If you own a Xiaomi Redmi 9 and you notice an unfamiliar Share Me app on your installed list, don't rush to remove it. It's a Xiaomi proprietary solution that aims to make it easier to share files between devices without using the Internet. But why do you need it when you already have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct or instant messengers? And why can't you remove it in standard ways?
In this article, we will take a look at what Share Me is, how it works on Redmi 9, what its pros and cons are compared to its peers, and give step-by-step instructions on how to set up and use it, and pay special attention to security issues and how to disable the application if you do not need it.
It's worth noting that Share Me is not just another file manager, it's part of the Xiaomi ecosystem that's tightly integrated with the brand's other services, which is why many users have difficulty trying to uninstall or disable it, and then you'll learn how to get around those limitations and customize the app to suit their needs.
What is Share Me and why is it necessary to use Redmi 9?
Share Me is a Xiaomi-branded application designed to quickly share files between devices over a local network, and works on the principle of Wi-Fi Direct, but with a simplified interface and additional features such as:
- π± Cross-platform: you can share files not only between Xiaomi smartphones, but also with devices of other brands (provided that you install Share Me on them).
- πΆ High transfer speed: up to 10MB/s (depending on model and network conditions), which is several times faster than Bluetooth.
- π No file size restrictions: you can transfer both small photos and large videos or archives.
- π Internet-free: It is enough for both devices to be connected to the same local area network or create it independently.
On Redmi 9, this app is preinstalled by default, as it is part of the firmware. MIUI. Its main advantage over standard means of exchange is ease of use:
- Open Share Me on both devices.
- Select a file on the sending smartphone.
- Confirm receipt at the receiving.
You do not need to enter passwords, connect to shared Wi-Fi or configure FTP-It's a server. It's a few taps, but there's a downside to this, because you can't delete the app without root permission, and it can also run in the background, using battery power.
How Share Me Works: Technical Details
To understand why Share Me behaves the way it does, let's look at its technical implementation.
- π‘ Wi-Fi Direct: Creates direct communication between devices without a middleman (router).
- π Local area network (LAN): If both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi, the exchange goes through it.
- π Hotspot: If Wi-Fi is turned off, one device can distribute the network and the other can connect to it.
The file transfer process can be divided into several stages:
- Device Scanner: Share Me looks for other devices with the running app within range.
- Connection installation: After selecting the recipient, a secure connection is created (encryption is used).
- Data transfer: Files are broken up into packets and sent in parts, which speeds up the process.
- Confirmation: The receiving device checks the integrity of the files and reports a successful download.
It is important that Share Me does not use Xiaomi's cloud servers to transfer files, but that everything happens locally, which reduces the risk of data leakage.
- π Your files (photos, videos, documents).
- π‘ Information about connected Wi-Fi networks.
- π Data about the device model and version MIUI.
This raises questions for users who are concerned about privacy, and in the next section we will explain how to minimize the risks.
π‘
If you are transferring sensitive files, turn off Wi-Fi and use Wi-Fi Direct mode β so the data will not pass through the router.
Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know
One of the main concerns that Redmi 9 users have is the security of Share Me. By default, the app requests access to storage, network and location, which is necessary for its operation, but can become a potential vulnerability.
Potential threats
- π΅οΈ Data interception: If an attacker connects to the same Wi-Fi network, they can theoretically intercept the files being transmitted (although they are encrypted).
- π‘ Fake Devices: Fraudsters Can Create Fake Device With Name Similar to Yours to Fake Files.
- π Background Activity: An app can consume traffic and battery power in the background, even if you donβt use it.
How to protect yourself
To reduce the risks, follow these guidelines:
Turn off auto-start the application in the battery settings
Check the name of the receiver before transfer
Use Wi-Fi Direct instead of a shared network
Clean up your transmission history regularly in Share Me settings-->
You should also pay attention to permission settings to limit Share Me's access to your data:
- Go to Settings. β Annexes β Application management β Share Me.
- Select Permissions and disable unnecessary ones (e.g. Location if you are not using geolocation transmission).
- In the Additional section, turn off Auto Start and Background Activity.
β οΈ Note: If you disable the storage permission, Share Me will not be able to transfer files. Instead, use alternative ways of sharing, which we will discuss below.
How to use Share Me on Redmi 9: step-by-step instructions
Now let's get to the practice. Let's look at how to transfer files using Share Me to Xiaomi Redmi 9. MIUI, Since the application interface is the same.
Step 1: Device preparation
Before starting the transfer, make sure that:
- π± Both devices have Share Me app installed (on Xiaomi it is preinstalled).
- πΆ Wi-Fi or mobile data enabled (to create a connection).
- π Battery level at least 20% (file transfer consumes energy).
Step 2: Starting the transmission
Follow this instruction further:
- Open Share Me on both devices.
- On the smartphone from which you will send files, click Send.
- Select files (you can mark several) and click Next.
- On the receiving device, click Receive and confirm the connection.
- Wait for the transfer to be completed (progress is displayed on both screens).
If the devices donβt find each other, try:
- π Reboot Share Me on both smartphones.
- π‘ Enable Wi-Fi Direct manually in Wi-Fi settings.
- π Connect to a single Wi-Fi network (if the transmission is via a router).
Step 3: Verification of transferred files
After the transfer is completed:
- On the receiving device, open Files (or another file manager).
- Go to the ShareMe folder (usually located in the root directory of the storage).
- Check the integrity of files (especially important for large archives or videos).
β οΈ Note: If a transmission is interrupted, do not attempt to resume it via Share Me β it is better to use alternative methods (for example, Bluetooth or cable). USB-OTG). Repeated attempts may result in duplicate files or errors.
π‘
To transfer large files (more than 1 GB), use Wi-Fi Direct β this will speed up the process and reduce the risk of communication breakdown.
How to Disable or Remove Share Me on Redmi 9
If you're not using Share Me, but it takes up memory and consumes battery power, you can turn it off or delete it.
- π§ Disconnect: You can do without root rights, but the application will remain in the system.
- ποΈ Removal: Requires root or use ADB (without them, removal is impossible).
- π Factory reset: Recover Share Me if it was removed by unconventional methods.
Method 1: Uninstall without removal
To stop the background activity of Share Me:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find Share Me and select Disable.
- Confirm the action (the application will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system).
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)
If you are willing to use ADB, Follow the following steps:
- Activate Developer Mode on Redmi 9 (go to Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the assembly number).
- Enable USB debugging in Settings β Additional β For developers.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop
This command will only remove Share Me for the current user without affecting system files, but after resetting the application can return.
β οΈ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI. If there are errors after removing Share Me, return it through ADB Team: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.midrop
Method 3: Remove with root rights
If you have root, you can delete Share Me completely using any file manager with superuser rights (such as Root Explorer).
- Go to the file. /system/app/MiDrop or /system/priv-app/MiDrop.
- Delete the files MiDrop.apk and MiDrop.odex (if any).
- Reset the device.
After complete removal, you can restore Share Me only through flashing the device.
Share Me: What to replace with Redmi 9
If Share Me doesn't suit you, there are many alternatives to file sharing, and we've picked out the best options for Redmi 9:
| Annex | Transmission speed | Cross-platformity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xender | Up to 10MB/s | β (Android, iOS, PC) | No Internet requirements, there is a built-in file viewer |
| Send Anywhere | Up to 50MB/s | β (platform) | You can send files via link or P2P |
| Files by Google | Up to 5MB/s | β (Android) | Simple interface, integration with Google Drive |
| Snapdrop | Up to 15MB/s | β (browser-based) | It works via a web interface, does not require installation |
| Bluetooth | Up to 2 MB/s | β (device) | Slower but more reliable for smaller files |
If you care about speed, look for Send Anywhere or Xender, which work on the same principle as Share Me, but support more formats and have additional features (for example, transfer over the Internet). QR-code).
To transfer files to a PC, it's convenient to use Snapdrop, which is a web service that runs directly in the browser, and you just open the site on both devices, and they automatically find each other on the local network.
How to transfer files via Snapdrop?
Frequent problems with Share Me and their solutions
Redmi 9 users often encounter errors when working with Share Me. Letβs consider the most common of them and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Devices can't find each other
Possible causes and solutions:
- π‘ Wi-Fi is off: turn it on on both devices.
- π§ Incompatible Versions: Update Share Me via Play Market.
- π‘οΈ Firewall blocks connection: temporarily disconnect it.
- π Too many devices on the network: Try creating a direct access point.
Problem 2: Transmission is interrupted
What to do:
- πΆ Weak Wi-Fi Signal: Get Closer to the Router or Use Wi-Fi Direct.
- π Low battery charge: connect the device to charging.
- π Too Large File: Break it up into Parts or Use an Archiver.
- π Conflict with other applications: Close all background programs.
Problem 3: Share Me doesn't open
Possible solutions:
- π§ Cache Clearing: Go to Settings β Annexes β Share Me β Warehouse β Clear the cache.
- π Reinstall: Disable and turn the app back on in the settings.
- π± Update MIUI: Check for system updates.
β οΈ Warning: If Share Me stopped working after cleaning the cache, try resetting the app (in the same Warehouse menu) which will return it to factory settings, but will not delete the transmission history.