How to transfer files from Samsung to Xiaomi: all the ways from cable to the cloud

The transition from Samsung to Xiaomi is not only about changing the interface, but also the need to transfer all the important data: photos, videos, contacts, messages and documents. Many users face difficulties when trying to synchronize devices of different brands, especially if they used the Samsung ecosystem with its proprietary services like Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch. Meanwhile, Xiaomi offers its tools – Mi Mover and Xiaomi Cloud, which are not always compatible with the solutions of the Korean manufacturer.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods for data transfer – from classic cable connections to modern cloud services and specialized applications. You will learn what method is the fastest (spoiler: it is not always a cloud), how to avoid loss of quality when transferring media files, and why using USB-OTG can be dangerous for older Xiaomi models with a Micro-USB connector.

1. File transfer via USB cable (OTG or PC)

The most “old-fashioned” but no less efficient way is to connect devices directly via cable, and there are two options: use a USB-OTG adapter to connect smartphones directly, or connect both devices to your computer as external drives, the first method is faster, but requires interoperability of connectors (for Samsung it is usually USB-C, and the old Xiaomi can have a Micro-USB).

For direct connection via OTG:

• 🔌 Connect Samsung to Xiaomi via OTG-cable (may require an adapter) USB-C → Micro-USB).
• 📱 On Samsung, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) plug-in.
• 📂 On Xiaomi, open any file manager (such as Files by Google or embedded Files) and copy the data.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) when connected via OTG You might have a "Device not supported" error, and then you'd only be able to connect to a PC.

USB-OTG cable)|Charged both smartphones (minimum 30%)|File Manager on Xiaomi|Power saving mode disabled on Samsung-->

Transmission speed through OTG depending on the version USB-For example, the Samsung Galaxy. S22 s USB 3.2 and Xiaomi 13 Pro with USB 3.2 Gen 2 can move 10 GB of data in about 10-15 minutes, but here are the old models with the new model. USB 2.0 (e.g. Redmi) 5A) They will spend about an hour on the same amount of data.

2.Use of the Mi Mover app (official way from Xiaomi)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for migrating data from other Android devices. The app supports porting not only files, but also contacts, messages, notes and even some settings. However, there are nuances: first, Samsung must work on Android 5.0 or later, and second, some models (such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra) can block access to system data.

How to use Mi Mover:

1. Download the app on both smartphones from Google Play.
2. On Xiaomi, select “I am a new user” and on Samsung, “I am an old user.”
3. Scan it. QR-code from the screen Xiaomi camera Samsung.
4. Select data types to transfer (photos, videos, contacts, etc.).
5. Confirm the transmission and wait for completion.

⚠️ Note: Mi Mover does not port applications and their data (for example, save in games or configure messengers.

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If Mi Mover doesn’t see Samsung, check if it’s enabled with developer mode and USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number – tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → System → For Developers → USB debugging).

3. Cloud services: Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, Xiaomi Cloud

Cloud storage is a universal way to transfer data, but it requires a stable Internet connection and free space, the main advantage of which is that files can be downloaded to Samsung in advance, and downloaded to Xiaomi after purchase.

• 🌐 Google Drive: 15GB free, supports any files, but can compress videos and photos when downloaded in High Quality».
• ☁️ Samsung Cloud: 15GB free, but no gallery backup support (only contacts, notes, calendar) from June 1, 2021).
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: 5GB free, optimized for Xiaomi devices, but may not display files with Samsung.

The following steps are provided for Google Drive:

1. On Samsung, open Google Drive and click “+” → “Download”.
2. Select files (you can download entire folders).
3. On Xiaomi, log in to the same Google account and download files via Drive or Google Files.

⚠️ Note: If you upload photos to Google Photos in Original Quality mode, they will take up space in your cloud. In High Quality mode (compression), no space is wasted, but some details are lost.

Google Drive|Samsung Cloud|Xiaomi Cloud|Yandex Disc.|iCloud|Other-->

4. Transmission over a local area network (Wi-Fi Direct or FTP)

If you don’t have a cable or slow internet, you can use Wi-Fi Direct or create a new one. FTP-This method works without connecting to the router and preserves the original quality of files. The transfer speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard: on Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) It can reach 50-70 MB / s, and on the old Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) — It's only 10 to 20 MB/s.

Instructions for Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On Samsung, open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On Xiaomi, go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Select the Samsung device in the list and confirm the connection.
4. Use a file manager to transfer data (e.g. ES Explorer).

To create FTP-servers will be suitable applications like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer:

• 📡 Install. FTP-server on Samsung (in the application settings).
• 🔗 Connect to it with Xiaomi through any FTP-client (e.g. AndFTP).
• 📥 Copy the necessary files.

5. Transfer of contacts and messages (specialized methods)

Photos and videos are half the story, and it's just as important to move contacts, SMS and call logs, and this is where the combination of standard Android tools and third-party apps can help.

Methods of transferring contacts:

• 📇 Export to file VCF: On Samsung, open your contacts. → Settings → Imports/exports → Export to storage.Transfer the file to Xiaomi and import it.
• ☁️ Sync with Google: On Samsung, enable synchronization of contacts with your Google account (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Contact sync. Sign in to the same account on Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Xiaomi’s “Transfer Contacts” app: Available in Settings → Xiaomi accounts → Hand over the contacts.

SMS and MMS portability:

Standard Android tools do not allow you to transfer messages between devices, and third-party applications will help:

• 💬 SMS Backup & Restore: Backups your messages in the format XML And it restores them to a new device.
• 📱 Super Backup & Restore: Supports the transfer SMS, MMS and call logs.

⚠️ Attention: When transferring SMS through third-party applications can lose attachments (photos, videos in the MMS). To avoid this, save all media files from messages to the gallery before backing up.

6. Use of third-party applications (SHAREit, Xender, Send Anywhere)

If standard methods don't work, universal file transfer applications will come to the rescue, either via Wi-Fi Direct or through a temporary LAN, which makes data exchange faster than the clouds.

Instructions for Send Anywhere (the safest option):

1. Install the app on both smartphones.
2. On Samsung, select files and click “Send”.
3. A 6-digit key is generated or QR-code.
4. On Xiaomi, enter the key or scan. QR-code.
5. Confirm receipt of files.

⚠️ Note: Apps like SHAREit and Xender are often criticized for collecting user data. If you are porting sensitive information, use Send Anywhere or LocalSend (open source alternative).

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For maximum transfer speed, choose applications that create direct Wi-Fi communication between devices (such as Xender or LocalSend). Cloud services like SHAREit Cloud are slower due to intermediate servers.

7. Data transfer via computer (for large volumes)

If you want to roll over tens of gigabytes (like a 4K video collection or app backups), the most reliable way is to use your computer as an intermediary, eliminating the risk of interruption due to battery drain or loss of Wi-Fi connection.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Samsung to your PC via USB-cable and select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Copy all the necessary folders (for example, DCIM, Downloads, Documents) to the hard drive of the computer.
3. Turn off Samsung and connect Xiaomi in the same mode.
4. Transfer files from your PC to Xiaomi.

🔹 Optimization of the process:

• 🖥️ Use it. USB 3.0 ports on PC (usually blue) to speed up copying.
• 📁 Archive the folders in ZIP or RAR, If there are many files, it will speed up the transfer.
• 🔋 Charge both smartphones to 100% to avoid turning off while copying.

⚠️ Note: When copying large files (over 4 GB) to Xiaomi with a file system FAT32 (For example, on older models with a memory card, there will be an error, in which case format the card in exFAT or NTFS (PC).

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have brought the key parameters of all methods into one table:

🔹 Recommendations for selection:

• 📸 It is better to use photos and videos USB-OTG or computer – so you avoid compression and loss of quality.
• 📞 For contacts and SMS Optimal Mi Mover or Google Account.
• 📁 Send Anywhere or Cloud is suitable for documents and archives.
• 🎮 For apps and games, the only option is to back up via Google Drive or Samsung Cloud (if supported).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🚫 «The device is not detected when connected via OTG: Check if your Xiaomi feature supports the OTG (You can find a list of compatible models on Xiaomi's website, and you can also try another cable, which is cheap. OTG-Adapters often don’t work.
• ⚡ «Not enough space" on Xiaomi: Delete unnecessary files or use a memory card (if supported) on some models (e.g. Poco X3) internal memory cannot be expanded; data must be transferred in parts.
• 🔄 «Files are not copied" via computer: Update drivers MTP on PC or try another one USB-Also check if the antivirus is blocking the transmission.
• 🌐 «Wi-Fi Direct is not working": Turn off power saving mode on both devices and make sure they are connected to the same network (even if it's a guest network).

🔹 Advice for owners of old models:

If you have Xiaomi on MIUI 10 or older (like Redmi Note 5), update your firmware to the latest version before the data penos. Older versions of MIUI had bugs that supported MTP and Wi-Fi Direct, which are fixed in new updates.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions