Mi Share in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: everything you need to know about proprietary file transfer technology

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is still one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, despite the release of newer models. Owners of this device often face the need to quickly transfer files between devices — photos, videos, documents or applications. That is why MIUI provides the Mi Share feature (formerly known as Xiaomi Share or Mi Drop).

In this article, we will take a look at how Mi Share works on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, how it differs from standard Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, and why it is sometimes better to use alternative methods of data transfer, and how to solve typical connection problems and what settings optimize file sharing speed.

What is Mi Share and why is it needed in Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Mi Share is Xiaomi’s proprietary technology for wireless file transfer between MIUI-based devices (as well as some other brands that support the protocol), essentially analogous to Apple’s AirDrop or Google’s Nearby Share, but with some features specific to the Xiaomi ecosystem.

The main advantage of Mi Share over classic Bluetooth is the high transfer speed (up to 10-15 MB / s in ideal conditions) and no restrictions on file size. Unlike Wi-Fi Direct, you do not need to manually connect to the network, everything happens automatically after confirmation on both devices.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the feature is integrated into the system and runs on a combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

• 📶 Wi-Fi connection is used for data transfer (high speed).
• 🔵 Bluetooth is only needed to detect devices and initialize connections.
• 🔒 Data is transmitted without access to the Internet (local network).
• 📱 Works between Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and some other brands (for example, Oppo, Vivo with Peer-to-Peer support).

Important: Mi Share on the Redmi Note 8 Pro supports up to 1GB of file transfer in a single session, but in practice, stability depends on the MIUI version and the distance between devices.

How to Enable and Configure Mi Share on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Mi Share is activated by default in firmware, but sometimes you have to manually enable it. Here's a step-by-step instruction:

1. Open Settings on your Redmi Note 8 Pro.
2. Go to Connect and Sharing (or additionally → Mi Share in older versions of MIUI).
3. Activate the Mi Share slider.
4. Click on Mi Share Settings for additional options: 🔄 Device visibility: Choose who can find you (Everything, Contacts Only or Hidden). 📁 Download folder: specify where to save the received files (by default – Downloads)/MiShare). 🔋 Savings charge: Disables function at low battery level.

Once activated, your smartphone will be visible to other devices with Mi Share within a radius of 5-10 meters.

⚠️ Note: If Mi Share does not find the device, check whether Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both smartphones. Also make sure that the second device allows visibility in the Mi Share settings.

Transmission speed and limitations of Mi Share

Theoretically, Mi Share can transmit data at speeds up to 20 MB / s, but in practice on the Redmi Note 8 Pro this figure rarely exceeds 8-12 MB / s.

• 📶 Wi-Fi module quality (Medek Helio is used in Note 8 Pro) G90T, Which is not the fastest in this regard).
• 📡 Distance between devices (optimally up to 3 meters).
• 🔋 Battery level (at <20% speed may fall).
• 📂 File type (small files are transferred faster than one large video file).

For comparison, here is a table of speeds of different transmission methods on the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

⚠️ Note: When transferring large files (>500 MB) Mi Share on Redmi Note 8 Pro may cause connection breakdowns, and in such cases it is better to use Wi-Fi Direct or physical cable.

Typical Mi Share Problems and How to Solve Them

Despite its convenience, Mi Share sometimes works in an unstable way, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

1. The devices don't find each other

Check it out.

• 🔄 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled on both devices.
• 📱 Both smartphones activated the function Mi Share in the settings.
• 🔒 All or Only contacts are selected in the visibility settings (if the devices are in the phone book).
• 🔄 Reboot both phones – sometimes resetting network settings helps.

2. the transmission is interrupted or is too slow

Possible causes:

• 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal (try to get closer).
• 🔋 Low battery charge (plug in charge).
• 📱 An outdated version MIUI (firmware update).
• 🗑️ Overloaded memory (clear the cache in Settings) → Annexes → Mi Share).

3. Files are not saved after transfer

Decision:

• 📁 Check the download folder./MiShare — Sometimes files are saved automatically.
• 🔧 In Mi Share settings, change the folder for downloads.
• 📱 Restart the Files app (sometimes it doesn't update the list).

Mi Share Alternatives for Redmi Note 8 Pro

If Mi Share is not happy with speed or stability, consider other ways to transfer files:

1. LocalSend (AirDrop analogue for Android)

LocalSend is an open source application that works on the principle of Mi Share, but without being tied to MIUI.

• 🌐 It works on all Android devices (and even PCs).
• 🔒 There are no restrictions on file sizes.
• 📡 Uses a local network without the Internet.

You can download it on Google Play or via F-Droid.

2. Snapdrop (web service)

If both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, use Snapdrop:

• 🌍 Works through the browser (no need to install applications).
• 🔗 Supports transfer between Android, iOS and PC.
• 📎 You can send text, links and files.

3. OTG cable + adapter

For maximum speed (40+MB/s):

• 🔌 Buy it. OTG-cable (Type-C) → Type-C or Type-C → USB-A).
• 📱 Connect a second phone or flash drive.
• 📁 Use the File Manager to copy.

💡

If you frequently transfer files between the Redmi Note 8 Pro and your computer, set up the file. FTP-server FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer, which allows you to manage files over Wi-Fi as if you were on a local network.

Mi Share Security: What You Need to Know

Unlike Bluetooth, where data is transmitted in the open, Mi Share uses encryption.

✅ Pluses:

• 🔐 Data is encrypted during transmission (but not stored in encrypted form).
• 👤 Confirmation is required on both devices (proof against accidental sending).
• 📡 No Internet Transfer (LAN is safer than cloud services).

❌ Cons:

• 🕵️ If the Wi-Fi network is intercepted by an attacker, it is theoretically possible to listen to traffic (unlikely in everyday conditions).
• 📱 Outdated versions MIUI They may contain vulnerabilities (update the firmware!).
• 🔄 When transferring between Xiaomi and other brands, the speed may drop due to different protocols.

⚠️ Warning: Never accept files via Mi Share from unknown devices, it may be a virus or malware. Always check the sender's name before confirming acceptance.

💡

Mi Share is safer than Bluetooth, but inferior in protection to specialized messengers (for example, Telegram with secret chats) or encrypted archives.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Share on Redmi Note 8 Pro