How to transfer SMS from one Xiaomi phone to another: all working ways

Transfer SMS-Messages from an old Xiaomi smartphone to a new one are a challenge that every user faces when changing their device. Unlike contacts or photos, messages do not automatically sync with the clouds, and manually entering them takes hours. MIUI There are several proven ways to export and import SMS — From built-in functions to third-party utilities.

In this article, we will discuss 5 current methods of message transfer, including official Xiaomi tools and universal solutions for the use of mobile devices Android/iOS. You will learn how to save your correspondence history without loss, what file formats are supported, and how to avoid common errors during data migration. MIUI 14/15 and restrictions when transferring to the iPhone.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge for both phones (recommended) ≥50%)
• 📶 A stable Internet connection (for cloud-based methods)
• 📁 Free space on the receiving device (minimum 100 MB)

1.Official method: backup through MIUI

The most reliable method for Xiaomi owners is to use the built-in backup function in the MIUI. She keeps it. SMS It's an encrypted archive, which you can then restore to a new device, and the main advantage is that it supports all models with a new device. MIUI 10 and newer, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13T.

To create a backup copy:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select Create a backup and tick the item "Messages".
3. Specify the path of preservation (internal memory or SD-map).
4. Wait for the process to be completed (may take up to 10 minutes for 10,000)+ message).

To recover on the new phone:

1. Copy the backup file (.backup extension) to the new device into a folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup.
2. In the same backup settings, select Restore and specify the desired file.
3. Confirm the data recovery (a password is required if it has been set).

Check the version. MIUI (must have ≥10)

Connect your phone to charge.

Release me. ≥500 MB on internal storage

Remember the password from the backup (if installed)-->

⚠️ Attention: Backup copies MIUI Incompatible with other brands (such as Samsung or iPhone) and may not be restored on devices with custom firmware or unlocked bootloader.

2.Exports SMS file XML through the “Messages” annex»

If you need to transfer messages to another manufacturer’s device or save them in a readable format, use export to the port. XML. This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones with the standard Messages app (not to be confused with Google Messages!).

Export instructions:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Additionally. → Export of communications.
3. Select the date range (or leave "All messages").
4. Click Export and specify the folder to save (for example, Downloads).

The file will be saved with a name. sms-YYYY-MM-DD.xml.

For importation to a new device:

• 📱 On Android: Use apps like this SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
• 🍎 On iPhone: Convert XML cSv format with iMazing or AnyTrans (paid).
• 💻 On PC: Open the file in Excel or Notepad++ viewable.

💡

If exported XML-The file won't open, check it for special characters (e.g. emojis).++ coded UTF-8 correct.

3. Transfer SMS via Google Drive (for Android)

If both of your devices are running Android, the easiest way is to sync through Google Drive, which is a method that can be used to transfer messages to Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme and other brands, and the main condition is that both phones must have a login to the same Google account.

How to transfer SMS Google:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Enable the option “Reserve App Data” and select an account.
3. In the Backup Settings section, make sure that the Messages option (or com.android.mms) is enabled.
4. Click Create a backup now and wait until it is completed.
5. On a new phone, when you first turn on, select recovery from Google backup.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It doesn’t work for iPhone (conversion required).
• ❌ They might not be able to. MMS (multimedia).
• ❌ Backups are only stored for 60 days (unless updated).

⚠️ Warning: If the new phone already has messages, they will be overwritten with data from the backup. XML, if they matter.

4. Use of third-party applications (SMS Backup & Restore, Super Backup)

For users who need advanced features (selective transfer, cloud storage, iOS support), specialized utilities are suitable.

1. SMS Backup & Restore (Synctech):

• 🔹 Free version with support XML and JSON.
• 🔹 Automatic backup on schedule.
• 🔹 Compatible with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive.
• 🔹 Support MMS (premium).

Instructions:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Press Backup. → select "Messages» → Next.
3. Specify cloud storage or save locally.
4. On the new phone, press Restore and select the file.

2. Super Backup & Restore (MobileIdea Studio):

• 🔹 Exports to XML, TXT, CSV.
• 🔹 Ability to send backup copy by Email.
• 🔹 Support for dual-symbol phones (separation by SIM-map).

Feature:

5. Transfer SMS computer (ADB, Mi PC Suite)

For advanced users who prefer to work with PCs, there are two ways: ADB (Android Debug Bridge or the Mi utility PC Suite: The first one requires command line skills, but gives you complete control of the data.

Method 1: Use of ADB

1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on the debugging. USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode → Return to the Additional Settings → Developer parameters → Debugging by USB).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute on the command line: adb backup -f sms.ab -app com.android.mms
4. On the phone, confirm the creation of a backup copy (do not set a password if you do not need to).
5. The sms.ab file will appear in the folder with the platform-tools. To restore, use the command: adb restore sms.ab

Way 2: Mi PC Suite

• 🔹 Download the utility from the official website of Xiaomi.
• 🔹 Put the phone on. USB (file transfer).
• 🔹 In the Backup section, select “Messages” and click Create.
• 🔹 To recover, connect a new phone and select a backup file.

⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB Do not interrupt the backup process, which can cause damage to the.ab file and data loss. If the phone is disabled during the operation, repeat the procedure from the beginning.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of transfer method depends on your tasks and devices. Below is a comparison table with recommendations:

For most Xiaomi users, the best solution will be a built-in backup. MIUI — It stores all data (including MMS) If you want to transfer messages to an iPhone or another brand, use SMS Backup & Restore with subsequent conversion via iMazing.

💡

To transfer to the iPhone, be sure to convert XML in a format supported by iOS (e.g. via iMazing or AnyTrans) Direct import via iTunes/iCloud impossible!

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring SMS Users often encounter problems. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

1. Backup copy MIUI never-recover

• 🔸 Check the version. MIUI on both phones (must match or differ by no more than 1 version).
• 🔸 Make sure the.backup file is not corrupted (try creating a new copy).
• 🔸 Turn off data protection. MIUI safety-setting.

2. Communications shall not be exported to XML

• 🔸 Update the Messages app via Google Play.
• 🔸 Clear the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Communications → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🔸 Try an alternative app (e.g. Google Messages).

3. Google Drive is not recovering SMS

• 🔸 Make sure the new phone has a standard Messages app installed (not Google Messages).
• 🔸 Check if data sync is enabled in your Google account.
• 🔸 Try to restore backup during the initial setup of the phone (not afterward).

4. ADB The error is called "device unauthorized»

• 🔸 Confirm debugging on USB on the phone screen (a request will appear when you first connect).
• 🔸 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers on PC (download from the official website).
• 🔸 Check if the developer mode is enabled (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taps).

💡

If none of the methods worked, try to transfer them. SMS It's the last option, but it's guaranteed to store all data, including service messages.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions