How to transfer files from Samsung to Xiaomi: all ways with pros and cons

The transition from Samsung to Xiaomi is not only about changing the interface, but also the need to transfer all the important data: photos, contacts, messages and documents. Many users face the problem: how to do it quickly, without loss and without using a computer? In this article, we will discuss 7 current ways to transfer files between Android devices, including both standard tools and little-known life hacks.

The peculiarity of the transfer between Samsung and Xiaomi is that both manufacturers use their own ecosystems: Samsung Knox and MIUI. This means that universal solutions (such as Google Account) can work unstable, and proprietary utilities - require additional settings. We tested each method on current models (Galaxy S23 Ultra and Redmi Note 12 Pro+) and identified the only way that is guaranteed to carry even hidden files and Wi-Fi settings.

1. Use of proprietary utility Mi Mover (the most reliable way)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s official app designed specifically for migrating data from other smartphones, and supports porting not only media files, but also SMS, call logs, system application settings, and even some Samsung Pay settings (unless they are tied to a Samsung account).

To use the utility:

• 📱 Install Mi Mover on both devices from Google Play (Samsung may need permission to install from unknown sources).
• 🔗 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (or create an access point on Xiaomi).
• 📲 On Samsung, select the role of “Sender” (Sender), on Xiaomi – “Receiver” (Receiver).
• 🔍 Scan it. QR-code from the Xiaomi screen with Samsung camera and confirm the connection.

Mi Mover does not tolerate applications (only their data, if supported). There may also be problems with files larger than 500 MB, in which case it is better to use alternative methods. The transfer speed depends on the version of MIUI: on MIUI 14 and the newer process takes an average of 10-15 minutes for 10 GB of data.

Charging both phones > 50%|Shut down. VPN both-device|Release. ≥ 2 GB of memory on Xiaomi|Check the compatibility of versions MIUI (12+)-->

2. Transfer via Google Account (for contacts, calendar and notes)

If you only need to migrate contacts, calendar events or notes, sync through Google Account is the easiest way.It doesn’t require additional apps and works even on older Samsung models (like the Galaxy J5 2017).

Instructions:

1. On Samsung, go to Settings → Accounts & Archiving → Account Management and select your Google profile.
2. Activate sync for Contacts, Calendar, and Google Keep (if you use notes).
3. On Xiaomi, add the same Google account to Settings → Accounts → Add an account.
4. Wait for automatic synchronization (can take up to 30 minutes with a large amount of data).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not tolerated. SMS, call logs and files (photos, videos, documents).
• ⚠️ If your contacts are saved to your Samsung Account, you must export them to Google first.
• 🔄 When you duplicate contacts (for example, if they are already on Xiaomi), the system can create copies of the contacts.

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Before syncing, check what data is tied to your Samsung account: go to Contacts → Contact Management → Sync settings and export it to your VCF file if needed.

3. Fast Wi-Fi Direct (without internet)

Wi-Fi Direct is a technology that allows you to share files directly between devices without connecting to a router, which is suitable for transferring large files (for example, video to 4K or application backups) at speeds up to 30 MB / s.

How to set up the connection:

1. On Samsung, activate Wi-Fi Direct in Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On Xiaomi, enable the same function in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Select the name of the Xiaomi device in the list on Samsung and confirm the connection.
4. Use any file manager (such as Files by Google or Mi File Manager) to send data.

Warning: If Xiaomi is power-saving, the connection may break every 5-10 minutes. To avoid this, add the file manager app to exclude battery optimization (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

Cable (USB-OTG)|Google Drive (Mi Cloud) and Mi Drive (Google Drive)|Wi-Fi (Mi Mover, Wi-Fi Direct)|Through the computer|Another option-->

4. Transfer via USB-OTG cable (maximum speed)

If you have a USB-OTG adapter (or Type-C to Type-C cable), you can connect Samsung to Xiaomi directly, which provides the fastest transfer speeds of up to 40-50 MB/s (depending on the USB version).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Samsung to Xiaomi via OTG-Xiaomi will be notified «USB-plug-in».
2. Click on the notification and select File Transfer.
3. On Xiaomi, open a file manager (such as Mi File Explorer) and Samsung will appear in the list of devices.
4. Copy the files you want to use in Xiaomi memory (internal or on-board) SD-map).

Important details:

• ⚡ For speed 40+ MB/s both devices should support USB 3.1 (e.g., Galaxy) S22 Xiaomi 13).
• 🔋 Connection through OTG discharges both phones faster than usual – it is recommended to use a charger.
• 📁 Some system folders (Android/data) They can be hidden – root rights are needed to access them.

5. Cloud services: Google Drive vs Mi Cloud

Cloud storage is convenient for file transfer if you have slow internet or don't have physical access to both phones at the same time, but there are limitations to each service:

Google Drive:

• ✅ Free 15GB (common to all Google services).
• ✅ Automatic synchronization of photos through Google Photos.
• ❌ Restriction on File Downloading > 750 MB (browser required).

Mi Cloud:

• ✅ Free 5 GB (for Chinese accounts – 10 GB).
• ✅ Integration with MIUI (automatic backup of contacts and notes).
• ❌ Low download speed in some regions (for example, in Russia).

The algorithm for transferring through Google Drive:

1. On Samsung, upload files to Drive via the app or web version.
2. On Xiaomi, log in to the same account and download files.
3. To speed up, use Offline Files (available in Drive settings).

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Mi Cloud automatically backs up SMS and call logs, but only if the “Autosync” function is enabled on Xiaomi (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization).

6. Computer transmission (for large amounts of data)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (like a movie collection or WhatsApp backup), the most reliable way is to use a PC or Mac. This method is also suitable if the file system on Samsung is damaged and the phone is not detected by other devices.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect Samsung to your computer via USB and select File Transfer mode.
2. Copy the data into a separate folder on the PC.
3. Disable Samsung, connect Xiaomi and transfer files back.

Macs will require Android File Transfer (the official utility from Google), and it is important that on macOS Ventura and later, connection errors can occur, in which case the phone will help to reboot in MTP mode.

⚠️ Note: When copying files via PC, do not use exFAT formats or NTFS for SD-Xiaomi may not recognize them. Optimal format: FAT32 (but with a 4GB file size limit).

7.Alternative applications: Send Anywhere, SHAREit, Xender

If standard methods don't work (for example, because of incompatibility of Android versions), you can use third-party applications.

Recommendation: for maximum security use Send Anywhere – it does not require registration and encrypts the data transmitted. SHAREit and Xender are convenient for fast transfer, but can request unnecessary permissions (for example, access to SMS or geolocation).

⚠️ Note: When using SHAREit on Samsung with One UI 5.0 and later, the application can be blocked by the Knox security system. To avoid this, temporarily disable the Malware Protection in Settings. → Biometrics and safety.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer