How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways from Mi Account to cable OTG

The switch to a new Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to saving all the important data from the old device. Photos from the last 5 years, instant messengers, passwords saved, notes, even phone history -- all of these things can be lost if you take carelessly to migrate data. Thankfully, the ecosystem is a real asset. MIUI It offers several reliable migration methods, each suitable for different scenarios, from complete automation to manual control of each file.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods for transferring data between Xiaomi devices, including official tools from the manufacturer and universal solutions. You will learn how to avoid common errors (for example, data loss due to interrupted transfer), which file formats are supported, and why it is sometimes better to use the cloud rather than cable.

Important: the transfer procedure can take anywhere from 5 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of data and the method chosen, and we recommend checking the battery life on both devices in advance (at least 50%) and preparing a stable Internet connection if you plan to use cloud services.

1. Official method: Mi Mover (built-in application)

Mi Mover is a proprietary tool from Xiaomi, which is preinstalled on all smartphones with MIUI 9 and newer. It allows you to transfer almost all types of data, from contacts and messages to Wi-Fi settings and desktop wallpapers. The main advantage is that you don't need an Internet or a computer: it's directly over Wi-Fi Direct.

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

• 📱 On an old Xiaomi smartphone, open the Mi Mover app (you can find it in the menu or through search).
• 🆕 On the new Redmi, run the same app and select "I'm a new user".
• 🔄 On the old device, tap "Send data", and on the new one - "Receive data".
• 📶 Wait for devices to find each other via Wi-Fi Direct (can take up to 1 minute).
• 📋 Select data types to transfer (you can mark everything or select selectively).
• ⚡ Click "Start" and wait until the process is completed (don't interrupt!).

Charge both devices to a minimum of 50%|Connect both smartphones to the same Wi-Fi network (optional, but will speed up search)|Close all background applications|Make sure that the new Redmi has enough memory.-->

The speed of the transfer depends on the amount of data: for example, 10 GB of photos and videos will be transferred in about 20-30 minutes.

1. Reboot the Mi Mover on both devices.
2. Enable/disable Wi-Fi Direct in settings (Settings) → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct).
3. Make sure there are no restrictions on background processes on the new Redmi (check Settings). → Battery → Background restriction).

⚠️ Note: If the old smartphone has custom firmware installed (not official) MIUI), Mi Mover may not work or port the data with errors. in this case, use alternative methods from this article.

2.Move over Mi Account (Xiaomi Cloud)

If you have a Mi Account, you can sync most of your data through the cloud, which is convenient when devices are in different places or you don't have physical access to your old smartphone.

• 📁 Contacts, notes, calendar, browser bookmarks – synchronized automatically.
• 📷 Photos and videos – only if you have previously enabled backup to the Gallery → Settings → Backup.
• 🎮 Applications and their data are not portable (only a list of installed programs).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords – synced if you have Settings enabled → Passwords and security → Synchronizing passwords.

Instructions for transfer:

1. On the old Xiaomi, check that all the necessary data is synchronized with the Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization There should be ticks opposite all important points.
2. On the new Redmi, log in to the same Mi Account when you first enable or through settings.
3. Wait for automatic synchronization (can take up to 10 minutes).
4. For photos and videos, visit the Gallery → Albums. → Mi Cloud and download files to your device.

⚠️ Note: If you have used two-factor authentication in Mi Account, you will need to confirm your new device when you sign in. SMS or email. Make sure you have access to the number tied!

3. Transfer through Google Account (universal method)

If you prefer not to depend on the Xiaomi ecosystem, you can transfer data through Google Account, which works on all Android devices and is suitable for:

• 📇 Contacts (via Google Contacts).
• 📅 Calendar (Google Calendar).
• 📎 Bookmark (Google Chrome).
• 📧 Letters and Notes (Gmail, Keep).
• 📱 Some system settings (language, date/time).

How to transfer data:

1. On the old Xiaomi, check that sync with Google is enabled: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronize your account Activate all the necessary items.
2. On the new Redmi, when you first turn on, select “Copy Data” and log in to the same Google account.
3. If the device is already configured, go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and enable synchronization.

The advantage of this method is cross-platform: if you decide to switch to a smartphone from another brand (such as Samsung or Pixel), all the data will remain available.

• 🚫 Photos and videos are not automatically synced (you need to use Google Photos separately).
• 🚫 Communications SMS And the call log is not portable.
• 🚫 Applications are not restored (only through Google Play).

Mi Mover (Official Xiaomi App)|Google Account|Cable OTG/computer|Cloud services (Dropbox, Yandex Disk)|I can't handle data, I can set everything up from scratch.-->

4. Manual transfer via OTG cable or computer

If you need to transfer a lot of data (for example, tens of gigabytes of photos and videos) or you don't trust cloud services, direct transmission over cable is the best option.

• 🔌 Cable OTG (If you move directly between phones).
• 💻 Computer with USB-Ports (if you use PC as an intermediary).
• 📁 File Manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Total Commander).

Instructions for transfer via OTG:

1. Connect the old Xiaomi to the new Redmi OTG-adapter.
2. On the new device, open the File Manager and select "USB-device".
3. Copy the right folders (DCIM for photos, downloads, etc.) to internal memory or SD-map.

Instructions for transfer via computer:

1. Connect the old Xiaomi to the PC via USB and select the "File Transfer" mode" (MTP).
2. Copy all the necessary folders to your computer (for example, in a separate folder on the desktop).
3. Disable your old smartphone, connect a new Redmi and transfer the files back.

Advantages of this method:

• ⚡ Maximum speed (USB 3.0 transmits data faster than Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 Security – Files do not pass through the cloud.
• 📂 Selective transfer – you can copy only the necessary folders.

⚠️ Note: When copying through a computer, do not use disk formatting - this will lead to the loss of all data on the smartphone! USB-cable during transmission so as not to damage files.

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If you don't. OTG-adapter, you can use it SD-Map as an intermediate storage: copy the data to the card on the old phone, then paste it into the new Redmi and transfer the files.

5. Transfer applications and their data (including games)

One of the most difficult aspects of migration is the transfer of installed applications and their data (for example, save in games, set up messengers, etc.). Unfortunately, standard Xiaomi tools (like Mi Mover) carry only the list of applications, but not their internal files.

Method 1: Backup via Titanium Backup (requires root)

• 🛠️ Install Titanium Backup on your old smartphone (root access is required).
• 📥 Backup all applications and their data.
• 📤 Transfer the backup file to the new Redmi (via cable or cloud).
• 🔄 Install Titanium Backup on a new device and recover data.

Method 2: Built-in Android (without root)

1. On the old Xiaomi go to: Settings → System system → Backup Enable “Google Drive Backup” and wait until it’s complete.
2. On the new Redmi, when you first turn on, select the recovery from Google backup.

Method 3: Manual transfer of application data

Some applications allow you to export your data manually, such as:

• 🎮 Games: Use account binding (Google Play Games, Facebook, VK).
• 💬 Messengers: Telegram and WhatsApp have a function of exporting chats (settings) → chat → export).
• 📊 Financial applications: Make a backup in the application itself (for example, in SberBank Online this is done in the Settings section").

6. Transfer through third-party applications (SHAREit, Xender, Send Anywhere)

If for some reason Mi Mover doesn't work or you're looking for an alternative, you can use popular file transfer applications, which use Wi-Fi Direct or a hotspot to quickly share data between devices.

1. SHAREit

• 📲 Install the app on both smartphones from Google Play.
• 📤 On old Xiaomi, select “Send” and tag files.
• 📥 On the new Redmi, select "Get".
• 🔗 Connect devices through QR-code-drive.

2. Xender

• 📱 Similar to SHAREit, but with a simpler interface.
• 🔄 Supports application transfer (APK) and their data (if root is not required).
• 📊 Shows the transmission speed in real time.

3. Send Anywhere

• 🌐 It works not only between smartphones, but also between phone and computer.
• 🔐 Generation of six-digit code for secure transmission.
• 📁 You can send folders whole without compression.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• 🌍 It works on all Android devices (not just Xiaomi).
• 🚀 Often faster than the Mi Mover (up to 20MB/s).
• 📎 Supports the transfer of any files, including APK archives.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, turn off battery optimization for them in settings (Settings) → Battery → Battery optimization, otherwise the transmission may be interrupted.

7.The fastest way: cloning the system through TWRP (advanced)

If you are an experienced user and are ready for more complex manipulations, you can transfer the entire system with all settings and data through custom recovery. TWRP. This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have an unlocked bootloader on both devices.
• 📦 You want to move everything “as is”, including system settings.
• ⚡ You have little time and are prepared for the risks.

Instructions:

1. Install. TWRP Recovery on both smartphones.
2. On the old Xiaomi, make a full backup through TWRP: Backup → Select all sections → Swipe to Back Up
3. Copy the backup file to your computer or external drive.
4. On the new Redmi, transfer the backup and restore it through TWRP: Restore → Select a file → Swipe to Restore

⚠️ This method is not recommended for beginners, as:

• 🔴 There is a risk of “bricking” the device in case of an error.
• 🔴 The new smartphone must have identical memory partitions (otherwise the backup will not recover).
• 🔴 Some data (e.g., some data, IMEI) may not be carried away.

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Cloning through TWRP — The most radical method, which is only suitable for the same models of smartphones or very similar in characteristics. For most users, Mi Mover or cloud transfer is enough.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions