How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: all the ways 2026

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or sharing large files. Unlike other brands, the MIUI ecosystem offers unique migration tools, but many still use outdated methods like email or instant messengers. This article will reveal all the current ways – from the branded Mi Mover to the hidden features of Wi-Fi Direct, taking into account the limitations and nuances of each method.

Xiaomi’s feature is that even low-end models (like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) support advanced transmission protocols that are not available on other Android devices. We tested all methods on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra → Xiaomi 14 and Redmi 10 → POCO F5 pairs to identify speed, reliability and potential problems. Importantly, some methods only work with the same version of MIUI on both devices — this is critical for Mi Mover and Quick Share.

1.Mi Mover: Xiaomi’s official migration tool

Mi Mover is a built-in solution from Xiaomi, optimized for transferring all types of data (including system settings, SMS and call history) between devices on MIUI 10+. The main advantage is to preserve the structure of folders and file metadata, which third-party applications do not provide.

• 📱 Both devices must be working on MIUI 10 or newer (check in Settings) → The phone).
• 🔄 On the old smartphone must be disabled password/pattern lock for the transfer time.
• 📶 You need a stable Wi-Fi connection (even if you use a cable).
• 🚫 Devices with custom firmware are not supported (for example, LineageOS).

How to start:

1. On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select Data Transfer from another device.
2. On the old device, open Settings → Additional → Mi Mover.
3. Scan it. QR-code from a new phone or connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
4. Select the data types to transfer (you can even transfer the lock screen settings).

Turn off the password on the old Xiaomi|

Charge of both devices >50%|

Connect to one Wi-Fi network |

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Close the background annexes-->

⚠️ Warning: If the transmission is interrupted during the Preparation phase, restart both devices and try again. A common mistake is the lack of memory on the new smartphone (needs at least 10% free space from the amount of data transferred).

2. Quick Share (formerly Mi Share): Transmission without internet

Quick Share (formerly Mi Share) is a protocol from Xiaomi, similar to Google’s Nearby Share, but with speed support of up to 20 MB/s (versus 5-10 MB/s from competitors). Works on all devices with MIUI 12+, including POCO and Black Shark. The key difference from Bluetooth is the use of Wi-Fi Direct for transfer, which speeds up the process by 5-10 times.

How to use:

1. Activate Quick Share in the notification bar on both devices.
2. On the sending phone, select files in Gallery or Explorer, click Send → Quick Share.
3. On the receiving device, confirm receipt (notification will appear).

Hidden Chip: If Quick Share doesn’t find the device, turn on Developer Mode (Settings → Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times) and activate Debugging over Wi-Fi. This will reset the Wi-Fi Direct module cache.

Mi Mover|

Quick Share (Mi Share)|

Bluetooth|

Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) |

Cable OTG-->

3. Transmission via OTG cable: maximum speed

Using an OTG cable (or USB-C to USB-C adapter) is the fastest method for large amounts of data (for example, transferring 100 GB of photos from Xiaomi 12S Ultra to Xiaomi 14 Pro). Speeds reach 40-60 MB / s (2-3 times faster than Wi-Fi Direct), but requires:

• 🔌 Cable with support USB 3.0 (normal) OTG limited to 5 MB/s).
• 📱 Both devices must be supported USB OTG (Check in the settings → Connected devices).
• 🔋 Battery charge >30% (at low charge) MIUI block OTG).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the OTG cable to your new smartphone.
2. On the old device, select File Transfer (MTP) mode when connecting to your PC.
3. Open Explorer on a new phone – the old one will show up as an external drive.
4. Copy files manually (we recommend using Total Commander for batch transfer).

⚠️ Attention: When transmitting through OTG Do not remove the cable until you see a notification "Safe Device Removal". F2FS, squatted UFS 3.1.

💡

If the OTG cable is not recognized, try connecting your old smartphone to charge – sometimes MIUI blocks the OTG at a discharge below 20%.

4. Cloud services: Mi Cloud vs Google Drive

Cloud storage is convenient for backup before transfer or if devices are on different networks. Xiaomi offers its own service - Mi Cloud (5 GB for free), but it has critical drawbacks:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud is not synchronized SMS and a call log on devices outside of China.
• 🔒 Data is stored on servers in Singapore/India – download speed depends on your provider.
• 📅 Free Storage Resets to 5GB After 90 Days of Inactivity.

Alternatively, Google Drive (15GB free), which is integrated into MIUI via Settings → Google → Backup.

• 🔄 Automatic synchronization of contacts, calendar and photos (via Google Photos).
• 🌍 Access from any country (unlike Mi Cloud, which is blocked in some regions).
• 📂 Support for file versioning (you can recover deleted data in 30 days).

How to transfer data via Google Drive:

1. On the old Xiaomi:


Open Google Drive → Press + → Download.




- Select files and wait until completion (the icon ☁️ turns green ).




2. On the new Xiaomi:




- Log in to the same Google account.




In Google Drive, click on the file → “Download” or “Save in the Gallery”.

5. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct: When nothing works

If other methods are not available (for example, on Xiaomi with custom firmware), Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct remains. The first is suitable for small files (up to 50 MB), the second is for transferring at a speed of 5-10 MB / s (but with frequent cliffs).

Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On the sending phone, select the file → Send → Bluetooth.
3. Confirm reception on the second device.

Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct in Settings → Wi-Fi → More
2. Connect to the network created by the second device (password is usually 12345678).
3. Use Explorer or ES File Explorer to transmit over a local network.

⚠️ Note: When transmitting via Wi-Fi Direct, turn off mobile internet on both devices. MIUI can automatically switch to mobile data, interrupting the connection.

💡

To transfer applications (APK) over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, you need to disable Play Protection in Google settings - otherwise the system will block the installation.

6. Transfer of specific types of data

Not all data is carried the same way. Here are the nuances for different types:

📱 Contact and SMS

The only reliable way is Mi Mover or Google Account, for manual export:

1. Open Contacts → Settings → Import / Export.
2. Export to the.vcf file (save to Internal Memory → MIUI → backup).
3. Transfer the file to a new device and import it.

🎵 Music and video

Use Quick Share or OTG-To save playlists in Mi Music:

• 🎶 Export the playlist to Settings → Backup (file.m3u).
• 📁 Move the file along with the music tracks to the Music folder on the new device.

📱 Annexes and their data

Standard methods are only tolerated APK-files, but not save games or settings:

• 🎮 For games: use Google Play Games (synchronization through Google account).
• ⚙️ For applications: Settings → Annexes → Backup (not working with all programs).
• 🔧 For root access: Titanium Backup (requires unlocked bootloader).

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with official Xiaomi tools, users are facing problems.-5 erroneousness:

If none of these methods worked, try alternative applications:

• 📲 Send Anywhere – transfer on 6-digit code (speed up to 10 MB / s).
• 🌐 LocalSend – Open analogue of AirDrop for Android.
• 🔗 Snapdrop – web service for transfer via browser (does not require installation).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions