If you own a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone (or any other device of the brand), youβve probably noticed ShareMe, the standard tool for sharing files between devices, mistakenly thinking of it as an analogue of Appleβs AirDrop or Googleβs Nearby Share, but ShareMeβs functionality is broader and unique. In this article, weβll take a closer look at what ShareMe is for on Xiaomi Redmi, how to use it properly, what file formats are supported, and why it sometimes doesnβt work.
ShareMe (formerly known as Mi Drop) is Xiaomiβs proprietary wireless device-to-device solution for wireless data transfer without using mobile internet or cloud services. The app works over Wi-Fi Direct or creates a local hotspot, making it indispensable in situations where you need to quickly transfer photos, videos or documents from one phone to another. But thatβs not all: ShareMe can transfer files not only between Xiaomi smartphones, but also to devices of other brands (including iPhones and computers), and has built-in features for backup and data recovery.
Unlike competitors, ShareMe does not require registration, does not limit the amount of files transferred (except for the technical limitations of device memory), and works even without a network connection. However, it also has its own nuances: for example, transfer speed depends on the model of the smartphone, and some functions can be hidden in the settings. Next, we will explain how to use ShareMe on your Redmi as efficiently as possible, avoiding typical errors.
What is ShareMe and how is it different from Mi Drop?
ShareMe is an evolution of the Mi Drop service Xiaomi has been developing since 2016, and in 2020, the company renamed it ShareMe, adding new features and improving compatibility with other devices. The main difference from Mi Drop is that it supports file transfer not only between Xiaomi smartphones, but also on Android devices from other brands, as well as on iOS (with restrictions) and even on computers via the web interface.
Key features of ShareMe:
- π Two-way transfer: You can send and receive files at the same time (unlike many analogues where you need to choose the mode).
- πΆ Working without the Internet: using Wi-Fi Direct or creating a local network without consuming mobile traffic.
- π Support for all formats: from photos and videos to APK-file-archive.
- π Data encryption: Transmission is secure but without complex passwords (used) PIN-code QR-proof-code).
- π₯οΈ Web interface: you can transfer files to a PC through a browser over a local network.
Itβs important to understand that ShareMe is not cloud storage; files are not uploaded to Xiaomi servers, but are transferred directly between devices, which is a plus in terms of privacy, but a minus if you need to save data for a long time (you better use Mi Cloud or Google Drive for this).
β οΈ Note: On some Redmi models (especially budget ones), ShareMe can be disabled by default. β Annexes β Application management β ShareMe and click "EnableΒ».
ShareMe's main functions: what the application can do
ShareMe is marketed as a universal tool for sharing data, but not all users are aware of its hidden features. Here is a full list of features that are available in the application on Xiaomi Redmi:
| Function | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| File transfer | Sending photos, videos, music, documents and APK device-to-device. | Maximum speed - up to 20 MB / s (depending on the model of the smartphone). |
| Backup | Create a backup of contacts, messages, photos and applications. | The backup is saved to the device or external drive. |
| Data recovery | Transfer backup to a new smartphone (including system settings). | It only works between Xiaomi devices. |
| Transfer to PC | Sharing files between a smartphone and a computer via a browser. | You need to connect to a single Wi-Fi network or create an access point. |
| Group dispatch | Simultaneous transfer of files to multiple recipients. | Maximum - 5 devices in one session. |
One of the most useful but little-known features is to transfer apps along with their data, for example, if you want to transfer a save game or a messaging app with a history of correspondence to a new phone, ShareMe will do this better than standard Android tools.
- Open ShareMe on both devices.
- On the old phone, select Send. β Annexes.
- Check the required programs and confirm the transfer.
- On the new phone, take the files and wait for the installation.
β οΈ Attention: In transmission APK-Xiaomi may block installation of files via ShareMe due to security settings. To avoid this, turn on Settings before receiving files. β Special facilities β Installation of unknown applications β ShareMe.
How to use ShareMe: step-by-step instructions
ShareMe is easier than it sounds, and the key is to set up the connection between devices correctly, and let's look at two scenarios: transferring files between smartphones and sharing data with a computer.
Scenario 1: Transfer of files between two smartphones
To send files from one Redmi to another:
- Open the ShareMe app on both devices.
- On the sender phone, click Send, on the receiver phone, Receive.
- Select the files you want to transfer (you can mark a few at once).
- It'll appear on screen. QR-code PIN-- The code to confirm the connection.
- Wait until the transfer is complete. The files will be saved in the ShareMe folder on the internal drive.
If QR-The code is not readable, you can enter manually. PIN (It's usually a 4-digit code. Also make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, which are required to establish the connection.
Scenario 2: Transfer of files to a computer
For data exchange between Redmi and PC:
- Connect your smartphone and computer to the same Wi-Fi network (or create an access point on your phone).
- Open ShareMe on your smartphone and select Connect to your PC.
- The view address will appear on the screen. http://192.168.x.x:1234. Enter it in the browser on the computer.
- Confirm the connection on the phone (entry may be required) PIN-code).
- In the web interface, select files to download or download.
Transfer speeds to PCs are usually lower than between smartphones (about 5-10 MB/s), but this is enough to transfer photos or documents. 4K) better use the cable USB-C.
Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices |
Close background applications that use the network|
Check the free space on the recipient|
Disable power saving mode (may interrupt transmission)-->
ShareMe Transfer Speed and Limitations
One of the main complaints users have about ShareMe is that it's not a stable transfer rate, and in theory, it should run at speeds up to 20MB/s, but in practice, it's often lower. What does the speed affect?
- π± Smartphone model: flagship Redmi (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Data transfer faster than budget (Redmi) 10A).
- πΆ Quality Wi-Fi module: old models with Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) They are slower than new ones with Wi-Fi. 5/6.
- π Battery charge: If the charge level is below 20%, the system may limit performance.
- π File type: Small files (photos, documents) are transferred faster than large files (video, archives).
For comparison, we will give the average transmission speeds on popular Xiaomi Redmi models (testing was carried out with a file size of 1 GB):
| Smartphone model | Average speed | Transfer time of 1 GB |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G | 15-18 MB/s | 55-65 sec. |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro | 10-12 MB/s | 80-90 sec. |
| Redmi 10 | 6-8 MB/s | 120-150 secs |
| Redmi 9A | 3-5 MB/s | 200-250 secs |
If the ShareMe transmission rate is below 3MB/s, this may indicate hardware limitations or background processes interfering with the connection, USB-cable).
You should also consider the limitations of the file size:
- πΈ Photos and documents: no restrictions (except free space on the device).
- π₯ Video: maximum size of one file is 4 GB (on some models β 2 GB).
- π¦ Archives (ZIP, RAR): Up to 4 GB, but errors may occur when unpacking.
- π€ APK-Files: no restrictions, but installation is only possible when the security settings are resolved.
π‘
If ShareMe permanently terminates the connection, try disabling the Adaptive Battery feature in the power settings. It can block the application's background activity.
ShareMe vs. Analogues: What is better for Xiaomi Redmi
ShareMe is not the only file transfer application, but there are alternatives on the market that are sometimes faster or more stable.
| Annex | Speed. | Cross-platformity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ShareMe (Xiaomi) | Up to 20MB/s | Android, iOS (limited), PC | Built in MIUI, No advertising, backup |
| Nearby Share (Google) | Up to 15MB/s | Android, Chrome OS | Google Play Services, no iOS support |
| Xender | Up to 40MB/s | Android, iOS, PC, Mac | Faster ShareMe, but there are ads and restrictions in the free version |
| Snapdrop | Up to 10MB/s | Any browser-based devices | It works through a web interface, there is no need to install the application |
So why should you use ShareMe instead of alternatives?
- β‘ Integration with MIUI: No need to download third-party applications, everything works out of the box".
- π Backup: you can transfer not only files, but also system settings.
- π‘οΈ Security: Data is not transmitted through third-party servers (unlike some analogues).
- π± Optimization for Xiaomi: Works better on Redmi budget models where alternatives can slow down.
However, if you want top speed or cross-platform (for example, to transfer files to an iPhone or Mac), consider Xender or Snapdrop. And for backup data between devices Xiaomi ShareMe remains the best choice.
π‘
ShareMe is optimal for Xiaomi users, who often transfer data between devices of the same brand. For cross-platform tasks, it is better to use Xender or Snapdrop.
Typical ShareMe Problems and How to Solve Them
Despite its convenience, ShareMe sometimes doesn't work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
1.ShareMe does not find the device.
If the app does not see the second smartphone:
- π Reboot both devices.
- πΆ Make sure that both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
- π Check if the connection is blocked by a firewall or antivirus (especially on PCs).
- π± Update ShareMe to the latest version on Google Play or App Gallery.
2. Transmission is interrupted or suspended
If the files are not fully transferred:
- π Charge both devices to a minimum of 30% (at low charge, the system may limit performance).
- π Break a large file into parts (for example, using an archiver).
- π‘ Move to a place with less Wi-Fi interference (e.g., away from microwaves or other 2.4GHz devices).
- π Try changing the roles of the devices (let the recipient become the sender and vice versa).
3.ShareMe does not install APK-file
If the transferred applications are not installed:
- Go to Settings. β Annexes β Special access β Installation of unknown applications.
- Find it in the ShareMe list and allow installation.
- Repeat file transfer.
4. Low transmission speed
To speed up data exchange:
- π΅ Turn off the mobile internet on both devices (sometimes) 4G/5G Interfering with Wi-Fi Direct).
- π Enable performance mode in battery settings.
- π‘ Switch to 5GHz (if your devices support it).
- π§Ή Clear ShareMe cache in the app settings.
β οΈ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9T or Redmi Note 8) ShareMe may conflict with dual apps. If the transfer is not working, try disabling duplicate applications in the settings.
What if ShareMe doesnβt start at all?
Hidden ShareMe features that few people know about
Besides basic file transfer, ShareMe has a few βsecretβ features that can be useful:
1. Transfer of call history and SMS
ShareMe can transfer not only files, but also a call log and SMS-For this purpose, the message:
- On the old phone, select Send. β System data.
- Mark the calls and messages.
- Confirm transmission on the new device.
This feature only works between Xiaomi smartphones and requires the latest version. MIUI.
2. Creating a local network for multiple devices
ShareMe can connect up to 5 devices to a single local network for group file transfer, which is convenient if you want to distribute photos from the party to all participants at the same time.
- Open ShareMe on the main device.
- Choose to Create a Group.
- Connect the rest of the phones through QR-code PIN.
- Send files to all members of the group at the same time.
3. File transfer via QR-code
If you don't have access to Wi-Fi or mobile internet, you can use ShareMe offline mode.
- On the sender phone, select files and click Send through QR.
- Scan on the recipient phone. QR-code through ShareMe.
- Files will be transferred over Wi-Fi Direct without connecting to the network.
This method works even on planes or subways where there is no communication.
4. Backup to an external drive
ShareMe allows you to save backups not only for internal memory, but also for the memory of the user. SD-map USB-It's a storage device:
- Connect the external drive to the smartphone.
- In ShareMe, select Backup. β Set up the path.
- Point the folder to SD-flash-card.
- Start the backup.
This is useful if internal memory is not enough for a full backup.
π‘
If you often transfer files between Redmi and your computer, set up an automatic connection to your PC over a local network in ShareMe. To do this, turn on the Auto Connection to Trusted Devices option in the application settings.