How to transfer information from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: all the ways of 2026

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones may seem like a trivial task, but in practice users face nuances ranging from file size constraints to compatibility issues between old and new models. In 2026, owners of Redmi devices will have to deal with the problems of data transfer between Xiaomi smartphones, POCO or Mi has at least 5 working ways to transfer information — from the built-in Mi Mover tool to universal protocols like Wi-Fi Direct. The choice of method depends on the type of data (photos, contacts, applications), volume and even firmware version. MIUI.

In this article, we’ll break down each option with current limitations in mind: for example, why Mi Mover might not work on devices with a mobile device. MIUI 14+ When you transfer some system applications, or how to get around the 4GB limit when using Bluetooth, you will also learn which data is better to transfer through Xiaomi Cloud, and which is directly over the local network to save time and traffic. If you need to migrate not only files, but also system settings (for example, Always On Display settings or Game Turbo profiles), pay attention to the backup section.

Before you start, check out two key points: the version. MIUI Both devices (it must be at least 12 for most methods to work) and free space on the receiving smartphone. For example, transferring 50 GB of photos over Wi-Fi Direct will require at least 60 GB of free space on the target device due to temporary files.

1. Mi Mover: Xiaomi’s Official Data Transfer Tool

Mi Mover is a built-in solution from Xiaomi, optimized for data transfer between the brand’s devices. The tool supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, applications (including their data), and even some system settings. The main advantage is that there is no need for the Internet or third-party programs.

• 📱 It only works between devices. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (Not suitable for other brands).
• 🔄 Demands. MIUI 9 or newer on both smartphones (on both smartphones) MIUI 14+ There may be errors in the transfer of certain applications).
• ⚡ Transfer speed depends on the version of the protocol: on new models (for example, Xiaomi 14) reaches 10 MB / s, on old ones (for example, Redmi Note 8) - up to 3 MB / s.
• 🚫 Does not transfer data to certain apps (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram require a separate backup).

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

1. On the old device, open Settings. → The phone. → Mi Mover (or search through the settings).
2. Select the role "Sender" and confirm permissions to access files.
3. On the new device, launch Mi Mover and select Receiver.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of the new smartphone or connect via Wi-Fi Direct (devices must be nearby).
5. Select the data types to be transferred and confirm the start of the process.

Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.|Charge both smartphones at least 50%|Make room on the new device (recommended) +20% of the volume of data transmitted)|Turn it off. VPN and energy-saving regimes

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If Mi Mover doesn’t find the device, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both smartphones.
• 📶 Manually connect to the access point that the old device creates (network name will begin with the first one). Xiaomi_...).
• 🛠️ Update MIUI Update to the latest version (in System Update settings).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later Mi Mover may not be able to carry some system applications (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music), in which case they will have to be installed manually from Google Play or the App Store.

2. Wi-Fi Direct transmission: fast and without internet

Wi-Fi Direct is a technology that allows devices to communicate directly over Wi-Fi without intermediaries. Unlike Mi Mover, this method works not only between Xiaomi smartphones, but also with devices of other brands. Transfer speeds can reach 15-20 MB / s (depending on the model and version of Wi-Fi), which is faster than Bluetooth, but slower than cable connection.

The main advantages of the method:

• 🌐 It does not require an internet or mobile network connection.
• 📁 Supports the transfer of files of any type (including: APK archives).
• 🔗 You can transfer data to multiple devices at the same time (if you support Wi-Fi Direct).

How to transfer files via Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On the sending device, open Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct (or settings) → Connections and sharing → Wi-Fi Direct on new versions MIUI).
2. Activate Wi-Fi Direct and wait until the device is visible to others.
3. On the receiving smartphone, perform the same steps and select the sending device from the list.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices (entry may be required) PIN-code).
5. Open Explorer (or Files), select the files you want, click “Send” and select Wi-Fi Direct.

If Wi-Fi Direct is not working:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📶 Make sure that both smartphones have Wi-Fi on (even if you are not connected to the network).
• 🛠️ Update the firmware: on some models (e.g. Redmi 9), Wi-Fi Direct is unstable without the latest updates.

Mi Mover|Wi-Fi Direct|Bluetooth|Cable OTG|Cloud services (Google Drive, Xiaomi Cloud)|Another way.

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* When transmitted via Mi Mover, the restriction depends on the free space on the receiving device.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3) Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with Mi Mover. If one method fails, disable the other in the settings.

Bluetooth 3: Slowly but Reliable for Small Files

Bluetooth is the most versatile, but also the slowest way to transfer data.It is suitable for small files (up to 4 GB), such as contacts, low-resolution photos or documents. The speed usually does not exceed 2 MB / s, so it is better to use other methods for transferring video or large archives.

The advantages of Bluetooth:

• 🔋 Minimum battery consumption (compared to Wi-Fi).
• 🌍 It works even without the Internet and Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Supported by all Xiaomi devices, including older models (e.g. Redmi) 4A).

How to transfer files via Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices (Settings → Bluetooth).
2. On the sending smartphone, select a file in Explorer, click "Send" and select Bluetooth.
3. Select the target device from the list and confirm the transfer on the receiving smartphone.

If Bluetooth does not find the device:

• 🔄 Reboot both smartphones.
• 📱 Make sure that the devices are no more than 10 meters apart.
• 🛠️ In Bluetooth settings, enable the option “Visibility for all devices".

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If you need to transfer multiple small files (such as contacts), pack them into the file. ZIP-archive before sending over Bluetooth, which will speed up the process and reduce the risk of errors.

On devices with MIUI 13+ Quick Share is a feature that speeds up file sharing via Bluetooth. + Wi-Fi Direct to activate it:

1. Open the Settings. → Connections and sharing → Quick transmission.
2. Turn on the function and select "Visibility for all".
3. Select files in Explorer and click "Send via Quick Transfer".

4.Cable OTG: maximum speed and reliability

Cable use OTG (On-The-Go is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to transfer data between Xiaomi smartphones, speeds can reach 40-50 MB / s (on devices with a mobile phone). USB 3.0), which is 2-3 times faster than Wi-Fi Direct:

• 🔌 OTG-cable (or adapter) USB-C (Newer models or Micro-USB (older models).
• 📱 Support OTG on both devices (checked in settings or through test applications).

How to transfer data through OTG-cable:

1. Connect. OTG-cable to the receiving device (the one to which the files will be copied).
2. Connect the sending device to the cable (it will be defined as an external drive).
3. On the receiving smartphone, open the Explorer and go to the section "USB-accumulator".
4. Copy the files to internal memory or SD-map.

If the device is not recognized:

• 🔄 Try another cable (low quality) OTG-cables often don't work).
• 📱 Turn on "Debugging by" USB" in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🛠️ Update the firmware: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10) require MIUI 12.5+ steady-work OTG.

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Cable OTG — The only method that guarantees the transfer of files of any size without loss of speed, however, it requires additional accessories and is not supported by all older models (for example, Redmi). 3S lacking OTG).

On devices with MIUI 14 is a function "USB-drive, which allows you to use the smartphone as a flash drive without OTG-cable (via cable) USB-C to USB-C). For that:

1. Connect the devices with a cable USB-C to USB-C.
2. On the sending smartphone, select the "File Transfer" mode (a notification will appear).
3. On the receiving device, open Explorer and copy the files.

5. Xiaomi Cloud: Transfer over the Internet

Xiaomi Cloud is a cloud storage from Xiaomi that allows you to synchronize data between devices over the Internet. The method is convenient if the devices are in different places or if you only need to transfer specific types of data (for example, contacts or notes).

What can be transferred through Xiaomi Cloud:

• 📇 Contacts, messages, call records.
• 📷 Photos and videos (compressed if the option "Saving traffic" is enabled").
• 📝 Notes, calendar, system settings (e.g. Always On Display or Topics).

How to transfer data through Xiaomi Cloud:

1. On the old device, open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired data types (e.g., Contacts or Gallery).
3. Wait until the download is complete (it may take time with slow internet).
4. On the new device, log in to the same Xiaomi account and enable synchronization of the same data.

Limitations of Xiaomi Cloud:

• 📉 Free rate is limited to 5 GB (to expand you need to pay).
• 🚫 Not all data is synchronized (for example, installed applications or their settings).
• ⏳ Speed depends on the quality of the Internet connection.

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Before using Xiaomi Cloud, check if the old device has the option of “Photo Compression” in the cloud settings, otherwise the images will load in low quality.

If Xiaomi Cloud does not sync data:

• 🔄 Restart the device and check the internet connection.
• 📱 Make sure that both devices use the same Xiaomi account.
• 🛠️ In the Mi Cloud settings, click "Sync Now".

6. Third-party applications: when standard methods do not work

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools fail (for example, due to outdated firmware or model incompatibility), third-party apps can be used. They often offer additional features, such as LAN transmission, FTP-server or even direct exchange through QR-code.

Top.-3 Applications for data transfer between Xiaomi smartphones:

How to use Send Anywhere (example:)

1. Install the app on both devices from Google Play.
2. On the sending smartphone, select files and click "Send".
3. Select the transfer method: "Clock" (enter 6-digit code on the receiving device) or "Clock" QR-code".
4. Confirm receipt on the receiving device.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• 🌍 It works between different brands (not just Xiaomi).
• 📤 Supports file transfer of any size (unlike Bluetooth).
• 🔒 Some offer data encryption (e.g. LocalSend).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, disable Battery Optimization for them in the settings MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start, otherwise the transmission may be interrupted.

7. Backup and Recovery: Transfer of All Data

If you need to migrate all the data from your old smartphone to your new one (including system settings, accounts, and app data), the best way to do this is to create a full backup and restore it to the new device. MIUI There is a built-in tool for this "backup".

What is stored in the backup copy:

• 📱 System settings (sound, display, networking).
• 📞 Contacts, messages, call log.
• 🎵 Music, photos, videos (if selected).
• ⚙️ Data from some applications (such as Mi Fit or Themes).

How to create and restore a backup copy:

1. On the old device, open Settings. → The phone. → Backup.
2. Select Local Backup and specify what data to save.
3. Wait until the completion (the copy file will be saved in internal memory or on the SD-map).
4. Transfer the copy file to a new device (e.g., via a OTG-cable).
5. On the new device, open Settings → The phone. → Restore and select a copy file.

Restrictions of backup:

• 🚫 Not all apps support data retention (for example, WhatsApp or Viber require a separate backup).
• 📱 Recovery is only possible on devices with the same or newer version. MIUI.
• ⏳ The process can take up to an hour (depending on the amount of data).

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Backing up through Mi Account allows you to recover data even after you reset the device to factory settings, but it requires a stable Internet connection and enough space in the cloud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer between Xiaomi