How to transfer data from one Xiaomi phone to another: all the ways of 2026

Transferring data from an old Xiaomi smartphone to a new one is a challenge that every brand user faces. Even if both devices run on MIUI, the process can be complicated due to differences in firmware versions, models (Redmi Note 12 vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra) or manufacturer limitations. In this article, we will discuss 7 current transfer methods, from built-in MIUI tools to universal solutions that work even between Android and iOS.

We’ll focus on the hidden features of MIUI 14/15, which speed up transfers by 40% compared to standard methods. For example, few people know that Xiaomi has a Quick Migration mode activated via an engineering menu – it copies not only files, but also system settings, including energy saving profiles and application permissions. You’ll also learn how to bypass the data transfer limit of more than 4 GB via Mi Share, and why POCO F5 may not see Redmi 10 when connected directly via cable.

1. Built-in “Data Cloning” function in MIUI

The most reliable way for Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO owners to use the proprietary tool "Cloning data" (Mi Mover), which is built into the firmware and optimized for work between devices on MIUI 12 and later, the main advantage is that not only files are portable, but also:

• 📱 Accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks)
• 📞 Call log and SMS (including MMS)
• 🎵 Application settings (such as themes in Mi Theme or saved games)
• 🔧 System settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, sound profiles)

To activate cloning:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → About Phone → Data Cloning (or Additional → Data Transfer to MIUI 15).
2. On the new device, select This is a new phone and scan. QR-code.
3. Confirm Wi-Fi Direct connection (make sure both phones have Developer Mode enabled if required).
4. Select data categories to transfer and wait until it is completed (on average, it takes 10–30 minutes depending on the volume).

⚠️ Warning: If the new phone already has a Mi Account, log out before cloning, otherwise the data may not be transferred due to a synchronization conflict.

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If the cloning is 99 percent dead, don't interrupt the process -- wait 10 to 15 minutes -- this is due to the final data integrity check in MIUI 14+.

2. Mi Share: Wireless transmission without internet

Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi File Transfer) is an analogue of AirDrop for the Xiaomi ecosystem, working through Wi-Fi Direct. APK-files up to 10 GB (in) MIUI 15 limit increased to 20 GB. Transfer speed reaches 20 MB / s, which is 2 times faster than Bluetooth.

How to use:

1. Activate Mi Share in the notification curtain on both phones.
2. On the sending device, select files in Explorer → Send → Mi Share.
3. On the receiving phone, confirm receipt (at the first connection, permission to access the storage may be required).

⚠️ Attention: On models POCO X5 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Mi Share may not be in the curtain. To enable it, go to Settings. → Connections → Mi Share and activate the slider.

Direct cable connection (OTG or Type-C)

If wireless methods don't work (for example, because MIUI versions are incompatible), the most reliable way is to use a direct cable connection.

• 🔌 Cable OTG (If one of the phones has a microUSB)
• 🔄 Type-C – Type-C cable (for modern models)
• 📱 Transfer app (e.g. Files by Google or Send Anywhere)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phones with a cable. One of them will have a notification on the screen. USB-Connection – Select File Transfer.
2. Open Explorer on the sending phone, highlight files and click Copy.
3. Return to the main screen and open the notification. USB-storage and select a folder on the second phone to insert.

Make sure both phones are charged at least 50 times%|

Use the original Xiaomi cable (expensive analogues may not support data transfer)|

Disable battery optimization for the Explorer application |

Check that there is enough space on the receiving phone (minimum) +10% of the volume of data transmitted)-->

On Black Shark and some POCO models, you may need to enable Developer Mode and activate USB Debugging, as they block direct data transfer via cable by default.

4. Cloud services: Mi Cloud vs Google Drive

For data transfer at a distance or between different platforms (for example, Xiaomi → iPhone), it is convenient to use cloud storage. Xiaomi offers its own service - Mi Cloud, but it has limitations:

• ☁️ Free volume: 5 GB (vs. 15 GB for Google Drive).
• 📱 Synchronizes only: contacts, notes, SMS, Photos (without videos and documents).
• 🔒 Requires a binding to Mi Account (not suitable for transfer to a non-missable account)-Xiaomi device).

Alternatively, Google Drive or TeraBox (gives 1TB for free) Instructions for Google Drive:

1. On an old phone, open Google Photos or Files by Google and upload files to the cloud.
2. On the new phone, log in to the same Google account and download data through the Drive app.
3. For contacts: enable sync in Settings → Accounts → Google.

5. Transmission via computer (Windows/Mac)

If you have a PC, you can migrate data over it, which is important for large volumes (e.g., 100+GB of photo and video) and you need to:

• 🖥️ Computer with USB-ports (preferably) USB 3.0 for speed).
• 🔌 Cables for both phones (original to avoid connection errors).
• 📂 Program for synchronization: Mi PC Suite (official) or Syncthing (for advanced users).

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Connect your old phone to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy the data into a folder on your computer (for example, D:\Xiaomi_Backup).
3. Turn off the first phone, connect the new one and transfer the data back.
4. For contacts and SMS, use export in.vcf and.xml formats respectively (via Contacts → Import/Export application).

⚠️ Note: On Windows 11 when connecting Xiaomi via MTP You may have a device not recognized error. Solution: install Mi drivers. PC Suite or manually update the driver through Device Manager (select Portable Device) MTP).

6. Transfer of applications and their data

Transfer of installed applications (APK) and their data (for example, saving in games or setting up WhatsApp) require a separate approach. MIUI There are two ways:

Method 1: Backup with Mi Account

1. On the old phone: Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Backup.
2. Select the Applications and their data and start copying.
3. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and restore the data from the backup.

Method 2: Manual copying of APK + data (for advanced)

1. Install App Backup & Restore from Google Play.
2. Back up your desired applications (choose the APK + Data option).
3. Transfer files to a new phone and restore them through the same app.

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Not all apps support data portability, for example, WhatsApp requires separate backups in Google Drive, and banking apps (SberBank, Tinkoff) block the transfer due to security.

7.Alternative methods: Bluetooth, NFC and third-party applications

If the standard methods do not work, you can use:

• 📶 Bluetooth: Suitable for small files (up to 50MB) but extremely slow (speed) ~1 MB/s. Includes in the notification curtain on both phones.
• 📲 NFC: only for the transfer of contacts or links (on models with a chip) NFC, for example, Xiaomi 13T). It is enough to attach the phones back covers to each other.
• 🌐 Third-party apps: Send Anywhere — Wi-Fi transmission without size restrictions. SHAREit (caution: 2023 had security issues). LocalSend is an open-source, encryption analogue of AirDrop.

POCO and Black Shark with custom firmware (such as HyperOS) may require a Magisk installation to unlock full access to data features.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to Xiaomi