How to quickly and safely transfer data from one Xiaomi phone to another

Contents

• Introduction: Why data transfers between Xiaomi require a special approach
• Method 1: Mi Mover – the official solution from Xiaomi
• Method 2: Cloud storage Mi Cloud for backup
• Method 3: Google Drive and other cloud services
• Method 4: Direct transmission through OTG-cable
• Method 5: Transfer data through a computer
• Method 6: Third-Party Applications for Migration
• Solving problems in data transmission
• Frequent questions about data transfer between Xiaomi

The switch to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to protecting personal data, POCO Mi offers unique migration tools that often go unnoticed, such as the ability to transfer not only photos, but also app settings, call history and even data from some games — and without loss of quality.

The main mistake users make is trying to copy files manually through the Explorer, which leads to loss of folder structure, photo metadata or even damage to application databases. MIUI There are several synchronization mechanisms that work at the system level. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of transferring data between Xiaomi phones, including little-known chips like shifting screen time settings or custom widgets.

We'll focus on the nuances that aren't written in the official instructions, like why some files might not recover when using the Mi Cloud, how to get around the restriction on transferring apps through Google Drive, and what to do if the new phone doesn't see the old one through Mi Mover. Let's start with the most reliable method, the Xiaomi proprietary tool.

Method 1: Mi Mover – the official solution from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is built into the MIUI an application that is designed to transfer data directly between Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. The main advantage of this is that it supports all types of files, including:

• 📱 Contacts, messages (SMS/MMS) call-book
• 📸 Photos and videos (including albums and metadata)
• 🎵 Music, documents and downloads
• 📱 System settings (wallpaper, sound schemes, brightness)
• 🎮 Data from certain games (if supported by the developer)

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

1. On your old phone, open Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Transmit data.
2. Select the role of "Sender" and wait for the generation QR-code.
3. On the new phone, select “Recipient” and scan on the same menu. QR-code.
4. Confirm the connection via Wi-Fi Direct (make sure both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled).
5. Select the data types to transfer and start the process.

The speed of transmission depends on the volume of data and the model of the phones. 13 Pro with Redmi Note 12 exchange 50 GB of data approximately 30-40 Important: If the process is interrupted, it can be resumed, but some files may be duplicated.

Charge both phones at least to the 50%|Release. 10-15% memory on the new device|Shut down. VPN and energy-saving regimes|Make sure that both phones have the latest version installed. MIUI-->

⚠️ Note: If the new phone already has a Mi Account that is different from the old one, contact and note data may not be transferred correctly.

One of the hidden advantages of the Mi Mover is the ability to port screen time settings (including application restrictions) and custom widgets.

• 🚫 Data of some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) are not transferred due to security policy.
• 🚫 Applications are transferred without cache – they will have to be updated after transfer.
• 🚫 On the phones with MIUI 14+ Additional confirmation may be required through SMS.

Method 2: Cloud storage Mi Cloud for backup

Mi Cloud is a cloud service from Xiaomi that offers 5GB of free storage (with the option to expand to 200GB for a fee).Unlike Google Drive, it is optimized to work with the company. MIUI allows you to retain:

• 📇 Contacts, SMS call-book
• 📅 Calendars and notes
• 📷 Photo and video (in original quality)
• 🔧 System settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, sounds)

To transfer data through Mi Cloud:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired categories (e.g., Contacts and Gallery).
3. Wait until the download is complete (time depends on the speed of the Internet).
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and enable synchronization.

The main drawback of this method is the volume limit, for example, if you have 15 GB of photos, you either have to buy extra space or use another way.

• 🚫 Installed apps (only listing them for Google Play).
• 🚫 Game data (progress, preservation).
• 🚫 Files from Download or Documents folders, unless manually uploaded to the cloud.

⚠️ Note: If you used Mi Cloud to backup your phone with MIUI 12 and restore data on the device with MIUI 14, some settings may not apply due to changes in the system structure.

To speed up synchronization through Mi Cloud, you can use the priority boot mode:

1. Open the Mi Cloud on your old phone.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ top-right.
3. Select "Sync settings" → "Priority loading".
4. Activate the option for the desired categories (for example, "Gallery").

💡

If you have a slow Internet connection, switch to a mobile network before syncing via Mi Cloud. 5G Or connect to Wi-Fi. 6. This will speed up the upload of large files to 2-3 once.

Method 3: Google Drive and other cloud services

If you prefer universal solutions, Google Drive is a good alternative. Unlike Mi Cloud, it offers 15GB of free space and supports backup:

• 📱 Contacts (via Google Contacts)
• 📅 Calendars and tasks
• 📷 Photos and videos (via Google Photos)
• 📱 List of installed applications (but not their data!)

Instructions for transfer via Google Drive:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → System → Backup.
2. Select “Google Drive Backup” and click “Create Backup Now”.
3. Wait until it is completed (may take several hours with a large amount of data).
4. On the new phone, when you first turn on, select “Restore from backup” and log in to the same Google account.

The following is important: Google Drive does not tolerate:

• 🚫 Settings MIUI (themes, widgets, gestures).
• 🚫 Application data (except for some games that support Google Play Games).
• 🚫 Files from folders MIUI Xiaomi.

To transfer photos, it is better to use Google Photos separately:

1. Install Google Photos on both phones.
2. On an old phone, turn on "Backup and Sync" in the app settings.
3. On the new phone, wait for the synchronization to be completed (photos will appear in the Photos folder).

⚠️ Note: When you restore from Google Drive on a Xiaomi phone, some system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) may not recover their data.

Alternative cloud services for data transfer:

• 🌐 Yandex Disk – 10 GB free, convenient for users from Russia.
• 🌐 Dropbox – 2GB free, but high sync speed.
• 🌐 OneDrive – 5GB free, Microsoft 365 integration.

Method 4: Direct transmission through OTG-cable

If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or cloud services, OTG-This is going to be a simple, reliable solution, and it's a good way to transmit:

• 📁 Any files (photos, videos, documents, APK)
• 🎵 Music and podcasts
• 📄 Archives and backup copies

For the transmission of data through OTG:

1. Buy it. OTG-Adapter (e.g. Xiaomi Type-C to Type-C) OTG Cable).
2. Connect your old phone to your new phone via an adapter.
3. On your new phone, open Files by Google or Mi File Manager.
4. Select folders to copy (for example, DCIM for photo or downloading).
5. Copy the files to the internal memory of the new phone.

Advantages of this method:

• ⚡ Maximum speed (up to 480 Mbps when used) USB 3.0).
• 🔒 Security – data is not transmitted via the Internet.
• 📁 Selective copying – only the necessary files can be transferred.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 System settings and application data are not transferred.
• 🚫 Required. OTG-adapter (cost from 300 rubles).
• 🚫 On the phones with MIUI 13+ may need to be unlocked USB-debugging.

⚠️ Note: When you copy your Android folder (where app data is stored), some files may not open on your new phone due to different versions. MIUI Or Android. In this case, it's better to transfer only media files and documents.

To accelerate transmission through OTG:

• 🔌 Use the cable. USB Type-C (blue connector).
• 📴 Turn off the power saving mode on both phones.
• 🗃️ Archive folders before copying (e.g. in.zip).

💡

OTG-cable is the only way to transfer files larger than 50GB without compression. 8K playback.

Method 5: Transfer data through a computer

Using a PC or laptop is a versatile method that is suitable for any file, including:

• 📂 Backup copies TWRP Or OrangeFox.
• 📱 Full Firmware Images (.img files).
• 🎮 Save games (folder) Android/obb).

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your old phone to your PC via USB-cable.
2. Select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the phone notification curtain.
3. Copy the required folders (for example, DCIM, Pictures, Download to hard drive.
4. Turn off the old phone and connect the new one.
5. Move the files back.

For macOS or Linux:

• 🍎 Use Android File Transfer (official software from Google).
• 🐧 In Linux, install mtp-tools and gvfs-mtp for support. MTP.

Advantages of this method:

• 🖥️ Ability to edit files before perenosom (e.g., convert video).
• 🔍 Virus testing with antivirus on PC.
• 🗄️ Long-term storage of backup copies.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Computer and cable required.
• 🚫 Slower than the Mi Mover or OTG (speed depends USB-port).

To transfer application data via PC:

1. Install ADB on your computer.
2. Connect your old phone and execute the command: adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all
3. Copy the backup.ab file to your new phone.
4. Recover the data by command: adb restore backup.ab

⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB Backup Some System Applications MIUI (For example, Mi Home or Mi Fit may not recover, and then you have to reconfigure them.

Method 6: Third-Party Applications for Migration

If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party applications, the best ones being:

Recommendations for the use of third-party applications:

• 🔒 Before transferring, disable the antivirus on both phones (it can block the connection).
• 📶 Connect both phones to the same 5 GHz Wi-Fi network.
• 📁 Check if the application supports the transfer of hidden files (for example,.nomedia).

Example of transfer via Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both phones.
2. On the old phone, select files and click "Send".
3. Generate. QR-code.
4. On the new phone enter the key or scan. QR.
5. Confirm receipt of files.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. CLONEit) require permission to access system settings. MIUI 14 This Could Cause a Security Warning – Ignore It If You Trust the Source of the App.

Solving problems in data transmission

Even with official methods, there can be errors.

If the Mi Mover is suspended during the connection stage:

1. Reboot both phones.
2. Turn off the VPN and energy saving mode.
3. Make sure that both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
4. If you use Xiaomi.eu firmware, check for updates.

If Mi Cloud does not sync contacts:

• 📱 Check what's in the Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud is enabled synchronization "Contacts".
• 🔄 Restart your phone and wait for automatic synchronization.
• 📲 If contacts are duplicated, use the Contacts app. → "Contact management" → "Combine duplicates".

If, in the case of transmission, OTG files are damaged:

• 🔌 Try another cable (preferably the original Xiaomi).
• 📁 Copy files in small portions (by each). 5-10 GB).
• 🛠️ Check the phone's file system for errors through Explorer → "Warehouse" → "Verification".

Frequent questions about data transfer between Xiaomi