How to Transfer Data from One Xiaomi Phone to Another: A Complete 2026 Guide

Introduction: Why we need proper data migration

Changing your smartphone is always an exciting process, especially when it comes to moving within the same ecosystem. Xiaomi offers users convenient tools for data transfer, but not everyone knows how to use them correctly. Mistakes during migration can lead to the loss of important contacts, damage to photos or even malfunction of a new device.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer data between Xiaomi smartphones – from standard features. MIUI We will focus on the nuances of working with new models (Redmi Note). 13 Pro+, Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and the latest firmware versions MIUI 14/15.

Whether you upgrade to a flagship or upgrade to a budget model, these instructions will help you keep all the important information without loss, and if you are faced with an unusual situation (for example, transferring from a damaged phone), at the end of the article you will find solutions for such cases.

1.Official method: Mi Mover - fast transfer over Wi-Fi

Mi Mover is a built-in application from Xiaomi that allows data to be transferred directly between two smartphones over a wireless network, which is suitable for most users, as it does not require additional programs or cables.

To use the Mi Mover, both phones must meet the following requirements:

• 📱 Both devices are operated under control. MIUI 9 or later (on older versions, the functionality is limited)
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 20% on both devices
• 📶 Stable connection to a single Wi-Fi network (or the ability to create an access point)
• 📁 Free space on the new phone (at least 10% of the volume of data transferred)

The transfer process takes 10 to 40 minutes depending on the amount of data, and it is important that Mi Mover saves the folder structure and metadata of the files (dates of creation, geotags of photos, etc.).

Install Mi Mover on both phones (if not) | Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network |Close background apps on both smartphones |Check the space available on the new phone |Disable VPNs and firewalls

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2.Move over the Xiaomi cloud: pros and cons of the method

Xiaomi Cloud offers an alternative migration method, which is especially convenient if you don’t have physical access to your old phone.

To use the cloud, follow the following steps:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud
2. Select data categories for synchronization (contacts, photos, notes)
3. Wait for the download to be completed (time depends on the amount of data)
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Xiaomi account and enable sync.

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If you have a slow Internet connection, archive.zip photos through a file manager before uploading to the cloud, which will reduce data by 20-30%.

Important: when migrating through the cloud, you don’t transfer installed applications and their data — only system information and media files. You will need to use Mi Mover or third-party utilities to fully migrate applications.

3. OTG Cable Transfer: When Wireless Methods Fail

If you have problems with Wi-Fi or the cloud, you can use a physical connection via the Internet. OTG-This method is especially relevant for owners of older models (Redmi). 4X, Mi A1), where wireless protocols are unstable.

You'll need:

• 🔌 OTG-Adapter (Type-C or Micro-USB depending on the model)
• 📱 Cable to connect an old phone to an adapter
• 🔋 Charger (process can drain the battery)

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-adapter
2. Connect your old phone to an adapter via cable
3. The new device will open a file manager – select the data to copy
4. Wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off the cables!)

⚠️ Note: When transferring through OTG System settings and application data are not copied, and this method is only suitable for media files, documents and other applications. APK-Application files (but not their data).

4. Portability of applications and their data: a complete guide

One of the most difficult tasks in migration is to transfer installed applications along with their data (save in games, setting messengers, chat history). Xiaomi’s standard methods do not always cope with this, so consider alternative solutions.

For full transfer of applications will require:

• 📲 Root rights (optional, but expands the possibilities)
• 💾 Sufficient space on the new device (applications) + their data is in 2-3 more space than you do. APK)
• 🔧 Special utilities: Titanium Backup (for root) or App Backup & Restore (without root)

Instructions without root rights:

1. Install App Backup & Restore on both phones
2. On your old phone, select backup apps
3. Save the backup to a memory card or cloud
4. Transfer the backup file to the new phone
5. Recover data through the same application

Mi Mover (Wi-Fi)|Xiaomi Cloud (cloud)|OTG|Third-party utilities |Another way

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For root-access phone owners, the process is simplified:

1.Install Titanium Backup


2. execute the command in the terminal:




su




tb backupall




3. Move /sdcard/TitaniumBackup folder to your new phone




4. Restore data by the command:




su




tb restoreall

⚠️ Note: Transferring these apps between different versions of Android (e.g., from Android 11 to Android 14) can cause crashes.

5. Transfer from damaged or non-functioning telephone

If your old Xiaomi doesn’t turn on, has a damaged screen or other hardware issues, standard portability methods won’t work.

Method 1: Removal of the memory card

• 📷 If the photographs and documents are stored on SD-Just remove it and insert it into a new phone.
• 🔄 Application data on the memory card is usually not stored (except for specially configured ones)

Method 2: Connecting to a PC

Even if the screen is not working, the phone can be detected by the computer:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB
2. Use Mi PC Suite or ADB to access files
3. The command to check the connection: adb devices
4. To copy files: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\XiaomiBackup\

Method 3: Service Center

If the phone is physically damaged (for example, after falling into the water), it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center.

• 🔧 Remove data from damaged memory (in 60% of cases it is possible to do so)
• 📱 Transfer information to the new device through special equipment
• 🔒 Restoring access to encrypted data (if there is evidence of ownership)

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If you have hardware damage, DO NOT try to disassemble your phone yourself, as this can lead to irretrievable data loss.

6. Optimizing the new phone after data transfer

After a successful data migration, it is recommended to follow several steps for the new phone to work optimally:

1.Cache cleanup

Ported applications may contain outdated temporary files. Clear the cache:

• Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
• Select the app → Storage → Clear the cache
• For mass cleaning, use Settings → Memory → Cleaning

Synchronization setting

To avoid duplication of data:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud
2. Check which data is automatically synchronized
3. Turn off sync for unnecessary categories (such as notes if you don’t use them)

3. Storage optimization

Xiaomi’s new phones (like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+) have a smart cleaning feature:

• Activate in Settings → Memory → Autocleaning
• Set up a cleaning schedule (recommended weekly)
• Eliminate important folders from automatic cleaning

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users sometimes encounter problems, and consider the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If you encounter an error not described in the table, try the following generic steps:

1. Reboot both phones
2. Check the stability of the Internet connection (when using the cloud)
3. Disable VPN and antivirus programs
4. Try an alternative method of transfer

FAQ: Answers to popular questions