How to transfer information from Xiaomi to Xiaomi Redmi – all the ways of 2026

Transferring data from an old Xiaomi smartphone to a new Redmi is a challenge that every user faces when changing a device. Even within the same ecosystem, the process can be difficult: somewhere contacts are lost, somewhere application settings are not transferred, and sometimes transfers are interrupted altogether halfway. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of migration — from the official Mi Mover tool to manual methods via PC, taking into account the nuances for different models and versions of MIUI.

The main problem with transferring data between Xiaomi devices is the difference in firmware versions. For example, if you transfer information from Mi 9 (2019, MIUI 12) to Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (2026, HyperOS), standard tools may not work correctly. We tested each method on pairs of devices with a difference of 1-5 years and found which ones are guaranteed to retain folder structure, call history and even passwords from Wi-Fi.

Important: If you plan to sell or transfer an old smartphone, first perform a data transfer, and then make a factory reset, otherwise some information (for example, messages on Telegram or WhatsApp) can be lost irretrievably.

1. Official method: Mi Mover (without PC)

The Mi Mover tool is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for migrating data between devices on MIUI or HyperOS. It is pre-installed on all modern smartphones of the brand and supports the transfer of:

• 📱 Contacts (including groups and notes)
• 📷 Photos and videos (folder structure is maintained)
• 💬 Communications (SMS and MMS, but not messengers)
• 🎵 Music and documents (except for music and documents) DRM-secure files)
• 📱 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, Wi-Fi passwords)

How it works:

1. On both smartphones, open the Mi Mover app (located in the Tools folder or through search).
2. On the old device, select I give, on the new one, I receive.
3. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of the new smartphone old.
4. Select data types to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

⚠️ Note: If the new Redmi is HyperOS installed, and the old one — MIUI 12 or lower, the Mi Mover may not see the old device. In this case, update the firmware on the old smartphone to at least the same time. MIUI 13 or use alternative methods.

Charge both devices at least 50% | Connect to the same Wi-Fi network (5 GHz preferable) |Free 10-15% of memory on your new smartphone | Disable VPNs and firewalls

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2.Move over the Xiaomi cloud (Mi Cloud)

The Mi Cloud service allows you to sync data between Xiaomi devices without a direct connection.

• 🔄 You don’t have cable or Wi-Fi for Mi Mover;
• 📱 You transfer data to a device with another firmware (for example, with a MIUI HyperOS);
• 🔒 You need to keep a backup before resetting.

Instructions:

1. On your old smartphone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on synchronization for the desired categories (contacts, notes, photos).
3. On the new Redmi, log in under the same account and wait for the sync to complete.

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Photos for backup, disable autosynchronization before transferring via Mi Cloud.Simultaneous operation of two cloud services can lead to duplicate files or loss of time stamps.

Mi Mover| Cloud Xiaomi| OTG|Bluetooth | Another way

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3. Transmission via OTG cable (for large volumes)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (for example, a video collection or a video collection). RAW-The most reliable way is to connect directly via cable. OTG. This method works even on devices with different firmware and does not require the Internet.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable OTG (Type-C → Type-C or Micro-USB → Type-C, depending on the ports);
• 📱 File Manager (e.g. Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer);
• ⚡ Charging at least 30% on both devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the OTG cable to the new Redmi.
2. Connect the second end of the cable to an old smartphone (an adapter may be required).
3. On the new device, open the file manager and select USB-device.
4. Copy the right folders (DCIM, Download, Pictures, etc.) in internal memory or on SD-map.

💡 Useful tip: If the file manager doesn’t see the connected device, go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable the debugging option USB. Then reconnect the cable.

4. Transfer over Bluetooth (for small files)

Bluetooth is the most versatile, but also the slowest, way to transfer individual files (up to 50MB) or contacts if other methods are not available.

• 🔋 No charging for OTG or wifi;
• 📶 No Internet access for Mi Cloud;
• 📱 Devices on very different versions MIUI.

How to transfer data:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both smartphones (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).
2. Connect devices (on the old, select a new one from the list and confirm the code).
3. Open the file manager, select the files you need and click Send → Bluetooth.
4. Take the files on the new Redmi.

⚠️ Note: When you transmit via Bluetooth, you lose your photo metadata (date of shooting, geotags). If it is critical, use Mi Mover or cable. OTG.

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Bluetooth is only suitable for emergencies – transfer speeds rarely exceed 1-2 MB/s, and large files can “hang” halfway.

5. Computer transfer (for full backup)

If you need to save everything (including app settings, game saves, and hidden files), backup via PC is a better option, taking longer, but guaranteeing 100% data security.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or Mac;
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original);
• 📂 Programme Mi PC Suite (optional, for backup).

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your old smartphone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy all folders from internal memory (DCIM, Download, Android, etc.) to the hard drive.
3. Disable the old device, connect the new one and transfer the data back.
4. Use Mi PC Suite or Titanium Backup (root rights required) to restore applications.

💡 Useful tip: In order not to copy unnecessary files, open on PC This computer → [Smartphone name] → Internal Storage and sort files by date of change, so you can see which folders take up the most space.

6. Transfer of applications and their data

Standard methods (Mi Mover, Mi Cloud) carry only the list of installed applications, but not their configuration or saving. To migrate, for example, progress in games or chat messengers, you will need additional steps.

Transfer methods for popular applications:

To port all applications with data (including system settings) will require root rights and the program Titanium Backup. However, this method is not recommended for beginners – an error can lead to data loss or firmware failure.

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If you are porting WhatsApp, make sure that the new smartphone uses the same phone number and enough space to restore the backup before starting the process.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer