How to quickly and securely transfer data to Samsung: from contacts to apps

Why Samsung and Xiaomi need a special approach

The transition from Samsung Galaxy to Xiaomi Redmi/POCO is not just a brand change, but a transition between two fundamentally different ecosystems: One UI (based on Android with Samsung proprietary chips) and MIUI (deeply customized Android from Xiaomi).The main problem is that standard Google tools (such as Backup & Restore) often miss critical data: Samsung Notes notes are not synchronized with Mi Notes, and Bixby settings are useless for XiaoAI.

The second nuance is that Xiaomi aggressively blocks the default application background activity, which can interrupt data services (like Samsung’s Smart Switch) without warning. For example, when you transfer 50 GB of photos over Wi-Fi Direct, the connection is cut by 70% if you do not turn off battery optimization for the donor application. We tested 5 ways and found that work consistently even with large amounts of data (up to 128 GB).

Method 1: Official Mi Mover app (for MIUI 12 and later)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary migration tool that can transfer not only media files, but also media files. APK-Application packages (without data), call history and SMS. However, there is a critical limitation: the application only works when Xiaomi is first turned on (before the lock screen setting stage).If the phone is already configured, you will have to reset to factory settings or use alternative methods.

How to start the transfer:

📱 On Samsung: Install Mi Mover from Google Play. Allow access to files and contacts.
🔄 On Xiaomi: At the initial setup stage, select Data Transfer → Android.
📶 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (or use the Samsung hotspot).
🔗 On Samsung, open the Mi Mover, scan it. QR-code from the Xiaomi screen and select data to transfer.

Charging the battery of both phones > 50%|Battery optimization for Mi Mover disabled in settings MIUI|Xiaomi has enough space (data will take up) 10-15% more room)|Wi-Fi router supports 5 GHz (for speed) > 10 MB/s)-->

The transmission speed depends on the MIUI version:

MIUI version	Speed (MB/s)	Max. Volume at once.	APK support
MIUI 12-13	8-12	64GB	Yes (without data)
MIUI 14	15-20	128GB	Yes (with data for some applications)
MIUI 15 (HyperOS)	25-30	256GB	Yes (full support)

⚠️ Note: If Samsung has enabled storage encryption (Security settings) → Encryption, Mi Mover will not be able to transfer files from folders DCIM/Camera Before transferring, decrypt the device or copy the files manually.

Samsung’s Method 2: Smart Switch (partially compatible)

Samsung Smart Switch is theoretically able to export data to other brands, but it works with Xiaomi in an unstable way. The main problem is that the app backs up.sbk format that MIUI does not recognize, but there is a workaround: export the data to a PC and then convert it to a compatible format.

Step-by-step:

Install Smart Switch on Samsung and PC version.
Connect Samsung to your computer via USB (File Transfer Mode).
In Smart Switch on PC, select Backup → Contacts, SMS, photos (applications cannot be transferred).
Download scrcpy and connect Xiaomi to your PC. Transfer files manually via adb push:

adb push C:\Backup\Contacts.vcf /sdcard/Download/


adb push C:\Backup\Photos /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/

For contacts and SMS, you can use an alternative method:

📇 Export contacts from Samsung Contacts to.vcf (Management menu) → Imports/exports).
💬 For SMS use SMS Backup & Restore – The app saves messages in.xml, which is then imported to Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: Smart Switch does not port data from Samsung Health, Samsung Pay and Secure Folder. For Samsung Health, export data to.srh via the Settings menu → Export data and then import to Mi Fitness (manual field editing in Excel will be required).

Smart Switch|Mi Mover|Google Account|Manual transfer via PC|Never carried-->

Method 3: Google Account (Universally but with Restrictions)

Syncing through Google Account is the most versatile method, but it does not transfer all data, for example, applications are restored without a saved state (you will have to re-enter accounts), and photos are uploaded in compressed quality (if you do not include original quality in Google Photos).

What exactly is being transferred:

Type of data	Transferred?	Limitations
Contacts	Yes.	Only if saved in Google, not in your phone memory
Calendar	Yes.	Without reminders from Samsung Calendar
Photo/video	Yes.	Compression to 16 MP if Google One is not paid
Annexes	Partially.	No data (e.g., saves in games will be lost)
SMS	No.	A separate application is required (see Method 2)

How to set up:

On Samsung: go to Settings → Accounts and Archiving → Data Archive and enable backup in Google Drive.
On Xiaomi: When you first turn on, select Restore from backup and log in to the same Google account.
For photos: in Google Photos on Samsung, open Settings → Backup and Sync → Download quality → Original.

💡

If no contacts have appeared on Xiaomi after the recovery, check the sync settings: Settings → Google Accounts → Sync → Contacts. Sometimes MIUI blocks background sync – add Google Contacts to the Auto Run list in the battery settings.

Method 4: Direct transmission via OTG cable (for large volumes)

If you need to move more 100 GB data (e.g. video in the 4K or RAW-And the wireless methods are going to be too slow, and that's where it helps. OTG-adapter (or cable) USB-C to USB-C) And hand-copying, the main advantage is speed to the speed of the machine. 40-60 MB/s (against) 5-10 MB/s on Wi-Fi).

Instructions:

Buy a USB-C to USB-C cable (importantly: with USB 3.1 support for high speed).
On Samsung, turn on Developer Mode (7 taps by Build Number in Settings → About Phone) and activate Debugging over USB.
Connect your phones with a cable. On Xiaomi, select File Transfer, on Samsung — USB-modem (this will allow access to the storage).
On Xiaomi, open Explorer (or Files by Google) and copy files from Samsung folders:

/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/ → Photo and video


/storage/emulated/0/Download/ → Downloads




/storage/emulated/0/WhastApp/ → WhatsApp backups

Critical nuances:

🔌 If Xiaomi doesn’t see Samsung as a storage device, try swapping phones (plug the cable to another port).
📁 Do not copy folders with a dot at the beginning (for example,.thumbnails) – these are Android service files.
🔋 Battery charge will fall faster due to high load on the port.Plug charging to Xiaomi while copying.

How to transfer WhatsApp with message history?

1. On Samsung, make a backup copy in WhatsApp: ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup copy. 2. Copy the folder. /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases Xiaomi in the same location. 3. Install WhatsApp on Xiaomi, log in with the same number and restore from a local copy (the application will find the file itself). msgstore.db.crypt14). ⚠️ If the Xiaomi version of WhatsApp is newer than Samsung, the story may not recover – first update WhatsApp on your old phone!

Method 5: Cloud Services (for selective transfer)

If you only need to migrate sample data (like documents or music), it is more convenient to use cloud services, the main advantage is that you do not need to physically connect your phones, and the disadvantage is the limitations on the volume and speed of downloads.

Comparison of services:

Service	Free volume	Max, speed.	Suitable for
Google Drive	15GB	10 MB/s	Documents, APK, contacts
Yandex Disk	10GB	50MB/s (with Premium)	Photo, video (no compression)
Mega	20GB	No limits.	Large archives (encryption)
Telegram (Saved Messages)	Unlimitedly.	20 MB/file	Small files (settings, notes)

How to transfer data over Yandex Disk (example):

On Samsung, install Yandex Disk and upload files to the Transfer to Xiaomi folder.
On Xiaomi, open the same app, find a folder, and download files (or use the Auto Download feature).
For acceleration: In the Yandex Disk settings on Samsung, enable Wi-Fi Only Download → Always.

⚠️ Attention: When uploading photos to Google Photos in High Quality mode, the resolution is reduced to 16 MP, and the video is compressed to 1080p. If you have photos with Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (200 MP), use Yandex Disk or Mega to transmit in original quality.

💡

To port data applications (for example, save in games), use Swift Backup (root required) or Titanium Backup. APK-files without user data.

What to do if the data is not moved or damaged

If some files are missing or not opened after the transfer, check the following:

🔍 Access rights: On Xiaomi go to Settings → Annexes → Permits and give the Conductor access to the storage.
📂 Hidden files: In the Explorer MIUI Turn on the display of hidden folders (menu) ⋮ → Show hidden files. Often backups SMS Notes are stored in folders such as.Backup.
🔄 Re-Sync: For Google contacts, delete your Xiaomi account and add it again – this will force you to update your data.
🛠 Recovery of damaged files: Use DiskDigger for photos/video (scans the storage for artifacts).

If WhatsApp messages are missing:

Make sure that the file msgstore.db.crypt14 is copied to /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/ on Xiaomi.
Check that the version of WhatsApp on Xiaomi is not newer than on Samsung (roll back through the APK if necessary).
Reinstall WhatsApp and wait for the offer to restore the history.

adb shell pm clear com.miui.gallery #Cleaning Gallery


adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.media #Disposal of the media base

It'll free you. 1-3 GB without deleting personal files.-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I transfer data from Samsung to Xiaomi without a computer?

Yes, use Mi Mover (for the new Xiaomi) or Google Account (for syncing contacts, photos and apps).+ GB is better used OTG-cable or Wi-Fi access point FTP-server (wifi application) FTP Server).

Why doesn't Mi Mover see my Samsung?

The problem is usually network settings or battery optimization: Make sure both phones are connected to the same 2.4GHz network (5GHz may not be supported on older Xiaomi models). On Samsung, turn off Adaptive Battery Savings for Mi Mover (Settings → Device Care → Battery → Application Optimization). If a mobile hotspot is used, check that Xiaomi has Modem Modem Modem (Settings → Access Point and Modem).

How to transfer passwords from Samsung Pass to Xiaomi?

Samsung Pass doesn't have a direct export, but you can use a workaround: On Samsung, export passwords to Google Password Manager: go to Settings → Biometrics and safety → Samsung Pass → Settings → Data Export. On Xiaomi, log in to the same Google account and enable autocomplete passwords (Settings) → Passwords and security → Autocomplete. Use local storage WPS Office with Secure Storage – Move Passwords There Manually. ⚠️ Note: Some passwords (such as those for Samsung Pay or Secure Folder) are not exported.

Can I reset the screen settings (wallpaper, brightness, Always On Display)?

No, Samsung screen settings (such as Adaptive Brightness or Always On Display) are not ported to Xiaomi due to different firmware. However, you can save: Wallpaper: Copy files from /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Wallpapers/. Color profiles: At Samsung, take a screenshot with the color settings (Settings → Screen → White Balance) and manually configure similar settings in Xiaomi (Settings → Screen → Color Scheme).

How to transfer data from Samsung to Xiaomi if your old phone is broken?

If Samsung is not turning on but is responding to a PC connection: Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (clutch Volume Down + Power). Use Odin to extract data (requires firmware with Userdata). If the screen is broken but the phone is working, connect your mouse via OTG and unlock the device. For serious damage, contact the service center - they can extract data via an eMMC chip (cost ~3-5 thousand rubles).