How to transfer Xiaomi phone settings to another Xiaomi: 4 proven ways

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones may seem like a simple task, but in practice, users face a lot of nuances: from incomplete copying of accounts to losing screen settings and notifications. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of migration – from built-in tools. MIUI We will focus on the typical errors that interrupt the process and explain how to avoid losing important data.

It is important to understand that the transfer method depends on the firmware version (MIUI 14/15 have differences in interface, device models (Redmi series, POCO Xiaomi's flagships may have unique limitations, and even regional firmware. MIUI They don't always work correctly with Chinese backups, and we've tested all of these methods on devices. 2022–2026 and take into account changes in the policy of Xiaomi Cloud after updating the data storage conditions in the 2023 year.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

Before you migrate, make sure that both devices meet the minimum requirements. The old phone must have at least 20 percent battery life and the new phone must have at least 50 percent battery life. This is critical, as it can take up to 40 minutes with a lot of data.

• 📱 Versions MIUI on both devices (the difference should not exceed 2 major releases, for example, MIUI 14 → MIUI 15).
• 🔄 Free space on a new phone (backup can weigh 5-15 GB depending on the number of applications).
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection (for cloud transfer, Wi-Fi at a speed of 10 Mbps is required).
• 🔒 No locks (if your old phone is tied to your Mi Account but you forgot your password, unlocking will take up to 72 hours).

One of the most common failures is due to incompatibility of firmware regions, such as if you are migrating data from the global version of Redmi Note 12 to the Chinese version of Xiaomi. 13T, Some system settings (such as themes or fonts) may not recover, in which case we recommend using manual backup via Settings. → The phone. → Backup followed by selective recovery.

⚠️ Note: If the old phone has enabled the function Data Protection MIUI (is in the settings → Password and security, it must be disabled in advance, otherwise the backup will be encrypted and the new phone will not be able to recognize it without entering the old one. PIN-code.

2. Method 1: Transfer over Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)

This is the most versatile method that works even if you don’t have physical access to your old phone (for example, it broke but you can log in).

• 📁 Free storage – 5 GB (for a full backup is usually not enough).
• ⏳ Download speed depends on Xiaomi servers (at peak hours can drop to 1 Mbps).
• 🔄 Not all settings are portable (e.g. font size or navigation gestures may reset).

Step-by-step:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Select data categories for copying (be sure to check System settings and Applications).
3. Click Start Backup and wait until it is completed (may take up to 30 minutes).
4. On the new phone, when you first turn on, select Restore from backup and log in to the same Mi Account.
5. Select the latest backup and confirm the recovery.

Critical detail: If a new phone already has a Mi Account, you will need to reset it to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings) to allow recovery from the cloud when you first start.

Connecting to Wi-Fi on both devices

There is plenty of space available in the Mi Cloud.

VPN Disconnection (can block access to Xiaomi servers)

Convergence of versions MIUI (difference of no more than 1 release)

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3. Method 2: Local backup through MIUI

This method is suitable if you do not have a stable Internet or want to transfer more than 5 GB of data. SD-It's a map, and then it's copied to a new phone:

• 📥 There are no limits on volume (except free space on the device).
• ⚡ Faster cloud transfer (speed depends only on the speed of the cloud) USB-cable).
• 🔧 Only the data you need can be selectively restored (e.g., only contacts and SMS).

Instructions:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup → Local backups.
2. Select categories to copy (we recommend that you mark everything except Multimedia if photos are synced with Google Photos).
3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed. the file will be saved in the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup.
4. Connect your old phone to your PC and copy the AllBackup folder to your computer.
5. Connect a new phone, move the AllBackup folder to the root directory of internal memory.
6. On your new phone, go to Settings → The phone. → Backup → Local backup and select a file to restore.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using POCO Launcher or third-party launchers, their settings are not carried over by any method. You have to adjust the work screens manually.

Method 3: Transfer over a cable (MIUI Quick Transfer)

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has added a feature of fast transfer through the cable USB-C to USB-C (It's a method that combines local copy speed with cloud-based convenience, and the main condition is that both phones must be unlocked (without any need to unlock). PIN-code or pattern lock on the lock screen).

How it works:

1. Connect both phones with a cable (on the new phone, select Data Transfer from another device when you first turn on).
2. On the old phone will be a request for confirmation of the transfer – click Allow.
3. Select the data to copy (you can select individual applications, for example, only WhatsApp or Telegram).
4. Wait until it is completed (usually 10-20 minutes).

The advantage of this method is that it transfers application data (for example, saves in games or chats in instant messengers), whereas the cloud method often recovers only the application itself. APK-But there are limitations:

• 🔌 Requires original Xiaomi cable (cheap analogues may not support data transfer protocol).
• 📵 Does not work if the old phone is enabled Do not disturb or save charge.
• 🔒 Some system settings are not portable (for example, settings of always-on display).

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If the cable transfer is interrupted, try using another one. USB-port to your PC (if you connect via an adapter) or reboot both phones. Often the problem is solved by disabling the Debugging function. USB In Settings → For developers.

5. Method 4: Manual transfer for experienced users (ADB)

If you need to move hidden settings (such as build.prop configuration or files) /data/data For proper operation of root applications, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires command line skills and is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader.

Main steps:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on Debugging. USB on both phones (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
3. Connect your old phone and execute the command to create a backup: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup.ab (where C:\backup.ab — file-saving).
4. Connect your new phone and recover data: adb restore C:\backup.ab

This method allows you to migrate all application data, including those that are not normally copied (for example, Tasker or Automate settings).

• 🛑 Android version incompatibility could lead to app crashes.
• 🔓 The new phone must have the same Google account, or some apps won’t recover.
• 📛 Transfer of system files (/system) It can cause bootloop (locking on the boot).

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

One of the most frustrating mistakes is to constantly reboot a new phone after recovery, which happens when modified system files (such as Magisk or Xposed) have been installed on the old phone.

1. Reset the new phone to factory settings.
2. Transfer only personal data (contacts, photos, SMS) system-free.
3. Install apps manually from Google Play or Mi App Store.

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If you use custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience), migrate settings through standard tools. MIUI In this case, it is recommended to use only manual copying of files (/sdcard/ and /data/media/0/) without recovery of system data.

7.Transfer of specific data: what is not automatically copied

Even if you successfully transfer some data, you need to take a little bit of attention, and here's what you need to do manually:

• 🎮 Use built-in game tools (e.g. Google Play Games for Call of Duty Mobile or Clash Royale).
• 📊 Widget settings: Most widgets (weather, calendar) are reset.
• 🔐 Wi-Fi Passwords: If they are not transferred, export them through the WiFi Password Viewer app (root rights required).
• 📱 Always On Display Settings: Only transferable if both firmwares are global or both are Chinese.
• 🎵 Equalizer and sound effects: Mi Sound Enhancer settings reset.

For transfer SMS and call history can be used by third-party applications, such as SMS Backup & Restore. They allow you to export data to a.xml file and then import it to a new phone. This is true if you don't want to move all the data over. MIUI.

Pay special attention to two-factor authentication (2FA). If you have a check-up enabled through SMS Google Authenticator App, and:

1. Make a backup copy of the codes 2FA Google Authenticator (Settings) → export).
2. Make sure you have backup codes for account recovery (like WhatsApp or Telegram).
3. If you use a Mi Account for your 2FA, Check the attached phone number in Settings → Xiaomi account → Security.

8.Optimize the new phone after the transfer

Once the data is recovered, the new phone can run slower due to background synchronization and optimization, to speed up the process:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone (this will run optimization scripts) MIUI).
• 🚫 Turn off auto-update apps on Google Play for the first 24 hours.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔋 Charge your phone to 100% and leave it on charge for 1-2 hours after transfer (MIUI Completes background processes when connecting to the network).

If you notice that the battery is discharged quickly, check:

1. Settings → Battery → Battery usage – which apps consume the most.
2. Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Special permits → Autostart – Turn off autostart for unnecessary apps.
3. Settings → Screen. → Update frequency - set 60 Hz instead 90/120 Hz for saving charge.

For users who have transferred data from POCO On Xiaomi (or vice versa), we recommend checking the performance settings:

• Nana POCO Turbo mode is enabled by default, which can conflict with Xiaomi’s energy-saving settings.
• B Settings → Battery → Select Balanced Modes Instead of Performance.

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If after the transfer, navigation gestures or buttons stop working, reset their settings to Settings. → Screen. → System navigation. This is often due to configuration conflicts between different versions. MIUI.

Frequently asked questions