How to Transfer Data from One Xiaomi Redmi Phone to Another: From Contacts to Apps

Transferring data from an old Xiaomi Redmi to a new phone is a challenge that every user faces when changing a gadget. Even if both devices are from the same manufacturer, the process does not always go smoothly: contacts are lost somewhere, WhatsApp messages are not transferred somewhere, and applications have to be installed again. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of migration, from the official Mi Mover tool to manual methods using OTG cable or cloud services.

Redmi devices are unique in that they run on custom MIUI firmware, which offers custom backup solutions, but not everyone knows that when you migrate through Mi Mover, some data (such as Wi-Fi passwords or app settings) may not be saved, and we tested each method on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Redmi 10C models to identify their strengths and weaknesses.

If you’re moving from Redmi to another brand (like Samsung or iPhone), some of the instructions will also stay relevant, especially the Google Account and cloud services sections, but for maximum efficiency, choose the method depending on the amount of data and model of the new phone.

1.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi

Mi Mover is an embedded data application that Xiaomi has developed specifically for its devices, and it supports the transfer of contacts, messages (including SMS/MMS), photos, videos, music, notes, and even some of the system's settings.

• 📱 It only works between Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO (It won't launch on other brands).
• 🔌 Demands. USB-cable (preferably original) or stable Wi-Fi connection.
• ⚠️ Does not transfer Wi-Fi passwords, data of some applications (for example, Viber or banking programs).
• 🕒 On large volumes (over 30 GB) can take 1-2 hours.

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

1. On both phones, open the Settings → About Phone → Mi Mover app.
2. Select a role: on the old phone - "Sender", on the new - "Recipient".
3. Connect devices through USB-cable (recommended) or select wireless mode (via QR-code).
4. On an old phone, tick the data types for transfer and confirm the start of the process.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a failed connection error during transmission, try restarting the Mi Mover on both devices and using a different cable. Often the problem lies in unoriginal accessories or damaged ports. USB-C.

Charge both phones at least 50 times%|Free up space on a new device (at least 10% of the data transfer volume)|Shut down. VPN mobile data|Use the original USB-cable-->

2. Move through Google Account (for contacts, calendar and mail)

If you use Google services, most of the data is already synced to the cloud automatically, and this is universal and works even when you switch from Xiaomi to an iPhone or another Android.

• 📇 Contacts (from the Google Contacts app).
• 📅 Calendar (events from Google Calendar).
• 📧 Letters and settings Gmail.
• 📍 Google Maps data (saved locations, history of movements).
• 🎵 Music and movies (if you bought it on Google Play).

To check the synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Make sure that there is a tick next to the necessary items (Contacts, Calendar, etc.).
3. On the new phone, log in to the same Google Account – the data will be downloaded automatically.

To transfer photos and videos, enable autoloading in Google Photos:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Go to Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
3. Select quality ("Original" or "High") and enable the feature.

⚠️ Attention: Google Photos is limited to 15 GB per account from June 2021, and if you have more data, you will either have to pay for the extension or use another method (for example, if you have more data, USB-OTG).

Mi Mover (official Xiaomi app)|Google Account and cloud services|OTG cable or computer |Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct|Another way-->

3. Use of OTG cable or computer (for large volumes)

If you want to move tens of gigabytes of photos, videos or music, the most reliable way to connect your old phone to your new one is via USB-OTG or use your computer as an intermediary, which is suitable for any file, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in original quality (without compression, as in the clouds).
• 🎵 Music and podcasts.
• 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel).
• 🎮 Game retention (if stored locally).

Method 1: Direct connection via OTG

1. Buy it. USB-OTG-adapter (costs 100-300 rubles) or cable USB-C to USB-C.
2. Connect your old phone to your new phone via an adapter.
3. On the new phone, open the File Manager (for example, Mi File Manager).
4. Copy the folders you need (DCIM for photos, Download for downloads, etc.).

Method 2: Using a computer (Windows/Mac)

1. Connect the old Redmi to your PC via USB and select File Transfer mode.
2. Copy the data to your computer (for example, in a folder on your desktop).
3. Connect the new phone and transfer the files back.

💡

If you are connected through OTG New phone doesn’t see old, try settings on old device to turn on mode «USB-Modem (Settings) → Additionally. → Regime. USB).

4. Message transfer (SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram)

Messages are one of the most difficult categories of data to migrate: Mi Mover only handles SMS/MMS, and messengers need separate solutions.

SMS/MMS:

• Use Mi Mover (as described above).
• Or export messages to the.xml file via the Messages → Settings → Export application.

WhatsApp:

1. Backup on your old phone: WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup copy.
2. Install WhatsApp on your new phone and sign in to the same account.
3. Restore chats from backup (an offer will appear when you first start).

Telegram:

• 🔄 All chats and media files are synced automatically when you log in to your account.
• 📁 For local transfer, copy the Telegram folder from internal memory via USB-OTG.

⚠️ Note: WhatsApp backs up on Google Drive, but it doesn't include video calls or some media. Use third-party tools like Backuptrans to fully port).

5. Transfer of applications and their data

Applications can be transferred in two ways:

1. List of installed programs (without data):

Backup copy of the data

root

• 🛠️ Use Titanium Backup (requires root rights).
• 📦 Swift Backup (works on some firmware without root).

💡

Most banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.) prohibit data transfer because of security, and once installed on a new phone, you will have to re-authenticate.

6.Alternative methods: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct and NFC

These methods are suitable for transferring small files (up to 1-2 GB) when there is no cable or computer at hand, and their main advantage is the lack of dependence on the Internet or additional devices.

Bluetooth:

• ⚡ Suitable for photos, contacts (one at a time) or small documents.
• 🐢 Speed: about 1-2 MB/sec (slow for large files).
• 🔗 How to use:

Wi-Fi Direct:

• 📶 Faster Bluetooth (up to 10-15 MB/sec).
• 📁 You can transfer folders with photos or videos.
• 🔧 How to turn it on:

NFC:

• 📱 It only works on chip phones. NFC (For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+).
• ⚡ Instantly transfer contacts or links (but not files!).
• 🔄 For data exchange, it is enough to attach phones to each other.

Alternative: Take a picture QR-Network codes from old phone (in Wi-Fi settings) → Share it and scan it on a new one.