How to transfer files from phone to phone via Wi-Fi on Xiaomi: all working methods

Transferring files between smartphones Xiaomi Wireless is one of the most convenient ways to exchange data when there is no cable or mobile internet at hand. Unlike traditional Bluetooth, transmission by Wi-Fi Direct or local network works many times faster (up to 10-50 MB/s against 1-2 MB/s Bluetooth 4.0) and does not require additional adapters. However, not all users know that the devices Xiaomi eat right away Five built-in wireless sharing methods — from standard Mi Share to hidden features in the developer menu.

In this article, we'll examine each method, taking into account the nuances: which file formats are supported, how to bypass data transfer size limits, and why speed sometimes drops to zero. We'll pay special attention to setting up a direct Wi-Fi connection (without a router), since this mode most often raises questions. If you tried to transfer a video with a weight 1+ GB and encountered the error "Failed to send file", you will find a solution here.

Before you proceed with the instructions, please check two things: 1. It's enabled on both phones. Wi-Fi (no network connection required). 2. The battery charge level is higher 15% - when the battery is low Xiaomi Automatically limits background processes, including file transfers.

1. Mi Share (Xiaomi's built-in feature)

Mi Share - brand protocol from Xiaomi, optimized for file transfer between brand devices (including Redmi And POCO). Powered by Wi-Fi Direct, but with improved connection stability. The main advantage is the lack of file size limits (unlike Bluetooth) and support for batch transfers (for example, an entire photo gallery at once).

To take advantage Mi Share, follow the steps:

1. On the sender's phone, open the app Files (or Gallery, if you are transmitting media).

2. Select the files you want → click Share → select Mi Share.

3. On the receiving phone, open the notification panel and tap on the pop-up window Receive files via Mi Share.

4. Confirm the connection on both devices (a message will appear QR code for verification).

The transfer speed depends on the phone model:

• 📱 Xiaomi 12/13 series, Redmi Note 11/12: to 40-50 MB/s (Wi-Fi 6).
• 📱 Xiaomi 11 series, POCO F3/F4: 20-30 MB/s (Wi-Fi 5).
• 📱 Old models (Redmi 9, Mi A3): 5-15 MB/s (Wi-Fi 4).

Disable power saving mode|Close background apps (especially instant messaging apps)|Make sure the recipient has enough free space|Check that the Wi-Fi is not connected to another network-->

⚠️ Attention: If the transfer is interrupted on files of size > 500 MB, try splitting them into parts using an archiver (for example, ZArchiver). In some firmware MIUI There is a bug with the memory buffer when working with large files.

2. Local network via FTP server (without Internet)

If Mi Share does not work (for example, due to different versions MIUI), you can arrange the transfer via FTP server, built in XiaomiThis method is suitable for transferring large amounts of data (such as backups or movies) and does not require a connection to a router—the phone creates its own local network.

Instructions:

1. On the sender's phone, open Settings → Connections → Advanced → Local Network (or Transferring files via FTP in older versions MIUI).

2. Activate the switch FTP server → write down the displayed IP address (For example, ftp://192.168.43.1:2221).

3. On the receiving phone, connect to the Wi-Fi network created by the first phone (the network name will start with Xiaomi_...).

4. Open any file manager (for example, ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer) → enter the IP address from point 2 → copy the required files.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Possibility of selective upload (no need to send everything at once).
• 📁 Support for folders and nested structures.
• 🔒 There are no file size limits (unlike instant messengers).

3. Transfer via Nearby Share

From 2023 Xiaomi began to integrate into MIUI function Nearby Share (analogue AirDrop from Apple), which works not only between devices Xiaomi, but also with others Android-smartphones (for example, Samsung or Google Pixel). This method is convenient if you need to send files to a friend's phone with a different brand.

How to use:

1. Make sure both phones are turned on. Wi-Fi And Bluetooth.

2. On the sender's phone, select files → Share → Fast shipping.

3. A notification will appear on the recipient's phone - tap Accept.

4. Confirm the connection (you may be asked to enter your PIN).

Restrictions Nearby Share:

• ⚠️ Maximum file size — 2 GB (in contrast to Mi Share).
• ⚠️ The speed is lower than Wi-Fi Direct (near 10-20 MB/s).
• ⚠️ On some models Xiaomi The function is hidden - it needs to be updated MIUI before version 13.0.5+.

Why is Nearby Share slower than Mi Share?

The feature uses a combination of Bluetooth (for device discovery) and Wi-Fi (for transmission). Switching between protocols takes time, so speeds are lower than with pure Wi-Fi Direct.

4. Using third-party applications (Xender, Send Anywhere)

If built-in methods do not work (for example, due to different versions MIUI or hardware limitations), you can use third-party applications. The most reliable options for Xiaomi:

• 📲 Xender - supports transmission speeds up to 40 MB/s, there is a function Connect to PC for exchange with a computer.
• 📲 Send Anywhere — generates 6-digit code or QR code for fast connection, no file size limit.
• 📲 LocalSend - open analogue AirDrop with transmission encryption (suitable for confidential data).

Example of transfer via Send Anywhere:

1. Install the application on both phones.

2. On the sender, select files → click Send → select Without Internet (Wi-Fi Direct).

3. On the recipient, click Get → Scan the QR code or enter the 6-digit key.

⚠️ Attention: In apps like Xender Sometimes ads appear that interrupt the transfer. Before sending large files, turn off your mobile data to avoid loading banners.

Mi Share|FTP Server|Nearby Share|Third-party apps (Xender, etc.)|Bluetooth-->

5. Transmission via an access point (if there is no router)

If none of the previous methods worked, you can arrange a transfer via access point on one of the phones. This method is universal, but requires a little more steps. It is suitable for transferring files between Xiaomi and other brands (for example, iPhone or Huawei).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on the sender's phone modem mode: Settings → Connections → Tethering & Hotspot → Wi-Fi Hotspot.

2. Remember the network name and password (or set your own).

3. Connect the second phone to this hotspot.

4. Use any transfer method:

   • 📎 Send files via Telegram (saving them as "Favorites").
   • 📎 Upload files to the cloud (e.g. Mi Cloud or Google Drive) and download it to the second phone.
   • 📎 Use FTP server (as in Section 2).

Advantages of the method:

• 🌐 Works with any device (including iOS And Windows).
• 🔄 You can transfer files in both directions simultaneously.

Flaws:

• ⚠️ Battery consumption is higher (the phone works as a router).
• ⚠️ Speed ​​depends on the Wi-Fi version (on Xiaomi With Wi-Fi 4 — to 10 MB/s).

6. Hidden Features: Wi-Fi Direct in the Developer Menu

In some firmware MIUI (especially on older models like Redmi 5 or Mi 8) standard transfer methods may not work due to bugs. In this case, you can manually activate Wi-Fi Direct through developer menu.

How to enable:

1. Activate developer mode: go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times MIUI version.

2. Return to Settings → Advanced → For developers.

3. Find the option Wi-Fi Direct (or Wi-Fi P2P) and turn it on.

4. Now, when you swipe down in the notification panel, a button will appear Wi-Fi Direct - Tap it to search for devices.

Once activated, you will be able to transfer files via any file manager (for example, Total Commander), selecting the option Send via Wi-Fi Direct.

⚠️ Attention: On new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) option Wi-Fi Direct may not be present in the developer menu - it is used instead Mi Share.

Comparison of speed and reliability of methods

To choose the optimal transfer method, please refer to this table:

For maximum speed, choose Mi Share or FTP serverIf you need to send files to a non-Xiaomi device, Send Anywhere or Nearby Share.

Common mistakes and their solutions

If file transfers are interrupted or do not start, check these points:

• 🔌 Devices do not see each other:
  • Make sure both phones are turned on. Wi-Fi (no network connection required).
  • Restart both devices - sometimes resetting network settings helps.
  • On older models (Redmi 4, Mi 6) may need to be updated MIUI to the latest version.
• 🚫 Error "Failed to send file":
  • Check the free space on the recipient (there should be at least 10% larger than the file size).
  • If the file weighs > 1 GB, split it into parts using an archiver.
  • Disable your VPN - it may be blocking local connections.
• 🐢 Slow transfer speed:
  • Make sure there are no sources of interference nearby (microwaves, other routers on the channel 2.4 GHz).
  • Switch to the channel 5 GHz (if both phones support Wi-Fi 5/6).
  • Close background apps that consume traffic (for example, YouTube or TikTok).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer files between Xiaomi and iPhone via Wi-Fi?

Yes, but not through Mi Share. Use:

• Send Anywhere or Xender (cross-platform applications).
• Access point + cloud (iCloud or Google Drive).
• AirDrop (only if on Xiaomi installed MIUI 14+ with support Nearby Share).

The speed will be lower than between the two Xiaomi (near 5-15 MB/s).

Why can't Mi Share find the second phone?

Reasons and solutions:

• 📵 Wi-Fi is off - turn it on on both devices (network connection is not required).
• 🔄 Different versions of MIUI - update the firmware to the latest stable version.
• 🛡️ The firewall is blocking the connection - disable your antivirus or add Mi Share in exceptions.
• 📡 Interference from other networks — go to a room without active Wi-Fi routers.

If nothing helps, use FTP server or Send Anywhere.

How to transfer files larger than 4GB?

Built-in tools Xiaomi (Mi Share, Nearby Share) do not have strict size restrictions, but errors may occur due to:

• 🔋 Lack of RAM - Close all applications before transferring.
• 💾 File system fragmentation - move the file to the internal memory (not the SD card).
• 🔌 File system limitations - if you use FTP, format the flash drive to exFAT (supports files > 4 GB).

For reliability, archive the file by dividing it into volumes 2 GB (for example, through 7-Zip or RAR).

Is it possible to transfer files between Xiaomi and a computer via Wi-Fi?

Yes, the following will work for this:

• FTP server (built in MIUI) - connect to it via Windows Explorer (enter ftp://IP address).
• Xender — there is a mode in the application Connect to PC (scan the QR code from your phone screen).
• Mi Drop (outdated solution, but works on MIUI 10-12) — uploads files to a temporary server, from which they can be downloaded to a PC.

The transfer speed to a PC will be higher than to another phone (up to 70 MB/s when connecting to a router 5 GHz).

How to speed up file transfers over Wi-Fi?

Speed ​​optimization:

• 📶 Switch to 5 GHz - if both phones support Wi-Fi 5/6, in the router (or access point) settings, select the range 5 GHz.
• 🔌 Turn off power saving - V Settings → Battery add Mi Share or file manager in exceptions.
• 📱 Use archiving — one large archive is transferred faster than hundreds of small files.
• 🚫 Close background applications — especially torrents, streaming services and instant messengers.

If the speed is still low, check if the phone is overheating - if it is overheating Xiaomi automatically reduces the performance of the Wi-Fi module.