Synchronizing the new Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways to transfer data

The first launch of a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting. But the joy of a new one can quickly turn into irritation if important contacts, photos or messages remain on the old device. According to Counterpoint Research, 68% of users lose some data when switching to a new phone precisely because of improper synchronization. This article will help avoid typical mistakes and choose the best way to transfer information – whether through the Mi Cloud, physical connection or third-party services.

We analyzed all the current synchronization methods for Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13, POCO F6 and other devices on MIUI 14/15 (including global and Chinese versions of firmware), focused on the nuances that the manufacturer does not mention: the limitations of free cloud storage, iPhone compatibility, and how to bypass the lock transfer of certain types of files. All instructions tested on real devices in 2026.

Preparation for synchronization: what to do before data transfer

Before we start the transfer, it's critical to prepare both devices, and neglecting this stage is the main cause of data loss.

• 🔋 Charge both devices to a minimum of 50% (optimally 80%) and transfer data via cable or Wi-Fi Direct actively consumes the charge.
• 📶 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (preferably 5 GHz for speed). If you use mobile Internet, turn off traffic restriction.
• 🧹 Clear the cache in the Settings apps → Annexes → Application management → [select] → Clear the cache. It'll speed up the synchronization process.
• 🔐 Make sure that both devices share a Mi Account (or Google if you plan to sync through it).

On the new Xiaomi before the data transfer:

1. Get to the initial setup stage (after selecting the language).
2. Select Data Import (do not skip this step – access to some transfer methods will be limited later).
3. Turn off Automatic Software Update in Settings → About Phone → Update system to avoid conflicts during synchronization.

💡

If you are porting data from your iPhone, pre-disable iMessage and FaceTime in the Apple ID settings. Otherwise, SMS and calls may not arrive on the new Xiaomi for the first 24 hours.

Important: If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (e.g., the Redmi K70 Pro for the domestic market), some Google services may be blocked, in which case the priority method will be Mi Cloud or physical connection.

Method 2: Synchronization through Mi Cloud (official method)

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s own cloud storage integrated into the MIUI ecosystem, which is suitable for transferring contacts, notes, calendar, photos (in limited volume) and certain settings, with the main advantage of not requiring physical connection of devices.

How it works:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on synchronization for the desired categories (contacts, gallery, etc.).
3. On the new device, when you first set up, select Restore from Mi Cloud and log in under the same account.
4. Select a backup (if there are several) and wait until the process is complete.

Critical information: Mi Cloud does not store data from third-party messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and game saves.

Method 2: Transfer data via cable (most secure)

Physical connection via cable USB-C/OTG — The fastest and safest way to do this, especially if you need to transfer large amounts of data (video to the Internet). 4K, RAW-Photos, local backups. Xiaomi recommends this method for devices with MIUI 12 newer.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect both phones with cable USB-C — USB-C (Or use an adapter. OTG old-model).
2. On the old phone, in the window that appears, select "Transfer Data" (or "File Transfer Mode" in the notification curtain).
3. On the new device, in the initial settings menu, select "Import with Android" → "Cable".
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The system automatically detects compatible data.

Connect the original Xiaomi cable (not cheap analogues)

Close all background apps on both phones

Disable VPNs and Firewalls

Check the free space on the new device (must be 20% more data transfer volume)

-->

Important nuances:

• 🔌 If the phones can’t see each other, try changing ports or using mode. MTP (developer-setting).
• ⚡ Transfer speed depends on the version USB: USB 2.0 - up to 480 Mbit/s, USB 3.1 - up to 10 Gbit/s.
• 📁 For models POCO may need to be unlocked OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings.

Method 3: Sync through Google Account (universal method)

If you use Google services (Gmail, Drive, Photos), this method will allow you to transfer basic data even when you switch from iPhone or other Android devices, the main advantage is cross-platform and 15 GB of free storage (versus 5 GB for the Mi Cloud).

What exactly is synchronized:

• 📇 Contacts (if saved in Google Account)
• 📅 Calendar and reminders
• 📎 Notes from Google Keep
• 📷 Photo/video (if autoload is enabled in Google Photos)
• 🎵 Music and documents from Google Drive

How to set up:

1. On your old phone, check that sync is enabled: Settings → Accounts → Google → [your account] → Account Sync.
2. On the new Xiaomi, when setting up, select “Restore from backup” → “Google Drive”.
3. Log in and select the latest backup.

💡

Google Photos compresses images when downloading them for free. To transfer originals, use the option “Original Quality” (it takes up space in your Google storage).

Limitations of the method:

⚠️ Note: Google is not syncing SMS, Call log and application data (e.g. save in games) will require additional tools like SMS Backup & Restore.

5. Method 4: Wireless Transfer via Xiaomi Migration (Wi-Fi Direct)

Xiaomi Migration (formerly Mi Mover) allows data to be transmitted wirelessly without an internet connection, which is optimal if you don’t have cable or cloud services available, and can be up to 10-15 MB/s (depending on the Wi-Fi chip model).

Instructions:

1. On the new phone, when setting up, select "Import with Android" → "Wireless transmission".
2. On your old device, download Xiaomi Migration from Google Play (if it is not in the firmware).
3. Scan it. QR-code from a new phone or enter PIN-pairing.
4. Select the data to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

Comparison with other methods:

Important: If the transmission is interrupted, check:

• 📶 Wi-Fi signal stability (it is better to place phones nearby).
• 🔋 Charge level (at a discharge below 20%, the process may stop).
• 📴 No incoming calls/SMS (They're dropping the compound).

Method 5: Third-Party Applications (SHAREit, Send Anywhere, CLONEit)

If standard methods don't work (for example, when you switch from iOS or custom firmware), third-party utilities come to the rescue. 5 popular applications and selected the top-3 speed and stability:

1. SHAREit (speeds up to 20 MB/s, supports cross-platform transfer).
2. Send Anywhere (without registration, data encryption)
3. CLONEit (specializes in transferring applications and their data).

How to use (in the example of Shareit):

1. Install the app on both phones.
2. On the old device, select "Send" → tag files.
3. On the new one, "Get" and scan. QR-code.
4. Confirm the transfer (data is sent over a direct Wi-Fi connection).

💡

To transfer WhatsApp, use the official “Move Chats” function in the messenger settings. Third-party apps will not save the entire message history.

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: Apps like SHAREit often request excessive permissions (access to contacts, location) before using, check reviews of the latest version - in 2023, there were cases of introduction of advertising software.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use public Wi-Fi networks (cafes, airports) to transfer personal data through third-party applications.

7.Special Data Transfer: What to Do with WhatsApp, Telegram, and Games

Standard synchronization methods don't cover data from instant messengers and games, but here's how to transfer it separately:

• 💬 WhatsApp: Backup on your old phone: Settings → chat → Backup. Install WhatsApp on your new device and log in. Restore chats from Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone).
• 🎮 Game saves: For games with Google Play Games support, enable sync in game settings. For Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, and other miHoYo projects, use a cross-platform account. Local saves (for example, in Minecraft) manually transfer through a file manager (folder) /games/com.mojang/).

Telegram

All chats and media files are synced automatically through the Telegram cloud, just log in to a new device, and secret chats will require manual export:

Settings → Additional → Export of chat data

To transfer SMS and call log, use:

• 📲 SMS Backup & Restore (Saves in the XML Google Drive).
• 📞 Super Backup (supports export in format) CSV).