How to sync Xiaomi devices with each other: all ways 2026

Synchronizing Xiaomi devices with each other opens up a lot of possibilities, from automatic photo backup to managing a smart home from multiple gadgets. However, many users face difficulties when configuring this feature – especially when it comes to different models (for example, Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 14 Pro) or synchronizing a smartphone with a Xiaomi Pad 6 tablet. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of synchronization, including cloud services, local data transfer and special MIUI functions that work even without the Internet.

It's important to understand that synchronization and file transfer are different processes, the first involves constantly updating data between devices (contacts, notes, settings), and the second involves a one-time copy of files (photos, videos, documents), we will consider both options, and also tell you how to avoid common errors, for example, when devices do not find each other on the network or sync is interrupted at half the time.

If you want to migrate data from an old Xiaomi smartphone to a new one, sync your Mi Band smartwatch with your phone, or configure tablet-smartphone collaboration, here are step-by-step instructions based on the latest MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS updates (for new models), and compare the effectiveness of different methods, from the standard Mi Cloud to third-party applications like Xiaomi File Manager or ShareMe.

1. sync through Mi Account (Xiaomi Cloud)

The most reliable and versatile way is to use the official Mi Cloud service, which allows you to synchronize contacts, messages, photos, notes and even some system settings between all devices associated with a single Xiaomi account, the main advantage is that data is available on any gadget, even if it is reset to factory settings.

To enable synchronization:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account on both devices.
2. Make sure you are logged in to the same account (check your email in your profile).
3. Go to Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
4. Turn on the switches for the data you want to sync (e.g. Contacts, Gallery, Notes).
5. Click Sync and wait for the process to be completed.

Note that only 5GB of free space is available for photos and videos in the Mi Cloud (2026), if you need more, you will have to buy a subscription or use alternative methods, and some models (such as the POCO F5) may have restrictions on synchronizing certain types of data, depending on the firmware version.

Local sync over Wi-Fi (without cloud)

If you don't want to upload data to the cloud or you have slow Internet, you can sync Xiaomi devices directly over the local network, this will work with the built-in Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) or ShareMe application, which is faster than the cloud and does not require authorization, but the devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Instructions for Mi Share:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Connections and sharing → Mi Share on both devices.
• 🔄 Turn on the function and choose which device will send data and which will receive it.
• 📂 On the sending device, select files (photos, videos, documents) and click Send.
• 🔍 On the receiving device, confirm receipt (entry may be required) PIN-code).

Transfer speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard: on Xiaomi 13 Ultra with Wi-Fi 6E Files are copied at almost the speed of USB-cables, and on older models like Redmi 9A It can take 2-3 times longer. If the transmission is interrupted, try it:

• 🔌 Reboot both devices.
• 📶 Reconnect to Wi-Fi or use an access point on one of the smartphones.
• 📱 Disable the power saving mode (it can block background data transmission).

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If Mi Share does not find a second device, check if access to the local network is blocked in the Wi-Fi settings (section "Additional → Private DNS").

3. Synchronization via OTG cable or adapter

For transferring large amounts of data (for example, a backup system or a video collection), it is better to use a physical connection. Modern Xiaomi smartphones support OTG (On-The-Go), which allows you to connect one device to another via a USB-C cable - USB-C or a USB-C adapter - MicroUSB (for older models).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the devices with a cable. One of them will have a notification on the screen "USB-Connection: File transfer".
2. On the device from which you copy the data, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Open Explorer (or Xiaomi File Manager) on the receiving device – there will appear a folder of internal memory of the second smartphone.
4. Copy the files you need manually.

This method is the fastest (speed is limited only to the USB version: up to 10 Gbps on Xiaomi 14 with USB 3.2), but has limitations:

• ⚠️ Not all models support reverse charging – if one of the devices runs out of battery, the transmission will be interrupted.
• ⚠️ The cable must be of high quality (cheap data may not be transmitted at high speeds).

Connect the original USB-C cable to USB-C

Enable File Transfer on both devices

Charge both gadgets to at least 50%

Turn off the power saving mode

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4.Sync smartwatches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi

The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and the Mi Band 8 fitness bracelets sync to the smartphone via the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), a process that is different from sharing data between smartphones, as it involves transmitting health information, notifications and watch settings.

How to set up synchronization:

1. Install the Mi Fitness app from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and add a watch/bracelet via Mi Fitness → Devices → Add.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (you may need to update the firmware of the watch).

Once connected, the data will sync automatically when the devices are nearby, but there are nuances:

5. Synchronization of notes, calendar and other data

Notes, Calendar and Xiaomi’s Browser also support synchronization via Mi Account, but there are some features, such as notes from the standard Notes app that don’t sync with Google Keep or Evernote — only between Xiaomi devices.

To enable synchronization of notes:

1. Open the Notes app.
2. Click on the profile icon in the top corner.
3. Select Settings → Synchronization and turn on the function.

For a calendar, the path is different: Calendar → Settings → Accounts → Mi Account. Here you can choose which calendars to sync (for example, personal or also working). If you use Google Calendar, you can add it in parallel - the data will be duplicated, but it is convenient for backup.

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Note sync only works in Xiaomi’s standard Notes app, and if you delete it or move to a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher), you may lose access to your notes.

6. Solving synchronization problems

If Xiaomi devices don’t sync, the reasons can range from a simple lack of memory to a conflicting firmware version, and the most common bugs and solutions are:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Mi Cloud syncs are no longer working, check if the date and time settings are lost, and incorrect regional settings (such as selecting a country where the service is not supported) can block access to the cloud.

Problem 1: Devices can’t find each other over Wi-Fi (Mi Share).

• 🔌 Restart your router – sometimes the problem is blocking local traffic.
• 📱 Turn off both devices. VPN or proxies (they may interfere with detection).
• 🔄 Enable Developer Mode and activate Local Transmission without restrictions (in some firmwares this is hidden).

Problem 2: Cloud synchronization is 99% down.

• 📁 Check if the cloud storage is full (remove unnecessary backups).
• 🔄 Turn off and enable sync again in Mi Cloud.
• 📵 If you use mobile internet, switch to Wi-Fi – some carriers block Xiaomi traffic.

Problem 3: Data is not restored after resetting.

• 🔑 Make sure you are logged in to the same Mi Account that was used for backup.
• 📅 Check the backup date – if it’s older than 30 days, it could have been removed from the cloud.
• 🔧 Try to recover data through Settings → The phone. → Backup.

7. Alternative synchronization methods

If standard methods don’t work or you need additional features (such as password synchronization or call history), you can use third-party services:

• 🌐 Google Account: Syncs contacts, calendar, email and some settings, suitable if you use Google services in parallel with the Google service MIUI.
• 📁 Syncthing: Free open source software to sync files between cloud-free devices. Requires manual configuration but is secure.
• 🔄 Xender/ShareMe: Popular Wi-Fi Direct applications run faster than Mi Share on older models.
• 🔐 Bitwarden/LastPass: Synchronize passwords and notes between devices (if standard Notes are not satisfied).

When choosing a third-party solution, consider:

• 🔒 Security: Services like Syncthing encrypt data, and Xender can collect statistics.
• 📶 Speed: Local solutions (Wi-Fi Direct) are always faster than the cloud.
• 💰 Cost: Free versions often limit the amount of data transferred.

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For maximum security, use a combination: sync important data (contacts, passwords) through Mi Cloud + Google Account, and transfer files via cable or Syncthing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi synchronization