Moving your Xiaomi account to a new smartphone is a challenge that every user faces when changing devices, even if youโre in the ecosystem. MIUI, insert SIM-A map and a Mi Account login are not enough: contacts, messages, settings and application data will not move automatically. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of migration, from standard Xiaomi tools to manually transfer critical data.
Feature MIUI It's because the system offers multiple synchronization mechanisms, but not all of them work equally efficiently. โ Xiaomi account โ Mi Cloud doesn't save everything, and App Cloning (available when you first turn on) can skip important files. MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
If you are switching from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 or from POCO X5 on the Redmi K70, This is a manual that will help you avoid data loss, but if you have different versions of your devices, MIUI, We will tell you how to get around compatibility limitations.
Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start
Before you start migrating, make sure both devices are ready for the process.Missing this stage can result in lost unsynchronized data or crashes during transmission.
On your old phone, check:
- ๐ Battery charge of at least 50% (at low charge, the process can be interrupted).
- ๐ถ Stable Wi-Fi connection (mobile internet not recommended due to traffic restrictions).
- ๐ Updated version MIUI (Go to Settings. โ The phone. โ Updating the system).
- ๐ฑ Enough free space (at least 1-2 GB to create a backup copy).
On the new phone:
- ๐ฆ Remove unnecessary applications if memory is almost full.
- ๐ Sign in to the same Mi Account as the old device (if you havenโt already done so).
- ๐ ๏ธ Turn off traffic savings in Settings โ Connections โ Use of data.
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If you POCO Black Shark, check out the version. MIUI Settings menu โ Some models (e.g., telephones, POCO F5) work on modified firmware, where the path to backup may differ.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the old phone has bootloader lock on, some port methods may not work. To check status, type ##4636## in the dialer and select Phone Information โ Loader locking status.
Method 1: Cloning data at first turn on (the simplest)
This method is only available when a new phone is first launched (or after settings are reset), and allows you to transfer most of the data without manual action, but it does not work on all models.
How it works:
- Turn on your new smartphone and go to the โClone Data from Another Deviceโ stage.
- Select โClone with Androidโ (not to be confused with โRestore from backupโ).
- Scan on your old phone. QR-code that will appear on the new device.
- Confirm Wi-Fi Direct connection (make sure both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled).
- Select data to transfer: contacts, messages, photos, applications, etc.
โ Pros of the method:
- ๐ Speed โ the process takes 10โ30 minutes depending on the amount of data.
- ๐ฑ Transfers applications with data (for example, progress in games, settings of messengers).
- ๐ It works without a Mi Account (but requires physical access to both phones).
โ Cons:
- ๐ต Does not tolerate Wi-Fi passwords and some system settings.
- ๐ On some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) It may be suspended during the transfer phase.
- ๐ฑ Requires initial setup of a new phone (not suitable if the device is already in use).
Method 2: Backup via Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)
Mi Cloud is Xiaomiโs official cloud storage that allows you to backup and restore it to another device, which is suitable if the phones canโt connect directly (for example, due to different versions). MIUI).
Step-by-step:
- On your old phone, go to Settings โ Xiaomi Account โ Mi Cloud.
- Enable synchronization for all the data you need (contacts, notes, photos, etc.).
- Tap "Backup" โ "Create a backup copy".
- Select categories to save (we recommend that you note everything except System Settings if the phone models are very different).
- Wait for the process to be completed (it can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data).
- On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account, go to Mi Cloud โ Backup and select the last copy to restore.
| Type of data | Transferred over Mi Cloud? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | โ Yes. | It is automatically synced when you have an option in the Mi Cloud. |
| Communications (SMS/MMS) | โ Yes. | They are only transferred if they are marked in the backup. |
| Photographs and videos | โ ๏ธ Partially. | Only the ones in the folder. DCIM/Camera. Files from other folders -- No. |
| Annexes and their data | โ No. | Only the list of installed applications is transferred, but not their data (for example, save in games). |
| Wi-Fi settings | โ No. | Network passwords are not stored in backup. |
โ ๏ธ Note: If the new phone is installed MIUI older than the old one, restoring a backup can cause failures. MIUI 15 won't recover on MIUI 13. Check firmware versions in Settings โ The phone.
Connecting to Wi-Fi (not mobile internet)
Enough space in the cloud (free โ 5 GB)
Sign in to the same Mi Account on both phones
Shutdown VPN (can block synchronization)-->
Method 3: Transfer over a cable OTG Adapter (for large amounts of data)
If you have a lot of photos, videos or other files (over 10 GB), the cloud method may take too long or fail due to traffic restrictions, in which case it is better to use a direct connection via cable.
What you need:
- ๐ Cable OTG (If the new phone supports USB-C โ USB-C, You can do without an adapter).
- ๐ฑ Both phones with a charge of at least 30%.
- ๐ ๏ธ Annex "Conductor" (already preinstalled in MIUI).
Instructions:
- Connect your old phone to your new phone via cable OTG (Or directly, if the connectors match).
- On the new phone, open the โConductorโ and select the connected device.
- Copy the right folders: DCIM (Photos and videos) Download (downloads) Pictures (images from messengers) WhatsApp/Media (WhatsApp media files)
- To transfer contacts, export them to.vcf: Contacts โ โฎ โ Imports/Exports โ Exports to the vault.
- Use the app for messages "SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
๐น Advantages of the method:
- ๐ Transfers 100% of files without size restrictions.
- ๐ It works even without the internet.
- ๐ง Suitable for devices with different versions MIUI.
๐ธ Deficiencies:
- โ๏ธ Requires manual copying (you can skip important files).
- ๐ฑ Does not tolerate app settings and game data.
How to transfer save games (eg, Genshin Impact or Honkai Star Rail)?
5. Method 4: Use of ShareMe (formerly Mi Mover)
ShareMe (formerly Mi Mover) is Xiaomiโs official app for wirelessly transferring data between devices, which is faster than Mi Cloud and carries more data types than standard cloning.
How to use:
- Install ShareMe on both phones (available from Google Play or App Gallery).
- On the old phone, select "Send", on the new one - "Get".
- Scan it. QR-code or connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
- Select data categories for transfer (you can note everything).
- Wait for the transfer to be completed (donโt interrupt the connection!).
๐ What ShareMe is carrying:
- ๐ Contacts, call log, SMS/MMS.
- ๐ธ Photos, video, audio files.
- ๐ Documents from Download and Documents folders.
- ๐ฎ Some Application Data (but not all!).
โ Limitations:
- ๐ต Cannot tolerate Wi-Fi settings and accounts.
- ๐ In some models (for example, POCO X3 Pro) may freeze when transferring large files.
- ๐ฑ Requires the same version of the app on both phones.
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ShareMe is the best choice for wireless porting if both phones support Wi-Fi Direct, but for full migration (including passwords and app settings), you will have to combine it with other methods.
Method 5: Manual transfer of critical data (contacts, SMS, password)
Some data is not automatically transferred by any of the methods listed above, such as Wi-Fi passwords, settings. VPN or save some applications will have to be moved manually.
How to transfer contacts:
- On your old phone, open your contacts. โ โฎ โ Contact management โ Imports/Exports.
- Select Export to File and save.vcf to a memory card or internal memory.
- Copy the file to a new phone and import it through the same path.
How to transfer the SMS:
Use the app "SMS Backup & Restore":
- Install the app on both phones.
- On the old device, create a backup ("Backup").
- Transfer the backup file to your new phone (via cable, cloud, or ShareMe).
- On the new phone, restore messages ("Restore").
How to transfer Wi-Fi passwords:
If your phones are rooted, use Root Explorer to copy the file. /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml. Without root rights, this method does not work โ you will have to enter passwords manually.
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To transfer notes from the Mi Notes application, it is enough to enable synchronization in Settings โ Xiaomi account โ Mi Cloud โ Notes: They will automatically appear on the new device when you log in to your account.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No old phone in ShareMe | Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth disabled | Enable both modules on both devices and restart the application. |
| Backup in Mi Cloud is not restored | Different versions MIUI or not enough space | Update your firmware on your new phone or free up space in the cloud. |
| Transfer over cable is interrupted | Unstable connection or battery drained | Use the original cable and connect the phone to charge. |
| No applications moved. | Only the "Applications List" is marked in the backup | Use ShareMe or install apps manually through Google Play. |
โ ๏ธ Note: If after transferring photos from the gallery are missing on the new phone, but the files are in the folder DCIM, Update the media base: go to Settings โ Annexes โ gallery โ Warehouse โ Clear the data and restart the device.
8 Additional Advice for Different Scenarios
Depending on what data you need to transfer, additional actions may be needed.
If you change Redmi to POCO (vice versa):
- ๐ฑ Check firmware compatibility: some features (like Game Turbo) may work differently.
- ๐ง Update. MIUI Up to the latest version on both devices.
If the new phone is on Android 14 and the old one is on Android 12:
- ๐ Use ShareMe or manual cable transfer โ cloud copies may not recover.
- ๐ Check the permissions for apps after the transfer (on Android 14 changed the access policy).
If you need to transfer data from iPhone to Xiaomi:
- ๐ Use the โMove to iOSโ app (but it only works when Xiaomi is first enabled).
- ๐ง To transfer contacts, export them to iCloud, then import them to Mi Account.