How to transfer WhatsApp chats to another Xiaomi phone without loss: all working methods

Transferring your WhatsApp history to your new Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that every user faces when changing their device. Even if you bought Xiaomi’s flagship 14 Ultra or budget Redmi Note 13, losing years of dialogue, photos and documents can be a serious problem. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to migrate chats, each of which fits into different scenarios, from automated cloud backup to manual transfer through local files.

The main difficulty is that WhatsApp does not provide a built-in direct transfer function between devices. All operations are performed through intermediate backups that need to be properly created, saved and restored. Xiaomi adds its own nuances: for example, the MIUI firmware may not have standard tools for working with backups, and the Mi Cloud feature has limitations on the amount of free storage. In this article, we will discuss all current methods – from official to alternative – so you can choose the best option depending on your phone model and WhatsApp version.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

Before you start moving chats, there are several critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss or the inability to restore history.

First, check the WhatsApp version on both devices. On Xiaomi, you can do this in Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Version. Make sure both phones have the latest stable version from Google Play or the App Store, which minimizes the risk of recovery errors. If your old phone is using an outdated version, update it before creating a backup.

Second, free up enough space on both devices. A backup chat can take up gigabytes — especially if you’re actively sharing media. On Xiaomi, check the free space in Settings → Storage. A local backup will require at least 1.5-2 volumes of your chat history (copy itself + temporary files).

• 📱 Update WhatsApp on both phones to the latest version.
• 📊 Check the space available: a minimum of 2-3 GB on each device.
• 🔋 Charge both phones to 50% or more – the process can take an hour or more.
• 🔒 Connect to Wi-Fi – Mobile Internet may not be able to handle large file transfers.
• 🔑 Remember the phone number tied to your WhatsApp account – you’ll need it for authorization.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with firmware MIUI Global for China (without Google services), cloud transfer via Google Drive will not be available. In this case, choose the method with local backup or Mi Cloud.

2. Method 1: Transfer over Google Drive (official method for Android)

This is the easiest and most recommended way for most Xiaomi users.It works if both phones are on Android and you have a Google account with enough cloud space (15GB is provided free of charge).

Algorithm of action:

1. Backup on your old phone: Open WhatsApp → ⋮ (menu) → Settings → chat → Backup.Click Create a copy and select a Google account to save.Wait until the process is complete (may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data you have).
2. Install WhatsApp on the new Xiaomi: Download the app from Google Play (don't use APK from third-party sources!). When you first start, type in the same phone number as the old device. When the system suggests restoring chats from Google Drive, confirm the action.

An important nuance: WhatsApp only restores the last backup. If you create a new copy on your old phone after transfer, the history on the new device will update the next time you restore it. Also note that media files (photos, videos, voice messages) are restored only if they were included in the backup (check backup settings!).

Create a fresh backup on your old phone|Make sure that the new Xiaomi has the same Google account|Do not install WhatsApp on your new phone before transferring|Connect to Wi-Fi on both devices|Use the original charging cable (in case of battery discharge)-->

Method 2: Local backup via cable (for advanced users)

If you don’t have access to Google Drive (e.g., Xiaomi with firmware for China) or want full control of backup files, use local portability, which requires more action, but ensures data is safe regardless of cloud services.

Instructions:

1. Create a local copy on your old phone: On WhatsApp, go to Settings → Chat → Backup → Local Backup. Click Create a copy. The file will be saved to /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases under the name msgstore.db.crypt14 (or similar).
2. Move files to the new Xiaomi: Connect your old phone to your computer and copy the WhatsApp folder (including Databases and Media) to your PC. Connect the new Xiaomi, create a WhatsApp folder on it in the root directory, and paste the copied data.
3. Restore Chats: Install WhatsApp on a new phone and log in with the same number. If you request a restoration from a local copy, confirm the action.

Critically, don’t change the name of the backup file (e.g. from msgstore.db.crypt14 to msgstore.db). WhatsApp only recognizes the original names. Also make sure there’s enough space in the WhatsApp folder on the new phone – otherwise recovery will be interrupted in the middle.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi 12) the WhatsApp folder can be hidden. To see it, turn on the display of hidden files in the file manager (Settings → Show hidden files).

4. Method 3: Transfer from iPhone to Xiaomi (cross-platform method)

If you’re switching from an iPhone to Xiaomi, the standard methods won’t work because of the operating system difference, and WhatsApp’s official solution will help, which is the Move Chats to Android feature, which works via the Lightning-to-USB-C cable and the Move to iOS app (yes, despite the name, it’s also suitable for reverse porting).

Step-by-step:

1. Prepare your iPhone: Update WhatsApp to the latest version. Connect your iPhone to charge - the process can take a long time. Open WhatsApp → Settings → Chat → Move chats to Android.
2. Connect phones with cable: Use the original Lightning-to-USB-C cable (or adapter if your Xiaomi has a microUSB connector). QR-Code – scan it with the new Xiaomi.
3. Start the transfer: Xiaomi will open a port page – follow the instructions. wait for the process to be completed (can take up to 1-2 hours with a large amount of data).

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It works only when transferring from iOS to Android (inversely – it is impossible).
• 🚫 Requires iOS 15.5+ Android 10+.
• 🚫 It only transfers chats and media files, but not account settings.
• 🚫 Xiaomi should have enough space for temporary files (minimum) 2x chat-room).

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If you don't have the original Lightning-to-USB-C cable, you can use a quality adapter from proven brands (like Anker or Belkin). Cheap Chinese cables often cause portability errors.

5. Method 4: Using Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi owners)

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s own cloud storage that can be used to transfer data, including WhatsApp chats, but it has a number of limitations: it doesn’t work on all models and requires pre-setting.

How to transfer chats through Mi Cloud:

1. Activate Mi Cloud on both phones: On the old Xiaomi: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Sync. Enable sync for WhatsApp (if the option is available).
2. Backup: On WhatsApp, create a local backup on your old phone (as in Method 2). Download the msgstore.db.crypt14 file to Mi Cloud manually through the file manager.
3. Restore on the new Xiaomi: Download the backup file from Mi Cloud to your new phone. Place it in /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. Install WhatsApp and restore chats from the local copy.

Important: Mi Cloud only provides 5GB of free space, which may not be enough for a full chat history.In addition, on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T), WhatsApp sync via Mi Cloud can be disabled by default.

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Mi Cloud is only suitable for temporary backup storage. After the transfer, it is recommended to remove WhatsApp files from the cloud to make room for other data.

6. Method 5: Third-party programs (Dr.Fone, MobileTrans)

If none of the above methods are suitable, you can use specialized data transfer programs, the most popular solutions are Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer and MobileTrans from Wondershare. ↔ Android) and save all history, including media files.

How to use Dr.Fone:

1. Install the program on your computer (Windows/Mac) and connect both phones.
2. Select WhatsApp Transfer mode.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a backup on your old phone and restore it to a new one.

Advantages of third-party programs:

• 🔄 Support for transfer between any platforms (iOS) ↔ Android, Android ↔ Android).
• 📁 Keeping all history, including media files, stickers and voice messages.
• 🛡️ Selective transferability (e.g., only certain chat rooms).

Disadvantages:

• 💰 Paid license (from 30)$ single-transfer).
• 🖥️ Requires installation of the program on PC.
• ⚠️ Risk of data leakage when using unofficial versions.

⚠️ Note: Before using third-party programs, check their reputation on forums (for example, for example, for the use of third-party programs, 4PDA Some "free" utilities may contain malware or advertising software.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems when migrating chats, and let’s look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

1. WhatsApp does not find a backup in Google Drive

• 🔹 Make sure you use the same Google account as when creating a backup.
• 🔹 Make sure there is enough room on the new phone to download a copy.
• 🔹 Reinstall WhatsApp – sometimes a clean installation helps.

2.Local backup is not being restored

• 🔹 Check that the backup file has the correct name: msgstore.db.crypt14.
• 🔹 Make sure that the WhatsApp folder is in the root directory (/sdcard/WhatsApp).
• 🔹 Try renaming the file to msgstore.db.crypt12 (For older versions of WhatsApp).

3.The transfer from iPhone to Xiaomi is interrupted

• 🔹 Use the original Lightning-to-USB-C cable.
• 🔹 Disable the ad blocker or VPN — They can interfere with the connection.
• 🔹 Reboot both phones and try again.

4.There is not enough space for the new Xiaomi

• 🔹 Remove unnecessary files or applications through Settings → Warehouse.
• 🔹 Move some of the data to SD-card (if supported).
• 🔹 Restoring chats piece by piece (e.g. text messages first, then media files).

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If you are transferring from iPhone to Xiaomi, you can try to disable the “Find iPhone” function in iCloud settings on your old device.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions