How to Download Photos from Xiaomi to Samsung: All Ways from Fast to Reliable

Sharing photos between smartphones of different brands is a challenge that every second user faces, and it is especially relevant for owners of Xiaomi and Samsung devices, whose ecosystems are built on different principles: MIUI vs One UI, proprietary cloud services and unique data sharing features. In this article, we will examine not only standard methods like Bluetooth or cable, but also little-known tricks that will save time and nerves.

The main problem with file transfers between Xiaomi and Samsung is protocol compatibility. For example, Samsung’s Quick Share feature does not work directly with Xiaomi devices, and Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi Share) can slow down with a lot of data. We tested all the current methods on Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Galaxy S23 and Galaxy A54 models, the results are summarized in the comparison table below.

It's important to consider the size of the files being transferred, too: If you're talking about a hundred HEIC photos (typical of an iPhone, but sometimes found on Android), you'll have to convert them to JPEG first, otherwise Samsung might not open them without additional apps.

1. Transmission via USB cable (OTG or PC)

The most reliable, but not always convenient, way is to use a USB-C/USB-A cable (or OTG adapter), which is suitable for transferring large amounts of data (for example, photos in RAW format weighing 20 to 50 MB each) without loss of quality and at maximum speed, the disadvantage of the method is the need for additional accessories and possibly a computer.

There are two options:

• 🔌 Direct connection (through OTG-Adapter: Xiaomi acts as a drive, and Samsung reads files. MIUI.
• 💻 Computer: both phones connect to PCs, files are copied through Explorer. Universal method, but takes time.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting via PC:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via cable. In the notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open the DCIM → Camera folder on Xiaomi and copy the desired photos to your desktop.
3. Disable Xiaomi, connect Samsung and move files to the Pictures folder.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) When connecting to the PC, you may need to unlock OEM Unlock in Developer Settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — If you don't, you can't see the internal memory without it.

Is the flash drive formatted in FAT32 (if you use it)

Is there an original cable (not all cheap cables support MTP)

Is developer mode enabled on Xiaomi (if the PC can’t see files)

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2. Wireless transmission over Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the most affordable way, but it is only suitable for transferring a small number of photos (up to 10-15 pieces). The speed is limited by the protocol version: on Xiaomi with Bluetooth 5.2 and Samsung with Bluetooth 5.3, the average speed will be ~2-3 MB / s. For comparison, Wi-Fi Direct transmits data 10-20 times faster.

How to send a photo:

1. On Xiaomi, open the gallery, select a photo and click Share → Bluetooth.
2. On Samsung, turn on Bluetooth in the notification curtain and make the device visible.
3. Confirm pairing on both phones and wait for the transfer to be completed.

The main disadvantage of the method is image compression. Some Xiaomi models automatically reduce the resolution of photos when sending over Bluetooth, even if the gallery settings have disabled the option to Optimize when sending.

Bluetooth|Cable USB|Cloud services|Wi-Fi Direct|Other-->

3. Cloud services: Google Photos vs Mi Cloud vs Samsung Cloud

Cloud storage is convenient for sending large amounts of photos, but has speed and volume limitations.

Recommended algorithm:

1. Upload photos from Xiaomi to Google Photos (folder automatically syncs).
2. On Samsung, log in to the same Google account and download photos through the app.
3. To save traffic, use Wi-Fi and turn off Mobile Data in the Google Photos settings.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi has enabled Photo Compression when uploading (in Mi Cloud settings), image quality will deteriorate.

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To speed up the upload to Google Photos, go to Settings → Backup and Sync and select Original Quality (if space permits).

4. Wi-Fi Direct and Local Area Networks

Wi-Fi Direct is a technology that allows devices to share files without a router, with transfer speeds of 10-15 MB/s, which is 5 times faster than Bluetooth, but setting up a connection can be difficult due to the differences in the implementation of the protocol on Xiaomi and Samsung.

Instructions for Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On Samsung, open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On Xiaomi, go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Select a Samsung device from the list and confirm your connection.
4. In the Xiaomi gallery, select a photo, click Share → Wi-Fi Direct.

The alternative is to use the LAN through applications like Send Anywhere or LocalSend, which create a temporary access point and transfer files at speeds up to 20 MB/s. The advantage is that there are no file size restrictions and compatibility with any device.

5. applications for fast transfer (Xender, ShareMe, Nearby Share)

Specialized applications often do better than built-in tools, and we tested three of the most popular ones:

• 📲 Xender: speeds up to 40MB/s, supports folder transfer, but shows ads.
• 🔄 ShareMe (from Xiaomi): optimized for MIUI, But it can be in conflict with One. UI Samsung.
• 🌐 Nearby Share (from Google): versatile, but requires Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.

The following is a step-by-step guide for Nearby Share:

1. Install Nearby Share from Google Play on both phones.
2. On Xiaomi, select a photo in the gallery and click Share → Nearby Share.
3. On Samsung, confirm receipt of the files.

⚠️ Note: When using ShareMe on Samsung, you may experience a "Device not supported" error, in which case restart the application and try again.

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Nearby Share is the most reliable option for transferring between Android devices of different brands, but it requires a stable Internet connection for initial setup.

Transfer through SD-flash-card

If you have a microSD card or USB-adapter OTG, This method will be the salvation for the transfer of thousands of photos without loss of quality:

• 💾 For cards up to 32 GB, choose the format FAT32.
• 🖥️ For cards from 64 GB – exFAT (supported by all modern smartphones).

How to transfer the photo:

1. Put it in. SD-Map in Xiaomi, copy the photo to the folder DCIM.
2. Remove the card, paste it into Samsung and import the photo through the gallery.
3. For USB-Use the flash drives. OTG-File Manager and Adapter (e.g. Files by Google).

The advantage of this method is that it's completely autonomous, and you don't need the Internet, or Bluetooth, or any special applications, but the speed of copying depends on the class. SD-maps: UHS-I will make ~30-50 MB / s, and for cheap Class 10 - no more than 10 MB / s.

7. Alternative methods: Email, Telegram, QR-code

When there are no cables or Wi-Fi at hand, non-standard solutions come to the rescue:

• ✉️ Email: Send your photos to your email from Xiaomi and download them to Samsung. Suitable for 5-10 photos (attachment limit – usually 25 MB).
• 📎 Telegram: create a chat "Saved messages", send a photo from Xiaomi and download to Samsung. Maximum - 2 GB per file.
• 🔲 QR-codes: generate QR-code for the photo folder via Google Drive and scan it on Samsung.

The downside of these methods is file size limitations and potential loss of quality when compressed, such as Telegram’s default compression of a photo to 1200px on the long side, unless you use the “Send as a file” feature.

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To send a photo to Telegram without compression, press your finger on the file in the gallery and select “Send as a file” instead of the standard “Send”.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the transfer of photos between Xiaomi and Samsung