If you own Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro and notice an unknown ShareMe app (formerly Mi Drop) on your installed list, you’re not alone. It’s standard Xiaomi software that’s pre-installed on most of the brand’s devices, but not everyone understands its purpose, and some even suspect it to be a virus or spyware — especially when it suddenly launches in the background.
ShareMe is actually a proprietary tool for fast file transfer between devices over Wi-Fi Direct or via an access point, and is designed to replace third-party solutions like Xender or SHAREit by offering similar functionality without having to download additional programs. However, the app has its own features that you should be aware of, from speed limits to privacy issues. In this article, we will look at how ShareMe works on Redmi 8 Pro, whether it can be removed, and what alternatives are worth considering.
What is ShareMe and why is it necessary for Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro?
ShareMe (formerly Mi Drop) is a proprietary application from Xiaomi designed to share files between smartphones, tablets and even PCs. It uses Wi-Fi Direct technology, which allows you to transfer data without an Internet connection and without using mobile traffic. The main advantage is the high speed compared to Bluetooth (up to 20 MB / s in ideal conditions, although in practice it is usually 5-10 MB / s).
On Redmi 8 Pro, the app is pre-installed by default and integrated into the system: it can be found in the Tools menu or through an application search.
- 📱 Transfer photos and videos between Xiaomi smartphones (or other Android devices with Wi-Fi Direct support).
- 💻 Sharing files from a PC via a web interface (available over a local network).
- 📁 Backup of contacts, notes or documents to another device.
- 🎮 Transfer APK-Files (for example, to install apps without Google Play).
It's important to understand that ShareMe is not just the Chinese equivalent of AirDrop, but it has its limitations.
- ⚠️ No encryption of traffic (data is transmitted in plain form).
- ⚠️ Speed depends on the device model and firmware versions (on the Redmi 8 Pro can be lower than on flagships).
- ⚠️ Not all files are supported (e.g. system files) APK may not be transmitted).
How to use ShareMe on Redmi 8 Pro: step-by-step instructions
ShareMe is easier than it sounds, and here is a basic guide to transfer files between two smartphones:
- Open the app on both devices (on Redmi 8 Pro it’s called ShareMe or Mi Drop).
- Select a mode: 📤 Send – if you are transferring files. 📥 Get it -- if you take it.
Scanner. QR-code
Select files
For transmission to PC:
- On your smartphone, select Get → Connect to the PC.
- Scan it. QR-code from the computer screen (or enter the address) http://192.168.x.x browser-wise).
- Upload files via the web interface.
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If ShareMe is constantly hanging when transferring large files (such as videos), try breaking them into pieces using an archiver (ZIP/RAR) Or use alternative apps like LocalSend.
ShareMe Security: Can You Trust This App?
One of the most common questions is, is it safe to use ShareMe? The answer is ambiguous: On the one hand, it's an official Xiaomi app that's being tested for viruses in Google Play Protect, and on the other, it has several vulnerabilities:
| The security aspect | Risks. | How to minimize |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer of data | Files are transmitted without encryption (can be intercepted via Wi-Fi) | Use only on trusted networks |
| Permits | Access to storage, camera, contacts and location | Limit permissions in Android settings |
| Advertising | Some versions show advertising (may lead to phishing) | Disable Advertising in the Application Settings |
| Updates | Outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities | Update via Google Play or App Store |
In 2022, security researchers found that some versions of ShareMe (especially on older firmware) contained vulnerabilities that allowed you to connect to the device without authorization. Xiaomi issued patches, but if your Redmi 8 Pro has not been updated in a long time, the risks remain.
- Open the Settings. → Annexes → ShareMe.
- Check the version number (current for 2026 – 12.. and above).
- If the version is old, update it via Google Play.
How to check if someone has connected to your ShareMe without your knowledge?
⚠️ Warning: Never accept files from unknown devices via ShareMe. malicious devices were reported in 2023. APK through such services (including under the guise of "updates for Xiaomi").
How to remove or disable ShareMe on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro
If you're not using ShareMe, you can remove it or at least disable it so it doesn't hang in the background and consume battery power. Here's how to do this:
Method 1: Complete removal (root rights required) ADB)
Because ShareMe is a system application, you can't just uninstall it.
- 🔧 Through ADB (without root: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop Note: After a reboot, the application can recover.
- 🛠️ Use Titanium Backup or Root Explorer for complete removal APK.
Method 2: Disconnect (without root)
If you cannot remove it, you can turn off:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find ShareMe (or Mi Drop) in the list.
- Click Disable (the button can be gray if the application is actively used by the system).
- Confirm the action.
Method 3: Limitation of Permits
If you use the app occasionally but want to minimize the risks:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → ShareMe → Permits.
- Disable access to: 📍 Locations (not required for work). 📞 Contact (if you don’t give your business cards). 📷 Camera (if not used) QR-code).
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Disabling ShareMe may cause a failure in the Quick Transfer function in the Tools menu. If you notice bugs, turn the application back on.
ShareMe Alternatives: Which Apps Are Best for File Transfer
If you don't like ShareMe (for speed, security or interface), there are many alternatives, and we tested several options on the Redmi 8 Pro and ranked them as follows:
| Annex | Speed. | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LocalSend | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (15-20 MB/s) | ✅ Encryption, open source. | No advertising, cross-platform (Android/iOS/PC) |
| Snapdrop | ⭐⭐⭐ (10-15 MB/s) | ✅ It works through the browser (no installation) | No registration required, but depends on the network |
| Xender | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (up to 30MB/s) | ⚠️ Closed code, commercials. | Support for application transfer (APK) |
| Nearby Share (Google) | ⭐⭐⭐ (5-12 MB/s) | ✅ Built into Android, encryption | Google services are slower than competitors |
Our choice for Redmi 8 Pro is LocalSend, which is open source, ad-free, encrypted and supported for all types of files, installed from F-Droid or GitHub (without Google Play).
If you need maximum speed and privacy is not important - Xender or SHAREit (but be careful with permissions!). Snapdrop is convenient for transfer to the PC - works directly in the browser without installation.
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LocalSend is the best ShareMe alternative for Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: fast, secure and ad-free. Supports transfer between Android, iOS, Linux and Windows.
Frequent ShareMe issues on Redmi 8 Pro and their solutions
Redmi 8 Pro users often encounter ShareMe bugs, and here are the most common bugs and ways to fix them:
1.ShareMe does not find the device.
Causes and solutions:
- 🔌 Wi-Fi is off → Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
- 🔄 Different versions of the application → Update ShareMe on both smartphones.
- 📵 Flight mode. → Turn it off in the notification curtain.
- 🔧 System failure → Reboot both devices.
2. File transfer is interrupted
What to do:
- 📶 Weak signal. → Bring the devices closer to each other (within 5 meters).
- 🔋 Low battery charge → Connect your smartphone to charging (at level below 15% MIUI Limits background processes).
- 🗑️ Lack of memory → Make room on the receiving device.
3.ShareMe is constantly running itself
How to turn off autostart:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → ShareMe → Battery.
- Select Background Activity Management.
- Turn off Auto Start and Background Activity.
4. "Unable to connect" error
Decisions:
- 🔄 Restart ShareMe and try again.
- 📡 Check if devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (sometimes it interferes with Wi-Fi Direct).
- 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Reset the settings.