Mi Share on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: a complete guide to wireless file transfer

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 often face the question: what is Mi Share and how to use it? This feature appeared as an alternative to the standard methods of file sharing — Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct, but it works faster and more stable. If you are still sending photos via instant messengers or connecting your phone to your computer via cable, Mi Share can save up to 70% of the time to transfer large files (for example, video to the computer). 4K file-book).

The function is built into the firmware MIUI It doesn't require any additional apps, but many users don't even know it exists -- the icon is hidden in the Quick Settings menu, and in some regional versions of the firmware, the name is translated as "Fast Transfer" or "Shared Access." Next, we will discuss how to enable Mi Share, what file formats are supported, and why the connection sometimes breaks down.

Mi Share is not the same as Xiaomi File Transfer (a Wi-Fi file transfer application) or Google’s Nearby Share. It’s a separate technology designed specifically for devices on the Internet. MIUI, It is also compatible with other brands (for example, POCO The transfer speed can reach 10-15 MB / s - 3-5 times faster than the classic Bluetooth.

What is Mi Share and how does it work on the Redmi Note 7?

Mi Share is a wireless file transfer protocol created by Xiaomi based on Wi-Fi Direct technology, but with improved speed and stability. Unlike standard Wi-Fi Direct, it automatically optimizes the communication channel, reducing delays and the risk of connection breakdown. On the Redmi Note 7, the feature works via a combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE):

• 📶 Wi-Fi – used to transfer files themselves (high speed).
• 🔵 Bluetooth – only needed for initial handshake devices (saves battery life).

The advantages of Mi Share over alternatives:

• ⚡ Speed: up to 15 MB/s (vs. 1-2 MB/s in Bluetooth).
• 🔒 Security: Files are transferred directly, without uploading to the cloud.
• 📱 Cross-platform: works not only between Xiaomi smartphones, but also with Android 10 devices+ (If you have Mi Share installed).
• 🔋 Energy efficiency: consumes less battery than a permanent Wi-Fi Hotspot.

However, there are limitations:

• 🚫 Does not support file transfer to iPhone (third party software required).
• 📁 Maximum file size: 2 GB (no restrictions for file packets).
• 🔄 Transfer between Redmi Note 7 and old models (Redmi) 4/5) speed may fall 5 MB/s.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 7 doesn’t have Mi Share, check the version. MIUI. On firmware older MIUI 11 may not be available – you need to update via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

How to turn Mi Share on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: step-by-step instructions

You can activate the function in two ways: through the notification bar or the settings menu. Let's look at both.

Method 1: Through Quick Adjustments

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Mi Share icon, which has two arrows in the square, and if it's not there, click on the pencil and add it to the active elements.
3. Slip the icon to turn on the feature, and the "Ready to transfer" notification will appear.

Method 2: Through settings

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Mi Share.
2. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
3. When you first turn on, the system will request permissions to access files and location - confirm.

Once activated, your Redmi Note 7 will be visible to other devices within a 10-15-meter radius.

1. On another device, also turn on Mi Share.
2. Select files to send (photos, videos, documents) and click "Send" → "Mi Share".
3. In the list of available devices, tap on the name of your Redmi Note 7.
4. Confirm your reception on your smartphone.

Enable Mi Share on both devices

Check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are active

Allow access to files and location

Make sure the devices are within a 10m radius

Close background applications that use Wi-Fi (e.g. downloads)-->

What files can be transferred via Mi Share

Mi Share supports almost all popular file formats, but there are nuances with limitations on size and content types.

Features of the transfer:

• 📂 Folders: You can send the entire folder (for example, a folder with photos from a trip).
• 🔗 Links: Supported transmission of web links (opens in the recipient's browser).
• 📱 Contacts: sent in.vcf format (compatible with any phone).

Not supported:

• 🚫 System application files (.odex,.so).
• 🚫 Encrypted containers (.dmg,.enc).
• 🚫 Executable files for PC (.exe,.dll).

⚠️ Note: When transferring files larger than 1 GB, it is recommended to connect the Redmi Note 7 to charge. the process can take up to 5-7 minutes and actively consumes the battery.

Mi Share from Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct and Nearby Share

Many users confuse Mi Share with other wireless technologies, and let's look at the key differences:

When to use Mi Share and when to use the alternatives:

• ✅ Mi Share: transferring large files (video, archives) between devices Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.
• ✅ Bluetooth: Send small files (50MB) to any device (e.g. iPhone or laptop).
• ✅ Wi-Fi Direct: Transfer between devices of different brands, if Mi Share is not supported.
• ✅ Nearby Share: Sharing files with devices on “pure” Android (e.g. Pixel or Samsung).

The main advantage of the Mi Share is the combination of high speed and low power consumption, for example, transferring 1 GB of video will take about 1-2 minutes (versus 10-15 minutes on Bluetooth) and will consume only 3-5% of the battery.

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If Mi Share doesn’t find another device, try temporarily shutting down your mobile internet (4G/5G) — Sometimes it interferes with Wi-Fi Direct.

Why Mi Share doesn’t work: Common problems and solutions

Even on the Redmi Note 7 with the latest version MIUI Mi Share users experience errors, and here are typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Devices can't see each other

• 🔄 Solution: Reboot both devices and turn Mi Share on again.
• 📶 Make sure that both smartphones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
• 🔧 Check if the transmission is blocked by Flight Mode or Battery Savings.

Problem 2: Transmission is cut off in half

• 📶 Solution: Reduce the distance between devices (optimally 1-2 meters).
• 🔋 Connect both devices to charging – with a low battery level (15%), the transfer speed is artificially limited.
• 🚫 Close background apps that use the internet (such as YouTube or TikTok).

Problem 3: Files are transferred but not opened

• 📁 Check if the receiving device supports the file format (for example, the iPhone won’t open.heic without converting).
• 🔄 Try to resend the file – sometimes the data gets corrupted during the transfer.
• 📥 On the receiving device, check the folder Download/MiShare — Sometimes files are not saved in the gallery".

Problem 4: Mi Share is not in the settings

• 🔧 Update the firmware to MIUI 12 or later via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🌍 If you have a global version of the Redmi Note 7, try switching to India or China in the settings (sometimes the feature is hidden for some countries).
• 📱 Install Mi Share from Google Play (if it is not in the firmware).

How to speed up file transfers via Mi Share

Mi Share speed depends on several factors: firmware version, Wi-Fi channel load, and even processor temperature.

1. Optimize the device settings

• 🔋 Turn off battery savings for the Mi Share app (Settings) → Battery → Battery savings → Annexes).
• 📶 Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi (if both devices support it).
• 🗑️ Clear the cache of the Mi Share application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Mi Share → Clear the cache).

2. Select the optimal time for transmission

• 🕒 Avoid transmissions during peak hours (evening) when Wi-Fi channels are congested.
• 📶 If there are many devices with Wi-Fi enabled nearby (for example, in a cafe), go to a less busy place.

3. Use archiving for multiple files

• 📦 Before transferring, archive folders with photos in.zip – this will reduce the time by 20-30%.
• 🎞️ For video, use formats.mp4 (H.264) Instead of.mov, they're faster.

4. Alternative acceleration methods

• 🔄 If the speed drops, break the connection and start the transfer again – sometimes it helps.
• 📱 During the transfer, turn off Auto Update apps in Google Play.

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The maximum speed of the Mi Share (15 MB/s) is achieved only between devices on the device. MIUI 12+ 5 GHz Wi-Fi support. On old firmware or in busy networks, the speed can drop to 3-5 MB / s.

Mi Share Security: Can Data Transfer Be Trusted?

Mi Share uses encryption AES-128 It's a way to transfer files, which makes it safer than open Wi-Fi or Bluetooth networks, but there are a few things you should know about:

Safety benefits:

• 🔐 Data is transferred directly between devices without intermediate servers.
• 🚫 There is no risk of leakage to the cloud (unlike Google Drive or Mi Cloud).
• 📱 File Acceptance is required on both devices (proof against accidental sending).

Potential risks:

• 🕵️ If an attacker with Wi-Fi Direct interception tools is nearby, theoretically, he can listen to traffic (but it is impossible to decrypt it without a key).
• 📲 When transferring to devices with outdated firmware (MIUI 10 and below) encryption may be weakened.
• 🔗 Files with malicious code (e.g..apk) are not blocked – the recipient is responsible for security.

Recommendations for safe transmission:

• 🔍 Before receiving files, check the sender name (the list of devices displays a smartphone model, for example, "Redmi Note 7").
• 📁 Do not accept files with.apk,.exe or.bat extensions from unknown sources.
• 🔄 After transmitting sensitive data (such as documents), disable Mi Share to avoid unauthorized access.

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring files in a public place (airport, cafe), turn on Stealth mode in the Mi Share settings. This will make your device visible only to contacts from the phone book.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Share on Redmi Note 7