How to transfer all data from the old Xiaomi to the new Android phone: 5 proven ways

Introduction: Why Data Transfers to Xiaomi Need a Special Approach

Moving to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment, but many users face the same challenge: how to transfer all data from an old device without loss? Unlike the iPhone, where the migration process is standardized through iCloud, Android devices (especially from Xiaomi) offer several alternative ways - and not all of them are equally effective.

The main problem is that Xiaomi uses its own ecosystem. MIUI, It places restrictions on standard Android tools, like the Android Beam feature. NFC) On newer models, Xiaomi is often disabled by default, and Google’s Account doesn’t always correctly sync messages and notes. In addition, many users forget that transferring data through Mi Mover is possible only in the first 7 days after activating the new phone – then this method becomes unavailable without resetting the settings.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods of data transfer — from the official Mi Mover to manual copying via PC — and also tell you how to avoid typical errors that cause you to lose contacts, photos or call history. MIUI 14/15, where the backup algorithms have changed compared to older versions.

Method 1: Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s official tool for fast transfer

Mi Mover is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi that allows you to transfer data directly between two smartphones over Wi-Fi, which is the simplest method, but only works if you meet three conditions:

• 📱 Both phones should be on MIUI (One of them is on HyperOS for the new models of 2026).
• 🔄 The new phone must be activated no more than 7 days ago (otherwise a reset will be required).
• 📶 Both devices must have at least 20% charge and Wi-Fi enabled.

To begin the transfer:

1. On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select Data Transfer → Mi Mover.
2. On your old phone, open Settings → About Phone → Mi Mover (or find the app through search).
3. Scan it. QR-code from a new phone with an old device.
4. Select data types for transfer (contacts, messages, photos, applications) and confirm the transfer.

It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data, and the important thing is, don't interrupt the connection or lock the screen, or the transmission will stop and you'll have to start over.

Both phones on the phone MIUI/HyperOS|Battery charge >20%|Wi-Fi is enabled on both devices|The new phone didn't go through. 7 days off-->

⚠️ Note: If the new phone has already been 7 days since the first setup, Mi Mover will not be available, in which case you will have to use alternative methods or make a factory reset (but this will delete all data on the new device!).

Method 2: Backup through Google Account (for contacts, calendar, and part of apps)

If Mi Mover doesn't work for some reason, you can use Google's standard tools, which are universal and work on all Android devices, but have limitations:

• ☁️ Only contacts, calendars, Google Keep notes and some app settings (e.g. Chrome bookmarks) are transferred).
• 🚫 Not tolerated: SMS, Call history, photos (if not enabled autoload in Google Photos), application files.
• 🔄 A stable Internet connection is required (preferably Wi-Fi).

Instructions for transfer:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Google → Backup and enable the option to Backup Data.
2. Wait until the sync is complete (you can see the progress in the same menu).
3. On the new Xiaomi, when setting up, select Restore Data from Google Backup and log in to the same account.
4. Select the latest backup and confirm the recovery.

If the new phone is already set up, you can manually restore data: go to Settings → Google → Backup → Restore data.

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Before transferring, check if your contacts are synced in Google Account. To do this, open Google Contacts → Settings → Account Management and make sure your account is ticked.

Method 3: Transfer through SD-map USB-storage device (for photos, videos and documents)

If you have a microSD card or USB-adapter OTG, You can transfer files manually. This is a good method:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including folders) DCIM and Pictures).
• 📄 Documents (Download, Documents).
• 🎵 Music and other media files.

Step-by-step:

1. Put it in. SD-Card to an old phone or connect it USB-storage OTG-adapter.
2. Open the Explorer (Files on the MIUI) Find the folders with the data you want (usually Internal Storage).
3. Select files, click Copy and paste them on SD-flash-card.
4. Remove the drive and connect it to the new phone.
5. Copy files into the internal memory of the new Xiaomi.

This method is not suitable for transferring applications, SMS or system settings, but it guarantees the safety of media files without compression (unlike cloud services).

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring photos and videos, check what is on SD-There's plenty of room for the map. DCIM Xiaomi can weigh 10+ GB, especially if you are shooting videos in the 4K. Also make sure that the card is formatted in exFAT or FAT32 — MIUI supportive NTFS.

Mi Mover|Google Account|SD-map/USB-accumulator|Cable and PC|Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)|Another way.-->

Method 4: Computer Transfer (the most reliable method for large amounts of data)

If you have access to a PC (Windows, Mac or Linux), transferring over a USB-Type C cable is one of the most reliable ways.

• 📁 Full backup of all files (including hidden folders).
• 🔄 Application portability (through ADB, if there is a root right).
• 📱 Data recovery after resetting settings.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect the old Xiaomi to the PC via USB-cable.
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. Open This Computer on a PC - the phone will appear as a removable disk.
4. Copy all the necessary folders (DCIM, Download, WhatsApp, etc.) to the hard drive of the PC.
5. Disable the old phone, connect the new one and transfer the files back.

You can use Xiaomi PC Suite (the official software from the manufacturer) or third-party utilities like MobileTrans to transfer SMS and call history. However, some data (for example, messages from Telegram or Viber) are only transferred through their own functions of these applications.

Method 5: Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk)

If you have a slow internet connection or little space SD-You can upload data to the cloud and then download it to a new phone. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud service, but it has limitations:

• ☁️ Free rate – only 5 GB (this is not enough for photos and videos).
• 🔒 Not all data types are supported (e.g., settings of some system applications are not portable).
• 🌍 The servers are located in China, so download/download speeds can be low.

Alternatives:

• 📁 Google Drive – 15GB free, but slow downloading of large files.
• 📤 Yandex Disk – 10 GB free, high speed for users from Russia.
• 🍎 iCloud – if you also have Apple devices, but it’s inconvenient for Xiaomi.

How to transfer data through Mi Cloud:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on synchronization for the desired types of data (contacts, notes, photos, etc.).
3. Wait until the loading is complete (may take hours with a large volume).
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and enable sync in Mi Cloud.

For Google Drive or Yandex Disk, use the official apps: download files from your old phone and then download them to a new one.

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Cloud services are convenient for backup, but not suitable for porting applications and their data. For full migration, it is better to combine the cloud with other methods (for example, for example, for a full migration, SD-card).

Common Mistakes in Data Transfer and How to Avoid Them

Even when using official tools, users often face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

1. There is not enough space on the new phone. Before transfer, check the free space in Settings → If there's not enough space, delete the unnecessary files or transfer them to the storage room. SD-map.
2. Mi Mover can't see the old phone. Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Data Transfer enabled in the developer settings. Also check if the firewall is blocking the connection.
3. SMS or call history is not transferred. This data is not synced through Google Account. Use specialized applications like SMS Backup & Restore or Super Backup.
4. Applications are not restored after porting. Not all applications support backup. Check if AutoRestore is included in Settings → Applications → Application Management.
5. Photos and videos are distorted after transfer. This can happen if files were compressed when uploaded to the cloud. SD-compression-card.

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring data from Xiaomi to a device of another brand (such as Samsung or Realme), Mi Mover will not work.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Data Transfers to Xiaomi