How to Transfer Data to the New Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide to 2026

Buying a new Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is always a joyful experience, but it can be difficult to transfer data from an old device, especially when it comes to years of accumulated photos, important messages or unique app settings. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of data migration – from standard tools to tools. MIUI Up to Manual Methods for Experienced Users.

Many people mistakenly believe that it is enough to copy files to a flash drive or send them by mail, in practice this approach leads to loss of folder structure, loss of metadata photos (dates, geotags), and problems with synchronizing accounts, and we will show how to avoid these errors and transfer data as quickly and safely as possible, while maintaining all the links between files.

We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with different operating systems: the transfer from Android to Xiaomi is different from the migration from the iPhone, and for some Redmi models (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ or Redmi K60) We have unique chips. We start with preparation, which is the most important stage that many people miss.

1.Preparation for the transfer: what to do before buying a new Redmi

The first step is to check the compatibility of the old and new devices. If you are transferring data from another Xiaomi or Redmi, the process is simplified with built-in tools. MIUI. For devices of other brands (Samsung, Huawei, iPhone) will require additional applications or cloud services.

Be sure to make sure there is enough free space on your old phone to back up. for example, for a full Redmi Note backup. 11 s 128 GB of memory may be required up to 20-30 GB on a flash drive or in the cloud. Check it in Settings → Memory.

• 📱 Update both devices to the latest version MIUI (or Android/iOS This minimizes the risk of errors in portability.
• 🔋 Charge both phones to at least 50%. Data transfer can take from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on the volume.
• 📡 Connect to stable Wi-Fi. Mobile internet is not suitable - transfer speeds will not be enough for large files.
• 🔐 Remember passwords from Google, Mi Account, Apple ID (If you're porting from an iPhone, they'll be required to log in to a new device.

Most users’ critical error: ignoring the check IMEI If the device was recovered after theft or has unofficial firmware, the Mi Mover feature may block access to some files. → The phone. → Status. IMEI marked as “Official".

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi, disable iMessage and FaceTime in Apple settings ID Otherwise, messages may be duplicated or not reach the new number.

2. Method 1: Mi Mover – Xiaomi’s official tool for fast transfer

Mi Mover is an integrated application in the MIUI, It allows you to transfer contacts, messages, photos, videos, apps and even system settings in a few clicks. POCO.

Algorithm of action:

1. Enable Mi Mover on both phones (you can find it by searching the app menu or Settings). → Additionally. → Mi Mover).
2. On the old phone, select “I give” and on the new phone, “I receive.”
3. Scan the scanner on the new device QR-code that will appear on the old.
4. Select data types to transfer (you can mark everything or select selectively).
5. Confirm the start of the transmission. Wait until the end (don't interrupt the connection!).

Transfer speed depends on the amount of data and version MIUI. For example, for the Redmi Note 13 Pro MIUI 14 average speed ~10-15 MB/s over Wi-Fi Direct. For comparison: when using a cable OTG speed 40-50 MB/s.

⚠️ Note: If the old phone has data encryption enabled (Settings) → Security → Encryption), Mi Mover may not see some files.Decrypt the device before transferring or use alternative methods.

Charge both phones > 50%|Connect to a single Wi-Fi network|Shut down. VPN both-device|Make sure the new Redmi has enough memory|Do not lock the screen during transmission-->

3. Method 2: Transfer from Android to Xiaomi Redmi via Google Account

If your old phone runs on Android (not necessarily Xiaomi), the most reliable way is to sync through a Google Account, which ensures that contacts, calendars, mail, notes, and parts of apps (those installed from Google Play) are transferred.

Instructions:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google and make sure that sync is enabled for all the data you need.
2. On the new Redmi, when you first turn on, select “Recover Data” and log in to the same Google Account.
3. If the phone is already configured, go to Settings → Accounts. → Google → Sync your account and enable all options.

The advantage of this method is that it automatically updates data, for example, if you add a new contact on an old phone before the transfer is complete, it will appear on the new Redmi after the next sync.

However, there are limitations:

• 🚫 Photos and videos are not automatically transferred (you need to use Google Photos separately).
• 🚫 Communications SMS not synced via Google (you need to use Mi Mover or third-party apps).
• 🚫 Application settings (e.g., game progress) are not saved.

💡

If you have two-factor authentication enabled in Google, add a new Redmi to the list of trusted devices in your account security settings before transferring data, eliminating the need to enter confirmation codes at each step.

4. Method 3: Transfer from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi (iOS) → MIUI)

The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi requires a special approach due to ecosystem differences, and the main problem is that Apple blocks the direct export of some data (such as call history or notes).

Step 1: Transfer contacts and calendars

• 📱 On iPhone, open Settings → [Your name] → iCloud and enable contact sync.
• 🌐 On your computer, go to iCloud.com, export your contacts to a.vcf file.
• 📲 On the new Redmi, import this file through Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports.

Step 2: Transfer photos and videos

• 📷 Use Google Photos: Install the app on your iPhone, upload all media files to the cloud, then download them to Redmi.
• 💻 Alternative: Connect your iPhone to your computer, copy the photos to a folder, then transfer them to Redmi via cable USB-C/OTG.

Step. 3. Deferral of communications (SMS/iMessage)

The hardest part is that Apple doesn’t provide built-in export tools. SMS. Decisions:

• 💬 Use paid apps like iMazing or AnyTrans to backup your messages to your computer, and then import them to Redmi.
• 📧 Export important messages manually: take screenshots or send them to yourself by mail.

⚠️ Warning: When transferring from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi, turn off iMessage in Apple settings ID extracted SIM-Otherwise, messages may go to the old device even after the new device is activated. SIM redmi.

5. Method 4: Manual transfer via OTG cable or computer

If you need to transfer large files (for example, movies to the Internet) 4K, Backups of games or projects from Adobe Lightroom, the best option is direct cable connection. This method is universal and works for all devices, but requires more time and attention.

Option A: Cable OTG (Android → Xiaomi Redmi)

1. Buy it. OTG-adapter (e.g, USB-C to USB-C or USB-C Micro-USB depending on your phone ports).
2. Connect your old phone to your new Redmi via an adapter.
3. On the new device, open Explorer (or Mi File Manager) and select the connected device.
4. Copy the files to Redmi memory.

Option B: Through a computer (universally for all devices)

1. Connect your old phone to your PC and copy all the data to your hard drive.
2. Turn off the old device, connect the new Redmi.
3. Transfer files from your computer to Redmi.

Advantages of manual transfer:

• 🔹 Complete control of files (you can selectively copy only the necessary ones).
• 🔹 There are no file size restrictions (unlike Mi Mover or cloud services).
• 🔹 Ability to edit files before transfer (e.g. converting videos to another format).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It takes a lot of time with large amounts of data.
• ❌ Requires additional accessories (cable) OTG computer).
• ❌ No automatic synchronization – after transferring the changes on the old phone will not affect the new one.

💡

Manually transferring via cable or computer is the only way to guarantee the structure of folders and metadata files (for example, the date of creation of photos or music tags).

6. Method 5: Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk)

Cloud storage is convenient for data transfer if you have slow Internet or not on hand cable, but each service has its own nuances:

Instructions for transfer via Google Drive:

1. On your old phone, install Google Drive and log in to your account.
2. Press "+ → Download and select files to transfer.
3. On the new Redmi, open Google Drive, find uploaded files and download them.

For Mi Cloud:

1. On old Xiaomi (if any) open Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and enable synchronization.
2. On the new Redmi, log in to the same Mi Account and wait for the sync to complete.

⚠️ Note: When using Mi Cloud, make sure the new Redmi has the same version MIUI, Otherwise, synchronization errors may occur (for example, the settings of the theme or sound profiles will not be transferred).

7. Transfer of applications and their data (saves, logins, settings)

Just copying.apk files is not enough – you need to transfer their data (for example, game progress, chat history, settings).

For apps from Google Play:

• 🔄 Use the built-in backup function: Settings → Google → Backup. Enable "Application data backup".
• 🎮 For games: many titles (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) link progress to a Google Play Games or Facebook account, log in to a new device, and the data will be downloaded automatically.

For applications that do not support cloud backup:

• 📱 Use Titanium Backup (requires root rights) or Swift Backup (for devices with unlocked bootloader).
• 💾 For individual apps (like WhatsApp), make a local backup: WhatsApp Settings → chat → Backup copy Then transfer the backup file (msgstore.db.crypt14) to the new Redmi and restore it when you first set up the messenger.

For system applications MIUI:

• 📱 Theme settings: synced through Mi Account automatically.
• 🔊 Sound profiles and alarms: only transferred via Mi Mover.
• 📡 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings: can be exported manually through Settings → Connections → Additionally. → Export of settings (not available on all models).

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common ones:

Problem 1: Mi Mover can't see old device

• 🔹 Make sure that both phones are enabled with Wi-Fi Direct (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally).
• 🔹 Reboot both devices.
• 🔹 Check if the firewall is blocking or VPN linkage.

Problem 2: Photos or videos are not transferred

• 📷 Check the file format: Mi Mover does not support.HEIC (Photo format with iPhone. Convert them to.JPG Google Photos or Lightroom.
• 🎥 If files weigh more than 2GB, use manual cable transfer.

Issue 3: Apps are not restored after the transfer

• 📱 Check if the installation is enabled from unknown sources (Settings) → Security → Installation of unknown applications).
• 🔄 If apps don’t install, download them again from Google Play – data can be downloaded from the cloud.

Problem 4: Lost contacts after transfer

• 📞 Make sure your contacts are saved to your Google or Mi Account, not just yours. SIM-map.
• 🔍 Check the Imported Contacts folder in the Contacts app on the new Redmi.

💡

If the data doesn't show up after the transfer, don't panic: sometimes the system takes time to index.Reboot Redmi and wait 10-15 minute.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions