How to quickly and safely transfer data from Xiaomi to Samsung: from contacts to apps

Why Shifting Data Between Xiaomi and Samsung Is Not a Trivial Task

The transition from Xiaomi to Samsung is not just a brand change, but a migration between two fundamentally different ecosystems. Unlike data transfer within the same brand (for example, from the Galaxy S22 to the Galaxy S23), here you will face three key challenges:

First, different synchronization protocols. Xiaomi actively uses Mi Account and its own cloud services, while Samsung relies on Samsung Account and Smart Switch, a tool that does not always work correctly with competitors' devices. Second, backup formats: backup files from MIUI (.mbk) are not compatible with One UI, and vice versa. Third, manufacturers' restrictions: some Xiaomi models (especially budget Redmi) block access to system folders through MTP, which makes it difficult to manually transfer files.

But the good news is that despite these nuances, there are at least 5 working ways to migrate data — from contacts and messages to apps and settings. Next, we will analyze each of them with the specific features of specific models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra) and typical user errors.

Method 1: Smart Switch is Samsung’s official tool (but not without pitfalls)

Samsung Smart Switch is positioned as a universal solution for migration, but in practice, its work with Xiaomi depends on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14, the transfer can be interrupted at the stage of copying applications, while on the Xiaomi 12T with MIUI 13 the process will go smoothly.

To minimize the risks, follow this algorithm:

1. Xiaomi Preparation: 📱 Make sure the latest version is installed on the device. MIUI (Check in the settings → The phone. → Updating the system). 🔌 Connect the charger - the process may take up to 30 minute. 🔒 Turn off the screen lock (PIN/pattern lock) at the time of transfer.

Launching Smart Switch on Samsung:

• 📲 Download Smart Switch from Google Play (if it is not in pre-installed apps).
• 🔄 Select Accept Data → Android.
• 📡 Connect to Xiaomi via Wi-Fi Direct (recommended) or cable USB-C → USB-C (if both devices have the same connector).

Install Smart Switch on both devices | Turn off VPN and power saving modes |Free space on Samsung ≥ the amount of data transferred |Use the original cable (not cheap analogues)

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Critical feature: Smart Switch does not tolerate application settings (for example, save in games or data messengers like WhatsApp).

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi gives an error “failed to connect”, try manually enable debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).

Method 2: Google Account – universal, but with limitations

Syncing through Google Account is the most reliable method for transferring contacts, calendars, notes and parts of applications.

• 📇 Contacts and calendars are synced completely, but photos and videos in Google Photos are compressed (if you do not pay for a subscription).
• 📱 Apps are only portable to those installed from Google Play (APK from third-party sources, no).
• ⚙️ System settings (wallpaper, sound profiles) are not transmitted.

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi: Go to Settings → Google Accounts → Sync. Enable sync for all categories (contacts, calendar, Google Photos, etc.) Wait until completed (check in Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Management).

Samsung

• When you first turn on, select Copy Data → From the Cloud → Google.
• If the phone is already set up, go to Settings → Accounts and Backup → Restore data.

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If contacts are duplicated after sync, use Google Contacts → Contact Management → Combine and Fix.

Method 3: Direct transfer via OTG cable or adapter

If you don't have access to Wi-Fi or cloud services, manual cable transfer is a reliable alternative.

• 🔌 Cable OTG (if Samsung has a connector USB-C, Xiaomi has a Micro-USB).
• 💾 Adapter (e.g., adapter, USB-C → USB-A flash-drive).
• 📁 File Manager (recommended by Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect Xiaomi to Samsung via cable (or use it) OTG-adapter + flash-drive).
2. On Xiaomi, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the Connection Notification.
3. Open the file manager on Samsung and copy the data from the folders: DCIM – photos and videos. Download – downloads. MIUI → Backup – Xiaomi backups (but they are not compatible with Samsung).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3) folder MIUI To see it, in the file manager, enable the display of hidden files (Settings) → Show hidden files).

Method 4: Cloud Services: Mi Cloud vs Samsung Cloud vs Google Drive

Cloud storage is convenient for transferring large amounts of data, but each service has limitations:

• 🌥️ Mi Cloud: ✅ Free 5GB. ❌ Not compatible with Samsung – you will have to download data to your PC and then upload it to Samsung Cloud.

Optimal scheme:

1. On Xiaomi, upload the data to Google Drive (backup folder).
2. On Samsung, download files through the Google Files app.
3. For contacts and calendars, use Google Account Sync (see Method 2).

Google Drive|Mi Cloud|Samsung Cloud|iCloud|Other |Not using cloud-->

Method 5: Transfer over a computer (for advanced users)

If you need to transfer all data without loss (including game saves, application settings, and SMS), the most reliable way is to use Windows/macOS PCs and specialized utilities:

• 🖥️ Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) – to create a full backup.

Step-by-step instructions for Mi PC Suite:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite.
2. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via cable and create a backup (Backup → Full Backup).
3. Connect Samsung and use Smart Switch for PC to recover data from the backup folder.

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f /sdcard/backup.ab


adb restore /sdcard/backup.ab

These commands allow you to create and restore a backup via ADB, but require USB Debugging enabled and drivers installed.

⚠️ Note: When porting over a PC, do not use disk formatting during the Samsung connection phase.Some models (e.g., Galaxy) A54) can automatically offer to format the drive, which will lead to data loss.

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Transferring over a PC is the only way to save SMS, call log and application settings without root rights.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

Another common mistake is the lack of space on Samsung, for example, when you transfer 64 GB of data from Xiaomi 11T Pro to Galaxy S22 (where 128 GB is available ~110 GB), the process can be interrupted.

• 🧹 Clear the app cache on Samsung (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse).
• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files (e.g. pre-installed games in the Obb folder).
• 🔄 Transfer data in parts (first photo, then video, then applications).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions