How to quickly and safely transfer files to the new Xiaomi phone: the full guide

Contents

• Introduction: Why it is important to transfer data correctly
• The official way: Mi Mover from Xiaomi
• Cloud syncs through Google Drive
• Direct transmission by cable (OTG/Type-C)
• Wireless transmission via Wi-Fi Direct
• Transferring data via computer (Windows/Mac)
• Third-party apps: ShareIt, Xender, Send Anywhere
• Solving Typical Problems in File Transfer
• Frequent questions about data portability to Xiaomi

Transferring data to Xiaomi’s new smartphone is a challenge that every user faces when upgrading their device. How well you organize this process depends not only on the safety of your photos, videos and contacts, but also on the speed of setting up the new gadget. Modern smartphones Redmi, POCO and Mi offer several ways to migrate data, and the choice of the optimal method depends on the amount of information available tools and even the model of your previous phone.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of transferring files, from the Mi Mover proprietary solution to universal cloud services. You will learn how to transfer not only multimedia, but also SMS, call logs, application settings and even data from instant messengers. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden nuances that the manufacturer does not always voice: volume limitations, compatibility with Android different versions and ways to avoid typical errors.

1.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi, integrated into MIUI firmware and optimized for data transfer between the brand’s devices. The utility supports transferring almost all types of files, from contacts and messages to browser history and Wi-Fi settings. The main advantage is that you do not need an Internet or computer: transmission is carried out over a direct Wi-Fi connection between phones.

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

• 📱 On your old phone, open the Mi Mover app (if you don’t have one, download from Google Play).
• 🆕 On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select the option “Data Transfer” or find the utility in the Settings menu. → The phone. → Data portability.
• 🔄 Click "I'm the sender" on the old device and "I'm the receiver" on the new one. Confirm the connection via QR-code.
• 📁 Select data types to transfer (you can cancel the transfer of certain categories, for example, APK-file).

It’s important to keep in mind that Mi Mover has a limit on how much data you can transfer to 4GB per session. If you need to move more, break files into pieces or use alternative methods. It may not work properly with Android 12+ devices unless they have the latest version of MIUI installed.

Charge both phones at least 50% | Update MIUI to the latest version |Remove unnecessary files (cache, duplicates) |Disable VPN and firewalls |Check free space on your new device-->

⚠️ Note: If your old phone has custom firmware installed (like LineageOS), Mi Mover may not recognize it as a compatible device. ADB third-party.

2. Cloud sync via Google Drive

For users who prefer backup to the cloud, Google Drive is the best solution, which works independently of the phone model (even if you switch from iPhone to Xiaomi) and allows you to restore data on any Android device.

Instructions for transfer via Google Drive:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Activate the option “Backup in Google Drive” and wait for the process to be completed.
3. On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select “Recover Data” and log in to the same Google account.
4. Select the latest backup and confirm the recovery.

The speed of recovery depends on the speed of the Internet and the amount of data. For example, a 10 GB backup can be downloaded from 30 minutes to several hours. If you have a slow connection, we recommend using night time for synchronization or alternative methods.

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Before backing up to Google Drive, clear the app cache (Settings → Storage → Cache Data) and this will reduce backup volume by 20-30%.

3. Direct transmission by cable (OTG/Type-C)

One of the fastest and most reliable ways to transfer files is to use the OTG-This method is suitable for transferring large files (video to video) 4K, archives, disk images, and no Internet connection. 480 Mbit/s (for USB 3.0), what 5-10 faster than wireless alternatives.

To transfer files over the cable:

1. Buy it. OTG-Adapter (if older phones have a microUSB connector) or Type-C cable for modern models.
2. Connect the old device to the new Xiaomi via an adapter.
3. A notification will appear on the new phone "USB-Device connected. Select "File transfer" (MTP).
4. Open any file manager (such as Mi File Manager) and copy the data manually.

This is especially true for owners of POCO F4, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and other USB 3.2 flagships, where transfer speeds are limited only by the capabilities of the old device. However, note that some manufacturers (such as Samsung or Huawei) may block access to system folders via MTP.

⚠️ Note: When connecting through OTG Avoid using cheap Chinese adapters – they can cause the port to overheat or even damage the controller. USB. We recommend original Xiaomi accessories or certified adapters from Anker.

4. Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi Direct

If you don't have a cable on hand but you have access to Wi-Fi, you can use Wi-Fi Direct technology. This protocol allows devices to communicate directly, without a router, at speeds up to 250 Mbps. Unlike Bluetooth, there are no limits on file size, and the connection is set in seconds.

Transfer algorithm via Wi-Fi Direct:

• 📶 On both phones, activate Wi-Fi Direct in settings (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔍 On the new Xiaomi, find the old device in the list of available devices and connect to it (confirmation will be required on both phones).
• 📤 Open the file manager on your old phone, select files and click "Send" → "Wi-Fi Direct".
• 📥 On the new device, confirm the acceptance of files.

The advantage of this method is that there is no loss of quality (as opposed to Bluetooth) and the ability to transfer folders entirely. However, Wi-Fi Direct can be unstable at a distance of more than 10 meters or if there is interference from other wireless devices. For models Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro with support for Wi-Fi 6E transmission speed will be maximum.

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Wi-Fi Direct consumes significantly less power than a mobile hotspot, but still drains the battery faster than a cable connection. For large amounts of data (>5GB), connect the phone to charge.

5. Data transfer via computer (Windows/Mac)

Using a computer as an intermediary is a versatile method that works for any device, including iPhones, feature phones or phones with a damaged screen, and it’s about copying files from an old phone to a PC and then to a new Xiaomi, which also allows you to selectively transfer data, edit it before transferring it, or create archives.

Step-by-step instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Connect your old device to your computer via USB and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open This Computer – Your Phone will appear as a removable drive.
3. Copy the desired folders (DCIM for photos, Download for downloads) to the hard drive of the PC.
4. Disable the old device, connect the new Xiaomi and transfer the files in reverse order.

Macs will require additional software, such as Android File Transfer, as macOS does not support MTP out of the box. Also note that some Android system files (such as SMS databases) may not appear in Explorer - use specialized utilities like Moborobo or Syncios to extract them.

1. switch USB mode to "Charge" and back.

2. Update drivers through Device Manager.

3. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0, marked in blue).-->

6 Third-party apps: ShareIt, Xender, Send Anywhere

If standard methods don't work for some reason, specialized file transfer applications will come to the rescue, offering additional features such as LAN transmission, data encryption, or cross-platform support (for example, with iOS on Android).

• 📲 ShareIt (Developer: Smart) Media4U) — It supports transmission at speeds up to 20 MB/s, has a built-in media player.
• ⚡ Xender – optimized for large files (video, games), allows you to transfer data between 4 devices at the same time.
• 🔒 Send Anywhere - uses a 6-digit key to connect, which increases security. Supports transmission over the web interface.

The general algorithm for working with these applications:

1. Install the selected app on both phones.
2. On the old device, select files and click "Send".
3. On the new Xiaomi, select “Get” and confirm the connection (via the QR-code PIN).
4. Wait for the transfer to be completed (time depends on the amount of data and network speed).

Third-party apps are especially useful if you migrate data from devices to iOS or HarmonyOS, where standard Android methods don’t work. However, beware: some utilities (e.g. ShareIt) have suspicious permissions (access to contacts, SMS), which can pose a privacy risk.

⚠️ Note: When using Send Anywhere to transfer files larger than 10 GB break them down into archives. 4-5 GB: Otherwise, the connection may be interrupted due to protocol limitations.

7. Solving typical file transfer problems

Even when following instructions, users often encounter errors when transferring data, and consider the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 Mi Mover doesn't find old device: Check if Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on both phones.Reboot both devices and try again.If on an older Android phone 5.0 or lower, upgrade it or use another method.
• ⚠️ Google Drive is not re-established SMS: Make sure the backup included message data (check in Settings) → Google → Backups: Use specialized applications, such as, SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🔌 The computer can't see the phone. MTP: Try another cable (preferably original). USB Update drivers via Device Manager (Windows) or install Android File Transfer (Mac).

If none of these methods worked, use alternative solutions:

• 📦 Manual copying through SD-Card (if both phones support removable drives).
• ☁️ Cloud services from other providers: Yandex.Disk (gives 10 GB free), Mega (20 GB), Dropbox.
• 🛠️ ADB-Experienced user commands: Adb pull /sdcard/ /backup/xiaomi/ adb push /backup/xiaomi/ /sdcard/

8. Frequent questions about data portability to Xiaomi