How to quickly and safely transfer all data from the old Xiaomi to the new

Switching to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but transferring data from an old device can turn into a real headache if you do not know the proven methods. Many users lose hours manually copying photos, restoring contacts or setting up applications, although the manufacturer has provided several convenient tools for automated migration. In this article, we will analyze 5 working methods – from the official Mi Mover to alternative solutions for complex cases (for example, if one of the devices does not turn on).

The Xiaomi ecosystem is very special because the brand offers its own synchronization services that are often more efficient than universal solutions like Google Account, but each method has limitations: somewhere you need a stable Internet connection, somewhere you need the original cable. We will analyze the pros and cons of each option in detail, and also give a checklist of preparation to avoid typical errors. If you have tried to migrate data and faced problems, at the end of this article there is a section on solutions to the most common failures.

We should note right away: data transfer between Xiaomi devices based on MIUI 12 and later supports the transfer of not only media files, but also Wi-Fi settings, call history, SMS and even some system application parameters (for example, design themes).

1. Official method: Mi Mover - fast transmission over Wi-Fi

Mi Mover is an application built into MIUI that is designed specifically for data migration between Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices. It uses direct Wi-Fi Direct transmission, which allows you to do without cloud services and data limits, the main advantage of the method is to preserve the structure of folders and file metadata (for example, the date of creation of a photo).

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

• 📱 On an old smartphone: open Settings → The phone. → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
• 🆕 On a new device: When you first turn on, select Data Transfer (or find it in the same settings).
• 🔄 On the old phone, click “I am the sender” and on the new one, “I am the receiver».
• 📶 Connect to a temporary Wi-Fi network created by one of the devices and confirm the connection.
• 📋 Select data types to transfer (contacts, messages, photos, videos, apps) and start the process.

The speed of transfer depends on the amount of data and device model. For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro with Redmi Note 12 exchange 30 GB of photos and videos in about 20-30 minutes. Importantly, during the process, do not switch to other applications and do not block the screen — this can interrupt the connection.

Charge both devices at least 50 times%|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (in case of a Wi-Fi Direct failure)|Free up space on your new smartphone (recommended 10-15% of free space)|Close background apps, especially instant messengers and streaming services-->

⚠️ Note: If a new device has already created a Mi Account, it must be deleted before transferring data via Mi Mover, otherwise the system may block access to certain functions due to a synchronization conflict.

2. Cloud transfer over Mi Cloud – if devices are far apart

If you don’t have physical access to both smartphones at the same time (e.g., the old device is in another city), Xiaomi’s Mi Cloud will come to the rescue, a method that is suitable for transferring contacts, notes, call history and settings, but has a limit on free space (5 GB).

Instructions for synchronization via Mi Cloud:

1. On an old smartphone: go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable sync for the desired categories (contacts, notes, etc.).
2. Wait until the data is uploaded to the cloud (progress is displayed in the same menu).
3. On a new device: Log in to the same Mi Account and enable sync in Mi Cloud.
4. The data will start to load automatically. Connect to Wi-Fi to speed up the process.

The advantage of this method is the ability to selectively transfer. For example, you can only synchronize contacts, ignoring the rest of the data. However, keep in mind that photos and videos in the Mi Cloud do not retain original quality (they are compressed to a resolution of 16 MP for photos and 1080p for videos).

Mi Mover (Wi-Fi Direct)|Mi Cloud (cloud)|Cable OTG/adapter|Backup on PC|Another way.-->

3. Transfer via OTG cable or adapter - for large volumes

If you need to transfer tens of gigabytes of data (for example, a video collection to a video store) 4K or RAW-And the wireless methods may be too slow, and that's where direct cable connectivity helps. OTG Xiaomi Type-C to Type-C adapter works even if one of the devices is discharged or has a damaged Wi-Fi module.

You'll need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C — USB-C (for modern models or adapter USB-A — USB-C (old-fashioned).
• 📂 File Manager (embedded Files or third-party, such as Solid Explorer).
• ⚡ Charger (to power an old smartphone while copying).

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect your old smartphone to your new one via cable. On the screen of your old device, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. On the new smartphone, open the file manager and find the connected device in the Devices or External Drives section.
3. Copy the folders you want (DCIM for photos, Download for downloads, etc.) into the internal memory of your new phone.
4. To transfer applications, copy the Android/data folder, but note that many programs will require re-authorization.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Series) block access to system folders through the MTP. If you don’t see the Android folder, turn on Developer Mode and activate the Debugging option. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times).

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If the cable is not recognized, try using the original accessory from Xiaomi – cheap counterparts often do not support data transfer mode.

4. Backup on PC – a reliable, but long-term way

The most versatile, but also the most time-consuming, method is to create a full backup on your computer and then restore it to a new device, which is suitable if:

• 🔄 You want to transfer all data without exception, including hidden files.
• 🛠️ One of the devices is faulty (for example, a broken screen, but the phone is determined by the PC).
• 🔒 You need to save data before selling your old smartphone.

To back up, use the official Mi PC Suite (you can download it from Xiaomi) and it supports backups, SMS, apps, multimedia and even system settings.

1. Connect your old smartphone to your PC via USB-cable and run Mi PC Suite.
2. In the Backup section, select data categories and start creating an archive.
3. Once completed, disable the old device and connect the new one.
4. In Mi PC Suite, select Recovery and specify the path to the saved backup.

The downside of this method is long copying time (for example, 64 GB of data can be archived for 1-2 hours), and some applications (for example, banking) block the recovery of their data from backups for security reasons.

5. Alternative methods: Google Account and third-party applications

If for some reason Xiaomi branded tools do not work (for example, a custom firmware is installed on a new device), you can use universal solutions:

(a) Synchronization through Google Account

This is a way to transfer contacts, calendars, mail and some applications, both of which are:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Turn on synchronization for the desired categories.
3. On the new smartphone, log in to the same Google account – the data will be automatically pulled up.

Restriction: Photos are only synced if the backup function in Google Photos was previously enabled.

(b) Third-party annexes

For transferring specific types of data, it is convenient to use specialized utilities:

• 📸 Google Photos – for media files (unlimited storage for compressed photos).
• 💬 SMS Backup & Restore – For Call and Message History.
• 🎵 Spotify/Yandex Music – for transfer of playlists (through export/import).
• 📱 Clone App (from Xiaomi) – for duplicate messengers (for example, two WhatsApp accounts).

Warning: Avoid little-known backup apps - they may contain malicious code.Before using, check reviews on 4PDA or XDA Developers.

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Xiaomi’s proprietary tools (Mi Mover and Mi Cloud) are more reliable than third-party solutions, as they are optimized to work with MIUI and retain the structure of system data.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with official methods, users often face problems, and here are the most common failures and ways to fix them:

1 Mi Mover does not find the device

• 🔌 Check that both smartphones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (even if you use Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices and try again.
• 📶 Turn it off. VPN Proxy servers – they can block the connection.
• 🛠️ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (old builds have bugs with Wi-Fi Direct).

2.The transfer is interrupted in the middle

• ⚡ Make sure the battery is above 30% (at low charge, the system can pause the transmission).
• 📴 Close all background apps, especially instant messengers and games.
• 🌡️ If the devices overheat, take a break for 10-15 minutes.

3. No annexes are portable

Mi Mover only copies the same. APK-Application files, but not their data, to migrate, for example, saves in games:

1. Use the built-in backup feature in the app itself (if any).
2. For games with Google Play Games support, sync your data through your Google account.
3. Copy the Android/obb folder manually via cable (see Section 3).

4.Mi Cloud does not sync data

• 🔒 Make sure that both devices use the same Mi Account.
• 📡 Check your internet connection (synchronization only works via Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔄 Manually update data in Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Update.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions