Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is still one of the most popular smartphones of the brand due to its balanced characteristics and affordable price. However, many users have difficulty finding the built-in Mi Mover application, a standard tool for transferring data from other devices. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to launch the utility, including hidden menus, alternative methods and solutions to typical problems.
It's important to understand that the Mi Mover's location depends on the MIUI firmware version and regional build. In some cases, the app may be hidden or not at all - but that doesn't mean that the functionality is not available. We analyzed all the current versions of MIUI 12-14 for the Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) and prepared universal instructions.
1. Standard method: search in the application menu
So, to start with the most obvious method, in most cases, the Mi Mover is the default, but it can be hidden in a folder or disabled. Here's how to find it:
- Slide all desktop screens left to a list of all apps (the All Apps button or swipe up from the dock panel).
- Enter the Mi Mover request or Data Transfer in the search bar (a magnifier at the top).
- If the application is found, but the icon is gray, click on it and select “Enable” in the window that appears.
If the search is not successful, check the Tools or Utilities folder – sometimes Xiaomi groups system applications automatically (MIUI Global application may be called Data Transfer.
2. Alternative start through system settings
If standard search didn’t work, try running Mi Mover through the settings menu, which works even if the app icon is hidden:
- Open the settings (cog on the desktop).
- Go to the About Phone section (the lowest point).
- Tap 5-7 times on the line MIUI version until the notification appears "You became a developer!".
- Return to the main settings menu and open a new section → For developers.
- Activate the debugging switch over USB and confirm the action.
- Now enter the Mi Mover request in the search for settings - the application should appear in the results.
This method often helps if Xiaomi has hidden the application due to regional restrictions (for example, in firmware for Europe).
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If Mi Mover still doesn’t show up after you turn on the developer mode, try restarting your phone – sometimes changes only apply after the reboot.
3. Hidden methods: run through code or ADB
For advanced users, there are two ways to force Mi Mover to run if it is installed but not displayed in the interface:
Method 1: Use of the USSD-code
Enter the following code in the Phone app:
##646637##This code should open Mi Mover directly if it's not removed from the firmware, and if nothing happens, it's not in your version of MIUI.
Method 2: ADB teams
If you have access to a computer, you can run the application through ADB:
- Connect Redmi Note 9 to your PC via USB (don’t forget to enable USB Debugging in the developer settings).
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.mimover/.ui.TransferActivity
If the command is executed without errors, the Mi Mover interface will open on the phone screen. If the message Error: Activity not found appears, then the application package has been removed from the firmware.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
4.Why Mi Mover may not be available in Redmi Note 9
There are several reasons why you don’t find Mi Mover on your device:
- 📦 Regional restrictions: In firmware for Europe (MIUI EU) Xiaomi removes or replaces system utilities due to legal requirements (for example, GDPR).
- ⚙️ Brush firmware: If you have installed an unofficial version MIUI (For example, Xiaomi.eu, LineageOS, developers could exclude Mi Mover as unnecessary software.
- 🔄 Update: After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 12 on MIUI 14) system applications are sometimes “reset” and require re-activation.
- 🧹 Manual removal: If you or a previous owner have removed system applications through ADB or root access, Mi Mover could have been uninstalled.
To check if Mi Mover is installed, you can use the App Inspector app (available on Google Play) to show all packages installed, including hidden ones.
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If the com.xiaomi.mimover package is not available, the only way to return the Mi Mover is to reflash the phone to the original MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery.
5. Alternative ways to transfer data without Mi Mover
If you can’t launch Mi Mover, don’t despair – there are several reliable alternatives:
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Account | Automatic synchronization of contacts, calendar, notes | Does not tolerate SMS, calls, files | Set up sync in Settings → Accounts → Google |
| Xiaomi Cloud | Save SMS, notes, system settings | Limited Free Storage (5GB) | Log in to Mi Account and enable backup in Settings → Mi Account → Cloud |
| The application "Send files" (Google) | It works without internet, high speed | Requires installation on both devices | Download from the Play Market and follow the instructions |
| OTG-cable + flash-drive | Suitable for large amounts of data | We need to buy an adapter. | Connect the flash drive via OTG and copy files manually |
To transfer SMS and call log, we recommend using specialized applications such as SMS Backup & Restore or Super Backup, which create backups in.xml format, which can then be restored to the new device.
Back up important files on PC| Charge both devices to at least 50% | Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network | Make sure the target device has enough memory | Turn off battery optimization for port applications
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6. Solving Typical Mi Mover Problems
Even if you manage to run Mi Mover, there may be errors in the data transfer process, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
⚠️ Warning: If Mi Mover fails to connect when connecting devices, check that both phones are Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth enabled. Also make sure that there is enough free space on the target device (at least 10% of the data portable).
- 🔌 Devices can't see each other: Reboot both phones. Turn off VPN You can try to connect through the firewalls. QR-code (click on “Connect Manually” in Mi Mover).
- ⏳ The transfer is 0% or 100% frozen: Wait 10-15 minutes — sometimes it takes longer than the progress bar shows. If the freeze lasts more than 30 minutes, turn off the devices and start over.
- 📱 App crashes when you start: Clear the Mi Mover cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Mover → Storage, upgrade the firmware to the latest version MIUI.
If none of these things work, try moving data piecemeal: first your contacts through your Google Account, then your files through your OTG or cloud, and it takes longer, but it's guaranteed to work.
7 How to return the Mi Mover if it was deleted
If you are convinced that Mi Mover is not in the system (there is no com.xiaomi.mimover package), there are two ways to restore it:
Method 1: Install APK (routed devices only)
Download Mi Mover APK from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror) and install via ADB:
adb install com.xiaomi.mimover.apkImportant: This method only works on root-access devices, as it requires installing a system application. Without root-access, Xiaomi blocks installation of system APKs.
Method 2: Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast FastBoat Fast Fast Fast FastBoat
The most reliable, but time-consuming method is a complete flashing of the phone to the original MIUI:
- Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 9 (merlin) from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
- Unpack the archive and follow the firmware instructions through the Mi Flash Tool (Clean All mode).
- Once firmware is in place, Mi Mover will be restored along with other system applications.
⚠️ Warning: Fastboot Flashing wipes all data from your device! pre-backup important files on your PC or in the cloud.