How to transfer all data from Xiaomi Redmi to another phone: the complete guide

The transition to a new smartphone is always accompanied by the question: how to save all the important data from the old Xiaomi Redmi? Contacts, photos, messages, applications and even system settings — losing any of these categories can be a serious problem. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several reliable ways to migrate, and we will discuss each of them in detail.

In this article, you will find 5 proven methods of data transfer, from standard MIUI tools to universal solutions for Android.We took into account the features of different versions of firmware (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) and the types of information transferred. Importantly, some methods work only between Xiaomi devices, while others are suitable for switching to smartphones from other brands.

Before you start, make sure both phones have enough battery power (at least 50%) and the new device has free space for the data being received. If you are migrating data to Redmi from another brand (such as Samsung or iPhone), look for special sections of the article with alternative solutions.

1.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a Xiaomi-branded app that is optimized for fast data transfer between the brand’s devices, pre-installed on all Redmi smartphones with MIUI 9 and later, and the main advantage is the preservation of folder structure and even some system settings.

How it works:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
2. On the new device, run the same sequence or find the Mi Mover app in the menu.
3. Select a role: on the old phone - "Send", on the new - "Get".
4. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of a new phone with an old device.
5. Select data categories for transfer (contacts, messages, photos, etc.).

The process takes 10 to 40 minutes depending on the amount of data. Important: Mi Mover does not carry installed applications, only their data (for example, save in games or configure messengers). APK-Files will require an additional step (see the backup section).

Both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

There is plenty of free space on the new phone.

Mi Account is not blocked on old device

Disabled. VPN firewalls-->

⚠️ Note: If the old phone has data encryption enabled (in Settings) → Security, Mi Mover may not see some files. In this case, first create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

2. Transfer through MIUI backup

This method is suitable if you want to save a full copy of the system, including settings, wallpaper and even data of some applications.

Instructions for creating a backup:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data categories (we recommend that you note everything except System Data, which can cause conflicts on your new phone).
3. Click "Create backup" and wait until it is completed (may take up to 1 hour).
4. The backup file will appear in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory.

To recover on the new phone:

1. Copy the backup folder to a new device (via cable, Bluetooth, or cloud).
2. Go to Settings → Further → Data Recovery.
3. Select the backup file and confirm the recovery.

Mi Mover

Backup of MIUI

Google Account

OTG/PC cable

Another option-->

3.Using a Google Account for Synchronization

If you prefer universal solutions, sync through Google is the most reliable way to transfer basic data.It works on any Android device and is not tied to the Xiaomi brand.

What is synchronized automatically:

• 📇 Contacts (via Google Contacts)
• 📅 Calendars (Google Calendar)
• 📧 Letters (Gmail)
• 📱 Data from some applications (e.g. Chrome, YouTube)
• 📷 Photos (if Google Photos are enabled)

How to turn on synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your account (or add a new one).
3. Activate switches in front of the desired data categories.
4. Press "Sync" (Icon) ⚙️ top-right).

On the new phone, just log in to the same Google account – the data will start to load automatically. For photos, we recommend using Google Photos with autoload enabled (in the app settings).

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Before perenosom, check if there is enough space in your Google Account. 15GB is free, shared between Gmail, Drive and Photos. Clean your cart if necessary or buy extra space.

4. Transfer via OTG cable or computer

For users who prefer a physical connection, the method using cable is suitable. OTG This is ideal for transmitting large amounts of data (e.g., video to a computer). 4K or RAW-photo).

Option 1: OTG cable (direct connection)

• 🔌 Connect the cable. OTG to the new phone and the old phone to the other end of the cable (adapter required) USB-C/microUSB → USB-C).
• 📁 On the new phone will open a file manager with access to the memory of the old device.
• 📤 Copy the right folders (DCIM For photos, downloads, etc.).

Option 2: Computer-assisted

1. Connect both phones to the PC via USB-cable.
2. On each phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. Open This PC – Both phones will appear as removable drives.
4. Copy data from your old phone to your PC and then to your new phone.

⚠️ Note: When copying via PC, avoid moving Android folders and MIUI — This can disrupt system applications, and it is also not recommended to copy hidden folders (starting from a dot, for example.thumbnails).

5. Transfer data from Xiaomi to iPhone (or other brands)

If you are switching from Redmi to an iPhone or smartphone from another brand (such as Samsung), Xiaomi’s standard methods won’t work.

For the iPhone:

• 📱 Install the Move to iOS app on old Redmi (available on Google Play).
• 🔄 On the new iPhone, when setting up, select Data Transfer from Android".
• 🔢 Enter a one-time code from your iPhone into the app on Redmi.
• ✅ Select data categories for transfer (contacts, photos, accounts, etc.).

Move to iOS

WhatsApp

For Samsung:

• 📱 Use Samsung Smart Switch (available from the Galaxy Store and Google Play).
• 🔌 Connect your phones with cable or via Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📤 On Redmi, select "Send", on Samsung, "Get".

Smart Switch

MIUI

6. Transfer of specific types of data

Some categories of data require special attention, and let's look at the nuances for the most important types:

Contacts and calendars:

• 📇 Export to.vcf file via Contacts → Settings → Exports/imports.
• 📅 For calendars, use export to.ics via Google Calendar.

These files can be imported to any device, including the iPhone.

Photos and videos:

• 📷 Use Google Photos with Autoboot enabled (settings) → Backup and synchronization).
• 🎥 For RAW-photo 4K/8K better use the cable OTG — Cloud services can compress files.

Note: Google Photos compresses video above 1080p for free storage.

Messages (SMS/MMS):

• 💬 Annex SMS Backup & Restore (from Google Play) saves messages to the XML-file.
• 🔄 For WhatsApp, use the built-in backup in Settings → chat → Backup copy.

⚠️ Note: When you transfer WhatsApp to a new device, use the same phone number and Google account as you used on your old phone.

Annexes and their data:

• 📦 For backups APK Use Titanium Backup (root rights required) or Swift Backup.
• 🔄 Without root rights, you can manually copy folders /Android/obb/ and /Android/data/ play-off.

Most apps (like VK, Telegram) sync data through the cloud when you first run on a new phone.

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For successful data transfer with Xiaomi Redmi, always use a combination of methods: Mi Mover for basic data + Google Photos for media files + SMS Backup & Restore for messages.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, errors can occur.

Mi Mover doesn't see the second phone:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📶 Make sure your phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not mobile data).
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN Firewalls (e.g. Avast or built-in Security) MIUI).
• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version on both phones.

The MIUI backup is not restored:

• 📁 Check the integrity of the backup file (it should be in.mbk format).
• 🔄 Try to restore a copy on another Xiaomi device with the same version MIUI.
• 📱 If the backup is set up on MIUI 12, and you reset it to MIUI 14, some settings may not apply.

Google Photos does not upload files:

• 📶 Check your internet connection (better to use Wi-Fi).
• 📱 In Google Photos settings, make sure that autoload is enabled (Settings) → Backup and synchronization).
• 🔋 Battery charge above 20% (at low charge synchronization is suspended).
• 📁 Check if folders are excluded from backup (in the same settings).

Applications fly out after transfer:

• 📦 Remove and reinstall problematic apps via Google Play.
• 🔄 Clear the app's cache in Settings → Annexes → [name] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📱 Check the app’s compatibility with the new version of Android on your phone.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions