How to Move from Phone to Xiaomi Phone: A Complete Data Transfer Guide

Introduction: Why Data Transfers to Xiaomi Need a Special Approach

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but the process of data transfer often turns into a headache. Unlike the iPhone, where the Apple ecosystem offers a single migration mechanism, Android devices (and Xiaomi in particular) require consideration of nuances: from the version of the device. MIUI For example, the flagship Xiaomi 14 and the budget Redmi Note 13 support different wireless transmission protocols, which affects the speed and stability of the transfer.

The main problem is fragmentation of methods. Users are faced with the question: whether to choose a branded Mi Mover, universal Google Account, physical cable or cloud services? Each method has limitations: Mi Mover does not work between devices with different versions. MIUI Over 2 years old, and transferring through Google Drive can “cut” data due to the restrictions of the free fare. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, their pros/cons and give a checklist for error-free migration.

1.The official way: Mi Mover - pros and pitfalls

Mi Mover – a proprietary solution from Xiaomi, integrated into the MIUI 9+. It allows you to transfer contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio, applications (including their data), and even some system settings, the main advantage of which is that there is no need for the cloud or computer: data is transmitted directly over Wi-Fi between devices.

However, there are critical limitations:

• 🔄 It only works between devices. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (Does not support other Android brands).
• 📱 Demands. MIUI 9 or newer on both phones. On older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X) may not start.
• 🚫 Does not transfer data to some system applications (for example, Mi Fit or Mi Home).
• ⚡ Maximum transmission volume – 50 GB (in practice, the process slows down after 30 GB).

How to start Mi Mover:

1. On an old phone: Settings → Additionally. → Mi Mover → I give.
2. On the new phone: Settings → Additionally. → Mi Mover → I accept.
3. Scan it. QR-code from the new phone on the old one (or enter it) PIN-code).
4. Select the data to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

Charge both phones at least to the minimum. 50%|Connect to a single Wi-Fi network (or use an access point)|Release me. 10-15% memory on a new phone|Turn it off. VPN firewalls|Make sure that both phones have the same version. MIUI (or the difference is not more 1 year-end)-->

The transfer time depends on the amount of data:

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If the Mi Mover is stuck on 99% — Don't interrupt the process. 10-15 This is often the stage of verifying the integrity of the data. 20 Nothing changed for a minute, restart both phones and try again.

2. Universal method: transfer via Google Account

Sync with Google Account is the most reliable way if you are switching from Android to Xiaomi (or vice versa).

• 📇 Contacts (including groups and tags).
• 📅 Calendars and reminders.
• 📧 Posts and Notes (if you use Google Keep).
• 📷 Photos and videos (via Google Photos, but with a 15GB limit on free fare).
• 🎮 Data from some games (if they support Google Play Games).

How to set up synchronization:

1. On your old phone: Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync → Turn on all the switches.
2. Wait for the sync to complete (check in Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Management → Data and Personalization → Synchronization).
3. On the new Xiaomi: When you first turn on, select “Recover Data” and log in to the same Google Account.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not tolerated. SMS/MMS (You need to use separate applications like SMS Backup & Restore).
• ❌ Applications are portable without data (for example, save in games or WhatsApp settings will have to be restored separately).
• ❌ Google Photos compresses images for free storage (quality "High" instead of "Original").

Physical transfer: cable OTG and adapters

If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or data is too large (e.g. 100)+ GB, direct cable connection, the fastest way:

• 🔌 Cable OTG (Micro-USB/USB-C → USB-C, depending on the port of the telephone).
• 📱 File Manager (e.g., standard Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your old phone to your new one OTG-cable.
2. On the new Xiaomi, open the File Manager and select the connected device.
3. Copy the right folders (DCIM For photo, Download for downloads, WhatsApp/Media messenger-media).
4. To transfer applications, use Settings → Annexes → Exports APK (required MIUI 12+).

Transmission speed through OTG:

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Use support cables USB 3.0+ port USB-C The new Xiaomi will speed up the transfer to the 5-10 Compared to older micro-USB cables.

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models support the mode USB Host (necessary for the OTG). Check compatibility in the specifications of your model. 9A supportive OTG, Poco X5 Pro - supports.

⚠️ Note: When you copy an Android folder (where app data is stored), some files may not be migrated due to Android restrictions. Use Titanium Backup (requires root rights) for a full port.

4.Cloud Services: Xiaomi Cloud vs Google Drive vs Yandex Disk

Cloud storage is convenient for data transfer if you have slow internet or no physical access to your phones.

How to transfer data through Xiaomi Cloud:

1. On an old phone: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup → Select the data and click "Backup".
2. On a new phone: log in to the same Xiaomi account and restore data to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Recovery.

The advantages of the cloud method:

• 🌍 Access to data from any device.
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization (for example, photos in Google Photos).
• 🛡️ Protection against data loss in case of phone breakdown.

Disadvantages:

• ⏳ Long loading with a large amount of data (for example, 50 GB can be loaded for a day).
• 💰 Limited free space (you will have to buy a tariff or clean the cloud).
• 🔒 Data leakage risk (especially relevant for Xiaomi Cloud, whose servers are located in China).

Xiaomi Cloud|Google Drive|Yandex Disk|iCloud|Other|I don't use it.-->

5. Transfer through SD-card

If your Xiaomi supports memory cards (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ With a microSD slot, this is going to be a simple, reliable solution:

• 📸 Photos and videos (DCIM, Pictures).
• 🎵 Music and Podcasts (Music, Podcasts).
• 📄 Documents (Documents, Download).
• 🎮 Save the game (if stored on the map).

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-card.
2. Transfer files to the card through the File Manager.
3. Remove the card and insert it into a new phone.
4. Copy the data back into internal memory (recommended to speed up applications).

Important nuances:

• 🔧 Map format: Xiaomi supports FAT32 (up to 32 GB) and exFAT (up to 2 TB). >64GB mandatory exFAT.
• ⚡ Read/write speed depends on the card class: Class 10 or UHS-I preferably.
• 🚫 Not all applications can be transferred to SD-map (android restrictions).

6. Data transfer from iPhone to Xiaomi: features and life hacks

The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi is complicated by the closedness of the Apple ecosystem, and standard methods like Mi Mover don't work here.

Method 1: Move to iOS (Reverse port)

• 📱 Install the Move to iOS app on Xiaomi (yes, it works backwards too!).
• 🔄 On iPhone, select Data Transfer when you set up your new device and follow the instructions.
• ⚠️ Only contacts, photos, videos and Safari bookmarks will be transferred.

Method 2: iCloud + Google Account

1. On iPhone: Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Synchronize contacts/photos.
2. Export data from iCloud.com (contacts in.vcf format, photos - upload to Google Photos).
3. On Xiaomi, import.vcf via Contacts → Imports/Exports.

Method 3: Programs for PC

• 🖥️ iMazing or AnyTrans – paid utilities for transferring data from iPhone to Android via computer.
• 💾 iTunes (Old Method): Backup your iPhone and Retrieve Data with iExplorer.

What can not be transferred from the iPhone:

• 📱 Application data (such as game progress or WhatsApp settings).
• 💬 History of iMessage messages.
• 🎵 Music purchased on iTunes (DRM-defence).

7. Checking the integrity of data after the transfer

After the migration, check:

• 📞 Contacts: Open the Contacts app and make sure all numbers are in place (especially check groups and linked accounts).
• 📷 Photo/Video: Check the folders DCIM Pictures for duplicate or broken files.
• 📱 Apps: Run key programs (such as WhatsApp, Telegram) and make sure your message history is intact.
• 🔊 Sounds and notifications: Check that alarms, ringtones and alerts are working.

If the data is lost:

• 🔄 For Mi Mover: Repeat the transfer by pre-clearing the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Mover → Clear the cache).
• ☁️ For Google Account: Check the cart in Google Contacts or Google Photos (data stored there) 30-60 days).
• 🛠️ For physical transfer: use Recuva (DiskDigger) on the SD-memory-card.

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If after the transfer the phone began to brake - perform optimization in Settings → Special facilities → Optimize or use Security App to clean up garbage.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake 1: "Mi Mover can't see the second phone"

Decision:

• 📶 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (or create an access point on the new Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Reset Mi Mover on both devices.
• 📱 Make sure your phones are enabled with Wi-Fi Direct (Settings) → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct).

Error 2: “Google Photos do not upload videos”

Decision:

• 📹 Check that the video is below the 10GB limit (for free accounts).
• 🌐 Switch to mobile data if Wi-Fi blocks download.
• ⚙️ In Google Photos settings, select “Original Quality” (but this will cut free space).

Error 3: "Apps did not recover after the transfer"

Decision:

• 📥 Install apps manually from Google Play.
• ☁️ For gaming: check if your account is linked to Google Play Games or Facebook.
• 🔧 For messengers: use built-in backup (WhatsApp) → Settings → chat → Backup copy).

Mistake 4: "SD-The card is not readable on the new phone"

Decision:

• 🔄 Format the card in exFAT (via computer or Settings) → Memory. → Format).
• 🛠️ Check the map for errors with the help SD Card Formatter (official utility from the SD Association).
• 📱 Update Xiaomi firmware – in new versions MIUI Improved support for memory cards.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions