The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to saved passwords from social networks, email, banking applications and other important services. Many users face the problem of how to transfer all this data quickly, safely and without loss? Unlike contacts or photos, passwords are often stored in secure areas of the system, and their migration requires a special approach.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer passwords, from standard solutions through Google Account to manual export/import using third-party tools. We will focus on the nuances of working with Xiaomi devices (including models on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), where the process may differ from โpureโ Android.
Before you start, make sure that both devices are synced (if you use cloud services) and you have backups of critical passwords. Next, step-by-step instructions for each method.
1. Password transfer via Google Smart Lock (the easiest way)
If your old Android smartphone has Google Account sync enabled, most of the passwords are already saved in Google Password Manager, which works on all Android 9+ devices, including Xiaomi, and does not require additional apps to be installed.
To move the passwords:
- ๐ On your old phone, check that password sync is enabled: go to Settings โ Google โ Managing a Google Account โ Security โ Passwords. All stored data should be displayed here.
- ๐ฑ On the new Xiaomi, add the same Google Account when you first enable or through Settings. โ Accounts and synchronization.
- ๐ Wait until sync is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes). Passwords will automatically be pulled into Settings. โ Passwords and security โ Passwords.
Important: This method does not carry passwords from some apps (e.g. banking) if they were saved through MIUI autocomplete rather than Google. Also check that the new device has Autocomplete โ Autocomplete โ Google.
2.Export passwords through Mi Account (for Xiaomi users)
Xiaomi devices offer their own password manager tied to the Mi Account. If both of your phones are from Xiaomi, this method may be more convenient than Google. However, it has a limitation: passwords are synced only between devices with MIUI 12+ or HyperOS.
Instructions:
- On the old Xiaomi, open Settings โ Passwords and Security โ Passwords.
- Enable synchronization with Mi Account (requires confirmation of the SMS email).
- On the new device, log in to the same Mi Account and wait for sync (reboot may be required).
โ ๏ธ Note: If you reset your old phone to factory settings before password transfer, the data will be lost irrevocably.Mi Account does not store backups of passwords on servers - they are only synchronized between active devices.
Sign in to Mi Account on both devices
Check out the MIUI/HyperOS version (should be 12+)
Enable password synchronization in settings
Connect both phones to Wi-Fi-->
3. Manually export passwords via Chrome (for tech-savvy)
If you use Google Chrome to save passwords, they can be exported to a file and then imported to a new device, a method that is suitable for users who want to have a local copy of passwords or transfer data to a device without Google services.
Steps for export:
- On your old phone, open Chrome, go to the โฎ โ Settings โ Passwords. โ โฎ โ Password exports.
- Confirm the action through PIN-File passwords.csv will be saved in the Download folder.
- Transfer the file to the new Xiaomi (for example, via Mi Share or the cloud).
- Import passwords back to Chrome on your new device: Settings โ Passwords. โ โฎ โ Imports.
Warning: Passwords.csv contains passwords in plain form. Delete it after import to avoid data leakage. Also note that some applications (such as Mi Browser) do not support importing passwords from CSV.
What if Chrome doesnโt show you an export option?
4.Use of third-party password managers (1Password, Bitwarden, KeePass)
Third-party password managers like 1Password, Bitwarden, or KeePass offer the most flexible and secure ways to transfer data.
- ๐ You want to store your passwords in encrypted form;
- ๐ฑ Transfer data between different platforms (Android) โ iOS โ Xiaomi);
- ๐ก๏ธ Looking for additional features (password generator, two-factor authentication).
Example of transfer via Bitwarden:
- Install Bitwarden on both devices.
- On an old phone, import passwords from Google Chrome or Mi Account via Settings โ Import.
- Sync your data with the Bitwarden cloud.
- On the new Xiaomi, log in to your Bitwarden account and enable autocomplete in your system settings.
| Password manager | Free fare | Support for MIUI/HyperOS | Exports/imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitwarden | Yes (with limitations) | Complete. | CSV, JSON |
| 1Password | No (14 days trial) | Complete. | 1PIF, CSV |
| KeePass | Yes. | Requires manual tuning | KDBX |
| LastPass | Yes (restricted from 2023) | Complete. | CSV |
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If you choose KeePass, use the KeePassDX app for Android โ it integrates better with autocomplete in MIUI and supports fingerprint scanning.
5. Password transfer via MIUI backup (for advanced users)
Xiaomi devices allow you to create local backups of the system, including some password data, which is suitable if both phones are from Xiaomi and you do not want to use cloud services. However, it requires caution: improper recovery can lead to conflicts in the system.
Instructions:
- On the old Xiaomi go to Settings โ About Phone โ Backup and Reset โ Local Backup.
- Select System Data and make sure that the Password and Security item is marked.
- Create a backup (the file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder).
- Transfer the file to the new Xiaomi and restore it through the same settings section.
โ ๏ธ Note: This method does not carry all passwords, only those that were saved through standard means. MIUI. Passwords from applications that use their own storage mechanisms (for example, VKontakte or SberBank Online) will not be transferred. MIUI/HyperOS โ This can cause system failures.
6. Alternative methods: ADB and manual file copying
For users with root rights or unlocked bootloaders, there is the option of transferring passwords through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or direct copying of system files, a method not recommended for beginners, as it requires technical knowledge and can disrupt the system.
If you are using ADB, then:
- Connect your old phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in Settings โ For Developers.
- Follow the command to create a backup: adb backup -f passwords.ab -apk com.android.providers.settings -apk com.miui.securitycenter
- Restore your backup to your new device: adb restore passwords.ab
Note that this method may not work on newer versions of MIUI/HyperOS due to changes in the storage structure, and some passwords (such as those from Mi Account) are stored in encrypted form and cannot be manually transferred.
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For most users, synchronization via Google or Mi Account is the best solution, and methods with ADB and manual file copying should only be used in extreme cases and with experience with Android systems.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When transferring passwords, users often face typical preventable problems:
- ๐ซ No backup: Always save passwords manually (like a notebook) before resetting your old phone.
- ๐ Version incompatibility MIUI: If it's on an old phone. MIUI 11, and the new one is HyperOS, the sync through Mi Account may not work properly.
- ๐ Account lock: If you frequently enter incorrect passwords, Mi Account or Google may block access. Use two-factor authentication to restore.
- ๐ฑ Incorrect autocomplete settings: On the new Xiaomi, check that in Settings โ Additionally. โ Language and input โ Autocomplete is the correct service (Google or Mi).
If the passwords are not displayed after the transfer:
- Reset the device.
- Check your internet connection (synchronization may require an active connection).
- Update Google Play Services and Mi Security Center to the latest versions.