How to transfer data from one Xiaomi phone to another: from contacts to apps

Transferring data from an old smartphone to a new Xiaomi is a challenge that every user faces when updating a gadget. Even if both devices are from the same brand, the process requires attention to detail: lost contacts, untransferred photos or lost settings can spoil the first impression of a new phone. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of migration, from the official Mi Mover tool to manual copying via PC, taking into account the nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.).

The main problem with data transfer between Xiaomi smartphones is the difference in MIUI versions. For example, on devices with MIUI 14, the Mi Mover algorithm differs from MIUI 12, and some functions (for example, app transfer) may be limited due to Google’s security policy. We tested each method on real devices and identified a single method that is guaranteed to carry 100% of data without loss – including Wi-Fi passwords and call history.

If you move from another brand’s Android (like Samsung or Huawei), some of the instructions will also remain relevant, but some steps will have to be adapted. For iPhone owners, the process will be different — we wrote a separate article about this, and here we will focus exclusively on transfer between Xiaomi phones, taking into account the branded chips of the ecosystem.

1.Official method: Mi Mover - fast, but with limitations

Mi Mover is a MIUI-built data migration app that Xiaomi has positioned as the primary portability tool, pre-installed on all modern models (starting with the Redmi 9 and Xiaomi Mi 10) and supports Wi-Fi Direct transmission without an internet connection.

First, Mi Mover does not carry installed applications – only their data (for example, save in games or set up instant messengers). Second, devices with MIUI 13+ may require permission to debug over USB, even if you are using wireless mode. Third, some users experience an error “failed to connect” due to conflict versions of MIUI on the old and new phone.

• ✅ Pros: does not require cable, saves the history of calls and SMS, It works without the internet.
• ❌ Cons: does not tolerate applications, sometimes "hangs" by 99%, does not support the transfer of some system settings.
• ⚙️ Requirements: Both phones must be charged at least 50%, the new device must have enough free space.

To avoid problems, follow the exact instructions:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
2. On the new phone, when you first turn on, select Data Portability or find Mi Mover in the settings menu.
3. On the old device, click "I am the sender" and on the new one, "I am the receiver."
4. Scan it. QR-code from the new phone old (or choose to manually connect over Wi-Fi).
5. Select data types for transfer (contacts, photos, videos, notes) and confirm the beginning of the process.

⚠️ Note: If the process is 99% stalled, do not force it to interrupt — wait 10-15 minutes. 4K If progress has not progressed after the time has elapsed, restart both phones and try again.

Charge both phones to 60%+

Disable VPN and energy saving modes

Make sure that the new phone has enough space (at least 20% more data transfer)

Check compatibility of MIUI versions (on old and new device)

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OTG Cable Transfer: Reliable, but not for all models

Using an OTG cable (or USB-C to USB-C adapter) is one of the most reliable ways, as it eliminates wireless transmission problems. However, it does not work on all Xiaomi phones. For example, the POCO F3 and Redmi Note 11 support this method, while the Xiaomi 12 Lite can give an error "Device not recognized" due to firmware limitations.

The advantage of cable transfer is high speed (up to 480 Mbps with USB 3.0) and no risk of connection breakdown. Among the disadvantages: you need an original cable (cheap analogues may not work), and some models need to manually enable file transfer mode (MTP).

• 🔌 Which cables are suitable: Original USB-C to USB-C from Xiaomi (complete with new models) Cable USB-A to USB-C + OTG-Adapter (for old Micro-USB phones) Not suitable: charging cables without data support, damaged wires.
• ⚡ Transmission speed: ~1-2 GB/min (depending on version) USB and fragmentation of files).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phones with a cable. On the screen of the old device, select "File Transfer" (not "Charge!").
2. On the new phone, open Explorer (or Files) and find the “Internal Memory” folder of the connected device.
3. Copy the folders you need (DCIM for photos, Download for downloads, WhatsApp for messenger backups).
4. To transfer contacts and SMS, export them to.vcf and.xml files respectively (via Settings → Contacts → Export/Import).

⚠️ Attention: If you connect a cable to a new phone that starts charging from the old one (and vice versa), you're using a poor wire or you're using a dirty port. USB-C A wooden toothpick and try again.

3. Cloud services: Xiaomi Cloud vs Google Drive

Moving over the cloud is convenient if you have slow internet or not on hand cable. Xiaomi offers its own cloud storage - Xiaomi Cloud (5 GB for free), but it has limitations: for example, Wi-Fi passwords and some settings of the Mi Home ecosystem are not synchronized. The alternative is Google Drive, which is more versatile, but requires authorization in a Google account.

The key difference between the two services:

• 🌥️ Xiaomi Cloud: Syncs contacts, notes, call history, SMS. Supports automatic backup (if enabled in settings) Does not carry installed applications (only their data).
• 📁 Google Drive: Any files can be downloaded, including APK Requires manual export/import of contacts and SMS. Unlimited storage for photos in compressed quality.

Instructions for Xiaomi Cloud:

1. On the old phone: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Select the data for reservation (contacts, gallery, notes) and click "Create backup".
3. On the new phone, log in to the same Xiaomi account and recover data from the cloud.

Instructions for Google Drive:

1. Set Google Photos and Google Contacts on your old phone.
2. In Google Photos, turn on "Backup and Sync".
3. Export your contacts to Google Account through Settings → Contacts → Contact Management → Export/Import.
4. Sign in to the same Google account on the new phone – the data will be automatically pulled up.

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If you have a lot of high-resolution photos, turn on the "High Quality (Unlimited Storage)" option in your backup settings before uploading to Google Drive, which will save space but slightly degrade the detail of the shots.

4. Computer Transfer: Full Data Control

Using a PC or laptop is the most flexible way, as it allows you to selectively copy files, edit them before penos and even recover lost data, but it takes more time and technical skills.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
• 🔌 Cables. USB-C/USB-A (better-original).
• 🛠️ Programs: Mi PC Suite (official utility from Xiaomi) or Android File Transfer (for macOS).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ You can transfer absolutely all data, including hidden folders and system files (if you have root rights).
• ✅ Suitable for damaged phones (if the screen is not working, but USB-ported).
• ✅ Allows you to convert formats (e.g. video to save space).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your old phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy all important folders (DCIM, Pictures, Download, Android/data for games) to your computer’s hard drive.
3. To transfer SMS and call logs, use Backup & Restore (available on Google Play) to create a.xml file that can then be imported to a new phone.
4. Connect the new phone and transfer the copied data to the appropriate folders.
5. Install apps manually via Google Play or move APK-files (if they have been saved).

⚠️ Note: If you are copying the folder Android/data, Some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) may not recognize backups due to a change in storage path, in which case you will have to manually specify the path to the backup in the messenger settings.

5. App portability: why Mi Mover is not coping

One of the most painful things about migrating is migrating installed apps, and Android doesn't allow you to just copy them. APK-files from one system to another because of the Android Package Manager mechanism, even if you manually move the folder. /data/app, Applications will not work without the right permissions and signatures.

There are a few workarounds:

• 📥 List of installed apps: Use the App List Backup (from Google Play) to export the list of apps to the.txt file. On the new phone, import the list and install apps via Google Play.
• 📦 Backup copies APK: Programme APK Extractor allows you to save APK installed applications. APK You can install it manually on your new phone (but you will need to download the updates via Google Play).
• ☁️ Cloud services: Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup (for non-rooted devices) create full backups of applications with data.

It's important to understand that not all apps can be moved.

• 🚫 Not portable: system applications (Mi Security, Mi Account), banking programs (SberBank Online, Tinkoff), applications with DRM-Protection (Netflix, Disney)+).
• ✅ Transferred (with reservations): messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram - but you need backups), games (if you copy the obb and data folders), social networks.

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The only reliable way to migrate data applications is to use Titanium Backup or Swift Backup and then restore it to a new phone, but this requires root rights or an unlocked bootloader.

6.Hidden Data Transfer: Wi-Fi Passwords, Mi Ecosystem Settings

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

• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords: They can only be exported through root or special applications like WiFi Password Viewer (requires superuser rights).
• 🏠 Smart Home Settings: Devices are tied to Xiaomi accounts, but local scenarios (e.g., time-based automation) are reset.
• 🎵 Sound and vibration settings: individual volume profiles, vibration patterns for notifications.
• 🔄 Sync Data: If you used Xiaomi Cloud for backup, some settings (such as Do Not Disturb Mode) may not recover.

To transfer this data, follow the algorithm:

1. Wi-Fi passwords: Install WiFi Password Recovery on your old phone (requires root).Export the list of networks to a.txt file and manually connect to them on your new phone.
2. Mi Home Settings: Open the Mi Home app on your old phone. Go to Profile → Settings → Device Management → Device Transfer. Select devices to port and confirm the action on your new phone (must be logged in to the same Xiaomi account).
3. System settings: Use Xiaomi Cloud to back up System Settings. On your new phone, restore the backup from the cloud.

⚠️ Note: If you use the Mi Band or other Xiaomi wearables, you will have to re-tether them to your new phone via Mi Fit or Zepp Life. The old tether will automatically break when you first sync with the new gadget.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when you follow instructions, users have problems. TOP-5 errors and ways of solving them:

If none of these methods worked, try alternative solutions:

• 🔄 Resetting: On the new phone, perform Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Reset settings, then repeat the transfer.
• 📡 Local area network: Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi and use Feem or Send Anywhere to transfer files.
• 💻 ADB-commands: For advanced users – transfer via adb pull and adb push (requires debugging by USB).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions