Transferring data from one Xiaomi phone to another: all ways 2026

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment: you want all the settings, photos and applications to stay in place, and the process took a minimum of time. Fortunately, the brand has several built-in tools for seamless data transfer, but not all users are aware of their nuances. For example, why the Mi Mover sometimes “hangs” 99%, how to properly sync Mi Account without duplication of files, or what to do if the new phone does not see the old one through Wi-Fi Direct.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current migration methods in 2026, from official utilities to manual methods for power users, how to transfer not only contacts and SMS, but also Wi-Fi passwords, call history, lock screen settings and even game data. And also what mistakes are most often made when moving and how to avoid them. If you just unpacked a box with a Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+, this guide will save you hours of nerves.

1.Preparation for transfer: what to do before moving

Before you rush to copy files, take a few critical steps, and ignoring them is the main cause of data loss or failure in the process.

First, check the MIUI version on both devices. If the difference is greater than 2 major versions (e.g. MIUI 12 vs MIUI 14), Mi Mover may not work. Update the firmware via Settings → About Phone → System Update. Newer models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60) require a minimum MIUI 13.5+.

First, clean both phones of garbage:

• 🧹 Remove the app cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning (this will speed up the process).
• 📁 Transfer rarely used files (films, archives) to your computer or flash drive – they will only slow down the transfer.
• 🔋 Charge both devices to at least 50%: at low charge, the Mi Mover automatically interrupts the process.

⚠️ Note: If the old phone has data encryption enabled (Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption, disable it in advance. Otherwise, Mi Mover will not be able to read some files, including saving games.

And the last thing you need to do is make sure that both phones are using the same account, and if not, log in to the new device before you start transferring, otherwise the cloud data (notes, calendar) won't sync.

2. Method 1: Mi Mover is the official tool of Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a built-in utility for direct data transfer between Xiaomi smartphones over Wi-Fi Direct. It supports the transfer of:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS call history
• 📸 Photos, videos and audio files
• 🎮 Application Data (including Game Progress)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and some system settings

To get started, open the Mi Mover app on your new phone (if you don't have one, download from the App Store). Click "I'm a new user," then select "Get data from Android." On your old phone, run Mi Mover and tap "Send data." Follow the instructions on the screen.

The speed of transmission depends on the amount of data:

⚠️ Warning: If the process is 99% frozen, don't interrupt it manually! Wait 10-15 minutes, often with the latest system files being transferred. If nothing changes after the time, restart both phones and try again.

Update MIUI on both phones |Disable VPN and Power Saving mode |Make sure both devices have one Mi Account |Clear the cache in the storage settings-->

Method 2: Xiaomi Cloud – Cableless Synchronization

If you have slow Wi-Fi or don’t want to waste time on direct transmission, use the Xiaomi cloud.

• 📇 Contacts and notes
• 📅 Calendar and reminders
• 📷 Photos and videos (if you have the option in the Gallery) → Settings → Cloud)
• 🔄 Some system settings (wallpaper, themes)

To activate synchronization:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Cloud.
2. Include sliders for all categories (especially Contacts and Gallery).
3. Wait for the download to complete (check in the Cloud → Storage Management).
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and enable synchronization of the same categories.

Cons of the method:

• ❌ Not tolerated. SMS, call history and application data.
• ❌ Free storage – only 5 GB (for photos and videos this is not enough).
• ❌ Speed depends on your internet connection.

💡

Before syncing the cloud, check if the photo optimisation option in the gallery is enabled, which compresses images when uploading, which degrades their quality.

Method 3: Manual transfer via computer (for experienced)

If you need to migrate sample files or Mi Mover refuses to work, use a computer, which takes longer, but gives you complete control.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS
• 🔌 Two. USB-cables (preferably original)
• 📂 Programme Mi PC Suite (optional, for backup)

Instructions:

1. Connect your old phone to your PC and copy it to a separate folder: DCIM (photo/video), Download (download), Pictures (images from instant messengers) WhatsApp/Media (if you need to save media from Vatsap)
2. Export contacts to the file VCF: Open your contacts. → ⋮ → Management → Exports.
3. For SMS, use the SMS Backup & Restore app (save backup to PC).
4. Connect the new phone and transfer all files to the appropriate folders.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t copy the entire Android folder, which can disrupt the apps on your new device, only transfer obb (game data) and data (if you know what you’re doing).

5. Application portability: how not to lose data

Even if you've moved on APK-Application files, their data (logins, settings, progress) can be reset. Here's how to avoid it:

For social networks (VK, Telegram, WhatsApp):

• 🔄 Enable cloud sync in each application settings.
• 📱 For WhatsApp, make a backup in Google Drive: ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup copy.

For banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff):

• 🏦 Reinstall them via Google Play – data linked to your account.
• 🔐 Do not carry them over Mi Mover – this may block access for security reasons.

For games:

• 🎮 Link your account to Google Play Games or Mi Game Center.
• 💾 For offline games, copy the obb and data folders (see spoiler above).

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Never migrate system applications (such as Mi Home or Mi Fit) through the system. APK-Install them again from the official store to avoid sync errors with smart devices.

6.Setting up a new phone after the transfer

After the transfer is complete, follow a few steps to make the new Xiaomi work optimally:

1. Check the application permissions:

Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions and make sure that important programs (messengers, banks) have access to contacts, storage and camera.

2 Update all annexes:

Open Google Play → ⋮ → Application management → Update everything. This will fix any errors after the transfer.

3. Set up your fingerprint/face:

Even if you have moved the lock screen settings, biometric data will have to be added again: Settings → Lock screen → Add a fingerprint.

4. Optimize the battery:

Xiaomi’s new smartphones (like the Poco F6 or Redmi Note 13) have adaptive optimization. To activate it, go to Settings → Battery → Battery Settings → Adaptive Charging.

7. Frequent errors and how to fix them

Even with proper transfer, there can be problems, and here are the most common solutions.

⚠️ Warning: If a new phone starts to warm or discharge quickly after transfer, check Settings → Annexes → Run. Maybe some programs are running in the background because of incorrect data transfer.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions