How to enable Mi Drop on Xiaomi: full instruction with setup and tips

Mi Drop is one of the key benefits of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, allowing instant file transfers between brand devices without using the Internet, a convenient alternative to Bluetooth or instant messengers, especially when you need to send large photos, videos or documents, but many users face difficulties when first turning on the service: where to find it in the settings, why you can’t see other devices, or how to fix connection errors.

In this article, we will analyze not only the basic steps to activate Mi Drop, but also the nuances of working with different Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note). 10 Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and we'll give you some recommendations for speeding up data, and we'll focus on some of the common problems, like when devices can't see each other, or when the transmission is cut off in the middle. MIUI 12/13/14, Here you will find current screenshots and explanations for your firmware version.

What is Mi Drop and Why is it Necessary?

Mi Drop is a proprietary service from Xiaomi, designed for wireless file transfer between the brand’s devices over a local Wi-Fi Direct network. Unlike traditional Bluetooth, it provides speeds up to 10-15 MB / s (depending on the model), which is comparable to the speed of the traditional Bluetooth. USB-Connection, but without the need to use cables.

The main advantages of the service:

• 📱 Cross-platform: Works between smartphones, tablets, and even some Xiaomi laptops (like the Mi Notebook).
• 🔒 Security: Files are transferred directly between devices without being uploaded to the cloud.
• 📶 There are no size limits: you can send folders weighing several gigabytes (unlike messengers with a limit of 50-100 MB).
• 🔄 Packet sending support: Select multiple files in the gallery and send them all at once.

Service integrated into firmware MIUI, This means that it does not require a separate installation (unlike Google Nearby Share or Samsung Quick Share), but it must be enabled in the settings first.

Where is Mi Drop in Xiaomi Settings?

Mi Drop Menu Location Depends on Version MIUI. In the latest updates (beginning with the MIUI 12) the path has changed, so we'll look at both. If you have an old firmware, use it. FAQ end-of-article.

For MIUI 13/14 (relevant to Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5 newer):

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Connection and Sharing (or Connection & Sharing in English).
3. Slip on Mi Drop.
4. Activate the slider Enable Mi Drop.

For MIUI 11/12 (Older models like the Redmi 9, Mi 10):

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally.
2. Select Mi Drop (may be called File Transfer).
3. Turn on the function and set the device visibility (Visible to all or Contact Only).

If Mi Drop is not on the menu, check:

• 🔍 Update your firmware to the latest version (path: Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 📱 Make sure your model supports the feature (list of compatible devices in the next section).
• 🔄 Restart your smartphone – sometimes the menu doesn’t show up due to a system failure.

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In some models (for example, POCO X3) Mi Drop is hidden in the Special Features section. Use the Settings search (the magnifier in the top corner) to quickly find it.

Mi Drop Compatibility: Which Xiaomi Devices Support the Function

Not all Xiaomi gadgets are equipped with Mi Drop. feature is available on most smartphones with the help of the smartphone. MIUI 9 and newer, but there are exceptions. For example, budget models like the Redmi 8A or POCO C31 They may not be able to support it due to iron limitations.

Below is the compatibility table for popular series:

To transfer files between Xiaomi and other brands (such as Samsung or iPhone) use alternatives:

• 🤝 Google Nearby Share (for Android devices).
• 🍎 AirDrop (only for airdrop) iPhone/Mac).
• 🌐 Telegram/Snapdrop (cross-platform solutions).

⚠️ Note: If you have updated the firmware to MIUI 14, but Mi Drop is missing from the menu, check the region of the device.On some global versions, the feature has been replaced by Quick Share (a joint project of Xiaomi and Google).

Step-by-step: how to turn on and use Mi Drop

Now, let's get to the practice. Below is a universal instruction for transferring files between two Xiaomi smartphones.

Enable Mi Drop on both devices|

Connect to a single Wi-Fi network (not necessarily, but speeds up search)|

Allow access to files and media in the application settings|

Disable power saving mode (may interrupt transmission)

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1. enable Mi Drop on both devices

On both smartphones:

1. Activate Mi Drop according to the instructions in the second section.
2. Set the visibility of the device: 🔓 Visible to everyone – if you transfer files in a public place. 👥 Contact only if you want to restrict access.

Searching for devices

2. Selection of files for transfer

On the sender device:

1. Open the Gallery, File Manager or other application with the necessary data.
2. Select files (press your finger on one of them, then tap on the others).
3. Click Share (arrow icon) and select Mi Drop.

Confirmation of transfer

On the receiving device:

1. Accept the incoming request (a notification with the sender’s name will appear).
2. Select the folder to save (by default – Downloads)/Mi Drop).
3. Wait for the transfer to be completed (progress is displayed in the status bar).

If the files are not sent, check:

• 📶 Both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or Wi-Fi Direct enabled).
• 🔋 Battery level above 15% (at low charge, the system can block transmission).
• 🛡️ There is enough free space on the receiver device.

How to speed up file transfers via Mi Drop

Mi Drop speed depends on several factors: Wi-Fi version, network congestion, and even distance between devices.

• 📡 Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n): 2-5 MB/s (older models like Redmi 7).
• 📶 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): 8–12 MB/s (Xiaomi) 11T, POCO F3).
• ⚡ Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Up to 15-20 MB/s (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60).

To maximize speed:

1. Use Wi-Fi Direct instead of LAN: Turn off Wi-Fi on both devices. Turn on Mi Drop, it will automatically create a direct access point.

Place the devices closer to each other

1-2 meters

Close the background applications

Turn off the VPN.

Wi-Fi Direct

If the transmission is slow, try:

• 🔄 Switch to 5 GHz in Wi-Fi settings (if the router supports).
• 📦 Archiving files before sending (e.g. to.zip).
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to charging – Power saving mode can limit Wi-Fi performance.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI for POCO Mi Drop speed is artificially limited to 5MB/s. This is due to battery optimization. To remove the restriction, turn off Adaptive performance in battery settings.

Common Mi Drop Problems and Solutions

Even after setting up correctly, Mi Drop can be unstable, and we've collected common bugs and ways to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Reset network settings.
2. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.
3. Re-enable Mi Drop and try to transfer the file.

Some models (such as Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite) require re-authorization in the Mi Account after resetting the network, otherwise Mi Drop will not work.

Mi Drop Alternatives for Xiaomi Devices

If Mi Drop is not suitable (for example, due to device incompatibility or slow speed), consider alternative ways to transfer files:

• 🌍 Google Nearby Share: Works between all Android devices (including Samsung, OnePlus) Speed: up to 10MB/s Disadvantage: Requires an Internet connection for the first pairing.
• 💻 Snapdrop (https://snapdrop.net): It works through a browser without installing applications. Supports transfer between Xiaomi, iPhone and PC. Speed depends on the Wi-Fi network.
• ⚡ LocalSend (open source app): Analogue of AirDrop for Android. encrypts transferred files. Available on Google Play and F-Droid.
• 🔌 USB-OTG + Flash drive: Suitable for transferring large amounts of data (>10 GB. Requires an adapter. USB-C/OTG (worth ~300 ruble).

Transfer speed comparison (test on Xiaomi 12 Pro):

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For maximum speed and stability, use Mi Drop between Xiaomi devices on the same version. MIUI. For cross-platform transmission, LocalSend or Snapdrop is better suited.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Drop on Xiaomi