How to connect iPad to Xiaomi phone: all ways to sync

The combination of devices from different ecosystems — Apple and Xiaomi — is often a question for users. While both brands are developing their own communication standards, there are several proven ways to organize interaction between the iPad and Xiaomi smartphone. The main problem is the differences in protocols: iOS is optimized to work with other Apple devices via AirDrop and Continuity, while iOS is optimized to work with other Apple devices. MIUI Xiaomi is focused on the ecosystem with features like Mi Share.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of connection, from classic Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct to the use of cloud services and physical cable. MIUI 14/15 iPadOS 17, And we can also bypass common errors, like device detection problems or file transfer restrictions, and if you need to quickly transfer photos, control your iPad from your smartphone, or just sync notifications, here you will find workable solutions.

Connecting via Bluetooth: The basic method for all models

The most universal way to connect is to use Bluetooth, which works on all iPad models (starting with the iPad). 2) Xiaomi smartphones (including the budget Redmi series and flagship Xiaomi) 13/14). The main advantage is that there is no need for the Internet or additional accessories, but the method has limitations: data transfer speed is low (up to a maximum of two hours). 2–3 Mbit/s) and some file types (e.g. video in 4K) may not be supported.

To connect:

• 📱 On Xiaomi: Open Settings → Bluetooth, turn on the module and make the device visible to everyone (detectable option»).
• 🍎 On iPad: Go to Settings → Bluetooth, turn on search and select your Xiaomi from the list.
• 🔑 Confirm pairing on both devices (code must match).
• 📤 To transfer files to iPad, use the Files app (Shared Access section), and on Xiaomi, use Explorer or Mi File Manager.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models with MIUI 12 and older, the Bluetooth file transfer function can be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings → Additionally. → Transfer files over Bluetooth and enable the option.

Synchronization via Bluetooth is suitable for transferring small files (photos in the Internet) JPEG, document PDF), If you need to control your iPad from a smartphone (like using it as a remote), consider specialized applications like Unified Remote.

2. Wi-Fi Direct and LAN: fast transmission without internet

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to create a direct connection between the iPad and Xiaomi without a router, at speeds up to 50-100 Mbps – this is 20-30 times faster than Bluetooth. However, setting up requires more steps, and some Xiaomi models may not support this feature due to limitations. MIUI.

Instructions for connection:

1. On Xiaomi, open Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct (on some firmwares, the path may be different: Settings) → Connections → Enable the function and remember the network name (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct, REDMI_12_XXX).
2. On iPad, go to Settings → Wi-Fi and connect to a network created by a smartphone. Password is not usually required.
3. Use any file application (such as Files by Google or Send Anywhere) to transfer data over a local network.

If Wi-Fi Direct doesn’t work, try an alternative method over a local area network:

• 🌐 Connect both devices to the same router.
• 📲 On Xiaomi, install the LocalSend app (free analogue of AirDrop for Android).
• 🖥️ On iPad, open the LocalSend web interface at http://localsend.org Or install the app from the App Store.

💡

If file transfer is interrupted, try turning off power saving on Xiaomi (in Settings). → Battery. → Performance mode. This will prevent automatic Wi-Fi shutdown in the background.

3. Cable use: USB/Type-C forward

Physical cable connectivity is the most reliable way, especially if you need to transfer tens of gigabytes of data or charge an iPad from Xiaomi (with Power Delivery support).

• 🔌 plug-in USB-C (iPad Pro, iPad Air 4/5, iPad mini 6) You can connect Xiaomi directly with Type-C via cable USB-C — USB-C.
• ⚡ iPad with Lightning (iPad) 9/10, Older models will require a Lightning adapter — USB-C + cable USB-C — USB-C.
• 📱 Xiaomi should be enabled File Transfer mode (MTP) (in the notification curtain after connection).

Step-by-step instructions for iPad with USB-C:

Connect the cable. USB-C — USB-C both-way|

The iPad will display a “Trust this computer” notification, click “Trust this computer"|

On Xiaomi, in the notification curtain, select "File Transfer" (MTP)|

Open “Conductor” on Xiaomi – iPad will appear as an external drive|

Drag the files into the folder DCIM or downloads

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⚠️ Note: iPad with iPadOS 17 and later, when you first connect to Xiaomi, you may need to unlock the device with a password (does not work with Face). ID Touch. ID Also, some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 10) do not support MTP in the host mode - in this case, you will need OTG-adapter.

If the iPad is not defined as a drive, check:

• 🔄 Cable quality (cheap cables may not support data transmission).
• 🔧 Developer settings on Xiaomi: turn on Debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
• 📋 iPad file system format: if used APFS, Some files may not be displayed on Xiaomi.

AirDrop and Alternatives: How to Get Around Apple's Limits

AirDrop is Apple's proprietary wireless file transfer technology, but it doesn't work with Android.

Method 1: Using the web version of AirDrop

Apple has recently been testing the AirDrop web interface for Windows and Android devices to use:

1. On iPad, open Settings → Mainstream → AirDrop and select "For All».
2. On Xiaomi, open your browser and go to the address https://airdrop.web.app (relevant MIUI 15 newer).
3. Scanner. QR-iPad code will generate code – scan it with Xiaomi camera.

Limitation: This method only works for photo and video transfer, with a maximum file size of 500MB.

Method 2: Apps similar to AirDrop

For a full replacement AirDrop suitable:

• 📱 Snapdrop – web service without installation, works through a browser (snapdrop.net).
• 🔄 Send Anywhere – Supports folder transfer and large files (up to 10 GB).
• 🌐 LocalSend – open-source, encryption-encrypted analogue (available on the App Store and Google Play).

5 Cloud Services: A Universal, but Internet-dependent Way

If direct connectivity methods don’t work, cloud storage comes to the rescue, with the main advantage being access to files from any device, and the minus being the dependence on Internet speed and volume restrictions (free rates usually give 5-15 GB).

The best services for syncing iPad and Xiaomi:

How to set up automatic synchronization:

1. On iPad, install the app of the selected service (e.g. Google Drive).
2. In the application settings, enable Autoupload Photos and select folders for synchronization.
3. On Xiaomi, log in to the same account via an app or browser.
4. Files downloaded from the iPad will be automatically available on the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: When using iCloud Drive on Xiaomi, avoid downloading files via the mobile Internet – Apple can block an account for suspicious activity (especially if the traffic limit is exceeded by 10 GB / day).

To speed up the transfer of large files (e.g. video) 4K):

• 📶 Connect both devices to 5 GHz Wi-Fi (speed higher than 2.4 GHz).
• ⏳ Upload files to the cloud in the background (on iPad, enable Background Update in the app settings).
• 🔗 Use the Sharing Link feature (in Google Drive or Dropbox) to avoid re-downloading.

6. Control iPad from Xiaomi smartphone: remote access

If you need to not only transfer files, but also manage your iPad from your smartphone (for example, for presentations or technical support), use specialized applications:

For the remote desktop:

• 🖥️ TeamViewer QuickSupport – support for iPadOS and MIUI, real-time screening.
• 🎮 AnyDesk – Low latency (suitable for drawing on iPad with a stylus).
• 🔄 Chrome Remote Desktop is a free option, but requires Google Chrome on both devices.

To transmit notifications and calls:

• 📞 Pushbullet – synchronization SMS Notifications and notifications (requires registration).
• 🔔 Join by joaoapps – Extended features (sending files, copying text between devices).

TeamViewer QuickSupport setup:

1. Install TeamViewer QuickSupport on your iPad from the App Store.
2. Launch the app and write it down. ID device.
3. On Xiaomi, install TeamViewer (full version) and type in ID iPad.
4. Confirm access to the iPad and then you can control it from your phone.

💡

For stable remote access, both devices must be connected to the Internet with low ping (preferably via Wi-Fi, not a mobile network).

7. Solving typical connection problems

Even with the right setup, there can be errors. Let's look at the most common ones.

Problem. 1: The devices don't find each other. Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📵 Make sure that Xiaomi has power saving disabled (it can block background processes).
• 🔍 Check what is on the iPad in Settings → Confidentiality → Geolocation services enabled for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• 📡 If you use Wi-Fi Direct, try changing your router’s Wi-Fi channel (sometimes neighboring networks interfere).

Problem 2: Files are not transferred or transmitted with errors

• 📁 Check the file format: iPad may not send files HEIC (use JPEG).
• 📶 If the transfer is interrupted, reduce the packet size (for example, archive files of 500 MB).
• 🔧 On Xiaomi in Settings → Annexes → Manage applications find the Explorer and give him all the permissions.

Problem 3: iPad is not defined as a drive when connected via cable

• 🔌 Try another cable (preferably original or certified) USB-IF).
• 🔄 On iPad in Settings → Mainstream → Reset select Network Settings Reset (does not delete data, but resets) USB-linkage).
• 📋 Make sure that Xiaomi has enabled File Transfer Mode (MTP), Not just charging.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting iPad to Xiaomi