The transition to a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to transferring valuable data: photos, correspondence, notes and settings. Xiaomi Redmi owners face additional nuances: branded Mi Account services, features of MIUI firmware and restrictions on some files. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of migration, from the official Mi Mover tool to manual copying through cable, you will learn how to avoid data loss, what formats are supported, and what to do if a new phone is not from Xiaomi.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to copy files to a memory card, but this only works with media. Contacts, SMS, call histories and application settings require different approaches. We tested each method on the Redmi Note 10/11/12 and the new Redmi 13C/14 models to give clear recommendations. Importantly, when you transfer files to a non-Xiaomi device, some data (such as MIUI themes) will not be available, this is a system limitation.
1.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi
The Mi Mover tool is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for wirelessly transferring data between devices to MIUI. It supports contact, SMS, photos, video, audio, documents, applications (including their data), and even some system settings. The main advantage is that you do not need to connect cables or use third-party services.
To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:
- 📱 Install the Mi Mover app on both phones (available on Google Play or via the App Store) MIUI).
- 🔄 On the old Redmi, select "I give" and on the new one, "I receive".
- 📶 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (or create an access point on an old phone).
- 🔍 Scan it. QR-code from a new phone to an old one – this will start the pairing process.
- 📤 Select data categories for transfer and confirm transfer.
The speed of the transfer depends on the amount of data and the stability of the connection. For example, 30 GB of photos and videos can be copied from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours. Note: Mi Mover does not tolerate Wi-Fi passwords, banking application data and some system settings (for example, fingerprints).
Charging both phones > 50%|Release. 10-15% memory on the new device|Shut down. VPN firewalls|Make sure that both phones have the latest version MIUI|Close background applications that consume the Internet-->
⚠️ Note: If the new phone is not from Xiaomi (such as Samsung or Realme), some data (themes, settings) MIUI) In this case, it is better to combine Mi Mover with manual copying via cable.
2. Transfer through Google Account (for contacts, calendar, mail)
Sync with Google Account is a universal way to transfer basic data: contacts, calendar events, Google Keep notes and Gmail. This method works on any Android device and does not require the installation of additional applications.
Instructions:
- On the old Redmi go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
- Turn on sync for all the categories you need (contacts, calendar, etc.).
- On the new phone, add the same Google Account and wait for the sync to complete.
- Check your contacts in the Google Contacts app (not the standard Xiaomi app!).
Advantages: the data is automatically updated on all devices to which the account is attached; disadvantages: SMS, photos, apps and their data are not portable; Media files will have to be used in other ways.
| Type of data | Transferred via Google | Alternative method |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | ✅ Yes. | Mi Mover, export to VCF |
| SMS/MMS | ❌ No. | Mi Mover, SMS Backup & Restore |
| Photos/video | ❌ No, only through Google Photos) | OTG cable, cloud |
| Annexes | ❌ No (only a list from the Play Store) | Mi Mover, manual installation of APK |
| Notes | ✅ Yes, Google Keep) | Exports from Mi Notes |
💡
If contacts are duplicated after sync, use the Google Contacts → Combine and Correct app to clean the list.
3. Manual transfer via OTG cable or adapter
If you don't have Wi-Fi or you have more than 50GB of data, the most reliable way to do this is to copy directly through the cable.
- 🔌 Cable OTG (plug-in USB-C Micro-USB, depending on the Redmi model).
- 📁 File Manager (e.g., standard Explorer from Xiaomi or Solid Explorer).
- ⚡ Charge of both phones at least 30% (copying drains the battery).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the old Redmi to your new phone via an OTG cable.
- On the new device, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification panel.
- Open the file manager and go to the old phone’s internal memory folder (/storage/emulated/0/).
- Copy the right folders: DCIM — Photos and videos. Downloads — downloads. Pictures, Music, Movies — media files. Android/data — Data from some applications (not all!).
Insert files into the corresponding folders on the new phone.
This method guarantees 100% data security, but it takes time and attention, and the main drawback is that you can't carry SMS, call histories, and application settings, and you have to use Mi Mover or specialized programs like SMS Backup & Restore.
Which folders cannot be copied manually?
4. Cloud services: Google Drive, Yandex Drive, Mi Cloud
Cloud storage is convenient for transferring large amounts of data without being tied to cables. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud service (5 GB for free), but it only works for backup to the same account. For cross-platform transfer, it is better to use Google Drive or Yandex Drive.
How to transfer data via Google Drive:
- On the old Redmi, install the Google Drive app.
- Click "+" → "Download" and select files/folders.
- After downloading, log in to the same account on the new phone and download the files.
- 🔄 Mi Mover (transferring) SMS Only between Xiaomi devices).
If you find missing data, repeat the transfer for a specific category (for example, only for photos via cable).
⚠️ Warning: Before resetting the old Redmi, make sure all data is copied. It is impossible to recover information after resetting to factory settings without a prior backup.