How to move apps from phone to Android phone Xiaomi: full guide

Transferring apps between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or resetting an old one. Unlike iOS, where the synchronization process is standardized through iCloud, on Android (and especially on firmware). MIUI) There are many more options, from branded tools like Mi Mover to hand-copying. APK-But not all methods are equally effective: some lose application data, others require root rights, and still others do not work on models older than the Redmi Note 10.

In this guide, we’ll break down 5 working ways to transfer apps between Xiaomi phones – from the simplest (via Mi Account) to the most advanced (using the use of Xiaomi phones). ADB). You'll learn how to save not only the programs themselves, but also their settings, cache, and even game data, and why you migrate your Google Account to the Internet. MIUI It often works incorrectly and how to fix it. The material is relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO base MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

1.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for data migration between devices, pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand (starting with MIUI 9) and supports porting not only apps, but also contacts, messages, photos and even some system settings.

• 🔹 It only works between Xiaomi devices (not suitable for porting to Samsung, Realme, etc.).
• 🔹 On new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Requires an upgrade to HyperOS.
• 🔹 Not all applications are portable with data (for example, games or instant messengers may require re-authorization).
• 🔹 Maximum data transfer size – 10 GB (limit is associated with the Wi-Fi Direct protocol).

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → About Phone → Data Migration (Mi Mover).
2. Select the role of "Sender".
3. On the new phone, run the same section and select Receiver.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of a new device with an old phone.
5. Select data for transfer (required to mark "Applications") and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Note: If the new phone already has data (for example, after partial setup), Mi Mover may suggest resetting the device to factory settings.

2. Google Account Transfer: Why Xiaomi Doesn't Always Work

Google’s standard sync mechanism (via Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync) has to transfer the list of installed apps to the new device, but on Xiaomi, this process often fails because of:

• 🔸 Restrictions MIUI: The software will automatically block some APK because of security policy.
• 🔸 No backups: Not all apps save data in Google Drive (e.g., Google Drive, VK Telegram stores the cache locally).
• 🔸 Version conflict: if a newer version is installed on the new phone MIUI, Some applications may not be restored.

To increase the chances of successful transfer:

1. On an old phone, enable backup in Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Make sure the new device has disabled the option “Optimize MIUI” in Settings → Special features.
3. After logging in to your Google Account on your new phone, manually update all apps through the Play Market.

If the apps don’t recover, try Forced Sync:

Settings → Accounts → Google → [Your account] → Sync apps → Enable

⚠️ Note: Apps not downloaded from the Play Market (e.g. via APKMirror or RuStore) are not synced through Google Account).

3.Cloning applications via TiBackup (requires root)

For root-right users, the most reliable way is to use Titanium Backup or its analogues (for example, Swift Backup). + data), which is critical for games or messengers with local storage.

Advantages of the method:

• 📦 All application data is saved (including cache and settings).
• 🔄 Selective recovery capability.
• 📱 It works even between different versions of Android.

Instructions:

1. Install Titanium Backup on both phones (root required).
2. On the old device, create a backup of the desired applications (Backup → Packet).
3. Transfer backup files ( /sdcard/TitaniumBackup folder) to your new phone.
4. On the new device, restore applications through Restore → From the folder.

Manual transfer APK-Files: step-by-step instructions

If you don’t have root rights and Mi Mover refuses to work, you can manually copy it. APK-Application files and install them on a new device. This method does not store application data, but is suitable for transferring the programs themselves.

You'll need:

• 📱 Two Xiaomi phones (old and new).
• 🔌 Cable USB-OTG computer.
• 📂 File Manager (e.g. Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).

Steps:

1. On an old phone, turn on the display of hidden files in the file manager.
2. Go to the folder. /data/app (Root rights required or use an alternative route: /sdcard/Android/data They're kept here. APK Some applications (not all!).
3. Copy the desired.apk files to your computer or directly to your new phone via OTG.
4. On the new phone, allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Apps).
5. Install the copied APKs manually.

💡

If the /data/app folder is not available, use the App Extractor app from the Play Market – it extracts APK without root rights.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK can be manually blocked MIUI If you see an "Application not installed" error, try: Delete the old version of the app (if any). APK Installer from Play Market. MIUI Optimization in the settings for developers.

5. ADB Transfer: For Power Users

If you need to migrate apps with all the data but no root, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but bypasses the limitations of MIUI.

Advantages:

• 🔧 Moves the app + Data (similar to TiBackup but without root).
• 🚀 It works on any version of Android.
• 🔒 Does not require superuser rights.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB on your computer (download Platform Tools from Google).
2. On both phones, enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times; then Settings → Additional → For Developers → USB debugging).
3. Connect your old phone to your PC and execute the command to create a backup: adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all (Allow backup when you request it on your phone.)
4. Connect your new phone and recover data: adb restore backup.ab

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all applications are restored correctly (especially system ones).
• ❌ The process can take 1-2 hours with a large amount of data.
• ❌ Nana MIUI 14+ HyperOS requires shutdown MIUI Optimization.

💡

ADB is the only way to transfer application data without root, but it requires a computer and may not work with secure applications (banks, instant messengers).

6.Alternative methods: cloud services and third-party utilities

If none of the above methods work, consider the following options:

🌥️ Cloud backups (for individual applications)

Some apps support their own backup:

• 📱 WhatsApp: Settings → chat → Backup (saves history in Google Drive).
• 🎮 Use Google Play Games to Save Progress.
• 📊 1Password, Keepass: Export the database manually.

🔄 Third-party utilities (without root)

Applications for data transfer:

The most versatile option among third-party utilities is CLONEit, which works on the Mi Mover principle, but supports cross-brand transfer, but errors can occur on Xiaomi due to the limitations of MIUI.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of transfer method depends on your goals and technical capabilities. Below is a comparison table:

Selection recommendations:

• 🔹 If both phones are Xiaomi, start with Mi Mover.
• 🔹 Do you only need to transfer the list of applications? Use Google Account.
• 🔹 Is the data of the applications (games, messengers) important? ADB Titanium Backup (if there is root).
• 🔹 Transfer to non-transfer-Xiaomi? Use CLONEit or the manual method.

FAQ: Frequent Questions and Problems