Mi Mover on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Transferring Data Between Smartphones

If you’ve recently purchased a new Xiaomi smartphone or are planning to upgrade your model, you’ll eventually have to migrate data from your old device, and the company has developed a special application called Mi Mover to do this. It is a built-in tool that allows you to quickly and losslessly move photos, contacts, messages and even app settings between Xiaomi, Redmi or other devices. POCO.

But many users are asking themselves, how exactly does Mi Mover work, what data can be moved and what can't? Are there space or compatibility restrictions? And what to do if the transfer is interrupted or the data isn't copied? In this article, we'll look at all the nuances of working with Mi Mover, including hidden features, typical errors and alternative ways to migrate data, learn how to prepare both smartphones for portability, what settings are worth checking in advance, and how to avoid losing important information.

What is Mi Mover and why is it needed?

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi, designed for wireless data transfer between smartphones based on the MIUI. It was introduced as an alternative to third-party solutions (such as Samsung Smart Switch or Google Backup) and optimized specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem. The main advantage of the tool is the ability to transfer not only media files and contacts, but also system settings, call history, as well as data from some applications (for example, Mi Fit or Mi Home).

The app works on the principle of direct data transmission over Wi-Fi Direct, which eliminates the need to connect to the Internet or use cloud services, which is especially convenient if you have limited traffic or a slow connection. However, it is important to understand that Mi Mover is not a universal solution: it only supports devices running. MIUI (HyperOS in newer models and has some limitations on file types.

• 📱 Supported devices: all Xiaomi, Redmi smartphones, POCO and black shark on MIUI/HyperOS (version 8.0 higher).
• 🔄 Data types: contacts, messages (SMS/MMS), photos, video, audio files, call history, system settings, data of some applications.
• ⚡ Transfer speed: up to 10 MB/s (depending on the model and version of the software).
• 🚫 Restrictions: you can not transfer installed applications (only their data), passwords from Wi-Fi, some system settings.

Interesting fact: in the new versions of HyperOS (starting in 2026), Mi Mover was renamed Xiaomi Mover, but the functionality remained the same. If you do not find the application on the new smartphone, check the Tools folder or search the system.

What data can be transferred using Mi Mover

One of the key issues when using Mi Mover is the list of supported data types. Not all files and settings can be moved - it depends on the version. MIUI, Smartphone models and even regional constraints: Below is a table with the current data for 2026:

It is important to note that Mi Mover does not tolerate:

• 📱 Installed applications (only their data if the application is supported).
• 🔐 Passwords from Wi-Fi, accounts and banking applications.
• 🎮 Game Save (except for some Xiaomi projects).
• 📁 Files from root folders (e.g, /data or /system).

⚠️ Note: If the old smartphone has enabled data encryption (for example, through Settings) → Security → Encryption, Mi Mover may not recognize some files. Before transfer, it is recommended to temporarily disable encryption or use alternative methods (for example, Google Drive).

Step-by-step: how to use Mi Mover

The process of transferring data using Mi Mover consists of several steps. It is important to follow the instructions consistently to avoid errors. MIUI 14 and HyperOS (2026).

Step 1: Preparing smartphones

Before starting the transfer, follow the following steps:

Make sure that both smartphones have enough charge (minimum) 50%)|Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (optional, but speeds up the process)|Update. MIUI/HyperOS last-minute|Make room on your new smartphone (minimum) 10% from the amount of data transferred)|Turn it off. VPN Firewalls (they can block the connection)-->

Also check that both devices have Mi Mover. If it's not available, download from the Mi App Store or Google Play (for older models). On newer smartphones (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13, etc.), the app may be called Xiaomi Mover.

Step 2: Starting the transfer

1. Open Mi Mover on both smartphones.

2. On the old device, select I Source (or Send Data).

3. On the new device, select I - receiver (or Receive data).

4.Push Next and wait for the appearance QR-code on a new smartphone.

5. Scan it. QR-If the scan is not working, connect manually via Wi-Fi Direct (network name will be displayed on the screen of the new device).

6. After connecting, select data types to transfer and click Start.

Step 3: Waiting and Completion

The transfer process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of data and the speed of the connection, do not interrupt the process or block the screen (in some models, the transmission stops when the display is turned off).

When you're done, you'll see a report of the files that have been moved, and make sure that all the data is in place, especially:

• 📞 Contacts (open the Contacts app and make sure groups are saved).
• 📷 Photos (check folders) DCIM and Pictures).
• ⚙️ System settings (wallpaper, sounds, screen brightness).

⚠️ Note: If the new smartphone does not display photos in the Gallery after transfer, try updating the media base. → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data and restart the device.

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If the transfer is interrupted during the connection phase, try restarting both smartphones and repeating the process, and check if the connection is blocked by antivirus or energy saving mode.

Common Mi Mover Errors and How to Fix Them

Despite the simplicity of the interface, users often encounter problems when working with Mi Mover. Let's consider the most common errors and how to fix them.

1 Mi Mover does not find the second device

If smartphones can’t see each other through QR-code or Wi-Fi Direct, check:

• 🔄 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Both should be enabled (even if you use a cable).
• 📶 Aircraft mode: it must be turned off on both devices.
• 🔒 Permissions: Mi Mover must have permissions to access storage, contacts, and location.

If the problem persists, try:

1. Connect via the hotspot (turn it on your new smartphone and connect the old one).
2. Use the cable OTG (If both devices support USB-C).
3. Update the Mi Mover to the latest version via the Mi App Store.

2.The transfer is interrupted in the middle

This is one of the most frustrating mistakes, especially if the process takes a long time.

• 🔋 Low battery charge: If the charge drops below 15%, the transmission may stop.
• 📡 Unstable connection: if the Wi-Fi Direct signal is weak (for example, due to interference).
• 📁 Damaged files: if there are broken files among the data being transferred.

Decisions:

• 🔌 Connect both smartphones to charging before the transfer begins.
• 📶 Move the devices closer together (within 1 meter).
• 🗑️ Before transferring, check the integrity of files on your old smartphone (for example, through the File Manager).

⚠️ Note: If the transfer is interrupted during the photo transfer phase, do not start the process again - this may lead to duplicate files.

3. Contacts or messages are not transferred

If you do not see any contact after the process is completed, or SMS, The reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 Google Sync: If your contacts are linked to a Google Account, they may not be transferred due to a sync conflict.
• 🔄 Version incompatibility: if one of the smartphones is an outdated version MIUI (below 10.0).
• 📵 Operator restrictions: some mobile operators block transmission SMS via Wi-Fi Direct.

Decisions:

• 🔄 Turn off syncing contacts with Google before transfer (in Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization).
• 📱 Export contacts to.vcf file via Contacts → Settings → Export and import it on your new smartphone.

Alternative ways to transfer data to Xiaomi

If Mi Mover is not working well or you're incompatible, there are alternative methods that you can use. Let's look at the most reliable options.

1. Transfer through Google Account

This is a way to use contacts, calendars, notes, and some settings, and to transfer data:

1. On your old smartphone, go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and enable sync for the right categories.
2. On the new smartphone, log in to the same Google Account and wait for the sync to complete.

Advantages:

• ✅ It works on all devices (not just Xiaomi).
• ✅ Data is available in the cloud and can be restored at any time.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Do not transfer photos, videos and system settings.
• ❌ A stable internet connection is required.

2.Use of Mi Cloud

Mi Cloud is a cloud storage from Xiaomi that allows you to back up and restore data.

1. On your old smartphone, go to Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Backup and create a backup copy.
2. On the new smartphone, log in to the same Mi Account and restore data from the backup.

Advantages:

• ✅ Supports application portability (unlike Mi Mover).
• ✅ Individual categories of data can be selectively retrieved.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Only 5GB of storage is available for free.
• ❌ Recovery can take a long time.

3. Transfer via OTG cable or computer

If wireless methods are not suitable, you can use a physical connection:

• 📱 Cable OTG: Connect your old smartphone to your new one via an adapter USB-C → USB-C and copy the files manually.
• 💻 Computer: Connect both devices to a PC, copy the data to a computer, and then to a new smartphone.

Advantages:

• ✅ Maximum transfer speed (up to 480 Mbps when used) USB 3.0).
• ✅ There are no restrictions on file type.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Additional equipment (cable, adapter) is required).
• ❌ System settings and application data are not transferred.

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For transferring large amounts of data (more than 50 GB), it is better to use a cable. OTG or a computer is more reliable and faster than wireless methods.

Mi Mover vs. Alternative Solutions: What to Choose

To determine which data transfer method is right for you, compare Mi Mover with other popular methods:

The choice of method depends on your priorities:

• 🔄 If you need to quickly transfer basic data between Xiaomi smartphones – use Mi Mover.
• 🌐 If you have different brands of devices or want to back up in the cloud, choose Google Account or Mi Cloud.
• 💾 If you have more than 50 GB of data or need to transfer specific files, use a cable or computer.

Expert advice: if you plan to sell an old smartphone, before transferring data, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting your settings. This will delete all personal information and prevent it from being restored by a new owner.

Data security with Mi Mover

Many users worry about the security of personal information when transferring data, so let's take a look at how reliable Mi Mover is and what precautions to take.

1 How Mi Mover protects your data

The application uses the following protection mechanisms:

• 🔒 Local Connection: Data is transmitted directly between devices via Wi-Fi Direct, without being uploaded to the cloud.
• 🔐 Encryption: All files are encrypted during transmission (protocol) AES-256 newer MIUI).
• 📱 Authorization: Connection Confirmed QR-code, which excludes the accidental connection of foreign devices.

However, there are vulnerabilities:

• 🕵️ If a third device is connected to the Wi-Fi Direct network during transmission (for example, through hacking), it is theoretically possible to intercept data.
• 📡 With a weak signal, the transmission may be interrupted, which will lead to the loss of some files.

2. How to protect yourself when transferring

To minimize the risks, follow these guidelines:

• 🏠 Move data to a secure location (at home or in the office) where there are no devices within range of Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔋 Make sure that both smartphones have the latest security updates (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 📁 Before transferring, check the files on your old smartphone with antivirus (Google Play Protect or Mi Security.
• 🔄 After the transfer is complete, turn off Wi-Fi Direct manually (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct).

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring data from a corporate smartphone, make sure the company's security policy allows Mi Mover.Some organizations block data transmission over Wi-Fi Direct due to the risk of information leakage.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Mover