How to Transfer Data to Xiaomi: The Complete 2026 Guide

Transferring data to Xiaomi’s new smartphone is a challenge that every user faces when buying a gadget. Even if you’re switching from another Android device, the procedure requires attention to detail, from saving contacts to transferring passwords from apps. In 2026, owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi have at least 5 working ways to migrate data, each of which is suitable for different scenarios.

In this article, we’ll look at not only standard methods like Mi Cloud or cable, but also less obvious tricks like how to transfer data from an iPhone without losing photo quality or how to restore a backup on a smartphone after a reset. We’ll focus on the nuances that are not written about in the official instructions: volume limits when transferring over Bluetooth, problems with authorization in Mi Account and ways to bypass locks on some models.

If you’ve just unpacked a box with a Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+, this guide will save you hours of searching for a solution.We’ve tested all methods on the latest MIUI 15 and HyperOS firmware, so the instructions will work on even the latest devices.

1. Data transfer via Mi Cloud: pros and pitfalls

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s proprietary cloud storage that is integrated into the MIUI/HyperOS ecosystem. It’s the most versatile way to transfer, but it has limitations that few people know about, such as free pricing that gives you only 5GB of space, and some apps (like WhatsApp) may not be automatically restored.

To move data through Mi Cloud, follow the following steps:

• 📱 On your old phone: Open the settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. Make sure you're authorized. Enable sync for the right categories: Contacts, Notes, Bookmarks, System Settings.
• ☁️ Backup Creation: Go to Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup. Click Create backup and select data (applications, SMS, callbook).
• 🔄 On the new Xiaomi: When you first turn on, select Restore from backup and log in to the same Mi Account. If the phone is already configured, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore.
• ⚠️ Important: Some models (e.g, POCO F6) Require Wi-Fi connection to recover a copy of more than 1 GB.

The main drawback of the method is that Mi Cloud does not save passwords from Wi-Fi and some application settings (for example, game data), and backups can take up to 24 hours to fully download if the volume exceeds 3 GB.

2. Direct transmission by cable: the fastest method

If you have one on hand. USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi with support) USB 3.0), this method will allow you to transfer data at speeds up to 480 Mbps - 10 times faster than Bluetooth. → Xiaomi).

Instructions for transmission via cable:

1. Connect both phones to your computer via USB. On Xiaomi, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification curtain.
2. On PC, open This computer - both devices will appear as removable drives.
3. Copy the folders you want (DCIM for photos, Downloads for downloads) from one phone to another.
4. To transfer contacts, export them to the.vcf file via the Contacts app on the old phone, then import them on the new one.

Original. USB-cable (better with support) USB 3.0)

Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux

There is plenty of free space for the new Xiaomi

Disabled screen lock on both devices-->

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Maximum transfer speed (up to 60 MB / s on Xiaomi) 13T).
• 📁 Support for all types of files, including APK applications.
• 🔒 There are no limits on volume (unlike Bluetooth).

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO When connecting to a PC, it may be necessary to unlock OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers, without it, the computer won't see the internal memory.

3. Wireless transmission via Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth

If the cable is not available and the Internet is slow, you can use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth. the former option is faster (up to 10 MB / s), but requires support for the technology by both devices. Bluetooth is suitable for small files (up to 50 MB), as the speed rarely exceeds 1 MB / s.

Instructions for Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On both phones, turn on Wi-Fi and activate Wi-Fi Direct in the settings.
2. On your old phone, select a new Xiaomi from the list of available devices and confirm your connection.
3. Use any file manager (such as Mi File Manager) to transfer data.

Instructions for Bluetooth:

• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
• 📎 Select files in the gallery or file manager, click Share → Bluetooth.
• ⏳ Confirm acceptance on the new Xiaomi (files will be saved in the Bluetooth folder).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with HyperOS can use a limit on files larger than 100MB when transferring via Bluetooth. To get around this, break a large file into parts using an archiver.

4.Moving from iPhone to Xiaomi: bypassing Apple's restrictions

The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi is complicated by Apple’s closed ecosystem, and the standard way of using the Move to iOS app only works the other way around.

Method 1: Through iCloud and Mi Cloud

• 📱 On iPhone, export your contacts to iCloud → Contacts → Export vCard.
• ☁️ Upload the.vcf file to Google Contacts, then sync with the Mi Account.
• 📷 Use Google Photos for photos: upload them to the cloud from your iPhone, then download them to Xiaomi.

Method 2: Direct transmission via cable (with adapter)

You'll need a Lightning-to-USB-C adapter (or USB-A, depending on the Xiaomi model). Connect your iPhone to Xiaomi via an adapter and use the Mi Mover app (pre-installed on new devices).

• 📞 Contacts and call logs
• 📸 Photos and videos (without loss of quality)
• 🎵 Music and documents

On the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and POCO F6 Pro when connecting the iPhone may need to turn on the mode USB-debugging in Settings → For developers, even if you are not a developer.

5. Data recovery after a reset or breakdown

If you have already reset Xiaomi to factory settings or the phone is out of order, you can recover data in several ways – depending on whether a backup was created.

Option 1: Recovery from Mi Cloud

• 🔄 When first turned on after reset, select Restore from backup.
• ☁️ Sign in to Mi Account and select the latest copy.
• ⚠️ If the copy is damaged, try to restore it through Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Devices → [Your device] → Restore.

Option 2: Use of a local copy

If you have created a backup to the memory card:

1. Insert the same card into your smartphone.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
3. Select the copy file (usually with the.mbk extension) and click Restore.

Option 3: Recovery programmes

If you don't have copies, you can try programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, which only work if you:

• 🔋 At least 20% of the charge is left on the phone.
• 🔓 Debugging on. USB (if the phone still turns on).
• 📱 The device was not reflashed after data loss.

💡

If Xiaomi is not turning on but is responding to charging, try pressing the Power button + Volume up for 10 seconds to start Fastboot.In this mode, some programs (such as the Mi Flash Tool) can recover data.

6.Transfer applications and their data: what works and what doesn’t

Move it yourself. APK-Application files are simple – just copy them from the folder /data/app (You need root rights, or you need to reinstall it from Google Play, but it's getting harder with the application data (save games, set up messengers.

How to transfer application data:

• 🎮 Use Google Play Games or Game Center accounts to sync saves.
• 💬 Messengers: WhatsApp and Telegram backups are created manually (Settings) → chat → Backup copy).
• 📱 System applications: Mi Fit, Mi Home and Theme data are synchronized via Mi Account.

To transfer data without root rights, you can use:

• 🔄 Titanium Backup (requires an unlocked bootloader).
• ☁️ Swift Backup (Works on Android 11)+ rootless, but with limitations).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with HyperOS, some applications (such as Mi Browser) block data export through third-party utilities, in which case only manual copying of files from the HyperOS will help. /Android/data.

💡

Syncing through developer accounts (Google, Facebook, Mi) is the most reliable way to transfer application data, and local backups may not be restored after the MIUI update.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

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

A few more tips:

• 🔋 Charge both devices to at least 50% before the perenosom – the process can take several hours.
• 📶 Turn off power saving mode on Xiaomi, otherwise data transfer may be interrupted.
• 🔒 If Mi Account is blocked, unblock it through the official website before the transfer begins.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions