Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often notice an icon called ShareMe in the standard set of applications. Many users wonder what kind of program it came from, and can it be removed? This software is a standard system component designed to replace the standard Bluetooth for data transfer.
Unlike cumbersome Bluetooth sharing methods, this solution allows you to transfer files at high speeds without mobile Internet traffic. The program uses the technology of creating a local Wi-Fi access point, which provides transfer speeds of up to 40 MB / s. This is especially true for owners of budget models where the amount of internal memory is limited.
The developers have built this tool deep into the MIUI and HyperOS shell, making it available directly from the Gallery or Explorer, and understanding how it works will help you share content faster and better control application permissions on your device.
History of the appearance and rebranding of Mi Drop
Xiaomi originally used an app called Mi Drop, which was designed to quickly transfer files between the brand’s smartphones and computers. However, over time, the functionality expanded and the app received a new name, ShareMe. The name was changed to unify the name in all regions, as the global versions of firmware Mi Drop brand was less recognizable.
The name change also brought a more minimalist interface, with the old yellow umbrella logo replaced by a more modern three-dot icon that symbolizes data exchange, and it affected all devices starting with certain versions of the MIUI 11 shell and later.
It's important to understand that technically it's the same app, just repackaged. All your old settings and gear history could have been saved by automatically updating your system. For older phone models, the update could have come separately through the GetApps store or Google Play.
⚠️ Note: When upgrading from an older version MIUI new (e.g. with a new one) MIUI 12 on MIUI 13), the application may request new permissions to access files. Don't ignore these requests, otherwise file transfers will not work.
The functionality of the program remained the same, but new features were added, such as transferring files to the PC without installing additional software, made possible by introducing support for the FTP protocol directly into the application interface.
Main functions and technical capabilities
The main goal of the program is to provide fast data exchange, based on Wi-Fi Direct technology, which allows devices to connect directly to each other without passing the router, which ensures high speed and no dependence on the quality of the cell tower signal.
In addition to transferring between phones, the app can work with computers, you can transfer files to a PC running Windows, macOS or Linux. FTP-A server that is activated by a single button, just enter the address displayed in the computer conductor.
- 🚀 High speed: Transferring 1GB files takes just a few seconds, ten times faster than classic Bluetooth.
- 📡 Working without the Internet: No connection to the Wide Web is required, no traffic is consumed.
- 📂 Support for any format: You can send videos, photos, APK-Files, music, and even entire folders.
Another important feature is the ability to back up applications, so you can export the installation file of any program on your phone and pass it to a friend, which is convenient if you want to install a rare app on a device that doesn't have access to Google Play.
💡
Use the Send to PC feature to quickly upload heavy videos from the gallery to free up space on your phone without using a USB cable.
How to use ShareMe: step-by-step instructions
The file transfer process is as simple as possible and does not require complex network settings. To start, both devices must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled (for initial detection), on the sending device, select the file and click the "Send" button.
The system will suggest you choose the way you send it, and if you choose ShareMe, you'll start looking for devices nearby, and the receiving device will also have to run the service or open the reception screen, and once you find the name of the receiving phone, you'll click on it to establish a connection.
☑️ Pre-transfer checks
Once the second device has confirmed acceptance, the transmission will start, the progress status is displayed in real time, and if the speed has dropped, check if one of the devices is power-saving mode, which may limit the operation of the network module.
To transfer to your computer, go to the user profile (the person icon in the corner) and select Connect to your computer. Then select the type of protection (with or without a password) and copy the displayed address, for example, ftp://192.168.1.5:2121.
The difference between Bluetooth and Google Quick Share
Many users confuse ShareMe with Bluetooth or Google’s AirDrop, the main difference being the technology used. Bluetooth uses a narrowband channel, which limits speeds to 2-3 MB/s, while the application in question harnesses the full potential of the Wi-Fi module.
Google Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share) is a cross-platform standard, but ShareMe is tailored to Xiaomi’s ecosystem, although it can transfer files to other Android devices if they have a similar client or protocol, but Quick Share often works more stable between different brands.
| Characteristics | Bluetooth | ShareMe (Mi Drop) | Google Quick Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | ~2 MB/s | ~40MB/s | ~40MB/s |
| Traffic consumption | No. | No. | No. |
| Radio of action | Up to 10 meters. | Up to 20 meters. | Up to 20 meters. |
| Compatibility | All devices. | Android (mainly Xiaomi) | Android / Windows |
It is worth noting that ShareMe consumes more power than Bluetooth, due to the active operation of the Wi-Fi module, so once the transfer is completed, it is recommended to break the connection manually so as not to land the battery.
Visibility problems and their solution
Sometimes, devices can't see each other, most often because of security or power saving settings, and first of all, make sure that both phones have the app open, not just running in the background.
The second common reason is that Android has limited access to geolocation. Some versions of the OS require GPS enabled to run Wi-Fi Direct. Check if the location module is activated in the notification curtain.
⚠️ Note: If you use a third-party antivirus or an aggressive Memory Cleaner, they may block the creation of a local network.
The problem can also be in the frequency range: If one phone only works in the 2.4 GHz band and another tries to create a 5 GHz point, they may not find each other. Try changing the access point settings in the app settings if this option is available in your firmware version.
Hidden speed settings
Rebooting communication modules often helps. Turn on Flight Mode for 5 seconds and turn it off. This will reconnect network adapts and reset possible software errors on the TCP/IP stack.
Is the application needed and can be removed?
The issue of deletion is faced by many users who prefer to use instant messengers to transfer files. Formally, ShareMe is a system application. Its removal by standard means is impossible without Root rights or using ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
If you often transfer large amounts of data (4K videos, photo packets) between phones or on a PC without using cloud storage, the program is indispensable. It saves time and does not require uploading files to the server, which preserves confidentiality.
If you only use Telegram or Google Photos, the functionality may seem redundant, but removing the system component can lead to unstable operation of the Gallery or Share menu, as many system links are tied to this package.
- 🛑 Not Removed: Risk of disrupting system exchange functions.
- 💾 Save space: The application takes up a minimum of space (usually up to 50MB with cache), so removing it will not give a meaningful gain.
- 🔄 There is no full replacement with the same integration in the system for Xiaomi.
💡
ShareMe is a system component that is not recommended for normal users to avoid errors in the MIUI interface.
Security of data transmission
When using a local Wi-Fi network, data doesn't leave your premises; it doesn't load onto third-party servers, making it privacy-friendly. However, since an open access point is created, in theory, an attacker within range could try to connect.
In modern versions of the application, when you connect a new device, you always need to confirm on the screen of the receiving party. Without pressing the Accept button, the transfer will not begin.
When working through FTP on your computer, it is recommended to set a password if you are in a public place (cafe, office).In a home network protected by a password from the router, the risks are minimal, but you should not lose your vigilance.
Always check the name of the device you are connecting to. If you see a "Unknown Device" on the list of available devices or a name that does not belong to your friend, do not initiate the connection.