How to connect two Xiaomi phones with each other: a detailed guide with photos

Connecting two Xiaomi smartphones opens up a lot of possibilities, from fast file transfer to synchronizing notifications or even remote control. However, many users face problems when trying to connect devices — Bluetooth does not find a second phone, Mi Share gives an error, data transfer speed leaves much to be desired. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of connection, including hidden MIUI functions that work even on older models of Redmi 4X or Mi A1.

It's important to understand that the methods differ not only in speed but also in functionality, such as Wi-Fi Direct for transferring large files (video in 4K, archives), and Bluetooth for synchronizing contacts or music in the background. We tested each method on pairs of devices of different generations (Poco X3 Pro + Redmi Note 10, Mi 11 + Mi 9T) and found nuances that are not written in the official instructions.

1. Connecting via Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is the fastest way

Mi Share – Xiaomi proprietary file transfer technology that works at speeds up to 20 MB/s (in theory) In practice, speed depends on the model: on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ We got it. 12-15 MB/s, and on Poco M3 — everything 4-6 MB/s: The advantage of the method is that there are no restrictions on file sizes and support for all formats, including: APK, RAW-photo and folder with attached files.

To connect phones via Mi Share:

• 📱 Open the Files app on both devices (if not, download it from Google Play).
• 🔄 Click on the Mi Share icon in the bottom menu (or swipe up and select Send).
• 📡 On the first phone, send, on the second - receive.
• 🔍 Wait for devices to detect each other (can take up to 30 seconds).
• 📎 Select files and confirm transfer on both screens.

Turn off the power saving mode on both phones

Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (even if you only use Wi-Fi Direct)

Make sure that the latest version of MIUI is installed on the phones (update via Settings → About the phone)

Close background applications that may block transmission (such as antiviruses)

-->

An important nuance: if Mi Share doesn’t find the second phone, try to manually connect to its Wi-Fi Direct hotspot. To do this, go to Settings → Wi-Fi, find a network called DIR-XXXX (where XXXX is a unique device identifier) and connect to it.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced for European Region) Mi Share can be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings → Connections and sharing → Mi Share and turn on the slider.

Synchronization via Bluetooth: when speed is not the main thing

Bluetooth is suitable for transferring small files (up to 50 MB) or for constant synchronization – for example, to automatically copy contacts, call history or notifications. The transfer speed rarely exceeds 1-2 MB / s, but the method works even without the Internet and does not require a connection to Wi-Fi.

Instructions for connection:

1. Activate Bluetooth on both phones via the notification panel or in Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. On the first phone, click Device Search and select the second Xiaomi from the list.
3. Confirm the pairing on both devices (code must match).
4. To transfer files, open Files, select the necessary elements, tap Share → Bluetooth and select the second phone.

If Bluetooth does not find the device:

• 🔋 Check that both phones have disabled Invisible mode for other devices (in Bluetooth settings).
• 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth module: turn it off and turn it on again.
• 📱 Make sure that the distance between the phones does not exceed 10 metres (optimum — 1-2 square).
• 🛠️ Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI (11 and below) there were bugs with device detection.

Mi Share (Wi-Fi Direct)

Bluetooth

OTG cable

Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

Another way.-->

3. Using Wi-Fi Direct to transfer large files

Wi-Fi Direct is a technology that allows you to connect devices directly over Wi-Fi without a router. Unlike Mi Share, it works at the system level and supports speeds up to 50 MB / s (in practice - 20-30 MB / s), This method is ideal for transferring video to 4K, backups or firmware images.

How to connect:

1. On the first phone, open Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct (on some models, the path: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi Direct).
2. On the second phone, do the same thing.
3. On the first device, select the second phone from the list and confirm the connection.
4. You can now transfer files through any file manager (such as Files or Solid Explorer) by selecting the option to Send via Wi-Fi Direct.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 13 and later, Wi-Fi Direct can be hidden. To turn it on, activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the Version). MIUI in the phone settings, then go to Settings → Additionally. → Developer mode → Network settings and enable Wi-Fi Direct.

OTG cable connection: maximum speed and stability

If you need to transfer tens of gigabytes of data (like a backup or movie collection), the best way is to use an OTG cable (or USB-C to USB-C adapter). Speeds reach 40-60 MB/s, and the connection is independent of battery level or interference in the air.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C to USB-C (for new models or Micro-USB to USB-C (for old Redmi).
• 📱 One of the phones must support host mode (most Xiaomi since Redmi Note 5 can do this).
• 🛠️ Application for file management (for example, FX File Explorer or Total Commander).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the OTG cable to the main phone (the one that will be the host).
2. Connect the second phone to the cable. On its screen, select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
3. On the main phone, open the file manager – the second phone will appear as an external drive.
4. Copy the files as if they were a regular flash drive.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Maximum transmission speed (in) 2-3 faster than Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Does not drain the battery (unlike wireless methods).
• 📁 Supports all file formats, including system formats.

Disadvantages:

• 💰 You need to buy a cable (cost from 300) ₽).
• 🔌 Not all phones support host mode (check before buying cable).

5. Sync through Mi Account: for backups and contacts

If you don’t need to transfer files, but you need to sync contacts, notes, call history or SMS, the easiest way to use the Mi cloud is to use the Mi cloud. This method works even if the phones are in different countries – the main thing is that both are tied to the same Xiaomi account.

How to set up synchronization:

1. On both phones, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in under the same account.
2. In the same section, select Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
3. Turn on sliders opposite the data you want to sync (contacts, notes, calendar, etc.).
4. Click Sync and wait for the process to be completed.

Advantages of the method:

• ☁️ Data is available on any device with your Mi Account.
• 🔄 Automatic update (for example, an added contact on one phone will appear on the second phone via a new phone). 1-2 minute).
• 📱 It works even if the phones are turned off (data is stored in the cloud).

⚠️ Warning: The free Mi Cloud tariff only provides 5 GB of storage. If you need to sync large files (for example, photos in original quality), you will have to buy an extended tariff (from 99 GB). ₽/month).

1 Both phones have mobile internet or Wi-Fi enabled.

2. There are no active restrictions in the Mi Account settings (for example, two-factor authentication can block synchronization).

3.The Mi Cloud app version has been updated to the latest (check out Google Play).

-->

6. Alternative ways: what to do if nothing works

If the standard methods don’t work, try alternatives:

A. Use of third-party applications

• 📲 Send Anywhere – Transfer files via P2P-network (speed up to 10 MB/s).
• 📲 Xender is an analogue of Mi Share, but it works on all Android devices.
• 📲 LocalSend - open source software for transferring files over a local network (without restrictions).

B. Cloud services

• ☁️ Google Drive – upload files to one phone, download to another.
• ☁️ Telegram – Send files to yourself in Save Messages.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud – if you need to transfer a backup copy of the system.

B. Modem mode (for Internet access)

If you need to not transfer files, but distribute the Internet from one phone to another, use modem modem:

1. On the donor phone, go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Modem Modem.
2. Enable Wi-Fi Access Point and set up a password.
3. On the second phone, connect to the network you have created.

1. Both phones have VPNs and firewalls disabled (they can block the connection).

2. MIUI versions are compatible (on very old firmware, some features may not work).

3. There is no physical damage to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas (check if the phone catches the network).

-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi phones