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

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but data transfer can become a headache if you do not know the proven ways. Contacts, photos, messages, apps and even screen settings can all be saved, but how to do it without loss and as quickly as possible?

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for data transfer between Xiaomi phones, including official tools from the manufacturer and universal solutions. You will learn how to transfer information through Mi Mover, Mi Cloud, OTG cable, Google account and even without the Internet.

Whether you upgrade Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 or transfer files from the old POCO F3 to the new POCO X6 Pro, there is a solution for any situation.

1. Official method: Mi Mover - transferring data without loss

Mi Mover is a Xiaomi-branded app that is installed by default on all modern models (starting with MIUI 9) and allows you to transfer data directly over Wi-Fi between two phones without having to connect to the Internet or a computer.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Supports all types of data: Contacts, SMS, Photos, videos, music, apps (including their data), notes, and even system settings.
• 🚀 High speed: up to 20 MB/s with stable connection (depending on model).
• 🔒 Security: Data is transmitted over an encrypted channel, without being uploaded to the cloud.
• 📱 It works for all Xiaomis, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

How to use Mi Mover:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
2. On the new phone, run the same sequence or find the Mi Mover app in the menu.
3. Select a role: the old one is “I am the sender” and the new one is “I am the receiver.”
4. Scan it. QR-code from the new phone old (or enter the code) PIN-manually).
5. Select data types to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

Make sure both phones have enough charge (at least 50%)| Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (not necessarily, but speeds up search)|Close all background apps, especially instant messengers |Remove screen lock while you're porting

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⚠️ Note: If the new phone already has data (for example, you started using it), Mi Mover will offer to reset it to the factory settings before transfer. All existing files will be deleted.

The speed of transfer depends on the volume of data and the model of the phones. For example, transferring 30 GB of photos and applications from the Redmi Note 11 to the Xiaomi 13T takes about 20-30 minutes. If the process is interrupted, you can resume it from the same place, the application saves progress.

2.Move over Mi Cloud: Cloud Backup

If you can’t connect your phones directly (like an old smartphone broke but you’re logged in), the Mi Cloud will be a lifeline.This method requires an internet connection, but allows you to restore data even to a new phone in a few days.

What can be transferred through Mi Cloud:

• 📞 Contacts, call log, SMS/MMS.
• 📷 Photos and videos (if Autoupload was enabled in the Gallery).
• 📝 Notes, calendar, notebook.
• 🎵 Music and documents (if they were uploaded to the cloud by hand).
• ⚙️ System settings (wallpaper, sounds, network parameters).

Step-by-step:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on sync for all the categories you need (contacts, gallery, etc.).
3. Wait for the download to be completed (you can check the progress in the Warehouse section).
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Xiaomi account and enable sync in the Mi Cloud.
5. Select "Recover Data" and select the desired categories.

⚠️ Warning: The free Mi Cloud account only provides 5GB of storage, and if you have more data, you will either have to buy additional space (from 100GB per user). ~300 ₽/You can use a different method, and not all apps support backup, like WhatsApp or Telegram data, you have to move it separately.

The advantage of this method is the ability to selectively restore, for example, you can only transfer contacts and photos without missing unnecessary notes, but applications and their data (for example, save in games) are not portable through the Mi Cloud - this requires a Mi Mover or manual backup.

Mi Mover (direct transmission)|Mi Cloud (cloud)|Google Account|Cable OTG/PC|Another way.-->

3.Move over Google Account: a universal method for Android

If you don't want to depend on Xiaomi services, you can use standard Google tools, which are suitable for transferring basic data: contacts, calendar, mail, Chrome bookmarks and some settings, but photos, videos and apps will have to be synced separately.

What can be transferred:

• 📞 Contacts (if saved in a Google account).
• 📅 Calendar and reminders.
• 🌐 Bookmarks and history of the Chrome browser.
• 📧 Letters and Contacts from Gmail.
• 📱 Some system settings (Wi-Fi networks, wallpapers).

Instructions:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Make sure that synchronization is enabled for all the categories you need.
3. On the new phone, when you first turn on, select “Copy Data” and log in to the same Google account.
4. Follow the cues of the customization wizard by selecting "Restore from backup".

The main disadvantage of this method is a limited data set, for example, SMS and call log are not synced through Google (this requires Mi Cloud or third-party applications like SMS Backup & Restore), and photos and videos are only transferred if they were uploaded to Google Photos (with a limit of 15 GB at a free rate).

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If you used Google Photos with Backup and Sync, all your media files will automatically appear on your new phone when you log in. To save space, turn on Traffic Savings in the app settings, which will speed up the download of previews instead of the originals.

4. Transfer over OTG cable or computer: for large amounts of data

If you don't have access to Wi-Fi or cloud services, you can move data the old-fashioned way, over cable. OTG-Adapter (for direct connection of phones), or computer as an intermediary.

Method 1: Direct connection via OTG

• 🔌 Buy it. OTG-plug-in USB-C (Micro-USB if you have an older model).
• 📱 Connect your old phone to your new phone via an adapter.
• 📂 On your old phone, select the file transfer mode" (MTP).
• 🔍 On the new phone, open the File Manager and copy the desired folders (DCIM Photos, Downloads for downloads, etc.).

Method 2: Through a computer (Windows/macOS/Linux)

1. Connect your old phone to your PC and copy all the data to a separate folder.
2. Turn off the old phone, plug in a new one.
3. Move files back by saving the folder structure (e.g. DCIM/Camera → DCIM/Camera).

⚠️ Note: When transferring over a computer, do not copy system folders like Android or MIUI — This can cause crashes on the new phone (APK) You can’t just copy them, you need to install them through Play Market or Mi Mover.

This method is suitable for transferring large media libraries (for example, collections of movies or music), but will not save with contacts or SMS. For them, it is better to combine this method with Mi Cloud or Google Account.

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Direct connection via OTG — The most reliable way to transfer files larger than 100 GB, but requires the purchase of an adapter (cost from 200 GB) ₽).

5.Transfer data from broken Xiaomi phone

If your old Xiaomi doesn't turn on, but it reacts to charging (vibrates, the indicator burns), there's a chance to save data.

Option 1: Extraction SD-maps (if established)

• 📱 Turn off the phone (if it is still responding) hold the power button 10.+ seconds).
• 🔧 Carefully remove the tray for SIM-Check if there is a microSD card.
• 💾 Insert the card into a new phone or computer adapter and copy the data.

Option 2: Connect to PC in Fastboot mode

1. Hold the Power Button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
2. Connect the phone to your computer and check if it is detected in Device Manager.
3. Use the Mi Flash Tool or ADB to extract data (technical skills required).

Option 3: Contacting the service centre

If the phone is physically damaged (screen is broken, does not respond to buttons), but the data is critical, it is better to contact the official Xiaomi service. ₽, The chances of success are high if the memory is not damaged.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled data encryption (Settings) → Security → Encryption, without a password, it's impossible to extract information even in the service!

What can’t be done in standard ways (and how to get around it)

Unfortunately, not all data can be transferred over Mi Mover or the cloud, and this is what's usually left behind:

To transfer game saves (for example, in Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile), link your account to Google Play Games or social networks. In WhatsApp, back up to Settings → Chat → Backup, and in Telegram, just log into the same account – chats are synchronized automatically.

If you need to move the settings of a particular application (like Nova Launcher or Tasker), check if it supports export/import settings. This option is usually hidden in the Settings → Export menu.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability to Xiaomi