How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Samsung via Smart Switch: a complete guide with life hacks

Why Smart Switch is the best way to migrate from Xiaomi to Samsung

The transition from Xiaomi to Samsung is often accompanied by the fear of losing valuable data: photos over the years, correspondence in messengers, notes or even progress in games. Fortunately, Samsung Smart Switch - the official solution from the Korean brand - solves this problem for the first time. 10-30 But there are nuances: not all Xiaomi models support direct transmission, and some types of data (such as Wi-Fi passwords or screen settings) may not be transferred. MIUI One UI, including workarounds for problem cases.

The main advantages of Smart Switch over alternatives (like Google Drive or manual copying):

• 🔌 Direct transmission by cable - in 5-10 faster than Wi-Fi and does not depend on the speed of the Internet.
• 📱 Preserving the data structure: photo folders, gallery albums, and even contact order remain intact.
• 🔄 Support for most Xiaomi formats, including backups MIUI (Not all of them, but see the compatibility table below).
• 🛡️ Security: Data is not uploaded to the cloud, but is transmitted directly between encryption devices.

But there are pitfalls, too. For example, the Smart Switch can't stand:

• 🚫 Data from some Chinese apps (such as Mi Fit or Xiaomi Cloud) will have to be synchronized separately).
• 🚫 System settings (wallpaper, sound circuits, gestures) MIUI).
• 🚫 Account passwords (except Google) and some two-factor keys.

Device Preparation: What to Do on Xiaomi and Samsung Before the Move

Before launching the Smart Switch, both smartphones must be prepared, and neglecting this stage is the main cause of transmission failures.

On a Xiaomi smartphone:

• 📱 Update. MIUI In the old firmware (below) MIUI 12) there may be no drivers to work correctly with Samsung. Check version: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔌 Put the debugging on. USB (If you're planning a cable connection, then you're going to get a path. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times, then set up → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
• 📁 Clear the Gallery and Contacts app cache to avoid transferring corrupted files: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [name] → Clear the cache.
• 🔒 Make sure the phone is unlocked (no pattern lock or PIN-Smart Switch can request unlocking during transmission.

On a Samsung smartphone:

• 📲 Install Smart Switch from the Galaxy Store (preferably) or Google Play. The Play Market version may have stripped-down functionality for some regions.
• 🔄 Reset your network settings if you have previously had problems connecting to other devices: → General management → Reset → Reset the network settings.
• 📂 Free up space. Xiaomi data will be temporarily stored in Samsung's internal memory, recommended reserve - at least 10% of the volume of data transferred.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi has enabled data protection MIUI (In some regions, the Smart Switch may not see the device. → Confidentiality → Data protection.

Install Smart Switch on Samsung|Update MIUI Xiaomi|Enable debugging on USB (cable)|Free up 10% of memory on Samsung|Disable data protection MIUI (if)|Charge both phones at least 50 times%-->

Data transfer methods: cable vs Wi-Fi vs backup

Smart Switch offers three main methods of transfer, depending on the amount of data, availability of accessories and network stability.

Selection recommendations:

• 📸 Photo/video >50GB → The cable is too slow (Wi-Fi is too slow).
• 📱 Contacts/communications → Wi-Fi or backup is suitable.
• 🔄 Problems with recognition Xiaomi → Try a cloud backup through your Google Account.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi has custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the Smart Switch may not recognize the device, in which case the only way out is to manually copy files via PC.

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If you don't. OTG-cable, use a charging cable from Samsung (USB-C → USB-C) — It's a direct connection to Xiaomi, and it's important that both ports maintain the mode. USB Host (check the specifications of the model).

Step-by-step instruction: transferring data over a cable

This is the most reliable method, but it requires preparation.

Step 1 Connecting devices

1. Connect Xiaomi to Samsung with a cable USB-C → USB-C (adapter USB-A → USB-C, if the ports are different).
2. On Samsung, run Smart Switch and select Get Data → Cable.
3. On Xiaomi, in the window that appears, select Transfer Data (if the window does not appear, check the connection or restart the application on Samsung).

Step 2: Selecting data for transfer

• 📞 Contacts – transferred in full, including groups and selected.
• 💬 Communications - supported SMS and MMS, Not messages from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).
• 📷 Multimedia – photo, video, audio (including folders) DCIM, Pictures, Downloads).
• 📅 Calendars and Notes – Only if they are synced to a Google or Samsung account.
• 🎮 Annexes - carried forward APK-files, but not their data (for example, saves in games).

Step 3: Completion of the transfer

• Wait until the process is complete (don't turn off the cable!) and a report of the data transferred will appear on the Samsung screen.
• Reboot Samsung to allow the system to apply all settings (especially for contacts and calendars).
• Check the transferred data: Photo / video: Gallery app → Albums. → Device. Contacts: Contacts app → Groups → Imported.

Wi-Fi Transfer: When the cable is not at hand

If you don't have the right cable, you can use wireless, which is slower, but works on most devices. Importantly, both phones need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or Samsung needs to create an access point).

Instructions:

1. On Samsung, run Smart Switch and select Get Data → Wireless.
2. On Xiaomi, open Settings → Connections → Smart Switch (if there is no such item, download the application from Google Play).
3. Select Send Data → Wireless and wait for devices to find each other.
4. On Samsung, confirm the connection (may require input) PIN-code from the screen Xiaomi).
5. Select data to transfer (similar to the cable method) and wait until it is completed.

Frequent problems and solutions:

• 🔄 Devices do not find each other: turn off VPN Reboot your router (sometimes changing your Wi-Fi channel to 5GHz helps).
• 🐢 Slow Transfer: Connect to a 5GHz network (if the router supports). Close background apps that consume traffic (for example, downloads to Google Play).
• ❌ Unable to Connect Error: Check that Xiaomi has Developer Mode and Wi-Fi Debugging enabled. Update Smart Switch on both devices.

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Wireless transfer over Smart Switch only works between Android 6.0 devices+. If Xiaomi has an older version, use a cable or backup via PC.

Backup Transfers over PC: For Large Data Volumes

If the data volume is more than 50 GB or wireless transmission is constantly disrupted, the best option is to use Smart Switch for PC. This method is also useful if Xiaomi is not directly recognized.

Step 1: Install Smart Switch on your computer

• Download the program from the official Samsung website (version for Windows or macOS).
• Install and run Smart Switch. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable.
• Select Backup and wait for the process to be completed (the file will be saved in.sbk format).

Step 2: Restore on Samsung

• Disable Xiaomi and connect Samsung to the same PC.
• In Smart Switch, select Restore and specify the path to the backup file.
• Select data for recovery (partially possible) and confirm.

Advantages of the method:

• 💾 Ability to create multiple backups and selectively restore them.
• 🔧 More control over the process (you can interrupt and continue later).
• 🖥️ It works even with damaged memory partitions on Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: Smart Switch backup is not compatible with other programs (like Mi). PC Suite or Samsung Kies. Don't try to open a.sbk file manually - this can cause data loss.

What is not portable over Smart Switch and how to get around it

Even if the transfer is successful, some data will remain on Xiaomi, which cannot be transferred via Smart Switch and alternative methods.

Life hacks for complex cases:

• 🎮 Save Games: If the game supports Google Play Games, sync your progress through your Google account. For others, use Helium or manual folder copying /Android/obb/.
• 📱 Data Applications: Some programs (such as: 1Password Or Evernote) have their own export. Check the settings of the app.
• 🔐 Two-factor authentication: Move backup codes manually or use apps like Authy that sync between devices.

1. Create a backup in WhatsApp on Xiaomi (Settings) → chat → Backup copy).

2. Copy the folder. /sdcard/WhatsApp/ PC-only.

3. Install WhatsApp on Samsung, confirm the number and wait for the offer to restore chats from the local copy.

4. Connect Samsung to a PC and replace the WhatsApp folder with a folder copied from Xiaomi.

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Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have a failure.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. “Device not supported”

• 📱 Reason: Xiaomi on the old version MIUI (below 10) or with custom firmware.
• 🔧 Solution: Update your firmware or use a backup via PC.

2. "Insufficient space on the device"

• 📱 Reason: Smart Switch requires free space equal to the amount of data transferred + 10%.
• 🔧 Solution: Free up space on Samsung or transfer data in parts (for example, first photo, then contacts).

"Error of Wi-Fi connection"

• 📱 Cause: Conflict IP-addresses or firewall lock.
• 🔧 Solution: Reboot the router. Turn it off. VPN/Proxies on both devices. Manually set static IP-addresses in a single subnet (e.g, 192.168.1.100 and 192.168.1.101).

4. “Files damaged after transfer”

• 📱 Reason: Transfer interruption or read error on Xiaomi.
• 🔧 Solution: Check Xiaomi for file system errors through the Files by Google app (Clearn) → Check for errors. Move the data again by selecting only corrupted files.

5. "Applications are not installed on Samsung"

• 📱 Reason: Incompatibility APK-Files with Android version on Samsung.
• 🔧 Solution: Enable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Security → Install unknown applications → Allow for Smart Switch.

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If the Smart Switch is hanging in the "Data Preparation" phase, try disabling battery optimization for the app on both devices. → Annexes → Application management → Smart Switch → Battery → No restrictions.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions