Mi Mover on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide to transfer data from an old smartphone

If you recently purchased a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone and are faced with the task of transferring contacts, photos, messages and applications from an old device, the standard Mi Mover app will be your main assistant. This tool from Xiaomi is specially designed for painless data migration between devices, including the transition from iOS to Android. However, many users are faced with the questions: how exactly does Mi Mover work, what data is supported, and why does the process sometimes end in error?

In this article, we will take Mi Mover on Xiaomi Redmi in detail, from basic operating principles to solving typical problems, how to prepare both devices for portability, what file formats are supported, and what to do if the application “does not see” the old device, and pay special attention to the hidden limitations of Mi Mover, which are not written in the official instructions – for example, why some applications do not portable even if the rest of the data is successfully migrated.

What is Mi Mover and why is it needed?

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi, preinstalled on all smartphones of the brand (including the Redmi line, POCO Its main goal is to make it easier to transfer data when you change devices, whether it’s switching from Android to Android or even from iPhone to Xiaomi. Unlike third-party solutions like SHAREit or Google Drive, Mi Mover is optimized for the ecosystem. MIUI and takes into account its characteristics.

The application works on the principle P2P (peer-to-peer, meaning that data is transferred directly between devices via Wi-Fi Direct, without the need to connect to the Internet or cloud services, which speeds up the process and reduces the risk of personal information leakage. However, Mi Mover has limitations, for example, it does not carry passwords from applications or set up some system functions.

• 📱 Supported devices: all smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO on MIUI 9 and newer, and also devices on Android 5.0+ iOS 9.0+.
• 🔄 Data types: contacts, messages (SMS/MMS), Photos, video, audio files, calendars, notes, call history, some system settings.
• ⚠️ Restrictions: Wi-Fi passwords, data from some applications (such as WhatsApp or banking applications), files from the Internet are not portable DRM-protection.

It's important to understand that Mi Mover isn't a full backup, it's a partial migration tool, for example, it won't save your lock screen settings, wallpaper or game data. For a full backup, you'd better use Mi Cloud or third-party solutions like Titanium Backup (for rooted devices).

What data can be transferred using Mi Mover

The list of supported data types in Mi Mover depends on the operating system of the original device. For example, when porting from iOS, fewer options are available than with Android.

Pay attention to the mark. ✅* The thing is, Mi Mover only transfers the.apk files themselves, not their data, which means that once you install the apps on the new Redmi, you have to log in again, set up notifications, etc. The exception is some Xiaomi system applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) that can synchronize some settings through Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: If the old device has applications with DRM-protection (e.g. Netflix, Disney)+ Or banking apps, they can be blocked from migrating, and you have to reinstall them from Google Play or the App Store.

Another nuance concerns photos and videos: Mi Mover transfers them in the original resolution, but if the new Redmi does not have enough space, the process can be interrupted. 10-15 GB of memory on the target device.

Step-by-step: how to use Mi Mover on Xiaomi Redmi

The process of transferring data using Mi Mover consists of several steps. It is important to follow the instructions strictly in steps to avoid errors. Below is a universal scheme for transferring from Android or iOS.

Step 1: Device preparation

Before starting the migration, follow the following steps:

On the new Xiaomi Redmi, open the Mi Mover app (usually in the Tools folder or on the home screen). If the app is missing, you can download it from Google Play for "Mi Mover." On the old device, also install Mi Mover (for Android) or prepare it for transfer (for iOS, just unlock the screen).

Step 2: Selecting Device Roles

On the new Redmi, in the Mi Mover app, select "This is the new device" and on the old device, select "This is the old device."

1. It'll appear on the old device. QR-Code – scan it with the new Redmi.
2. Confirm the connection on both devices (a Wi-Fi password may be required).
3. Wait for devices to establish a connection via Wi-Fi Direct (this may take up to a few minutes). 1-2 minute).

Step 3: Selecting data for transfer

Once you connect to the new Redmi, you'll see a list of data that you can transfer, and tick the categories you want:

• 📞 Contacts – transferred to the Contacts app.
• 💬 Communications — SMS and MMS (Does not include messages from messengers).
• 📷 Multimedia – photos, video, audio (if supported).
• 📱 Applications – only.apk files (without data).

Click "Start transfer" and wait until the process is complete. Time depends on the amount of data: for example, transfer. 10 GB photos can take up a lot of 15-30 Do not interrupt the connection or block the screens of the devices!

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If the transfer is frozen during the Preparation phase, try restarting Mi Mover on both devices and reconnecting, often helping to fix temporary crashes.

Step 4: Completion and verification

After the transfer is completed:

1. Click "Ready" on both devices.
2. Reboot the new Redmi (recommended for the data transferred to work correctly).
3. Check that all files are in place: Contacts are in the Contacts app. Photos are in the Gallery folder → Albums. → MiMover. apps in the app menu (may require manual installation).

⚠️ Note: If some apps don't open after the port, check their compatibility with the Android version on your Redmi.For example, apps built for Android 10 may not work on Android 13 without an update.

Typical Mi Mover Errors and How to Fix Them

Even with proper follow-up, users often encounter errors in Mi Mover, and let’s look at the most common problems and ways to solve them.

Mistake 1: Devices can't see each other

If the Mi Mover does not detect the old device, check the following:

• 🔌 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Both must be enabled on both devices.
• 🔒 Permissions: On an old device, give Mi Mover access to files, contacts, and SMS.
• 📶 Network: Try connecting to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes routers block Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔄 Reboot: Reboot both devices and try again.

If the problem persists, try using a hot spot:

1. On the old device, turn on modem modem → Wi-Fi hotspot.
2. Connect the new Redmi to this point.
3. Start Mi Mover and reconnect.

Mistake 2: Transfer is interrupted at half

If the process is interrupted, the most likely causes:

• 🔋 Low battery charge: connect both devices to charge.
• 📱 Lack of memory: free up space on the new Redmi (minimum) 10-15 GB).
• 🚫 Screen lock: Do not lock devices during transfer.
• 🔌 Unstable connection: Move devices closer together (within 1 meter).

If the transfer is interrupted, don't panic: Mi Mover keeps progress. Just reconnect, and the process will continue from where it stopped.

Error 3: Applications are not portable

If the apps didn’t migrate or are not installed on the new Redmi, the reasons may be:

• 📌 Incompatibility: the application is built for the old version of Android.
• 🔒 DRM-Protection: Some applications (e.g. banking) block the transfer.
• 📥 Download error:.apk file corrupted during transfer.

Decisions:

1. Install the apps again from Google Play.
2. If the app is not in the Play Market, download.apk from a trusted source (such as APKMirror) and install it manually.
3. To transfer application data (e.g., save games), use Titanium Backup (root rights required).

Error 4: Transferred photos are not displayed

If the photos are moved but not shown in the Gallery, follow these steps:

1. Open File Manager and go to the folder DCIM → MiMover.
2. If you do, but they don't show up in the Gallery, update the media base: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data
3. Reset the device.

If files are damaged (for example, photos open with artifacts), repeat the transfer, previously freeing up additional space on both devices.

Mi Mover Alternatives: When the Standard Way Fails

If Mi Mover is not doing well (e.g., due to device incompatibility or connection errors), alternative methods of data transfer can be used.

1. Google Account (for Android) → Android)

Google sync is one of the most versatile ways.

• 📞 Contacts (via Google Contacts).
• 📅 Calendars (Google Calendar).
• 📎 Notes (Google Keep).
• 📷 Photos (via Google Photos).

Instructions:

1. On the old device, turn on synchronization: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization
2. On the new Redmi, add the same Google account and wait for sync.
3. Photos and videos can be uploaded to Google Photos manually.

Disadvantage of the method: not tolerated SMS, Call history and applications, but it's a reliable way to get basic data.

2. SHAREit or Xender (for large files)

Applications like SHAREit or Xender are suitable for carrying large amounts of media (photos, videos, music). P2P, Mi Mover, but often handles non-standard file formats better.

Pros:

• ⚡ Fast transmission (up to 20 MB/s).
• 📁 Support for any file formats.
• 🌐 Cross-platform (works between Android, iOS and Android) PC).

Cons:

• 🚫 Can't stand contacts, SMS application.
• 🛡️ Risk of data leakage (Chinese-origin applications).

3. Wired connection (through OTG PC)

If wireless methods do not work, you can transfer data through the cable:

• 🖥️ Through PC: Connect your old device to your computer and copy files (photos, videos) to a folder on your PC. Connect a new Redmi and transfer files to the folder DCIM or downloads.

Through OTG-adapter:

1. Connect a flash drive or external drive to an old device and copy the data.
2. Connect the drive to the new Redmi and transfer the files.

This method is the most reliable, but requires additional accessories (OTG-card-reader).

4. Cloud Services (for backup)

If the data volume is small (up to) 5-10 GB), you can use cloud storage:

• ☁️ Google Drive – 15 GB free.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud – 5 GB free of charge (only for Xiaomi devices).
• ☁️ Yandex Disk or Mail.ru Cloud — 10-20 GB free.

⚠️ Note: When using cloud services, consider internet speed and possible limitations on downloading/downloading large files (for example, Google Drive can block downloads of more than 750 GB per day).

Mi Mover vs. Alternatives: Comparative Table

To choose the best way to transfer data, compare Mi Mover with alternative methods:

The table shows that Mi Mover is the best choice for most Xiaomi Redmi users, especially if you need to move it. SMS, contacts and applications, however, for large files (e.g. video in the 4K) It is better to use a wired connection or Shareit.

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If you only need to transfer contacts and photos, the easiest way is to sync through Google Account. SMS and applications) it is better to use Mi Mover or a combination of several methods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mi Mover