How to Transfer Data from One Android to Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with Proven Ways

Introduction: Why we need proper data migration

Switching to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but moving data from an old Android device can become a real headache if you approach the process without preparation. Statistically, 68% of users lose some important information (contacts, photos, notes) when changing their gadget due to incorrect transfer method or technical errors. This article will help avoid typical traps and choose the best way to migrate depending on the volume of data, device models and tools available.

Xiaomi’s proprietary solutions are proprietary: proprietary firmware MIUI, cloud service Mi Cloud and Mi Mover utility, which often work more efficiently than universal tools from Google. However, not all users know that Android 12+ devices with Xiaomi require pre-configuring permissions, and when transferring via a USB-C cable - USB-C, you may need an OTG adapter with support for UFS 3.1 for 13/14 models, otherwise the copy speed will fall by 5-7 times.

1. Preparation of devices before data transfer

Before you start migrating, you need to follow a few critical steps on both devices, neglecting preparation is the main cause of failure, from a connection break to losing some files.

• 🔋 Battery charge – both smartphones must be at least 50%, and when transmitted via Wi-Fi Direct or cable devices can discharge faster than usual.
• 📶 Wi-Fi network – if you plan to use wireless methods, connect both phones to the same 5 GHz network (2.4 GHz transmission speed is 3 times lower than the previous one).
• 📂 Free space – the new Xiaomi should have at least 20% more memory than the data taken up by portable data (for example, for 64 GB files you need 77 GB of free space).
• 🔒 Permissions – on the old device, turn on debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Build Number – tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System system → For developers → Debugging by USB).

For models Xiaomi 12T/13/14 series with firmware MIUI 14+ additionally required:

1. Activate the option to Transfer files over USB to Settings → Connections → USB.
2. Disable battery optimization for the Mi Mover app (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All apps → Mi Mover → No restrictions).

⚠️ Note: If the older device is running Android 8.0 or lower, the Mi Mover transmission may result in the error "Incompatible version of the protocol." In this case, use alternative methods (see section 3).

2.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a Xiaomi-branded solution optimized for data transfer between the brand’s devices. The utility supports the migration of contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio, documents, applications (including their data), and even some system settings. The main advantage is the preservation of folder structure and file metadata (for example, the date of the photo creation).

How to use:

1. Install Mi Mover on both devices from Google Play (on the new Xiaomi app is preinstalled).
2. On the new smartphone, select “I am a new user” and on the old one, “I want to send data.”
3. Scan the scanner on the new device QR-code that will appear on the old.
4. Select data types to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

⚠️ Note: When transferring applications via Mi Mover to Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ There may be a mistake in not having enough space in /data», Solution: Remove unnecessary system updates to Settings before transferring → Annexes → Application management → System updates.

Charge both devices >50%|One Wi-Fi connection (5 GHz)|Battery optimization for Mi Mover is disabled|Freely. 20%+ memory on the new Xiaomi|Debugging is on. USB (Android <10)-->

3. Alternative methods: when the Mi Mover does not work

If Mi Mover refuses to cooperate (for example, due to incompatibility of Android versions or hardware limitations), universal tools come to the rescue.

3.1 Transfer via Google Account

Sync with Google is suitable for transferring contacts, calendars, notes, mail and some applications. minus - not transmitted photos in original quality (compressed to 16 MP) and videos. How to configure:

1. On your old device: Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync – turn on all options.
2. On the new Xiaomi: add the same Google account and wait for the sync to complete.

3.2. Cable connection (USB OTG)

The fastest way to do big data (from 50 GB) is to use a USB-C cable, a USB-C cable, or an OTG adapter.

1. Connect your old device to the new Xiaomi via cable.
2. On your new smartphone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Open Explorer on Xiaomi and manually copy the folders you need (DCIM, Downloads, Pictures, etc.).

Important: For Xiaomi 13 Pro/Ultra models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, use a cable with USB 3.2 Gen 1 support (blue connector), otherwise the copy speed will drop to 5-8 MB / s.

3.3. Cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Yandex Disk)

Convenient for backup before resetting your old device.

• ☁️ Mi Cloud – 5GB free of charge, integration with MIUI, supports backup SMS call.
• ☁️ Google Drive – 15GB free, but compresses video and photos (except Google Pixel).
• ☁️ Yandex Disk – 10GB free, there are no restrictions on file types, but download speed depends on the tariff.

4. Transfer of applications and their data

Transferring installed applications is one of the most difficult tasks, even if you copy them. APK-files, user data (save games, messaging settings) are often lost:

4.1 Backup through ADB

For power users: allows you to create a full copy of applications with data. Requires a PC and utility ADB.

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab


adb restore backup.ab

Disadvantages: Not all apps support backup (for example, WhatsApp blocks the export of chats through ADB).

4.2.Transfer via Titanum Backup (root)

If the old device has root rights, Titanium Backup will allow you to transfer 100% of the application data, including system settings.

1. Install Titanium Backup on both devices.
2. On an old smartphone, create a backup (Backups → Package Action → Backup all user applications + data).
3. Transfer the backup file to the new Xiaomi and restore the data.

⚠️ Note: When restoring backups to Xiaomi with MIUI 14 may conflict with com.miui.securitycenter.Before restoring, disable it in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Show it all. → Security Center → Shut down.

💡

To migrate game saves (like Genshin Impact or PUBG), use the built-in cloud save features in the game itself. Most modern projects link progress to a Google Play Games account or social media.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

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

1. Contacts and calendars through Google Account.
2. Photo/video – via USB-C cable in MTP mode.
3. Applications are backed up via ADB or Titanium Backup.

💡

For Xiaomi devices on MIUI 14+, turn off the Background Migration feature in Settings → Special Features → System Settings before transferring data.

6.Optimize the new Xiaomi after the transfer

After successful data migration, several steps are recommended to optimize the operation of the new device:

• ⚡ Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. That'll free up to 1 to 3 GB of space.
• 🔄 App Update: Open Google Play and update all programs – some may not work properly after the transfer.
• 📱 Configure permissions: For portable applications, check access permissions in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits.
• 🔒 Encryption: If sensitive data has been transferred, encrypt the device in Settings → Lockdown and protection → Encryption.

For Xiaomi 13/14 series models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, additionally:

1. Activate Performance Mode in Settings → Additional → MIUI Lab → Performance Mode.
2. Turn off the interface animation to speed up: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shoot 7 times), then Developer Settings → Window/Switch animation scale = 0.5x.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions