed and reliability

If you need to transfer tens of gigabytes of data (for example, a video collection to a video store) 4K Or backup applications, wireless methods will be too slow, and then the best solution is to connect directly through the Internet. OTG-That's gonna take a cable:

• 🔌 OTG-adapter (Type-C) → Type-C or Micro-USB → Type-C, depending on the model).
• 📁 File Manager with Support OTG (For example, the built-in Files application or Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to the receiving device (the one you copy files to).
2. Connect the second device with a cable to an adapter.
3. On the receiving smartphone, open the notification «USB-Connection and select "File Transfer» (MTP).
4. Run the file manager and copy the data as if from a regular flash drive.

Transfer speeds over OTG can reach 40-60 MB / s (on USB 3.0 devices), which is 5-10 times faster than over Wi-Fi.

• ⚡ Not all Xiaomi models support all of them. OTG in host mode (e.g. Redmi) 8A It may not recognize the second device).
• 🔋 Connection through OTG It drains the battery of both smartphones much faster.

Check compatibility OTG-model-adapter|Charge both devices at least 50 times%|Install a file manager with support OTG|Disconnect the energy-saving mode-->

3. Local area network (FTP/HTTP): for advanced users

If you have access to the same Wi-Fi network, you can arrange the transfer of files over the local area. FTP-server or web interface: This method is suitable for transferring large amounts of data without loss of quality (e.g, RAW-photo or video without compression).

For this:

1. Install the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer application on the sending device.
2. Run it in. FTP-server (in Solid Explorer: Network) → FTP-server).
3. Write down the server address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
4. On the second device, connect to this address via any file manager or browser.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Speed is limited only by the capabilities of the router (up to 100 MB / s on modern 5 GHz networks).
• 🔒 There are no restrictions on the size of files or the number of files.
• 📂 You can transfer hidden system files (for example, application backups).

⚠️ Note: Do not use this method in public networks (cafes, airports) - data is transmitted without encryption and can be intercepted. FTP-server.

4.Mi Cloud: Cloud Storage from Xiaomi

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s official cloud offering 5GB of free space, and can be used to transfer files between devices, but with reservations:

• ☁️ Only photos, videos, contacts, notes and backups are supported (no arbitrary files can be downloaded).
• 📉 Download/download speed depends on your internet connection.
• 🔐 Data is stored on Xiaomi servers in encrypted form, but is available only when logged in to Mi-account.

How to transfer data through Mi Cloud:

1. On the old device, open Settings → Mi Cloud and enable synchronization of the desired data (for example, “Gallery” or “Contacts”).
2. Wait until the download is complete.
3. On the new device, log in to the same Mi-account and enable synchronization.

The main disadvantage is the file size limit (maximum 2 GB for one video) and image compression when downloading. If you need to transfer files without loss, you better use other methods.

5. ADB (Android Debug Bridge): for system data transfer

If you need to move hidden folders (for example, application data from the /data/data), If you have a system setting or a backup without root, standard methods won't work. ADB — Android debugging tool that allows you to copy files directly from device to computer and back.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on PC (you can download from the official Android website).
2. Enable Developer Mode on both devices (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times).
3. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect your old device to your PC and execute the command: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ D:\Xiaomi_Backup\ (replace the paths).
5. Disable the old device, connect the new one and do: adb push D:\Xiaomi_Backup\ /sdcard/DCIM/

Advantages of ADB:

• 🔧 Access to any files, including system files (if root rights are available).
• 🖥️ You can automate the process through scripts.
• 📦 There are no restrictions on the size or type of files.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss or system failure.Do not delete or modify files in folders /system or /data without understanding the consequences.

💡

If ADB does not recognize the device, try updating drivers through the Mi Flash Tool or manually specifying the path to the drivers in the Device Manager (ADB Interface section).

6 Third-party applications: Mi Share alternatives

If you don't like Xiaomi's built-in tools, you can use third-party apps. Here are the most proven ones:

• 📲 Send Anywhere – Transfer files via P2P-connection (up to 10 GB at a time) generates 6-digit code for connection.
• 🌐 LocalSend is an open alternative to AirDrop with Wi-Fi Direct support.
• 🔗 Snapdrop is a web service for transferring files between devices on the same network (similar to AirDrop for Android).
• 💾 Resilio Sync – for synchronizing folders between devices in the background (ideal for backups).

Third-party apps have the advantage of being cross-platform (you can transfer files not only between Xiaomi, but also on your iPhone or PC) and often faster than Mi Share. However, be careful with permissions: some apps request access to Contacts or Messages, which is not always justified.

💡

For maximum speed, use LocalSend or Send Anywhere on a 5GHz network. These applications bypass the limitations of MIUI on transferring large files.

7. Transfer of contacts, messages and applications

Files are good, but what about contacts, SMS, or installed apps?

Contacts and messages:

• 📇 Export contacts to.vcf file via Contacts app (Management) → Imports/exports).
• 💬 For SMS use SMS Backup & Restore (Saves Conversations in the XML).

Annexes:

• 📦 For transfer APK-use the files APK Extractor (extracts installed applications).
• 🔄 To transfer application data (for example, saves in games) you need to ADB Backup: adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -all (Restore: adb restore backup.ab).

Important: Not all apps support ADB backup (e.g. WhatsApp or Banking apps block access to their data). In such cases, use built-in export features (e.g. WhatsApp chats → Settings → Chat → Backup).

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer between Xiaomi