ShareMe on Xiaomi Redmi 9: why you need this app and how to use it

Have you just bought a Xiaomi Redmi 9 and noticed a mysterious ShareMe app on your installed list? Or did it suddenly appear after the next MIUI update? Many users wonder what it is, why it is needed and whether it can be removed without harming the system. In this article, we will go through all aspects of ShareMe's work in detail, from basic functions to hidden features that are not written about even in the official documentation.

ShareMe (formerly known as Mi Drop) is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for fast file sharing between devices without the use of the Internet or cloud services. The app is pre-installed on all of the brand’s smartphones, including Redmi 9, and is positioned as an alternative to Apple’s AirDrop or Google’s Nearby Share. But how useful is it? And why do some users prefer to delete it?

What is ShareMe and how does it work for Xiaomi Redmi 9?

ShareMe is a Wi-Fi Direct local area file transfer application that allows you to send photos, videos, documents, and even folders between Xiaomi smartphones (and some other Android devices) at speeds of up to 20 MB/s, depending on the model and environment, the main advantage being that you don’t need to have a mobile Internet or a router connection.

On Redmi 9, ShareMe is integrated into MIUI firmware and is hidden by default in the Tools folder (or Utilities depending on the shell version). The app automatically turns on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to find neighboring devices, but does not consume mobile traffic. It is important to note that ShareMe works not only between Xiaomi smartphones - it is compatible with most Android devices (starting with version 5.0) if they have similar software installed (for example, Xender or Send Anywhere).

• 📱 Supported file formats: JPG, PNG, MP4, MP3, PDF, APK, ZIP etc.
• 🔄 Maximum file size: up to 10 GB (limit depends on version) MIUI).
• 🌐 Interface languages: Russian, English, Chinese and another 20+ language.
• 🔒 Encryption: Data is transmitted over a secure channel (WPA2).

When first launched, ShareMe will request permissions to access storage, location and camera (for scanning). QR-Without these permissions, the app won't be able to search for devices or send files. If you refuse access, ShareMe will run in limited mode, only as a file receiver.

Advantages and Disadvantages of ShareMe on Redmi 9

Like any pre-installed application, ShareMe has its pros and cons, and let’s take a look at them in detail so you can decide whether to use this program or remove it.

One of the key advantages of ShareMe is the ability to transfer files between Redmi 9 and other Xiaomi devices (for example, laptops with MIUI for PC or Mi Band smartwatches). However, many users complain about the unstable operation of the application: sometimes files are transmitted with errors, especially if one of the devices has a weak Wi-Fi module. ShareMe can conflict with other programs for sharing data (for example, with Google Files), which leads to a slowdown of the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If you notice that ShareMe is constantly turning on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth without your knowledge, check the autorun settings. MIUI The application can start automatically when you connect to a charge or turn on the screen.

How to use ShareMe on Xiaomi Redmi 9: step-by-step instructions

ShareMe is easier than it sounds. Here is a detailed guide for beginners:

1. Open the ShareMe app (find it in the Tools folder or through a system search).
2. Click Send (if you want to transfer files) or Receive (if you are waiting for files from another device).
3. If you send files: 📂 Select files or folders from the gallery or file manager. 🔍 Wait for ShareMe to find nearby devices (they should be within a 10-meter radius). 📲 Click on the recipient device name and confirm the shipment.
4. If you accept files: 📱 On another device, select your Redmi. 9 list of available devices. ✅ Confirm the acceptance of files on your smartphone. 📁 Files will be saved to the folder ShareMe/Received.

It can be used to speed up the process. QR-code:

• 📷 On the sender device, press QR-code.
• 📱 On the receiving device, scan the code through ShareMe.
• ⚡ The connection will be set up automatically and you can start transferring.

Turn off power saving mode | Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi enabled |Close other applications using the network |Check the available space on the receiving device-->

If ShareMe doesn’t find a device, try the following:

• 🔄 Reboot both smartphones.
• 📶 Make sure that the distance between the devices is less than 10 meters.
• 🛠️ In ShareMe settings, enable the option to Show Devices on the same network.

⚠️ Note: Do not use ShareMe to transmit sensitive data (such as passwords or bank documents) in public places. Despite encryption, it is theoretically possible to intercept traffic through vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi Direct.

Can I uninstall ShareMe with Xiaomi Redmi 9 and how to do it?

ShareMe is a system application, so you can't completely uninstall it without root rights, but there are several ways to disable or hide it:

• 🚫 Disconnecting through Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find ShareMe in the list and select Disable. Confirm the action (the app will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system).

Removal via ADB (for advanced users)

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop

This command will delete ShareMe for the current user, but it will not affect the system files. USB-Debugging and computer with Android installed SDK.

Hiding the icon

• Hold your finger on the ShareMe icon on the home screen.
• Drag it to the Hidden Applications folder (if this option is available in your version of MIUI).

Once disabled, ShareMe will not only work as a standalone app, but also as an embedded feature in other Xiaomi services (such as a gallery or file manager).If you share files frequently with other Xiaomi devices, it’s best to keep it active.

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If you deleted ShareMe, but then decided to return it, you can restore the application through Settings → Apps → Show all apps → ShareMe → Enable.

ShareMe Alternatives for Xiaomi Redmi 9: What’s the Best Way to Use

If ShareMe doesn’t suit you, there are plenty of alternatives with similar (and sometimes broader) capabilities.

If you want to speed up, look at Xender or LocalSend. Send Anywhere is more convenient for transferring files between Redmi 9 and your computer, which allows you to send files through your browser without installing additional software. And if you often work with Google documents, Google Files will be the best choice thanks to synchronization with the cloud.

ShareMe Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them

Despite the claimed encryption, ShareMe (like any file transfer application) has potential vulnerabilities.

• 🕵️ Traffic interception: In theory, an attacker could connect to your Wi-Fi Direct time network and try to intercept data.
• 📂 Automatic file saving: ShareMe saves all received files to a folder by default Download/ShareMe, Which can lead to memory loss.
• 🔄 Conflicts with other apps: ShareMe can interfere with work VPN Or firewalls, because they create their own network.

To minimize the risks, follow these tips:

• 🔒 Disable Autoconnection in ShareMe Settings (Security Section).
• 📱 Check the sender devices: Before accepting files, make sure that the device name is familiar to you.
• 🗑️ Clean the ShareMe folder after transferring files so that no debris accumulates.
• 🛡️ Use it. VPN In public places (although it does not guarantee 100% protection).

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring files via ShareMe at a cafe, airport or other public place, disable the All Visibility option in the app settings.

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ShareMe is safer than file transfer over Bluetooth, but inferior in reliability to specialized messengers (Telegram, Signal) or cloud services with end-to-end encryption.

Hidden ShareMe features you didn’t know about

Many users use ShareMe only for basic file transfer, but there are a few hidden features in the app:

• 🎮 Transfer of games and applications (APK): You can send the installed APK-files (including application data) to another device. To do this, in ShareMe, select the Applications in the file type menu.
• 📱 Contact cloning: In the Contacts section, you can export the entire phone book to a file. VCF And then send it to another smartphone, which is useful when you change the device.
• 📊 Transferring Call History: ShareMe can export call logs (dates, duration, numbers) in format CSV. The function is hidden in additional settings.
• 🔧 Wi-Fi Only mode: If you turn off Bluetooth in ShareMe settings, the app will only work via Wi-Fi Direct, which will save a little battery power.