Synchronizing Xiaomi devices with each other provides access to convenient features: automatic file transfer, shared clipboard, notification synchronization, and even remote control. However, many users face problems when setting up, from connection errors to broken Mi Cloud services. In this article, we will analyze all the current synchronization methods (including hidden MIUI functions), explain the differences between methods and provide solutions for typical errors.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi offers several independent synchronization mechanisms, each of which solves its own tasks. For example, Mi Account binds devices to one account for backup, and Xiaomi Quick Transfer (formerly Mi Share) runs on Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct for instant file sharing. We tested all methods on devices with MIUI 14/15 (including Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13 and POCO F5) and identified key nuances that are not mentioned in the official guides.
1. sync through Mi Account (Xiaomi Cloud)
The most versatile way is to use a single Mi Account, which allows you to synchronize contacts, notes, photos, call history and even some of the system settings, the main advantage is that data is available on all devices, even after you reset or replace your smartphone.
To activate synchronization:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Mi Account on both devices.
- 🔑 Sign in with one account (if not, register through Settings). → Account. → Create an account).
- ☁️ Go to Mi Cloud. → Synchronize and enable the necessary options (contacts, notes, gallery, etc.).
- 🔄 Click Sync Now for Forced Data Update.
Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 Photos are synchronized only in compressed form (originals - on request).
- 📶 Requires a stable Internet connection (better Wi-Fi).
- 📁 Not all applications support cloud sync (e.g., cloud sync, SMS not reserved).
Fast file transfer (Mi Share / Nearby Share)
For instant file sharing between Xiaomi devices, the feature is Quick Transfer (old versions of MIUI - Mi Share), it works on the Wi-Fi Direct protocol (without connecting to the router) and supports transfer at speeds up to 20 MB / s (on tests with Redmi Note 12 Pro + and Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
Instructions for use:
- Activate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
- Open Files → Transfer (or select files in the gallery and click Share).
- Select Quick Transfer in the list of options.
- On the second device, confirm the receipt of the file in the notification.
Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices
Make sure there is enough space on the devices
Disable power saving mode (may interrupt transmission)
Close background applications that use the network (torrents, downloads)
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Tips for speeding up transmission:
- 📶 Move the devices closer together (maximum 5 meters).
- 🔋 Connect both smartphones to charging – this will prevent Wi-Fi shutdown due to energy saving.
- 📁 For large files (>1GB) break them down into archives of 500MB.
⚠️ Note: If the transmission is interrupted by 99%, try turning off Adaptive Brightness in screen settings.This feature sometimes conflicts with Wi-Fi Direct on devices with a high-performance screen. AMOLED-display.
3. Synchronization through a local network (FTP/HTTP)
For advanced users, Xiaomi offers built-in FTP-A server that allows you to share files over a local network without the cloud, and this method is useful for transferring large amounts of data (for example, backups or video files). 4K).
How to set up:
- Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On the server device, open the files → Network disk → FTP-server.
- Write down the address of the view ftp://192.168.x.x:2221 and entry data.
- On the second device, use any device. FTP-client (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer for connection.
| Method | Speed. | Limitations | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | Up to 5MB/s | Traffic Limit, File Compression | Backup, synchronization of contacts |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Up to 20MB/s | Distance up to 5 m, battery discharge | Fast transfer of files between devices |
| FTP over Wi-Fi | Up to 10MB/s | Requires settings, one network | Transfer of large files (>1 GB) |
| Bluetooth | Up to 1 MB/s | Slow speed, size limit | Transfer of small files (contacts, notes) |
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If FTP-The server is not running, check if it is blocked by an antivirus (for example, Avast or 360 Security.
4. Synchronization of notifications and clipboards
The cross-deviced clipboard feature allows you to copy text or links on one Xiaomi device and paste on another.
- Go to Settings → Special features → Cross-deviced clipboard.
- Enable the option and log in under one Mi Account.
- On the second device, perform the same actions.
How to synchronize notifications:
- 📱 Notifications from one device are duplicated by another (e.g, SMS or messages from Telegram).
- 🔔 You can respond to notifications directly from the second device (supported WhatsApp, Viber, SMS).
- ⚙️ Settings: Settings → Notifications → Cross-arranged notifications.
⚠️ Note: Clipboard synchronization works only between devices with MIUI 12 and later, on older versions (e.g, MIUI (11) the function may be absent or may not function in a stable manner.
5. Remote Device Control (Mi Remote)
A little-known feature called Mi Remote allows you to control one Xiaomi device from another via a local network.
- 🎵 Control music playback on Xiaomi Pad 6 from a smartphone.
- 📸 Take a photo on the Redmi Note 12 Pro with the help of POCO F4 (Like Bluetooth, but without delay).
- 🔍 Manage the presentation on Xiaomi Mi Notebook from a smartphone.
How to set up:
- Make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On a managed device, enable Settings → Connections and Sharing → Remote management.
- On the control device, open the Remote Control App (download from the App Store if not available).
- Select the target device from the list.
List of supported devices for Mi Remote
6. Solving synchronization problems
If Xiaomi devices are not synced, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Devices can’t see each other on Wi-Fi Direct | Conflict IP-address or energy saving | Reboot both devices, turn off the power saving mode |
| Mi Cloud does not sync photos | Not enough space in the cloud or slow internet | Clean up unnecessary files or buy extra space |
| FTP-server not running | Blocking with a firewall or antivirus | Add com.android.fileexplorer to the exceptions of antivirus |
| The exchange buffer is not synchronized | Different versions MIUI or Mi Account is disabled | Update both devices to the latest version of MIUI |
Common errors and their codes:
- Error 40305 – Mi Account login problem (try login and login again)
- Error 10008: Exceeds the Mi Cloud traffic limit (clean up the cloud or wait until next month).
- Connection failed (12) – Wi-Fi Direct conflict with the router (switch to mobile data on one of the devices).
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If neither method works, reset the network settings on both devices: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. This will delete all the saved networks, but often solves connection problems.
7. Alternative synchronization methods
If Xiaomi’s standard methods don’t work, consider third-party solutions:
- 🌐 Google Account: syncs contacts, calendar, email and part of settings. Setup: Settings → Accounts. → Google.
- 📁 Syncthing: Open source software for synchronizing files over a local network without the cloud.
- 🔗 Pushbullet: transferring files, notifications, and messages between devices (including PCs).
- 💾 Resilio Sync: P2P-Synchronization of large files (similar to BitTorrent Sync).
Comparison with native Xiaomi features:
- ✅ Pros: They often work more stable, especially on older devices.
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To synchronize notes between Xiaomi and iPhone, use Simplenote or Evernote – they support cross-platform synchronization without being tied to the ecosystem.