How to Transfer Settings from One Xiaomi Phone to Another: 5 Ways to Get Ready

Transferring data from an old Xiaomi smartphone to a new one is a challenge that every user faces when changing devices. Even if the models run on the same MIUI version, manually adjusting all settings, installing apps and restoring contacts can take hours. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to automatically transfer, and has integrated tools from Google for synchronization.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from the official Mi Mover to backup through Google Drive and local backup. SMS, screen settings, sound profiles, application data (including games) and even settings IR-We'll focus on the nuances of different versions of the device. MIUI (For example, transfer from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13T) and solutions to problems that may arise in the process.

1. Preparation of telephones before data transfer

Before migrating, several critical steps must be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss or disruption of the new device.

First, check for compatibility with MIUI versions. If the old phone runs MIUI 12 and the new phone runs MIUI 14, some settings may not be ported correctly, in which case it is recommended to update the firmware on the old device to the latest available version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Second, free up space on both devices: Backup via Mi Mover requires at least 1-2 GB of free space, and when using Google Drive, consider the 15 GB limit for free accounts, delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card.

• 🔋 Charge both phones to at least 50% (preferably 80%) and transfer data can take up to an hour, and discharging in the process will lead to a cliff.
• 📶 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. Mobile internet is not recommended due to traffic restrictions.
• 🔒 Turn off the screen lock (PIN, A pattern lock on an old phone, which will speed up the authorization process when you transfer it.
• 📱 Make sure the initial setup (language selection, Wi-Fi connection) is complete on the new phone).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, some system settings may not be transferred, in which case you will need to re-unlock the bootloader on the new device after the migration.

2. Method 1: Transfer over Mi Mover (official Xiaomi software)

Mi Mover is a built-in application from Xiaomi designed to wirelessly transfer data between devices on MIUI. It supports the transfer of:

• 📞 Contacts, messages (SMS/MMS) and call logs;
• 📷 Photos, videos and audio files;
• 🎮 Application data (including game progress if it supports backup);
• ⚙️ System settings (wallpaper, sound profiles, display parameters);
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and data IR-remote.

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Mi Mover app on both phones. If it's not available, download it from Google Play or the App Gallery.
2. On the old phone, select “I am the sender” and on the new one, “I am the receiver.”
3. Scan it. QR-code from a new phone on an old one or connect through a search for devices on the local network.
4. Select data to transfer (you can mark all or select individual categories).
5. Confirm the transmission. The process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data.

Important: Mi Mover does not carry data from some third-party apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) and will require a separate backup.

Charge both phones to 80%|

Connect to one Wi-Fi network |

Turn off the screen lock on the old phone |

Free 1-2 GB of memory on both devices |

Install the latest version of Mi Mover-->

3. Method 2: Sync through a Google account

If you use Google services, most data can be transferred through a cloud account, a method that works even when you change your smartphone brand (e.g., Xiaomi to Samsung).

What is synchronized automatically:

• 📇 Contacts (Google Contacts);
• 📅 Calendars (Google Calendar);
• 📧 Mail (Gmail);
• 📁 Files from Google Drive;
• 📍 Google Maps data (selected places, history of visits).

To enable synchronization:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your account and activate switches for all the categories you want.
3. Click "Sync" and wait for the process to be completed.
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Google account during the initial setup or through Settings → Accounts.

To transfer applications and their data:

1. Open Google Play on your new phone.
2. Go to the Library. → Established".
3. Click Restore – the system will prompt you to install all applications from the old device.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. banking) may require re-authorization after restoration. SMS and system settings – use Mi Mover or local backup for this.

Method 3: Local backup via PC (for full control)

If you prefer to have a full copy of the data on your computer or transfer it to a device with other firmware (e.g. MIUI to LineageOS), use a local backup, which takes longer but gives you maximum control over the process.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux;
• 🔌 USB Type C C Cable (preferably original);
• 📂 Programme Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) or ADB for advanced users.

Instructions for Mi PC Suite:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect your old phone to your PC via USB and allow debugging (when you request it).
3. In the program, select "Backup" and mark the desired categories.
4. After the backup is complete, disconnect the old phone and connect the new one.
5. Select Recovery and specify the path to the saved file.

For advanced users, if the Mi PC Suite does not recognize the device, use ADB:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab


adb restore backup.ab

⚠️ Note: When restoring through ADB Some apps may require re-authorization, and this method does not carry WhatsApp data, which requires a separate backup in Google Drive.

5. Method 4: Transfer over Xiaomi Cloud (MIUI cloud)

Xiaomi Cloud is Xiaomi’s own cloud storage that allows you to sync data between devices on MIUI. Free 5GB is provided, which is enough for contacts, notes and parts of photos.

What can be transferred through Xiaomi Cloud:

• 📞 Contacts, SMS call logs;
• 📝 Notes (Mi Notes);
• 📷 Photos and videos (with sufficient cloud capacity);
• 🔧 Browser settings (Mi Browser);
• 🎵 Music and recordings from the recorder.

How to turn on synchronization:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Xiaomi Cloud.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (or create a new one).
3. Activate synchronization for the desired categories.
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and wait for the sync to complete.

Limitations: Xiaomi Cloud does not carry installed apps and their data, and the free tariff is limited to 5 GB, which may not be enough for a full backup.

💡

If you change phones frequently, subscribe to Xiaomi Cloud (from 100 rubles / month for 50 GB), which will allow you to store full backups and restore them on any MIUI device.

Method 5: Manual transfer of individual data (for power users)

If you only need to migrate specific data (like game saves or configuration files), you can do it manually. This method requires knowledge of the structure of the Android file system.

Where key data is stored:

• 📱 Contacts: /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db;
• 💬 SMS: /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db;
• 🎮 Preservation of games: usually in /Android/obb/ or /Android/data/;
• ⚙️ Settings MIUI: /data/system/ (Root rights are required).

To copy files:

1. Connect your old phone to your PC and enable File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Copy the required folders to the computer.
3. Connect the new phone and paste the files into the appropriate directories.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Manual transfer of system files (e.g. from /data/system/) It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.

💡

For most data transfers, a combination of Mi Mover + Google Account is enough. The manual method is only needed for specific files that are not automatically synchronized.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with official tools, there can be errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If there are any errors or errors on the new phone after transfer:

1. Reset the device.
2. Clean the cache in Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
3. If the problem persists, reset to factory settings and repeat the transfer.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions