How to transfer your account and data from Android to your Xiaomi smartphone: 5 proven ways

Moving to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but transferring all data from an old Android device can seem like a daunting task. Many users fear losing contacts, photos or app settings, especially if they have not previously experienced this procedure. In fact, the process of transferring an account and data to Xiaomi is well designed and offers several convenient ways - from automatic tools like Mi Mover to manual backup through Google Account.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods of transfer, including nuances for different versions. MIUI And Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note to Xiaomi 14 flagships) will learn how to save not only basic data like contacts, but also Wi-Fi settings, messaging, and game progress. Particular attention will be paid to the typical errors that may occur during transfer and how to avoid them.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

Before you start transferring data, it is important to properly prepare both devices, which will help to avoid loss of information and speed up the process.

On the old smartphone (from which we transfer data):

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50% – transfer can take from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network – this will speed up file transfer and reduce the risk of connection breakdown.
• 🔒 Make sure there is no lock from the manufacturer (e.g., the device is not locked, FRP Samsung, which may prevent the transfer.
• 📁 Free up space on internal memory – if there is a lot of data, it is better to delete unnecessary files in advance.

On the new Xiaomi smartphone:

• 📱 Complete the initial setup before the Wi-Fi connection stage (don’t create a new Mi Account in advance!).
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Install Mi Mover from Google Play if it is not preinstalled.

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If the old smartphone has custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), some portability functions may not work properly, in which case it is better to use the manual method through Google Drive or Google Drive. ADB.

Also check device compatibility. Most Android 6.0 and newer smartphones support Mi Mover portability, but for Android 12 devices+ Additional permissions may be required (e.g. access to Manage all files).

Method 2: Transfer through Mi Mover (recommended method)

Mi Mover is the official application from Xiaomi that allows you to transfer data directly over Wi-Fi without using the cloud, which is suitable for most users, as it even saves system settings and some application data.

Step instructions:

1. On the new Xiaomi, select Data Transfer when you first set up → Android.
2. On an old smartphone, install Mi Mover from Google Play and open it.
3. Select the role of the device: on the new – New phone, on the old – Old phone.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of a new smartphone or connect through the Wi-Fi Access Point.
5. Select data to transfer: contacts, messages, photos, applications, etc.
6. Confirm the transfer and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Speed – the transfer takes 10–30 minutes depending on the volume.
• 📱 Preserve settings Wi-Fi, wallpaper and some system parameters.
• 🔒 Data is transmitted directly, without uploading to the cloud.

Battery Charging on Both Devices > 30%

Both smartphones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network

On the old phone enabled mode "File transfer" (in the developer settings)

On the new Xiaomi enough free space (at least 20% more data portable)-->

If the Mi Mover can’t see the old device, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both smartphones.
• 📡 Manually create an access point on the new Xiaomi and connect to it an old phone.
• 🛠️ Update Mi Mover to the latest version.

Method 3: Transfer through Google Account (cloud method)

If you already have a Google Account synced with an old smartphone, you can recover most of the data on the new Xiaomi via the cloud, a method that is handy if you have slow Wi-Fi or are transferring data from your device to iOS.

What can be transferred via Google:

• 📇 Contacts (from Google Contacts).
• 📅 Calendars and events.
• 📎 Notes from Google Keep.
• 📷 Photos and videos (if autoloading is enabled in Google Photos).
• 🎮 Some app data (e.g. game progress if it supports Google Play Games).

How to recover data on Xiaomi:

1. When you first set up a new smartphone, select Restore from a backup.
2. Sign in to your Google Account (the same as your old phone).
3. Select the last backup from the list.
4. Mark the data for recovery (contacts, applications, etc.).
5. Confirm the recovery and wait for completion.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all apps support backup via Google (for example, WhatsApp or Viber need to be ported separately).
• ❌ System settings (MIUI) and SMS never recover.
• ❌ To restore photos, you will need to download them separately from Google Photos.

Mi Mover (direct transmission)|Google Account (Cloud)|Manual cable transfer|Another way.-->

Important: if your old smartphone is disabled sync with Google, turn it on in advance in your account settings. Without this, the data will not get to the cloud!

Method 3: Manual transfer via cable OTG computer

If you don’t have Wi-Fi access or prefer a physical connection, you can transfer data through the Internet. USB-cable (with adapter) OTG) This method is suitable for transferring large files (video, music) or if other methods have failed.

Option 1: Through OTG-adapter (direct connection):

1. Connect. OTG-adapter to the new Xiaomi.
2. Connect your old smartphone to an adapter USB-cable.
3. On your old phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
4. On the new Xiaomi, open Explorer and copy the files you need.

Option 2: Computer:

1. Connect your old smartphone to your PC and copy the data to your hard drive.
2. Turn off the old device and connect the new Xiaomi.
3. Transfer files from the PC to the smartphone.

What data can be transferred manually:

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: when connecting through OTG Some smartphones may not recognize each other's file systems, in which case use the computer as an intermediary.

⚠️ Warning: Do not copy the folder Android/ whole, it can cause app failures on the new device.

5. Method 4: Transfer applications and their data

Many applications (like instant messengers or games) store data locally and need to be moved separately.

WhatsApp:

1. On your old phone, back up the chats: Settings → chat → Backup copy.
2. Copy the folder. /sdcard/WhatsApp/ on a new smartphone (in the same place).
3. Install WhatsApp on Xiaomi and recover data when you first start up.

Telegram:

• 🔄 Chatbots and cloud chats sync automatically after logging in to your account.
• 💾 Local secret chats and media files need to be manually transferred through the folder /Telegram/.

Games (e.g. Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile)

• 🎮 If the game supports Google Play Games or Mi Account, progress will recover after login.
• 🖥️ For non-cloud-saving games (such as Minecraft), copy the save folder (usually /games/ or /Android/obb/).

To transfer these applications, you can also use specialized tools:

• 📲 Titanium Backup: Creates full backups of applications and their data.
• 📲 Swift Backup (without root, but with limitations): APK and data from sample applications.

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For most applications, just log in to the same account (Google, Facebook, Mi) on a new device – the data is synchronized automatically. Manual transfer is only needed for local data (for example, offline maps in Google Maps or save games).

6. Method 5: Transfer over Xiaomi Cloud (Mi Account)

If you have a Mi Account, you can use Xiaomi Cloud to back up and restore data, a method that is convenient for owners of previous Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphone. POCO.

How to make a backup on an old Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings → Mi → Xiaomi Cloud account.
2. Select Backup and click Create Backup.
3. Mark the data for saving (contacts, messages, notes, system settings).
4. Wait until the process is completed.

How to Restore on the New Xiaomi:

1. When you first set up, select Restore from backup.
2. Log in to your Mi Account.
3. Select the last backup from the list.
4. Confirm recovery.

What can be transferred through Xiaomi Cloud:

• 📞 Contacts and call log.
• 💬 Communications (SMS and MMS).
• 📝 Notes from the annex Notes.
• 🔧 System settings (MIUI), including wallpaper and display parameters.
• 📁 Some application data (if you support Mi Cloud).

Limitations:

• ❌ Free storage – only 5 GB (for photos and large files, this is not enough).
• ❌ Not all Xiaomi models support backup in Mi Cloud (check in settings).

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and their solutions.

Problem 1: Mi Mover doesn’t see the old device.

• 🔹 Check whether Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both smartphones.
• 🔹 Make sure that the old phone is allowed to transfer data over the local network (in the security settings).
• 🔹 Try connecting through QR-manually.

Problem 2: Not tolerable SMS call-book.

• 🔹 If you are using Mi Mover, make sure that your old phone is allowed to access the device. SMS (appliance).
• 🔹 For Google Account: SMS Not automatically synced – use the app SMS Backup & Restore.

Problem 3: Applications are not being restored.

• 🔹 Check if Auto Update is enabled on Google Play.
• 🔹 If apps are not installed, clear the Google Play Store cache.

Issue 4: The photos are moved but not displayed in the gallery.

• 🔹 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes MIUI Not immediately index new files.
• 🔹 Check if files are hidden (in Explorer, enable the display of hidden folders).

Problem 5: There is not enough space on the new smartphone.

• 🔹 Transfer data in parts (first contacts, then photos, etc.).
• 🔹 Use it. SD-Card (if supported) for storing media files.

8. Additional tips for Xiaomi owners

After the successful data transfer, we recommend that you follow several steps to optimize the operation of the new smartphone:

1. Set up sync with Mi Cloud:

• 🔄 Enable automatic backup in Settings → Mi Account → Xiaomi Cloud.
• 📱 Sync contacts, notes and photos so you don’t lose them the next time you reset.

2. Optimize productivity:

• 🚀 Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Battery and productivity.
• 🔋 Turn off background activity of unnecessary apps in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

3. Personalize MIUI:

• 🎨 Set a theme from the theme (Settings) → Screen. → Topics).
• 🔊 Set up sound profiles in Settings → Sound and vibration.

Check the updates:

• 🔄 Update all apps on Google Play.
• 📱 Install the latest updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

5. Set up security:

• 🔒 Enable Face Unlock or Fingerprint in Settings → Password and security.
• 🛡️ Activate Find Device for remote control of your smartphone.

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After transferring data, remember to back up regularly! Use both Google Account and Xiaomi Cloud for reliability. This will save time the next time you upgrade to a new smartphone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability to Xiaomi