How to quickly and safely transfer data from one Xiaomi phone to another: all ways of 2026

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or dumping an old one. Even if both phones are powered by MIUI, the process can cause complications from losing contacts to incorrectly transferring high-resolution photos. In this article, we will discuss 7 current ways of migrating data, including Xiaomi’s proprietary tools, cloud services and physical connections, taking into account the nuances of different versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and models (from Redmi Note to Xiaomi 14 Pro).

We will focus on the hidden limitations of Mi Mover, which the manufacturer does not advertise: for example, why notes from a notebook or call history may disappear when transferring through this tool, you will also learn how to circumvent the limit on the amount of files transferred (up to 4 GB in some versions) and what to do if the phone does not see the second device over Wi-Fi Direct. For each method, we will give step-by-step instructions with screenshots (interface descriptions) and a comparison table for speed, reliability and supported data types.

1. Mi Mover branded tool: pros and pitfalls

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s official data migration app, pre-installed on all smartphones with MIUI 9 and later, and uses Wi-Fi Direct to transfer files without the Internet, but has a number of limitations that users often learn about too late, such as the app can’t tolerate:

• 📁 Passwords from Wi-Fi networks (only in the MIUI 14 partial support comes in)
• 🔑 Data from some third-party messengers (for example, Telegram or Viber)
• 🎵 Music service playlists (except the standard Mi Music player)
• 📱 Lock screen settings (fingerprints, pattern lock)

To avoid problems, before starting the transfer, follow the preparatory steps:

Charge both phones to at least 50% | Update MIUI to the latest version |Disable VPN and power saving modes |Make sure the new phone has enough memory (minimum reserve is 2 GB) |Create a backup of important data on your PC

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The transmission process itself takes 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the amount of data, and here's how to do it correctly:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → About Phone → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
2. Select the role of "Sender" and wait for the generation QR-code.
3. On the new phone in the original setup wizard, select “Import with Android” or manually run Mi Mover through the Settings search.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the old phone and confirm the connection.
5. Select data types to transfer (contacts, messages, photos, etc.) and click Start.

⚠️ Note: If you see a “Disconnected” error during transmission, check if the firewall is blocking the connection (for example, in Avast or Kaspersky). Also make sure that both phones are Bluetooth enabled, which is used for initial synchronization.

2. Google Account Transfer: Reliable, but not for everything

Sync with Google Account is a universal method that works on all Android devices, including Xiaomi, the main advantage is that the data is stored in the cloud and is available even after a phone is reset.

• ☁️ Contacts, calendars and notes are synced automatically if the option is enabled in Settings. → Google accounts → Synchronization.
• 📷 Photos and videos are only transferred via Google Photos (separate settings are required).
• 📱 Applications and their data are partially restored – many games and instant messengers require a separate backup.
• 🚫 SMS and call history are not synchronized by default (you need to use third-party applications such as: SMS Backup & Restore).

Instructions for setting:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Google Accounts → Manage your Google account.
2. Go to the Data and Personalization tab and enable synchronization for the desired categories (contacts, calendar, etc.).
3. To transfer photos, set Google Photos and enable autoload in the application settings.
4. On the new phone, when you first turn on, select “Restore from backup” and log in to the same Google account.

3. Physical transfer via OTG cable: maximum speed

If you have one on hand. OTG-adapter (or cable) USB-C to USB-C For new Xiaomi models, you can transfer data directly, like a flash drive. This method is 3-5 times faster than wireless methods (up to 40 MB / s vs 8-12 MB / s for Wi-Fi Direct) and is independent of the version. MIUI. However, there are risks:

• 🔌 Damage to files when abruptly disconnecting the cable.
• 📂 Intolerance of system data (SMS, calls, settings).
• 🔒 File system limitations: some folders (e.g, /data/data/) Inaccessible without root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to the new phone and old phone to the adapter USB-cable.
2. On your old phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. On your new phone, open any file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
4. Copy the folders you want (DCIM for photos, Download for downloads, etc.) from your connected phone to the internal memory of your new device.

⚠️ Note: Do not copy the entire Android folder, this can lead to conflicts in these applications. It is better to transfer only media files and documents.

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If the new phone doesn’t see the old one, OTG, Try to connect them in reverse order: first the cable to the old phone, then the phone will be connected to the old phone. OTG-Adapter to new. Also check if your model supports OTG (Like Redmi. 9A supportive).

4. Cloud services: Yandex Disk, Dropbox, OneDrive

Cloud storage is convenient for transferring large amounts of data (for example, photo or video collections), but has speed and tariff restrictions. Yandex Disk is especially relevant for Xiaomi, since it is integrated into MIUI for Russian users.

Instructions for Yandex Disk:

1. On your old phone, install Yandex Disk from the App Store (if not preinstalled).
2. Upload files to the cloud through the application (you can choose to automatically upload photos).
3. On the new phone, log in to the same account and download files to the device memory.

To speed up the process:

• 📶 Use Wi-Fi 5 GHz instead of mobile internet.
• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge – downloading large files quickly drains the battery.
• 📂 Archive folders before downloading (for example, through RAR), reduce the number of files.

5. Computer Transfer: Reliable but Longer

If you have a PC or laptop, you can use it as a data intermediary, and this method is suitable for transferring all types of files, including application backups and system settings (if root rights are available).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Two. USB-Cables (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 📂 Enough free space on the hard drive (at least 10 GB is recommended).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your old phone to your computer and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy all the folders you need (DCIM, Pictures, Download, etc.) to your hard drive.
3. Turn off the old phone and connect the new one.
4. Transfer the previously copied files to the new device.
5. Use specialized programs to transfer contacts and SMS: 📞 MyPhoneExplorer (for contacts and calls). 💬 SMS Backup & Restore (for messages).

⚠️ Note: When copying the WhatsApp folder to transfer chats, be sure to copy the file as well. msgstore.db.crypt14 from /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/. Without it, the message history will not recover!

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Computer-to-computer transfer is the only way to keep application data root-free if it supports backup (e.g. Viber or 1Password).

6. Alternative methods: for experienced users

If standard methods don't work (e.g., you need to move system settings or game data), you can use advanced tools that require technical knowledge but give you maximum control over the process.

Backup via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)

Custom recovery TWRP allows you to create a full backup system, including:

• 📱 All applications and their data.
• ⚙️ Settings MIUI (topics, gestures, sound profiles).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and account data.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader on both phones through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install TWRP for your model (you can download it on twrp.me).
3. In TWRP, select “Backup” and select Data, System, and Boot.
4. Copy the backup to your computer, then restore it to your new phone via TWRP.

6.2. Transfer through ADB (without root rights)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to copy files that are not available through a standard file manager.

• 📱 Application data (if not encrypted).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.
• 📞 Log of calls (/data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db).

Example of a command to copy SMS:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db

To use ADB:

1. Turn on "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on the line with the version, then return to "Additional settings" → For developers").
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.
3. Use the adb pull and adb push commands to copy files.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when you follow instructions, users have problems. TOP-5 errors and ways of correcting them:

If none of these methods worked, try a combination approach:

1. Move your media files over the OTG or cloud.
2. Restore contacts and calendars through your Google Account.
3. Set up apps manually or with their built-in backups (like WhatsApp or Telegram).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions