Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are often faced with the need to quickly transfer photos or videos to another device. Standard methods via instant messengers compress quality, and Bluetooth is painfully slow. It is for these purposes that the company has developed its own solution, which has become an ecosystem standard. Let's look in detail at the app and why it deserves the attention of users. Mi Drop for Android, what is it? Initially, it was a built-in application that uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to create a direct communication channel between gadgets. The transfer speed in this mode can reach 20 MB/s and higher, which is tens of times faster than classic Bluetooth. The main advantage is that there is no need to connect to the Internet: devices connect to each other directly, forming a local network. Mi Drop for Android what is it for the app and why it deserves the attention of users.
Initially Mi Drop was a built-in application that uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to create a direct communication channel between gadgets. The transfer speed in this mode can reach 20 MB/s and higher, which is tens of times faster than classic Bluetooth. The main advantage is that there is no need to connect to the Internet: devices connect to each other directly, forming a local network.
Over time, the functionality of the application has expanded, and the name has changed to a more international one - ShareMe. However, the essence remains the same: it is a tool for instantly exchanging data of any volume without loss of quality. Understanding the principles of operation of this utility will help you forget about cables and cloud storage when transferring content within the same room.
The essence of the technology and main capabilities
The app is based on a protocol Wi-Fi Direct, which allows devices to detect each other and exchange data without the participation of a router. When you initiate a transfer, the smartphone creates a temporary hotspot or connects to the recipient's existing network. This provides high channel throughput, sufficient to transfer even heavy 4K video files in a matter of seconds.
The modern version of the application, known as ShareMe, supports not only transfer between Xiaomi phones. The developers have implemented protocol support FTP, which turns your smartphone into a full-fledged file server. By connecting your computer to the same Wi-Fi network, you can access your phone's memory through Windows Explorer by simply entering the address that the application will return.
⚠️ Attention: When using FTP mode, make sure you are connected to a secure home Wi-Fi network. In public access points (cafes, airports), this mode may make your data vulnerable to interception.
Another important feature is the ability to accept files from users of other brands. To do this, it is not necessary to install the full application on the sender's device. It is enough to generate QR code or a link that the recipient can open in a browser. This makes the process universal and independent of the sender's operating system, be it iOS or another version of Android.
Name evolution: from Mi Drop to ShareMe
Many users are wondering where the familiar application has gone and why a new icon appears in the menu. Xiaomi has rebranded the service, renaming Mi Drop to ShareMe. This change was driven by the desire to make the name more understandable to a global audience and emphasize the content sharing function.
Despite the change in signage, the internal code and operating algorithms remained virtually unchanged for basic functions. Older versions may still work on some devices, but they do not receive security updates or new features such as an improved compression algorithm or support for new formats. Therefore, it is more logical to use the current version Mi Drop may still work on some devices, but they do not receive security updates or new features such as an improved compression algorithm or support for new formats. Therefore, it is more logical to use the current version ShareMe, which is pre-installed on all new smartphones of the brand.
If your device does not have this application for some reason, you can freely download it from the official store Google Play. This ensures that you get a clean version of the app without built-in advertising or malicious modules, which are often found in third-party builds on forums.
If you updated the firmware and did not find the application, try searching in your phone settings by entering "ShareMe" or "Mi Drop". Sometimes the shortcut is hidden in the "Tools" folder.
Step-by-step guide for transferring files
The process of sending data is intuitive and takes minimal time. The first thing you need to do is open the application on both devices: the one from which you are sending, and the one that will receive data. The interface is made in proprietary orange and white tones, characteristic of the shell MIUI.
On the sending device you need to select the files that you want to transfer. These could be photos, videos, music, documents, or even installed applications. Once selected, press the button Send at the bottom of the screen. The application will begin scanning the airwaves in search of available devices.
- 📱 Make sure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on on both phones.
- 🔓 Unlock the screen of the receiving device so that it can detect the signal.
- ✅ Confirm the request for connection, which will appear on the recipient’s screen.
- 📂 Wait until the progress bar ends without minimizing the application.
It is important to note that stable operation does not require a mobile data connection. Traffic is transmitted exclusively over the local channel. If the transfer freezes, try turning Wi-Fi off and on again on both devices, or restarting the application itself through the multitasking menu.
☑️ Preparing for bulk transfer
Using FTP server mode
One of the most powerful features that users often ignore is the ability to work in FTP servermode. This option allows you to manage your smartphone files directly from your computer without having to connect a USB cable. This is especially convenient when working with large archives of photos or when backing up data.
To activate the mode, you need to go to the application, select the item Connect to computer and press the button Launch. The system will prompt you to select the type of protection: without a password (open access) or with a password. If you select protection, you will be asked to enter a combination of numbers that you will need to indicate on the PC.
ftp://192.168.1.15:2121After launch, the phone screen will display the address that must be entered into the address bar of any file manager on the computer (for example, “My Computer” in Windows). As soon as you enter the address, the contents of the internal memory and SD card will become available for editing, copying and deleting.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone via FTP?
Make sure that the computer and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Often the problem occurs when one device is on the guest network and the other is on the main network. Also check your Windows Firewall settings, which may be blocking incoming connections on port 2121.
Comparison with alternative transmission methods
To understand the place Mi Drop in the user's arsenal, it is useful to compare it with other popular methods of data exchange. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, depending on the specific situation and the type of files being transferred.
| Transfer method | Speed | Network dependence | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Drop (ShareMe) | High (up to 20 MB/s) | Not required | High |
| Bluetooth | Low (up to 0.3 MB/s) | Not required | Medium |
| Messengers | Average (depending on the Internet) | Required | High (but compression) |
| USB cable | Very high | Not required | Low (cable required) |
As can be seen from the table, Mi Drop beats Bluetooth tens of times in speed and does not require the Internet, unlike instant messengers. However, it offers wireless convenience that the cable method lacks. The only caveat is the need to install the application on devices of different brands, although this problem is solved through the web interface.
For owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem, using a native application is the most logical choice. Integration with the system allows you to call the transfer function directly from the gallery or file manager through the menu Sharewhich saves time on launching a separate app.
Mi Drop (ShareMe) is the optimal balance between transfer speed and ease of use, especially for large files where messengers compress quality and Bluetooth too slow.
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the stability of operation, users may encounter situations where the transfer does not start or is interrupted in the middle. Most often, the problem lies in energy saving settings or a network protocol conflict. If the application does not see another device, first check if airplane mode is turned on.
Another common cause of failures is the use of different Wi-Fi frequencies. Some older smartphone models only operate in the 2.4 GHz band, while newer ones can be connected to 5 GHz. Although Wi-Fi Direct technology should mitigate this difference, in rare cases it causes pairing difficulties. Try temporarily switching both devices to the same frequency through the settings of the router or access point.
⚠️ Attention: If the transfer is interrupted by 99%, do not delete the files immediately. Often this is a software glitch in displaying progress, and the file is actually already saved in the folderMIUI/screenshotorDCIM. Please check the file before resending.
It is also worth mentioning the compatibility of Android versions. On very old versions of the operating system (below Android 5.0), new versions ShareMe may not work correctly or may not start at all. In this case, it makes sense to find and install an archived version Mi Drop, specially optimized for older OS releases.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu location may vary depending on the MIUI version and regional firmware. If you do not find the described function, use the search inside the phone settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer files from iPhone to Xiaomi via Mi Drop?
Yes, it is possible. For iPhone, you need to download the application Zapya or use the web version by generating a QR code on your Xiaomi phone. However, there is no native support for AirDrop between iOS and Android, so the process may require additional steps to install the software on your Apple device.
Is it safe to transfer personal photos through this application?
Yes, the transmission occurs over a secure local Wi-Fi Direct channel without access to the global network. The data does not pass through Xiaomi or third party servers, which guarantees confidentiality. The risk of interception is minimal and is only possible if the attacker is in close proximity to professional equipment.
Why does the application require access to contacts and SMS?
These permissions are required for the quick contact search function so that you can send files to friends who also have the application installed, without manually searching for the device. Access to SMS may be requested for verification or synchronization of message backups, but these functions can be disabled in the access rights settings.
Where are received files saved?
By default, all received files are saved in a folder FileExplorer/MiDrop in the internal memory of the device. Photos and videos are also copied in standard Gallery albums. The path to the folder can be changed in the settings of the application itself in the "Save folder" section.
Is it possible to transfer installed applications?
Yes, ShareMe allows you to transfer APK files of installed apps. In this case, the application itself is not transferred, but only its installation package. The recipient will need to manually allow installation from unknown sources in order to run the transferred app.