ShareMe is a Xiaomi-branded app that allows instant file sharing between devices without using mobile internet or a Wi-Fi router. Many users confuse it with Mi Share (the previous version of the service) or standard Android features, but ShareMe has unique features that favorably set it apart from competitors like Apple's AirDrop or Google's Nearby Share.
If you've ever tried to send a high-resolution photo over a messenger and faced size restrictions, or spent time connecting a video cable, ShareMe is a real godsend. The app uses direct data transfer technology over Wi-Fi Direct, which provides speeds of up to 20 MB/s โ many times faster than Bluetooth, and no files are uploaded to the cloud, which guarantees privacy.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how ShareMe works, how it differs from analogues, how to configure file transfer between Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO, And we'll also reveal little-known pieces that don't even appear in the official documentation, and if you use Xiaomi, this guide will save you time and nerves when you're sharing data.
What is ShareMe and why is it necessary?
ShareMe (formerly known as Mi Share) is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi for wireless file transfer between devices, unlike standard protocols like Bluetooth or other devices. NFC, It uses a combination of Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot, which allows you to achieve speeds comparable to a wired connection, and the main advantage is that it works even without Internet access and does not require connection to the same network.
The application is pre-installed on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO steerable MIUI 12 and newer. On older versions of the shell (up to) MIUI 11) Mi Share was used instead, which had limited functionality, and with the release of ShareMe, the possibilities were expanded: Now you can transfer not only photos and videos, but also entire folders, applications (.apk), and also use the function "Cloning device" to transfer all data to a new smartphone.
Key use cases:
- ๐ธ Transfer of photos and videos in original quality without compression (relevant to the RAW-file 4K).
- ๐ฑ Share contacts, notes or links between Xiaomi phones in seconds.
- ๐ฎ Install games and apps on another phone without downloading from Google Play.
- ๐ Transferring data when changing your smartphone (including: SMS, call history and system settings).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Transfer of files to a laptop or PC (through a web interface or special software).
It's important to understand that ShareMe is not just an AirDrop analog, but a more versatile tool. Unlike Apple, it supports cross-platform (albeit with limitations) transfer and works on devices with different versions of Android. ShareMe also has a built-in file manager that allows you to view and sort files directly in the app.
ShareMe Distinguishes from Mi Share, Nearby Share and AirDrop
Many users confuse ShareMe with other file transfer services, and letโs break down the key differences so you can choose the best option for your tasks.
| Function | ShareMe (Xiaomi) | Mi Share (old version) | Nearby Share (Google) | AirDrop (Apple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | Up to 20MB/s | Up to 10MB/s | Up to 12 MB/s | Up to 10MB/s (on new iPhones) |
| Cross-platformity | Works between Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and some Android devices | Only Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO | Any Android or Chromebooks | Apple only (iPhone, Mac, iPad) |
| Support for PC | Yes (via web interface or Xiaomi software) PC Suite) | No. | Yes (Chromebook) | Yes (Mac) |
| Transfer of applications (.apk) | Yes. | No. | No. | No. |
| Cloning of the device | Yes (transfer of all data) | No. | No. | Yes (via Quick Start) |
ShareMe beats Mi Share in all respects, but it's inferior to Nearby Share in cross-platform, but if you have a Xiaomi ecosystem, it's the best solution for you, like a file transfer. 1 GB between Redmi Note 12 Xiaomi 13 ShareMe will handle the 1-2 Minutes, while Nearby Share can spend up to 5 minutes due to additional security checks.
Another important difference is power consumption, because ShareMe is optimized for background use and consumes minimal battery power, while Nearby Share can significantly drain a phone during long-distance transmission, which is because Google uses more aggressive algorithms to scan nearby devices.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you transfer files between Xiaomi and a device from another brand (such as Samsung), ShareMe may not work smoothly, in which case it is better to use Nearby Share or specialized applications like Send Anywhere.
How to use ShareMe: step-by-step instructions
ShareMe is easier than it sounds, and the key is to set up the visibility of the devices and choose the best transfer mode. Below is a universal guide that will work for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO on MIUI 12-14.
Step 1: Including ShareMe
By default, the app is already installed on your smartphone.
- Go to Settings. โ Connections and sharing โ ShareMe.
- Or find the ShareMe icon in the app menu (usually hidden in the Tools folder).
- Click Enable and allow access to files, contacts, and location (necessary to search for nearby devices).
Step 2: Setting up visibility
Before transferring files, you need to make your device visible to other phones:
- Open ShareMe and tap the avatar in the upper right corner.
- Select "Visibility settings".
- Set the โVisible for Allโ mode (if you are transferring files in a public place) or โContacts Onlyโ mode (for greater security).
- Set the device name (the default smartphone model is used, for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro).+).
Step 3: File Transfer
Now we can start sharing data:
โ๏ธ How to send a file via ShareMe
Details on each item:
- File selection: Click "Send" and then select categories ("Photos", "Video", "Applications", etc.) You can select multiple files at the same time.
- Recipient search: Make sure the second phone also has ShareMe open and visibility enabled.The recipient's avatar appears on the list of available devices.
- Confirmation: The receiving phone will receive a request for file acceptance, and the confirmation will start the transfer.
If the transfer does not start, check:
- ๐ Battery level (at low charge) <15% function can be blocked by the system).
- ๐ถ Interference from other Wi-Fi networks (in densely populated areas, try moving away from routers).
- ๐ ShareMe version compatibility (older smartphones may need to be updated via Google Play).
๐ก
If you often transfer files to the same person, add them to ShareMe's Favorite Contacts, which will speed up the connection process and disable unnecessary confirmation requests.
Step 4: Accept files
To receive files:
- Open ShareMe and wait for the sender to select your device.
- Confirm the reception in the window that appears.
- Files will be saved to the folder "Download/ShareMe" (The path can be changed in the settings).
If files are not saved, check permissions for ShareMe in Settings โ Annexes โ Permissions: The application must have access to device memory and file management.
Transfer files between Xiaomi and other devices
ShareMe is optimized to work within the Xiaomi ecosystem, but under certain conditions, you can share files with other brands' devices.
Xiaomi โ Android (Samsung, Realme, Oppo.)
To transfer files to smartphones of other manufacturers:
- On the receiving device, install ShareMe from Google Play (the app is available for all Android devices).
- Open ShareMe on both phones and turn on visibility.
- On Xiaomi, select files and send them to the target device.
Limitations:
- ๐ซ The transmission speed may be lower (up to) 5-8 MB/s).
- ๐ซ Some file formats (such as.miui themes) may not be supported.
- ๐ซ The cloning function of the device will not work.
Xiaomi โ iPhone (iOS)
Unfortunately, ShareMe is incompatible with the iPhone due to Apple's limitations.
- ๐ Use Nearby Share (requires iPhone installation via TestFlight).
- ๐ Send files via the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud).
- ๐ง Use email or instant messengers (Telegram without compression).
Xiaomi โ PC (Windows/Mac)
To transfer files to the computer:
- On PC, open your browser and go to shareme.xiaomi.com.
- On your smartphone in ShareMe, select โConnect to PCโ and scan. QR-computer-screen.
- After connecting, you will be able to drag and drop files directly in the browser.
The alternative is to use Xiaomi. PC Suite (official Windows software) that supports ShareMe since version 3.0.
โ ๏ธ Note: When transferring files to a PC via a web interface, the speed is limited by the bandwidth of your Wi-Fi router (>1GB is better to use cable USB-C.
How to speed up transfer to PC?
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Despite its reliability, ShareMe sometimes fails, and let's look at common mistakes and how to fix them.
1. The devices don't find each other
If smartphones canโt see each other in ShareMe:
- ๐ Reboot both devices.
- ๐ถ Turn on and off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in the notification panel.
- ๐ง Check if the power saving mode blocks ShareMe background work (Settings) โ Battery โ Energy saving regime).
- ๐ ๏ธ Update ShareMe to the latest version on Google Play.
2. Transmission is interrupted or files are damaged
If the transfer is terminated in half or the files are not opened:
- ๐ Check the available space on the receiving device (requires at least 10% of the amount of data transferred).
- ๐ Connect your smartphone to charging (at low charge, the system can suspend the transfer).
- ๐ก Move closer to another device (maximum distance โ 5-10 meters).
- ๐ Try breaking a large file into parts (e.g., splitting the.zip archive into 500MB volumes).
3.ShareMe does not open or crash
If the application does not start:
- ๐๏ธ Clear ShareMe cache in Settings โ Annexes โ ShareMe โ Memory. โ Clear the cache.
- ๐ Remove the app updates (if the problem has appeared after the update).
- ๐ ๏ธ Check the integrity of system files through Settings โ The phone. โ Diagnostics โ System verification.
If nothing helps, try resetting your network settings:
Settings โ Connections and Sharing โ Network Reset โ Reset settingsโ ๏ธ Warning: Network reset will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth devices, and after the procedure you will have to reconnect to known networks.
๐ก
If ShareMe is not working after the update MIUI, Try to roll back to the previous version of the app. APK from a reliable source (e.g. APKMirror) and install it manually.
Hidden ShareMe features that few people know about
In addition to basic file transfer, ShareMe hides a few useful features, and here are the most interesting ones:
1. Cloning of the device (transfer of all data)
If you bought a new Xiaomi smartphone, you can transfer all the data from the old phone to it in a few minutes:
- On an old phone, open ShareMe and select โClone the deviceโ.
- On the new phone, when you first turn on, select โTransfer Data from Another Deviceโ.
- Confirm the connection and wait for the process to end.
Fast forward:
- ๐ Contacts, SMS, call-up.
- ๐ธ Photos, videos, music.
- ๐ฎ Installed applications (without data, but with desktop icons).
- ๐ง System settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, sound profiles).
2. File transfer via QR-code
You can send files without manually searching for the device:
- On the sender phone, select files and click "Send through" QR".
- On the receiving phone, open ShareMe and scan. QR-code.
- Confirm file acceptance.
This is convenient if the devices are far apart (for example, in different rooms).
3. Built-in file manager
ShareMe can not only transfer, but also manage files:
- ๐๏ธ View files by category ("Images", "Documents", "Audio").
- ๐ Search for files by name or date.
- ๐๏ธ Delete unnecessary files directly in the application.
4. Transmission without confirmation (for trusted devices)
If you share files with the same person frequently, you can turn off the confirmation request:
- Open ShareMe and go to Settings.
- Select "Trusted Devices".
- Add the device to the list of trusted.
The files will be automatically transferred without additional confirmation.
5. Transmission via mobile hotspot
If Wi-Fi Direct is unstable, you can use a mobile hotspot:
- On the sender phone, turn on "Access Point".
- Connect the receiver phone to it.
- Open ShareMe on both devices and start transferring.
This method is useful in conditions of severe interference (for example, at concerts or in the subway).
๐ก
The device cloning feature in ShareMe is faster than standard data transfer via Google. 50 GB of data is about 20-30 minute 1-2 Hours on Google account.
Security and privacy in ShareMe
One of the main advantages of ShareMe is the lack of cloud servers โ files are transferred directly between devices without intermediate storage.
1. Data encryption
All transmitted files are encrypted using the protocol WPA2-PSK, It protects them from being intercepted:
- ๐ When transferring to devices of other brands (not Xiaomi), the level of encryption may decrease to WPA.
- ๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ In Visible for All mode, your device can be detected by outsiders (turn off visibility after transmission).
Annex approvals
ShareMe requests access to:
- ๐ Storage (for reading and writing files).
- ๐ Location (to find nearby devices).
- ๐ Contacts (for cloning function).
- ๐ก Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (to create a connection).
If you are concerned about privacy, you can manually revoke unnecessary permissions in Settings. โ Annexes โ ShareMe โ Permissions. However, this may limit functionality.
3. Protection against malicious files
ShareMe does not scan files for viruses, so:
- ๐ก๏ธ Do not accept files from unknown devices.
- ๐ Before opening, check your files with an antivirus (e.g. Google Play Protect or Dr.Web).
- ๐ซ Avoid transferring executable files (.apk,.exe) without checking the source.
โ ๏ธ Attention: In 2023, a vulnerability in ShareMe was discovered that allowed you to connect to a device without user confirmation. Xiaomi released a patch in an update MIUI 14.0.5. Make sure your system is up-to-date!