How to transfer data from Android Samsung to Xiaomi Poco X3: 5 proven ways

Why data transfer between Android smartphones of different brands requires a special approach

The transition from Samsung to Xiaomi Poco X3 is not just a change of device, but a transition between two different ecosystems with unique branded services. Unlike data transfer within the same brand (for example, with the Samsung Galaxy S21 on the Galaxy S23), where native Smart Switch works, when migrating to Xiaomi, users face restrictions: not all files are automatically synchronized, and some applications (for example, Samsung Health or Samsung Notes) have no analogues at all in MIUI.

The main problem is the lack of a universal tool. Xiaomi offers its Mi Mover, but it does not always work correctly with Samsung devices, especially if they are installed on the latest version of One UI 5/6. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for data transfer taking into account the specifics of the Poco X3 (models M2007J20CG and M2007J20CI), including bypassing typical errors such as a failure of contact synchronization or loss of photo quality when transferring through the cloud.

Method 1: Transfer through Google Account (the most reliable method for contacts and calendar)

Sync through Google Account is the only official way that is guaranteed to work on any Android device, including Poco X3 with MIUI 12/13.

• 📇 Contacts (including groups and labels)
• 📅 Calendar (events, reminders)
• 📝 Notes from Google Keep
• 🔖 Chrome bookmark (if the default browser was used)

To move the data:

1. On Samsung, open Settings → Accounts and Archiving → Account Management.
2. Select your Google Account and enable sync for all categories.
3. On Poco X3, when you first turn on, select “Recover Data” and log in to the same account. If your phone is already set up, go to Settings → Google Accounts → Sync and start the process manually.

⚠️ Note: If Samsung contacts (not Google) were used on Samsung, they must be exported first. ⋮ → Contact management → Exports/imports → Export to.vcf file, then import this file to Poco X3 via Contact → Imports/Exports.

Check Wi-Fi connection on both devices|Make sure there is enough space on your account (contacts take up) ~1-2 MB, photo - separately)|Turn off battery optimization for the Contact app on Samsung|Synchronize data in advance (not on the day of the transfer)-->

Method 2: Using Smart Switch (partially working with Xiaomi)

Samsung Smart Switch is a proprietary data porting solution, but it works with Xiaomi only in limited ways. Xiaomi is not officially supported on the list of compatible devices, but there is a workaround through the Internet. USB-cable (OTG) or Wi-Fi Direct.

Instructions for transfer via cable:

1. Install Smart Switch on Samsung (usually preinstalled) and download APK-file for Xiaomi with APKCombo (version not lower than 3.7.22.1).
2. Connect your phones via a USB-OTG adapter (Type-C port to Poco X3).
3. On Samsung, select Send Data, on Xiaomi, Receive Data.
4. Select categories to transfer (works for photos, videos, music, documents, but not for apps!).

⚠️ Note: When transferring via Smart Switch to Poco X3 You may get an error, "Device not supported." In this case, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both phones.
• 📱 Use Wi-Fi Direct instead of cable (in Smart Switch settings).
• 🛠️ Install an older version of the Smart Switch on Xiaomi (e.g. 3.5.10.0).

Method 3: Mi Mover – a proprietary solution from Xiaomi (with limitations)

The Mi Mover is the Smart Switch for Xiaomi devices, but it’s not compatible with Samsung because of different data protocols. However, it can be used to port photos, videos, music and documents (but not system settings!).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Mover on Samsung with APKPure (version 2.0.1 or later).
2. On Poco X3, the app is preinstalled (find through the menu search).
3. Select the role of “Sender” on Samsung (I’m a sender), and “Receiver” on Xiaomi (I’m a receiver).
4. Connect via Wi-Fi Direct (automatically created network) Xiaomi_XXXX).
5. Select files to transfer and wait until the process is completed (the process can take up to 30 minutes for 16 GB of data).

💡

If the Mi Mover is "hanging" on 99%, Don’t interrupt the process – wait. 10-15 This often involves checking the integrity of the files, and if nothing changes after the time, restart both devices and try again.

Advantages of the method:

• 📸 The original quality of the photo is preserved (unlike cloud services, which can compress images).
• 🎵 Music playlists and metadata are transferred (if files are stored locally).
• 📁 The folder structure is maintained (e.g, DCIM/Camera remain unchanged).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Not tolerated. SMS, call log, Wi-Fi settings.
• ❌ Applications are only transferred in the form APK (without data, such as saving in games).
• ❌ It may not work with Samsung with Android 13+ Due to restrictions on access to files.

Method 4: Manual transfer via USB cable (for power users)

If you need to migrate large amounts of data (such as 64 GB of photos and videos) and cloud services limit speed or volume, the best option is to transfer directly through the Internet. USB-POCO cable X3 mode MTP (Media Transfer Protocol).

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C — USB Type-C (or) USB-A — USB-C s OTG-adapter).
• 💻 Computer (Windows/macOS/Linux) or file manager on Samsung (e.g. Solid Explorer).
• ⏳ Time (transfer) 32 GB is ~20-40 minutes depending on speed USB 2.0/3.0).

Instructions:

1. Connect Poco X3 to your computer and select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification curtain.
2. Copy folders from Samsung to your computer: DCIM (photo/video), Download (download), Pictures (images from messengers), Music (music) Documents (documents)
3. Insert the data into the appropriate folders on Poco X3 (folder structure can be created manually).
4. To transfer contacts, export them to the.vcf file (see Method 1) and import them to Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: When copying a folder Android/data (where the application data is stored on Poco X3 There may be an access error. MIUI Solution: Use a root-access file manager (e.g., file manager, FX File Explorer) or only transfer folders that do not require special permissions (e.g, Android/obb play-off).

Method 5: Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, Telegram)

If you don't have a cable or prefer wireless portability, cloud services are a good alternative.

• 📁 Google Drive – 15 GB free, Android integration.
• ☁️ Dropbox – 2 GB free, high download speed.
• 📤 Telegram - unlimited storage for files up to 2 GB (via bot) @SaveAsBot).
• 🌐 Yandex Disk – 10 GB free, convenient for users from Russia.

How to transfer data via Google Drive:

1. On Samsung, open Google Drive and click "➕ → Download".
2. Select files (you can download entire folders).
3. On Poco X3, open Google Drive, find uploaded files and download them.
4. To automatically upload photos, turn on Google Photos Backup on both devices.

Google Drive compresses a photo if it has High Quality enabled (not Original Quality).

Dropbox limits download speeds on a free rate.

- Telegram is not suitable for transferring large video files (maximum 2 GB per file).-->

To speed up the process:

• 🚀 Use Wi-Fi 5 GHz (if the router supports).
• 🔋 Connect both phones to charge – transferring large files drains the battery.
• 📶 Turn off background sync for other apps (e.g., Auto-Update apps in Play Market).

What to do if data is not transferred or is carried over with errors

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical mistakes and their solutions.

If none of the methods worked:

• 🛠️ Check out the Android version on both devices. X3 The firmware should be installed not lower MIUI 12.5 (update to Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔍 Make sure that Samsung has disabled Battery Optimization for portable applications (such as Smart Switch or Mi Mover).
• 📡 Try transferring in Safe Mode (on Samsung, press the switch off button). → "Safe regime").

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions