How to completely transfer data from an old phone to Xiaomi Redmi: from contacts to Wi-Fi passwords

Switching to a new smartphone Xiaomi Redmi is always a joy from fresh technology, but also a headache: how to transfer all data from an old device without losing either a photo or a saved password? Especially if you used Android from another manufacturer — Samsung, Huawei or even Google Pixel. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of migration — from the official tool Mi Mover to manual copying via cable. USB-C/OTG.

We tested each method on the Redmi Note 12 Pro models.+, POCO X5 Pro and Redmi. 10C, So you can choose the best option based on the amount of data and the speed of the Internet, and we'll also tell you which files you usually forget to move (spoiler: alarm settings and call history) and how to save them.

If you are in a hurry, use the quick checklist at the end of the article or immediately go to the Mi Mover section (the most reliable way for Xiaomi). USB-A → USB-C, Which saves time on finding adapters.

Important: Before you start the transfer, check the battery power on both phones — the process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours depending on the amount of data. MIUI!

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

The first rule of successful migration is don't start spontaneously. Take 10 minutes to prepare to avoid data loss or phone hanging.

1. Device compatibility. Mi Mover only works between Android smartphones (version 5.0 and higher). If you have an iPhone, use Apple's Move to iOS (but that's a topic for another article).

2. Free space. The new Redmi should have at least 20 percent more memory than the data on the old phone. For example, if you're carrying 32GB, the new device should be free. ≥40 GB. Check the occupied space can be in Settings → The phone. → Warehouse.

3. Battery charge: Both phones must be charged at least 50%. When transferred over Wi-Fi Direct or cable, devices actively consume energy, and a sudden shutdown can interrupt the process.

Make sure both Android 5.0 phones are on+

Check the vacant space on the new Redmi (20% reserve)

Charge both devices ≥50%

Shut down. VPN Firewalls (they block the transmission)

Backup important files to your PC or cloud-->

4. Turn off optimization. MIUI The default is limited to background activity of applications. To prevent Mi Mover or Google Drive from interrupting, add them to exceptions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Mover (or other transfer service).
3. Select Battery Limitations → No restrictions.
4. Activate Auto Start and Background Activity.

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring data from a Huawei phone (especially models after 2019), pre-disable Huawei Mobile Services in your account settings.They conflict with Google services and may block transfers through Google Account.

Method 1: Mi Mover is the official tool from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi, which is preinstalled on all Redmi smartphones, POCO It uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to transmit data wirelessly at speeds up to 10MB/s (in theory), and in practice, the speed depends on the phone model and the number of files.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 No Internet connection – data is transmitted directly between devices.
• 🔹 Keeps the folder structure (photos remain in the file) DCIM, music - in music).
• 🔹 Transfers system settings (wallpaper, brightness, sound profiles).
• 🔹 Supports applications (APK + data if they are not protected DRM).

How to use Mi Mover:

1. On the new Redmi, select Data Transfer when you first turn on (if the phone is already configured, install Mi Mover from Google Play).
2. On your old phone, install Mi Mover (available for all Android devices).
3. Select the role: new phone - Receiver, old - Sender.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of the new Redmi or connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
5. Select data types for transfer (contacts, SMS, Photos, videos, apps and confirm the beginning.

The speed of transfer depends on the volume:

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Mover is stuck in the “Data Preparation” phase, check it out: 🔸 Is there enough space on the new Redmi (sometimes the app doesn't show an error). 🔸 Do you block the transmission of antivirus (disable Avast, Kaspersky or 360 Security). 🔸 Is the firmware on both phones updated (in) MIUI 14 corrected bugs with transfer).

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If the Mi Mover doesn’t see the old device, reboot both phones and turn on Flight Mode for 30 seconds, which will reset the Wi-Fi Direct network settings.

Method 2: Transfer through Google Account (for contacts, calendar, and email)

If you only need to migrate contacts, calendar events, notes and email, the easiest way is to sync through Google Account, which works on any Android device and does not require additional applications.

What can be transferred:

• 📇 Contacts (including profile photos).
• 📅 Calendar (events, reminders).
• 📧 Gmail and other email accounts.
• 📝 Notes (if you use Google Keep).
• 🌐 Chrome bookmarks and browser history.

How to transfer data:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Make sure that synchronization is enabled for Contacts, Calendar and other services.
3. On the new Redmi, add the same Google Account to Settings → Accounts. → Add an account.
4. Wait for automatic synchronization (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

If no contact is made:

• Check if they are duplicated with the Mi Account (in) MIUI Maybe a conflict).
• Open the Contacts app, click ⋮ → Settings → Imports/Exports → Imports from Google.
• Make sure that your contacts are saved to Google on your old phone, not in the device’s memory or in the device’s memory. SIM-map.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not tolerated. SMS/MMS (They need a Mi Mover or SMS Backup & Restore).
• ❌ Photo and video must be transferred separately (see Method 4).
• ❌ Some app settings (such as WhatsApp) are not synced.

Mi Mover (Official Xiaomi App)|Google Account (Sync)|Cable OTG/USB|Cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Drive)|Another way.-->

Method 3: Transfer through the cable OTG or USB-C (bulky)

If you have a lot of data (50)+ GB) or weak Internet, the best option is direct transmission via cable:

• 🔌 Cable OTG (If you have a new microUSB phone and a new one — USB-C).
• 🔌 adapter USB-A → USB-C (For older Redmi Notes 7/8).
• 🔌 Cable USB-C → USB-C (If both phones are modern).

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Maximum speed (up to 40 MB/s when used) USB 3.0).
• 🔒 Security – data is not transmitted via the Internet.
• 📁 Selective transfer (you can only copy the required folders).

Instructions for transfer:

1. Connect your old phone to your new Redmi via cable (use it if necessary) OTG-adapter).
2. The new Redmi will be notified USB-Connection – Select File Transfer (MTP).
3. Open Explorer (or Google Files) on your new phone.
4. Find folders of the old device (usually they are displayed as an external drive).
5. Copy the data you need (DCIM For photos, Download for downloads, etc.) in memory of the new Redmi.

⚠️ Note: When copying via cable, do not remove USB-The storage until the process is complete! MIUI There is a bug: if you interrupt the transfer, some files may be corrupted (especially videos in the video.mp4).

Unique life hack for owners of old Redmi (before Note) 9): If your new phone doesn’t support you USB OTG (checked in the settings → Connected devices, use the adapter USB-A (host) → USB-C + cable microUSB/USB-A. It's worth it. ~200 rupees and sold in any connected.

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Cable transfer is the most reliable way to handle large amounts of data (50)+ GB), but requires the correct connection (MTP-mode) and quality cable.

Method 4: Cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Drive, Mi Cloud)

If you have a stable Internet connection, you can upload data to the cloud and then download it to the new Redmi, which is convenient for transferring photos, videos and documents, but not for applications or system settings.

Comparison of cloud services:

How to transfer data via Google Drive:

1. On your old phone, install Google Drive (if not installed).
2. Open the app. → press + → Download.
3. Select files to transfer (you can download entire folders).
4. After downloading, log in to the same account on the new Redmi.
5. Download files via Google Drive or Google Files.

For Yandex Disk or Mi Cloud, the process is similar, but keep in mind:

• 🔸 Mi Cloud automatically syncs your contacts, SMS and notes, but for the photo you need to manually enable backup in Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → gallery.
• 🔸 Yandex Disk offers Auto Unloading function for photos and videos (similar to Google Photos).

Restrictions of cloud services:

• ❌ Slow download/downloading at high volume (for example, 30 GB photos can be loaded 5 times)+ hours).
• ❌ Some files may be compressed (e.g. Google Photos reduces video quality).
• ❌ To transfer applications, you need to use separate tools (for example, APK Extractor).

Method 5: Transfer additional data (wi-fi passwords, application settings)

Many users forget that in addition to photos and contacts, the phone stores hidden data that is not transferred in standard ways.

1. Wi-Fi passwords

• Use the WiFi Password Viewer app (requires root) or manually copy the file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (need root or ADB).
• Without root, you can take pictures. QR-Network codes: open Settings → Wi-Fi → Press the net. → Share.

2. Stored passwords in the browser

• In Chrome: Settings → Passwords. → Export passwords (save file.csv).
• In Mi Browser: sync through Mi Account.

3. Settings of alarm clocks and reminders

• Use Google Clock (synchronizes with your account) or export through AlarmMon.

4. Application data (games, messengers)

• For WhatsApp: Backup your Settings → chat → Backup and restore on a new phone.
• For games: Link your account to Google Play Games or Facebook.

Problem Solving: What to Do When Data Is Not Portable

Even with the right instruction, you can get errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

1.Mi Mover doesn't see old device

• 🔹 Make sure that both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
• 🔹 Reboot both devices.
• 🔹 On your old phone, turn off modem modem (it blocks Wi-Fi Direct).

2.Transfer interrupted by 99%

• 🔹 This is a common mistake when transferring large files (>4GB. Break the transfer into parts.
• 🔹 Use cable instead of Wi-Fi Direct.

3.The new Redmi is running out of space.

• 🔹 Delete unnecessary files through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🔹 Move some of the data to a microSD (if supported).

4.Photo and video damaged after transfer

• 🔹 Check the file format: MIUI You may not support.heic (use a converter).
• 🔹 If files are not opened, try playing them through VLC.

5.Apps are not restored

• 🔹 Make sure that the new phone has the same Google Account.
• 🔹 On Google Play, open the library. → Previously established.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)