Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: where to find and how to use in 2026

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but many users still struggle to find the built-in data portability tool, the Mi Mover, a feature that is hidden deeper than in new Xiaomi models, and its location depends on the MIUI firmware version and regional settings. In this article, we will discuss where to look for the Mi Mover on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, how to activate it and what to do if the Suddenly app disappeared from the menu.

It’s worth noting that the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) came with different MIUI versions, from MIUI 10 to MIUI 14 (depending on the updates), and the path to Mi Mover was different in older versions, while in newer versions it can be hidden under different names, such as “Data Cloning” or “File Transfer.” We’ll look at all possible options, including hidden ways to launch through the developer’s Settings.

What is Mi Mover and why is it necessary for the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi designed to wirelessly transfer data between smartphones. It allows you to transfer:

📱 Contacts, messages and call log
📷 Photos, video and audio files
📁 Documents and archives
🎮 Installed applications (with settings where possible)
🔧 System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sound profiles)

The main advantage over third-party solutions (like ShareIt or Xender) is integration with MIUI. This means that the transfer occurs without loss of quality, and some system settings (such as Always On Display settings or navigation gestures) are restored automatically. However, there is a nuance on the Redmi Note 8 Pro: due to hardware limitations (Meditek Helio G90T processor), the transfer speed can be lower than on flagships with Snapdragon.

It is important to understand that Mi Mover only works between Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO devices. Attempt will send data to another brand’s smartphone (such as Samsung or iPhone) will lead to an error, in which case you will have to use alternative methods such as cloud services or OTG cable.

📊 How you usually transfer data to a new smartphone?

Through Mi Mover

With OTG cable

Google Drive (Mi Cloud) and Google Drive (Mi Drive)

I use third-party applications (ShareIt, Xender)

Manual transfer (copying files one by one)

In most cases, the Mi Mover is hidden under "Advanced" or "Special features" and the exact location depends on the version of MIUI:

MIUI version	The Way to Mi Mover	Notes
MIUI 10/11	Settings → Additionally. → Mi Mover	The name may be displayed as "Data Cloning"
MIUI 12	Settings → About Phone → Mi Mover or Settings → Connections and Sharing → Mi Mover	Some regional firmware is not available
MIUI 12.5/13/14	Settings → Applications → Mi Mover or search by name	May require pre-activation in the Developer Settings

If you did not find Mi Mover on these paths, try using the built-in search by settings:

Open the settings (cog icon).
Scroll up to get a search bar.
Enter the request: Mi Mover, Cloning or Data Transfer.
If there are no results, move on to the next section.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (especially custom ones, such as PixelExperience or LineageOS), the Mi Mover may be removed due to a conflict with Google services, in which case it can only be restored through a full flashing to the official service. MIUI.

Alternative ways to start Mi Mover

If standard search results don’t come back, try these methods:

🔍 Search by system: Swipe down on the home screen to open the search bar, and type Mi Mover.Sometimes the app is hidden from the menu but accessible via global search.
📱 Desktop shortcut: Click on the empty space on the screen → "Widgets" → Find “Mi Mover” or “Data Cloning” and drag it to your desktop.
🔧 Developer Settings: Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on "Version" MIUI" In Settings → About the phone, then go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and find the option "Enable Mi Mover".
📦 APK-file: If the application is removed, you can try installing it manually. MiMover.apk (Only from verified sources!) and install through the file manager.

On MIUI 13+ firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the Mi Mover feature can be replaced with Xiaomi Quick Share, in which case the path to it is: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Quick Transfer.

Charging both smartphones > 50%|Shut down. VPN firewalls|Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network|Free up space on the target device (minimum 2 GB)|Make sure that both phones are Bluetooth enabled-->

Step-by-step: how to transfer data using Mi Mover

When you find Mi Mover, follow this instruction:

Select the device role: On the old smartphone (from where we transfer), select "I am the sender." On the Redmi Note 8 Pro (where we transfer), select "I am the recipient."

Scanner. QR-code:

Redmi Note 8 Pro

Selection of data:

Mi Fit

Mi Home

Confirmation:

"Start transfer"

The average transfer time depends on the amount of data:

📎 Up to 1 GB: 2–5 minutes
📎 1–5 GB: 10–20 minutes
📎 Over 10 GB: Up to 1 hour (cable is recommended) OTG)

⚠️ Warning: If the transfer is delayed for longer than 10 minutes, restart both devices and try again. Common cause is a conflict with antivirus or optimizers (e.g., Clean Master or Security from Xiaomi!

What if the Mi Mover can’t see another device?

1. Make sure both phones are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. 2. Reboot the router (sometimes changing the Wi-Fi channel from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz helps). 3. Check if the firewall (e.g., in Avast or Kaspersky) blocks the connection. 4. If custom firmware is used, try temporarily disabling Magisk or other modifications. 5. Reset network settings on both devices as a last resort (Settings) → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings).

Frequent Mi Mover issues on Redmi Note 8 Pro and their solutions

Redmi Note 8 Pro users often face the following errors:

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
Mi Mover is not available in the settings	Removed in custom firmware or disabled in regional version of MIUI	Install official firmware via Fastboot or use alternatives (e.g. Xiaomi Quick Share)
The "failed to connect" error	Conflict with VPN, adblockers, or router settings	Disable VPN, check DHCP settings on router, try mobile access point
Transfer interrupted by 99%	Lack of space on the target device or damaged files	Free up space on the Redmi Note 8 Pro (at least 10% of memory) and try again.
No applications are portable	MIUI restrictions for third-party APKs	Move it. APK-files manually through Files → Mi Share and install them separately

If none of the methods worked, try updating your firmware to the latest version of MIUI.

Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
Click "Update Checker."
If you have an update, download it and install it.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro does not officially receive updates after MIUI 14, but unofficial ports (such as MIUI EU) may contain patches for Mi Mover. note that installing unofficial firmware voids the warranty and may lead to unstable operation.

💡

If Mi Mover doesn’t work hard, use a workaround: back up your old phone through Settings → Additional → Backup, then restore it to the Redmi Note 8 Pro through the same section. This method is more reliable, but takes longer.

Mi Mover for Redmi Note 8 Pro

If Mi Mover is unavailable or not up to the task, consider these options:

🌐 Cloud Services: Mi Cloud (built into the MIUI, 5 GB free) Google Drive (15 GB free, but slower) Yandex Drive (10 GB free, high speed in Russia)
🔌 Wired methods: Cable OTG + adapter for connecting a flash drive or other phone. Xiaomi File Manager with the function "Transfer over Wi-Fi" (in the file menu).
📲 Third-party applications: Send Anywhere (transfer over 6-digit code), LocalSend (open analogue of AirDrop) Snapdrop (works through the browser, without installation)

To port data applications (such as saving in games) Swift Backup (requires root) or the built-in backup feature in Google Settings → Backup will do, however, note that some applications (such as banking) block data portability due to security concerns.

How to remove Mi Mover completely if you don’t need it

If you don't plan to use Mi Mover, you can disable it or delete it to free up space in memory.

Disable: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find Mi Mover and click "Disable".

Removal (requires root):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mimover

This command must be entered via ADB (plug the phone into a PC with USB debugging enabled).

Removal via TWRP:

Install the custom TWRP recavator.
Go to Advanced → File Manager.
Delete /system/priv-app/MiMover folder.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI, especially if you are using sync functions with Mi Account. TWRP Mi Cloud.

💡

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 12.5+, the Mi Mover can be replaced by Xiaomi Quick Share, which is functionally the same, but with a different interface and support for transfer to the PC.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Mover on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Can I transfer data from iPhone to Redmi Note 8 Pro via Mi Mover?

Mi Mover only works between devices. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO. Use it to transfer from iPhone: 📱 Move to iOS (from Apple) – transfers contacts, photos and some settings. 🌐 Cloud Services: Download data from iCloud to your PC, then upload it to Redmi Note 8 Pro. 🔌 Connecting to iTunes via wired connection + Xiaomi File Manager.

Why doesn’t Mi Mover see my Redmi Note 8 Pro, even though Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on?

The problem may be related to: 🔄 Different Wi-Fi networks: Both devices must be connected to the same network (preferably 2.4 GHz). 🛡️ Firewall: Disable antivirus (such as Avast or 360 Security) on both phones. 📡 Router Settings: Some routers block local device interaction (check settings) AP Isolation). 🔄 Regional restrictions: On Chinese firmware MIUI Mi Mover can only work with Chinese Mi accounts. Try rebooting both devices and resetting your network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings).

Can I transfer data from the Redmi Note 8 Pro to the Redmi Note 12 via Mi Mover?

Yes, but with reservations: ✅ Supported data: Contacts, messages, photos, videos and most apps will be seamless. ⚠️ Restrictions: Apps that require a new version of Android (e.g., for Android) 13), You may not be able to install the Redmi Note. 8 Pro (Android 9/10). Some system settings (such as navigation gestures) may not be moved due to differences in the system’s performance. MIUI. 🔄 Move data both ways in stages: first contacts and media files, then applications.

How to restore a remote Mi Mover on Redmi Note 8 Pro?

If you deleted Mi Mover without a backup, you can return it as follows: ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.mimover This command will restore the application if its APK Download the official firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro from Xiaomi. Install it via Fastboot or Recovery (instructions are available on the forum) 4PDA).

Hand-mounted APK:

Find the original MiMover.apk (for example, on APKMirror).
Install it through the file manager, having previously allowed installation from unknown sources.

If none of these methods work, use alternatives (such as Xiaomi Quick Share or LocalSend).

Will the Mi Mover work after the Redmi Note 8 Pro resets to factory settings?

Yes, Mi Mover is a system application, and it will remain after the reset: 🔄 If you reset your phone through Settings → Resetting, Mi Mover will be available immediately after the first setup. ⚠️ If the reset was done via Recovery or Fastboot and custom firmware was installed, Mi Mover may not be available. 📱 After reset, it is recommended to immediately update the firmware to the latest version. MIUI, Avoiding Mi Mover Mistakes.