How to sync Xiaomi phones with each other: 7 working ways

Synchronizing two Xiaomi smartphones offers a lot of opportunities, from instant file transfer to mirroring notifications and sharing mobile Internet. However, many users face problems when setting up – devices can not see each other, synchronization is interrupted or not all functions work. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of synchronization, including hidden MIUI settings, bypassing typical errors and optimization for older models.

It’s important to understand that synchronization techniques are target-specific: whether you need file transfer, screen mirroring, internet sharing, or contact/note synchronization. We’ve tested each method on devices from Redmi Note 10 Pro to Xiaomi 14 Ultra — all instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14. If you have an older firmware version, look for the alternatives section.

1. sync through Mi Account (Xiaomi Cloud)

The most reliable way to link two Xiaomi phones is to use an official Mi Account, a method that synchronizes contacts, notes, photos, call history, and even some system settings, with the main advantage of being available on any device with your account, even if one of the phones is lost.

To activate synchronization:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account on both phones.
2. Sign up with one account (if not, register).
3. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Synchronization.
4. Turn on switches for the desired data types (contacts, notes, gallery, etc.).

Synchronization through the cloud works in the background, but there are nuances:

• 📁 Photos are synced only in original quality if the option is included in the Gallery. → Settings → Synchronization with Mi Cloud.
• 📇 Contacts are duplicated with your Google account – make sure there are no conflicts.
• ⚡ Notes from the Mi Notes app are synced only if it is installed on both devices.

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If sync is hanging, try manually updating the data: open Settings → Mi Account → Sync and click Sync Now.

⚠️ Note: When you first enable gallery sync, Xiaomi can upload all photos to the cloud, including screenshots and temporary files. DCIM/.thumbnails — It can be eliminated in the synchronization settings.

2. Fast file transfer over Wi-Fi Direct

If you want to transfer files between two Xiaomi phones without Internet, use the built-in Wi-Fi Direct function. This method works 3-5 times faster than Bluetooth and does not require a connection to the router. Maximum transfer speed is up to 20 MB / s (depending on the model).

Instructions for setting:

1. On both phones, open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On the first device, click "Search for devices", on the second - confirm visibility.
3. Select the second phone in the list and confirm the connection on both screens.
4. Open Explorer (Files), select the desired files and click "Send → Wi-Fi Direct".

Wi-Fi Direct supports transmission:

• 📸 Photos and videos, including RAW-format on Xiaomi flagships 13/14).
• 🎵 Music and podcasts (without loss of quality).
• 📄 Documents (PDF, DOCX, XLSX) and APK-file.
• 🗂️ Folders (with preservation of structure).

3. Synchronization of notifications and calls

Duplication Notifications allows you to receive alerts from one Xiaomi phone to another, which is convenient if you use the second phone as a work or backup. For example, calls and SMS with the Redmi Note 12 will be duplicated on the Xiaomi 13 Pro.

How to set up:

1. On the main phone, open Settings → Connected devices → Duplicate notifications.
2. Turn on the feature and select the second phone from the list (the devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network).
3. On the second phone, confirm the connection.
4. In the duplication settings, select the types of notifications: calls, SMS, instant messengers.

Limitations of function:

• 🔔 It only works for standard notifications (does not support WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers).
• 📞 Calls are duplicated only if both phones are connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Significantly consumes the battery (up to 15-20% per day with active use).

4. Mobile Internet Sharing (Hotspot 2.0)

If you have limited traffic or weak signal on one of the phones, you can set up an automatic connection to the access point of the second device. Unlike a standard hotspot, this method allows Xiaomi phones to “negotiate” among themselves about the priority of the connection.

Algorithm of settings:

1. On your phone with the Internet, open Settings → Access Point and modem → Access Point settings.
2. Set a password and enable Auto Connect for Xiaomi devices.
3. On the second phone, go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Autoconnect to the Xiaomi hotspot.
4. Select the first phone from the list and confirm the connection.

An important nuance: if the main phone is power-saving, the access point can shut down after 5-10 minutes without activity. To avoid this, add the Settings app to exclude battery optimization (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

⚠️ Note: When using shared Internet on the handset, the ability to call VoLTE is disabled. If you care about calls, use an alternative method - Bluetooth Internet (described in the next section).

5. Synchronization via Bluetooth (hidden capabilities)

The Bluetooth in Xiaomi phones is more than just transferring files.

• 🌐 Distribute Internet (slower than Wi-Fi, but more cost-effective for the battery).
• 📱 Control music and camera from another phone.
• 🔄 Synchronize clipboard (copy text on one phone – paste on another).

How to set up a Bluetooth Internet:

1. On your phone with the Internet, turn on Bluetooth and the access point (Settings → Access Point and modem).
2. On the second phone, connect to the first device’s access point via Wi-Fi.
3. Now in the Bluetooth settings on the second phone will appear the option to Connect to the Internet – activate it.

To synchronize the exchange buffer:

1. Install the Mi Clipboard app on both phones (available in GetApps).
2. Turn on Bluetooth and connect the devices.
3. Copy text on one phone – it will automatically appear in the buffer of the second.

Both phones are upgraded to MIUI 12+

Bluetooth is enabled in "Visible to All" mode

Power saving mode is off on phones

Mi Clipboard is installed (for clipboard)

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6. Synchronization of notes and calendar

The Mi Notes app and Xiaomi Calendar support synchronization via Mi Account, but there are nuances:

• 📝 Notes are synchronized only in text format – attached images and drawings are not saved.
• 📅 The calendar duplicates events with Google Calendar if it is connected.
• 🔒 Encrypted notes require a separate password (set in Mi Notes). → Settings → Security).

If the standard synchronization does not work:

1. Check that both phones have the latest version of Mi Notes installed (update via GetApps).
2. In the Mi Account settings, turn off and enable synchronization of notes again.
3. Clear the app cache (Settings → Applications → Mi Notes → Storage → Clear the cache).

7. Alternative methods (for older models)

If you have Xiaomi phones older than 2019 (Redmi 7, Mi 8, etc.), some sync features may not work.

• 📲 ShareMe app (built-in MIUI) — Transfer files over Wi-Fi without size restrictions.
• 🌥️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk) – for backup of contacts and photos.
• 🔌 OTG-cable – physical connection of phones to transfer large files.

For the Redmi 4/5 and older models:

1. Update the firmware to MIUI 11+ (if available).
2. Use Xender or Send Anywhere to transfer files – these applications are more stable than built-in tools.
3. To sync contacts, export them to the VCF file (Contacts → Settings → Export) and import them on the second phone.

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On Xiaomi phones from 2018 to 2019 (for example, Mi 9, Redmi Note 7), the Wi-Fi Direct function may not work stable. FTP-server via Mi File Manager (Install "Remote Access").

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronization Xiaomi