How to Flip Data from Xiaomi Phone: A Complete 2026 Guide

Transferring data from a Xiaomi phone is a challenge that every user faces, whether it’s switching to a new smartphone, backing up before resetting, or simply freeing up memory. Unlike the iPhone, where everything is tied to iCloud, the MIUI ecosystem offers dozens of ways, from standard features to hidden capabilities for power users. But how do you choose the best method to avoid losing photos, contacts or messages?

In this article, we will discuss 7 Working methods of data transfer with Xiaomi, including Redmi Note models 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 And others, given their speed, reliability and limitations, you'll learn how to migrate files to a PC (Windows/Mac), Another phone (Android or iOS), cloud services or even through a local network - without root rights and loss of quality. MIUI, which the manufacturer does not advertise, but which accelerates the process of 2–3 once.

1. Data transmission via USB cable (the most reliable way)

Connecting your phone to your computer via cable remains the most versatile method — it works even with a dead battery or no Internet. However, Xiaomi has a caveat: by default, the smartphone connects in Charging mode, not File Transfer.

To activate data transfer:

1. Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable (cheap cables may not support data transfer).
2. Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the option USB-charging.
3. Select File Transfer (MTP) or Photo Transfer (PTP).

On Windows, the phone will show up as a removable drive in this computer. On a Mac, you'll need to install Android File Transfer. USB:

⚠️ If your computer can’t see your phone, try another cable or port. USB. Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) require you to unlock Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers.

Use the original Xiaomi cable

Unlock the phone screen

Select MTP mode in the notification curtain

Check the drivers on the PC (if necessary, install Mi). PC Suite)-->

2. Wireless transmission via Mi Share (fast and without cables)

Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is Xiaomi’s proprietary Wi-Fi Direct file sharing technology that works 5-10 times faster than Bluetooth and doesn’t require a router connection, and the main advantage is that it supports transferring any files (including APKs, system backups, and folders up to 10GB).

How to use:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Connection and sharing → Mi Share.
• 🔄 Select the role: Send (if you are transferring from your phone) or Receive (if you accept).
• 📂 Select files and press Send. On the second device, confirm acceptance.

Speed depends on the model:

• 🚀 Mi 13/Redmi K60: before 40 MB/s (Wi-Fi) 6).
• ⚡ Redmi Note 11/POCO X4: 10–20 MB/s (Wi-Fi) 5).
• 🐢 Redmi 9/POCO M3: 2–5 MB/s (Wi-Fi) 4).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Mi Share may not be available, in which case you can use Google’s Nearby Share (included in Settings). → Google → Devices and sharing).

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If Mi Share does not find the device, restart Wi-Fi on both phones or turn on Contacts Only in the visibility settings.

3. Transfer data to another phone via Mi Mover

Mi Mover is a MIUI-built application for migrating data when changing phones, copying contacts, messages, photos, apps, and even system settings (including wallpaper and notification sounds) and only works between Xiaomi devices (or POCO/Redmi).

Step-by-step:

1. On your old phone, open Mi Mover (you can find it in the app menu or through search).
2. Select Me - Old Phone and connect to Wi-Fi.
3. On the new phone, launch Mi Mover and select I am the new phone.
4. Scan it. QR-code from a new phone on an old one.
5. Select the data for transfer and confirm.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Transfers applications with data (for example, saves in games).
• 📱 It works even on phones with a discharged battery (up to 15%).
• 🔒 Encrypts data during transmission.

⚠️ Warning: If the new phone already has data (e.g. you have partially configured it), Mi Mover will suggest resetting the device to factory settings. All existing data will be deleted.

4. backup to Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)

Mi Cloud – a cloud service from Xiaomi, which offers 5 GB for free (extra space – from 149) ₽/Suitable for automatic backup of contacts, photos, notes and even SMS. The main plus – the data is synchronized in the background and is available from any device.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Sign in to your account (or create a new one).
3. Enable synchronization for the desired categories (e.g. Contacts, Gallery).
4. For manual backup, click Backup and select data.

The limitations of Mi Cloud:

• ❌ Photos are compressed to 12 MP (sources - only in a paid tariff).
• ❌ Videos longer than 10 minutes are not automatically synced.
• ❌ Applications and their data are not backed up (only a list of installed programs).

Mi Cloud

Google Drive

Yandex Disc.

iCloud

Other-->

5. Transfer of files through Google Account (universal method)

If you use Google services (Gmail, Google Photos, Contacts), it takes a few minutes to transfer data from Xiaomi to any Android phone.

• 📇 Contacts (synchronization through Settings) → Accounts. → Google).
• 📷 Photo and video (autoboot in Google Photos with unlimited storage for compressed files).
• 📅 Calendar and Notes (Google Keep).

How to move:

1. On Xiaomi phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Turn on synchronization for the desired categories.
3. On the new phone, log in to the same Google account – the data will be downloaded automatically.

Important: To carry SMS and call logs, you will need a third-party application, such as SMS Backup & Restore. Google does not sync this data by default.

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Google Photos offers unlimited storage for photos in "high quality" (compression up to 16 MP), but the originals take up space in the cloud. Set up autoload in Settings → Backup.

6. Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)

If standard methods are not suitable (for example, you need to transfer data to your iPhone or save the folder structure), use specialized applications:

Example of transfer via Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both devices.
2. On the source phone, select files and click Send.
3. 6-digit code is generated or QR-code.
4. On the second device, enter the code and the transfer will start automatically.

⚠️ Note: Applications like SHAREit often request access to contacts, location, and other information. SMS. Before installing, check the permissions in Settings → Annexes → Permits and disable unnecessary.

7. Data transfer via OTG-storage or memory card

If you do not have access to the PC or the Internet, you can use it. USB-drive-storage OTG-This method is suitable for transferring large amounts of data (movies, backups, system images).

Instructions for OTG-flash-drive:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to the phone, and to it - flash drive (supported) FAT32, exFAT, NTFS).
2. In Explorer (Files), select files and copy them to the flash drive.
3. Connect the flash drive to the new device and transfer the data back.

For the memory card:

• 📱 Insert microSD into the phone slot (or via adapter).
• 📁 Copy files into a folder on the map (for example, DCIM photo).
• 🔄 Transfer the card to a new phone and import data.

Important: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra), the memory card is formatted as internal storage and cannot be simply removed. → Warehouse.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability with Xiaomi