Xiaomi’s Shareit app: What it is, how it works and why it works

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you’ve probably noticed the unfamiliar name SHAREit on the installed app list, a popular service for fast file transfer between devices that is often preinstalled on the brand’s phones. But how does it differ from the native Mi Share, is it safe to use and how to properly configure data transfer? In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of working with SHAREit on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From basic functions to hidden capabilities.

Many users confuse SHAREit with Xiaomi’s proprietary solution – Mi Share (now Quick Share in new versions). MIUI). They are actually two different tools with similar tasks but different approaches to data transfer. While Mi Share uses Wi-Fi Direct technology and is integrated into Xiaomi’s ecosystem, SHAREit works through its own protocols and supports cross-platform exchange. This makes it a versatile solution for transferring files between Xiaomi, Samsung, iPhone and even PC.

In this article you will find:

• 🔍 What is Shareit and how did it come to be in your Xiaomi?
• ⚡ Mi Share: Which is faster and safer?
• 📱 Step-by-step instructions for transferring files between phones and PCs
• ⚠️ Security Risks and How to Avoid Them
• 🛠️ Solving problems if Shareit doesn’t work

What is Shareit and why is it installed on Xiaomi?

SHAREit is a cross-platform wireless file transfer application developed by Lenovo (though originally owned by another developer) that allows you to share photos, videos, music, documents and even apps between smartphones, tablets and computers without using the Internet or cloud services. Transfer speeds can reach 20 MB/s – this is several times faster than using Bluetooth.

On Xiaomi devices, SHAREit often appears as a pre-installed app thanks to the partnership agreements between Xiaomi and Lenovo.It is neither a virus nor malware, although some users prefer to remove it because of:

• 📦 Unnecessary: If you use Mi Share or other alternatives
• 🔋 Background Activity: The App Can Expend Battery Charge
• 📡 Advertising: There are banners in the free version

It is important to understand that Sharet is not part of the firmware. MIUI — It's a third-party application that you can uninstall or disable without any consequences, but it has some unique features that Mi Share doesn't have:

• 🖥️ Transfer of files to Windows/Mac without additional programs
• 🎮 The ability to stream the screen of a smartphone on a PC
• 📱 Support for older versions of Android (up to 4.0)

⚠️ Attention: In 2020, SHAREit was in a scandal over security vulnerabilities that allowed attackers to access user files. Developers quickly released patches, but if you use the old version of the application (up to 5.0), we recommend you update or remove it.

Share vs Mi Share: What’s Best for Xiaomi

The main alternative to SHAREit on Xiaomi devices is the branded service Mi Share (in new versions). MIUI 14+ To understand which application is best for your tasks, compare them on key parameters:

The table shows that SHAREit wins in speed and versatility, but loses in security and integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem. For example, to transfer files between two Redmi smartphones, it is more rational to use Mi Share, since:

• 🔒 No risk of data leaks (all transmissions are encrypted)
• 📱 No need to install additional applications
• 🔄 Automatic Detection of Devices on a Single Network

However, if you need to send a file from Xiaomi to your iPhone or laptop, SHAREit is the only working solution without using cables or cloud services.

How to use Shareit on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Using SHAREit on Xiaomi smartphones is easy, but there are a few nuances that will help avoid errors: Consider the process of transferring files between two phones and between a smartphone and a computer.

Transfer of files between two smartphones

To send files from one Xiaomi phone to another:

1. Open Sharet on both devices.
2. On the sender phone, click Send and select files.
3. On the receiving phone, click Receive.
4. Wait for the devices to detect each other and confirm the connection.

Important: Both phones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or within Wi-Fi Direct coverage. If the connection is not established, try:

Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both phones |

Restart the SHAREit app|

Make sure that the distance between the devices is not more than 5 meters|

Disable the power saving mode in the settings Xiaomi-->

Transfer files from Xiaomi to your computer (and back)

For file sharing between Xiaomi and Windows/Mac:

1. Download and install SHAREit for PC from the official website.
2. Run the application on your computer and select Receive or Send mode.
3. On your smartphone, connect to the Wi-Fi network created by SHAREit on your PC (the network name will be displayed in the program window).
4. Select the files and confirm the transfer.

When transferring large files (e.g. video to the 4K) recommended:

• 📶 Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi network for maximum speed
• 🔋 Connect your smartphone to charging, as the process can take a long time
• 🚫 Close all background applications to avoid connection breaks

💡

If the transmission is permanently interrupted, try to reduce the size of the data packets in the SHAREit settings (Advanced section). → The optimal value is Medium or Small for unstable networks.

SHAREit Security: Risks and How to Minimize Them

Despite its convenience, SHAREit has been criticized for security issues, with the main risks being:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Data Leakage: In older versions, the app collected information about users without their consent
• 🦠 Vulnerabilities in code: In 2020, flaws were discovered that allow remote code execution
• 📡 Unsecured connections: File transfers can be intercepted on public networks

To use SHAREit safely on Xiaomi, follow these guidelines:

1. Update the application to the latest version (at the time of 2026, version 6.30.52 is current).
2. Turn off automatic connection to unknown devices in settings (Settings) → Auto-connect).
3. Use SHAREit only on trusted networks (home Wi-Fi, mobile hotspot).
4. After transferring files, clear the history in the Transfer History section.

⚠️ Warning: Never accept files from unknown devices via SHAREit. In 2023, there were reported cases of malware spreading through fake app "updates." Always check the sender's name before confirming acceptance.

Critical information: In some regions (e.g. India), SHAREit has been banned because of its ties to Chinese developers and suspicions of collecting data for the Chinese government. If you live in a country with strict privacy laws, consider alternatives like LocalSend or Snapdrop.

How to remove or disable Shareit on Xiaomi

If you don't use SHAREit or prefer other ways to transfer files, you can delete it or at least disable it so that it doesn't waste resources on your phone. MIUI:

Complete removal (root rights required or ADB)

Because SHAREit is often a system application, simply removing it through the menu may not work.

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in the developer settings.
2. Open the command line and type: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.lenovo.anyshare.gps
3. Reset the device.

If you don't. ADB, You can use applications like App Inspector or System App Remover (root rights required).

Uninstallation without deletion

A safer way is to disable the app so it doesn’t work in the background:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find SHAREit in the list and select Disable.
3. Confirm the action (a password may be required).

After the shutdown:

• ✅ The application will not start automatically.
• ✅ Disappears from menu and search MIUI
• ⚠️ Updates to Play Market will be unavailable

Xiaomi’s Shareit Alternatives: What to Use Instead

If you are not satisfied with SHAREit for safety, speed or functionality reasons, consider these alternatives:

For most Xiaomi users, the best choice is:

• 📱 Mi Share – if the exchange is only between devices Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO
• 🌐 LocalSend – if you need cross-platform and privacy
• 💻 Snapdrop – for single transfer without installation of software

💡

If you want to get the best speed, look at Xender – it uses optimized protocols and can be faster than SHAREit. 30-40%. However, its interface is overloaded with advertising, which can be annoying.

Frequent Shareit Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions

When using SHAREit on Xiaomi devices, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

1.SHAREit does not find the device.

Reasons:

• 📵 Wi-Fi or Bluetooth disabled
• 🔄 Devices connected to different networks
• 🛡️ Firewall or antivirus blocking the connection

Decision:

1. Reboot both devices.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both phones.
3. Turn it off. VPN Firewall (on Windows, check Windows Defender).
4. Try connecting via Hotspot (distribute Wi-Fi from one phone and connect a second one).

2. File transfer is terminated

Reasons:

• 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal
• 🔋 Low battery charge (less than 15%)
• 📱 Background processes overload the system

Decision:

Connect both devices to charge |

Close all background apps (especially instant messengers and games) |

Reduce the size of the files transferred (break the archive into parts)|

Switch to 5 GHz network (if supported)-->

3.SHAREit is not installed or updated

If the error "Application not installed" occurs during installation:

1. Check if there is enough space on the device (a minimum of 100MB is required).
2. Turn off Play Protection in Google Play settings.
3. Download. APK from the official website ushareit.com (avoid third-party sources!).

4.The application constantly displays advertisements.

In the free version of SHAREit, advertising is disabled only through:

• 💰 Purchase of the premium version (cost) ~300 ₽/year)
• 🛡️ Use of ad blockers (e.g. AdGuard)
• 🔄 Installation of a modified version (not recommended due to security risks)

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI SHAREit has stopped working, check the application permissions in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → SHAREit → Permissions: After major upgrades, permissions are often reset, especially access to Warehouse and Locations.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Shareit on Xiaomi