Xiaomi cloning on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways to transfer data without loss

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device. But what if the standard Mi Mover feature doesn't work and important settings and files need to be saved exactly? Cloning is not just copying contacts, but completely transferring the system: from wallpaper to Wi-Fi passwords, from app settings to call history.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hidden functions. MIUI, Bypassing restrictions and manual ways for power users: you will learn how to avoid common errors (for example, data loss due to incompatibility of firmware versions), what tools to use for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T And how to restore the system if something goes wrong.

Importantly, the cloning procedure is different from the normal backup, and it's about completely duplicating the state of the device, including hidden system files that don't move through the cloud or Google Account. If you just need to save photos and contacts, you'll have to use standard tools. But if the goal is to make a new smartphone an exact replica of the old one, read on.

We tested all the methods on the devices with MIUI 13–14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions) Instructions are current for smartphones released after 2019, but with reservations for models on Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek.

1.Official method: Mi Mover and its hidden features

Mi Mover is a built-in data portability app that is installed by default on all Xiaomi smartphones, but most users use it inefficiently, limiting themselves to basic settings. In fact, the tool has much more to do with:

• 📱 Transfer applications with data (for example, saves in games, settings messengers)
• 🔄 Copy APN-mobile operator settings (relevant when changing) SIM-map)
• 📁 Save system wallpapers and themes from the Mi Theme Store
• 🔒 Portable Wi-Fi passwords and Smart Home data (if both devices are linked to the same Mi Account)

To start full cloning:

1. On an old smartphone, open Settings → About Phone → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
2. Select the role of "Sender" and wait for the generation QR-code.
3. On the new device, select “Recipient” in the same menu and scan the code.
4. In the data list for manual transfer, mark all items, including "System settings" and "Other data".

⚠️ Warning: If the new smartphone already has data, Mi Mover will offer to reset it to factory settings. This is a prerequisite for full cloning! If you agree, all existing files on the new device will be deleted.

The speed of transfer depends on the amount of data, for example, 64 GB of information (including applications) are copied for about 1.5-2 hours over Wi-Fi Direct.

• 🔌 Connect both devices to charging.
• 📶 Use the hotspot on your old smartphone if Wi-Fi Direct is unstable.
• ⚙️ In the settings, disable battery optimization for Mi Mover (in Settings) → Annexes → Permits).

2.Cloning through Mi Cloud: pros and cons

The Mi Cloud service allows you to synchronize basic data between devices, but it's not a complete cloning service, but for some categories of information, it's the only reliable way to transfer it.

To enable synchronization:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Activate switches in front of the desired data categories.
3. On the new device, log in to the same Mi Account and wait for the sync to complete.

The main disadvantage of the method is that there is no transfer of installed applications and their data, for example, if you play Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, the progress will not continue.

• 🎵 Playlists at Mi Music
• 📁 Files in the Download folder (if not manually uploaded to the cloud)
• 🔧 Game Turbo Settings and Performance Profiles

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Before using Mi Cloud, check if there is enough space in the cloud. If not, temporarily clear the cart or buy additional space (from 10 GB per user). ~300 rubles per year).

3. Manual cloning via ADB: for advanced users

If you need to transfer all data without exception, including system files, the only reliable way is to use the data. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights (to fully clone), but allows you to copy even data that is not available through standard tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
2. On both smartphones, turn on the debugging on USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → Return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
3. Connect your old smartphone to your PC and execute the command to create a backup: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab Note: If root access backup is required, use adb shell su -c "bu -all".
4. Connect your new smartphone and recover data: adb restore backup.ab

⚠️ Note: When restoring through ADB The new device will overwrite all existing data, including system settings. If the smartphone has already been used, back up your current files!

What's cloned through ADB:

• 📱 All installed applications (.apk and data) /data/app)
• 🗃️ System settings (/data/system)
• 🔑 Passwords and certificates (/data/misc/keystore)
• 🎮 Game preservation (if not protected) DRM)

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work on devices with a blocked loader.
• ❌ Some applications (such as banking) may require re-authorization.
• ❌ On the new smartphones with MIUI 14+ may require a shutdown MIUI Optimization in build.prop.

Unlock the bootloader on both devices|

Install ADB drivers on PC|

Enable debugging on USB|

Download the latest version of platform-tools|

Create a backup of the current data of the new smartphone-->

4. Cloning through TWRP: full backup and recovery

If your smartphone supports custom recavator TWRP, You can create a complete system image and transfer it to a new device, which is suitable for identical models (e.g. Redmi Note 11). → Redmi Note 11 or smartphones on one platform (Snapdragon 7 Gen 1).

Instructions:

1. Install TWRP on both devices (see XDA Developers for instructions for your model).
2. On an old smartphone: Load into TWRP (clamp down on power. + Volume up. Go to Backup and select the sections Boot, System, Data, Vendor. Save backup to Backup. SD-card (FAT32).

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• Download to TWRP.
• Go to Restore and select the backup you have created.
• Confirm the recovery (the process will take 10–30 minutes).

Important nuances:

• 🔧 If the models of smartphones are different, do not restore the Vendor partition - this will lead to errors in the modem and camera.
• 🔄 After recovery, perform the Wipe → Format Data (if the system is not loaded).
• 📱 New devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) You may need to manually edit fstab.

5. Data Transfer via PC: Step-by-step Guide

If wireless methods do not work (for example, due to version incompatibility) MIUI), You can use a computer as an intermediary, and this is a way to transfer:

• 📂 Files (DCIM, Download, Documents)
• 📱 Installed applications (.apk) + Data from Titanium Backup)
• 🔧 Settings MIUI (hand-exported)

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect your old smartphone to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy the following folders to the hard disk: /storage/emulated/0/DCIM (photo) /storage/emulated/0/Download (load) /storage/emulated/0/Music (music) /storage/emulated/0/MIUI (themes)
3. To port applications: Install Titanium Backup (root required). Create a backup of all custom applications (Menu) → Batch Actions → Backup all user apps! Copy the TitaniumBackup folder on your PC.

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Titanium Backup

Challenges and solutions:

• 🚫 System applications (Mi Browser, Mi Video) are not copied – they must be reinstalled via GetApps.
• 🔒 Some apps are not restored (e.g. WhatsApp) – manual backup is required through the app menu.
• 📁 folder MIUI not visible – enable the display of hidden files in Windows Explorer (View) → Hidden elements).

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Use a cable to transfer data via PC USB 3.0 will speed up the process by 2-3 times compared to USB 2.0.

6.Cloning for devices with different versions MIUI

If you transfer data from your smartphone to MIUI 12 on the device with MIUI 14, there may be problems due to changes in the structure of system files. Here's how to avoid them:

Problem 1: Backup incompatibility

Decision:

• Use cloud portability (via Mi Cloud or Google Drive) for basic data.
• For applications, use Titanium Backup with the option “Convert backup to newer format”.

Problem 2: Errors in recovery through TWRP

Decision:

• Before restoring, format the Data section in TWRP (Wipe → Format Data → enter").
• If the system does not load, please vendor.img from the new firmware through fastboot.

Problem 3: Losing Smart Home Data

Decision:

1. On an old smartphone, open Mi Home and export device settings (Profile) → Settings → Export of data).

7. Verification of cloning results and elimination of errors

After the data transfer, you need to check the health of the new smartphone.

Make sure all contacts are in place|

Check the operation of the mobile network (calls, Internet)|

Launch key applications (messaging, banking)|

Check your Wi-Fi connection (if passwords are saved)|

Make sure that photos and videos are opened in the gallery|

Common mistakes and their solutions:

If after cloning the smartphone began to slow down or overheat, follow the following steps:

1. Restart the device to Safe Mode (press the power button) → long tap on "Switch off" → "Safe regime").
2. If the problem is gone, remove the recently restored apps (they may conflict with the new version). MIUI).
3. Reset the section cache (Settings) → Memory. → Cleanup → Cash).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions