How to transfer data from Android to Xiaomi or Realme: all the ways 2026

The transition to a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to brands with unique firmware, like Xiaomi. MIUI Or Realme with Realme. UI. Many users are faced with the problem of how to transfer all data from an old Android device to a new one without losing contact, photos, or important messages. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of migration – from standard Google tools to branded solutions of manufacturers.

The complexity of the transfer depends on the amount of data and device models, for example, the transition from the Samsung Galaxy. A52 Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It will require one approach and migration with Realme. GT Neo 3 on Xiaomi 14 Ultra — different. We will take into account all the nuances, including features MIUI 14 and Realme. UI 5.0 and how to avoid common synchronization errors.

Important: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some methods may not work. TWRP or ADB.

Preparation for data transfer: what to do before the start

Before you start migrating, follow a few critical steps that will save time and prevent data loss.

1. Check device compatibility. Make sure both smartphones support the chosen porting method. For example, Mi Mover (a Xiaomi branded tool) only works with devices on the device. MIUI, The Realme Clone Phone is a real phone. Realme/Oppo/OnePlus. For cross-brand transfer, it is better to use Google Account or third-party apps.

2. Make room on both devices. Transport a lot of data (e.g. 100)+ GB photos and videos can take a lot of time and memory. A new smartphone must have at least 20 percent free space, otherwise the process will stop. Check this in the Settings menu. → Warehouse.

3 Charge both devices to 50% or more. Data transfer is energy-intensive. If the battery runs out during migration, it can cause file damage or incomplete contact synchronization.

• 🔋 Minimum charge: 50% on both devices (optimum 80%).
• 📶 Network: Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (for wireless methods).
• 🔒 Security: Turn off the screen lock (PIN, pattern lock) at the time of transfer.
• 📱 Updates: Install the latest updates MIUI or realme UI.

⚠️ Note: If the old phone has data encryption enabled (Settings) → Security → Encryption, some transfer methods (e.g. via cable) OTG) In this case, use cloud services.

Method 2: Transfer through Google Account (universal method)

This is the most reliable and versatile way to work for any Android device, including Xiaomi and Realme, and syncs data through a Google account, ensuring it is safe even when you reset your settings.

What can be transferred:

• 📇 Contacts (including groups and notes)
• 📅 Calendar and events
• 📧 Gmail mail
• 📸 Photos and videos (via Google Photos)
• 🎵 Music and documents (via Google Drive)
• 📱 Device settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, languages)

How to move:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Accounts → Google and enable sync for all the right categories.
2. On a new phone (Xiaomi/Realme) When you first turn on, select the option “Copy Data” and log in to the same Google account.
3. Wait for the synchronization to be completed (it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of data).

Limitations of the method:

Applications and their data (for example, saves in games) are not portable.

Photos and videos in their original quality take up space in Google Photos (free only 15 GB).

Some settings (such as Do Not Disturb Mode) may not synchronize between different firmware.

3. Method 2: Branded Tools - Mi Mover and Realme Clone Phone

Xiaomi and Realme offer their own migration solutions, which are often faster and more stable than the universal methods.

A. Mi Mover for Xiaomi, Redmi smartphones, POCO)

• ✅ Transfers: contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, applications (including data), settings.
• ❌ Does not tolerate: Wi-Fi passwords, some system settings.
• 🔹 Requirements: Both devices must be on MIUI (minimally — MIUI 9).

Instructions:

1. On the new Xiaomi, select Data Transfer when you first turn on" → "Mi Mover".
2. On your old phone, install Mi Mover from Google Play (if it is not the default).
3. Scan it. QR-code from a new device or connect via "Access Point".
4. Select the data to transfer and wait for completion.

B. Realme Clone Phone (for Realme, Oppo, OnePlus)

• ✅ Transfers: contacts, messages, photos, videos, applications, settings.
• ❌ Does not carry: data of some applications (for example, WhatsApp without a backup copy).
• 🔹 Requirements: Both devices must be on ColorOS/Realme UI/OxygenOS.

Instructions:

1. On the new Realme, select “Clone Data” when setting up" → "Realme Clone Phone".
2. On your old phone, install the Realme Clone Phone from Google Play.
3. Connect through QR-code or Wi-Fi Direct.
4. Select data categories and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Note: If you transfer data from Samsung or another brand to Xiaomi/Realme, Use Google Account or Smart Switch (for Samsung) followed by manual transfer.

Charge both devices to 80%|

Connect to one Wi-Fi network |

Disable screen lock|

Release 10+ GB space on the new phone|

Install the latest version of the firmware-->

Method 3: Transfer via OTG cable or adapter

If you don’t have stable Wi-Fi or prefer a wired connection, you can use a cable. OTG (adapter USB-C → USB-C). This method is suitable for transferring large amounts of data (100).+ GB) without depending on Internet speed.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C → USB-C (or microUSB → USB-C adapter-wise).
• 📱 Both phones with support OTG (Check in the settings → Additionally. → OTG).
• 🛠️ File Manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Files by Google).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your old phone to your new phone via cable USB-C → USB-C.
2. On your old phone, select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
3. On the new phone, open the file manager and select the connected device.
4. Copy the right folders (DCIM for photos, Downloads for downloads, etc.) for the internal memory of the new smartphone.

Advantages of the method:

- Maximum transfer speed (up to 100 MB/s when used) USB 3.0).

There are no limits on the amount of data (unlike cloud services).

- It works without the internet.

Disadvantages:

Applications and their data (files only) are not transferred.

Manual copying is required (you can skip important folders).

- On some firmware (MIUI 14, Realme UI 5.0) may require unlocking “Debugging by USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times to activate the developer mode).

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If it's cable OTG It doesn't recognize, try restarting both devices or using a different cable. Cheap adapters often don't support data transfer, only charging.

5. Method 4: Cloud Services – Google Drive, Yandex Drive, Dropbox

If you have a slow internet connection or no cable OTG, You can upload it to the cloud and then download it to a new phone, and it's universal, but it takes time and space to go to the cloud.

Comparison of popular services:

How to move data through the cloud:

1. On your old phone, install the app of the selected service (for example, Google Drive).
2. Upload the required files to the cloud (photos, videos, documents).
3. On the new phone, log in to the same account and download files.

Tips for acceleration:

Use night time to download large files (speeds may be higher).

Archive folders in.zip before downloading (saves space and speeds up the process).

- Xiaomi can use the built-in Mi Cloud (5GB for free), but it only works between devices on the platform. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: When uploading photos to Google Photos in the "High Quality" mode, they are compressed to a resolution of 16 MP. To maintain the original quality, select the option "Original Quality" (takes up space in the shared storage of Google).

Method 5: Transfer of messages and contacts through SIM-map SD-map

If you do not have access to the Internet or cloud services, you can use the SIM-a memory card for transferring contacts and SMS. This method is outdated, but it still works on all Android devices.

A. Transfer of contacts through SIM-map:

1. On your old phone, open Contacts → Settings → Import / Export → Export to SIM-card.
2. Choose contacts for export (usually limiting 250 contacts per person) SIM).
3. Put it in. SIM-Card to new phone and import contacts via Contacts → Settings → Import with SIM.

B. Transfer of SMS through SD-Map (root or special applications required):

• Install the SMS Backup & Restore app from Google Play.
• Create a backup copy SMS on SD-map.
• Transfer the card to a new phone and restore the messages.

Limitations of the method:

- SIM-The card stores only names and numbers (without photos, email, notes).

- SD-The map should be formatted in FAT32 (Otherwise, reading errors may occur).

- Not all modern smartphones (Xiaomi) 13T, Realme GT (5) support SD-map.

7. Frequent 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.

1.The transfer is interrupted at half the process

• 🔹 Reason: Lack of space on a new device or battery discharge.
• 🔧 Solution: Free up 20% of memory and charge your phone up to 80%. If you use Mi Mover, restart the process.

2. Applications or their data are not portable

• 🔹 Reason: Branded tools (Mi Mover, Realme Clone) do not support some applications (e.g. banking).
• 🔧 Solution: Use backups of the applications themselves (e.g. Tinkoff) → Settings → Backup copy).

3.Photos and videos are not opened after transfer

• 🔹 Cause: File damage when copying or format incompatibility.
• 🔧 Solution: Check the files on your old phone. If they open, repeat the transfer using another method (e.g. Google Photos).

4.Duplicate contacts after transfer

• 🔹 Reason: Multiple account syncs (Google, Mi Account, SIM-map).
• 🔧 Solution: Disable unnecessary sources in Settings → Accounts and combine duplicates manually.

5. Wi-Fi Direct does not work when using Mi Mover/Realme Clone

• 🔹 Cause: Conflict with VPN, firewall or outdated firmware.
• 🔧 Solution: Turn it off VPN, Update the firmware and restart both devices.

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If neither method works, try resetting the new phone to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings) and repeat the transfer from scratch. This often solves synchronization problems.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions