How to Transfer Data from Android to Xiaomi via Mi Mover: A Complete Guide to 2026

Why is Mi Mover the best way to migrate data to Xiaomi?

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to saving all the important data from the old device. Many users face the problem: how to transfer contacts, photos, messages and even installed applications without wasting and hassle? Xiaomi’s official Mi Mover app solves this problem as simply and efficiently as possible.

Unlike cloud services (such as Google Drive or Mi Cloud), which require pre-loading and then downloading data, Mi Mover works on the principle of direct transfer via Wi-Fi Direct.This means that files are transferred directly between devices without intermediaries, which speeds up the process and reduces the risk of leakage of personal information. In addition, the application supports the transfer of not only media, but also system settings, call logs and even some application data (for example, progress in games).

It's important to understand that the Mi Mover is optimized specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem, so it's more stable than third-party counterparts like the Clone Phone or Samsung Smart Switch. However, there's a nuance: not all Android models are supported equally well, and some data (such as Wi-Fi passwords) may not be transferred. Next, we'll discuss how to prepare devices, start transfers and avoid typical errors.

What data can be transferred through Mi Mover?

Mi Mover supports most types of data transfer, but with some limitations. Here is a complete list of what you can transfer from old Android to Xiaomi:

• 📱 Contacts (including groups and contact notes)
• 📷 Photos and videos (from the gallery, including hidden folders)
• 💬 Communications (SMS and MMS, But not messenger messages)
• 📞 Call log (incoming, outgoing, missed)
• 🎵 Audio files (music, voice recordings)
• 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel, etc.)
• 📱 System settings (wallpaper, sound circuits, some network parameters)
• 🎮 Data from some applications (e.g. saves in games if the application supports migration)

There are exceptions, however, such as Mi Mover, which can’t handle Wi-Fi passwords, data from some messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and social media account settings, and don’t expect to cache apps or updates to the system, but you’ll have to download them again.

If you’re critically interested in migrating, for example, WhatsApp, you’ll have to use alternative methods (like backing up Google Drive), but for most users, the Mi Mover is enough to make the new Xiaomi native from the first minute of use.

Preparation of devices for data transfer

Before launching the Mi Mover, several preparatory steps must be taken to avoid failures and speed up the transfer process.

Charge both smartphones to at least 50%|Make sure that there is enough free space on the new Xiaomi.|Turn it off. VPN firewalls|Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (optional, but recommended)-->

The first thing to do is check the compatibility of the devices. Mi Mover works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI version 9 and higher. From the old Android side, the requirements are minimal: a version of the system is not lower than Android 5.0 Lollipop and the presence of the Mi Mover application (you can download it from Google Play or the official Xiaomi website).

Then, free up space on the new device. If you're carrying a lot of photos or videos, make sure that Xiaomi has enough free space. For example, 20 GB of data requires at least 25 to 30 GB of free space (including temporary files). You can check the free space in the Settings → Storage menu.

⚠️ Note: If the old smartphone has enabled data encryption, Mi Mover may not see some files. In this case, it is recommended to temporarily disable encryption (in Settings). → Safety) or use alternative transfer methods.

You should also disable battery optimization for Mi Mover on both devices, which will prevent the application from automatically shutting down during transmission, and you can do this in the battery settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Mover → Battery → No restrictions.

Step-by-step: how to transfer data through Mi Mover

Now, to the transfer process itself, follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors.

Step 1 Installation of Mi Mover

• 📱 The new Xiaomi Mi Mover app is pre-installed. If it's not available, download it from the Mi App Store.
• 🤖 On old Android, install Mi Mover from Google Play or from the official Xiaomi website.

Step 2: Starting the transmission

1. Open Mi Mover on the new Xiaomi and select I am a new user.
2. On old Android, run Mi Mover and select I'm an old user.
3. Click Next on both devices and wait for them to discover each other via Wi-Fi Direct.

Step 3: Confirmation of connection

• 🔗 On the screen of the new Xiaomi will appear QR-Scan it with an old smartphone or confirm the connection manually.
• 🔄 After the connection, select on the old device which data you want to transfer (you can select all or individual categories).

Step 4: Start of transmission

• ⏳ Click Start and wait until the process is complete. Time depends on the amount of data (for example, 10 GB can be transmitted for 15-30 minutes).
• 📱 At the end, click Ready on both devices. The new Xiaomi will offer a reboot - agree.

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If the transmission is interrupted, don't panic! Just repeat the process from the same step. Mi Mover will resume the transfer from the last successful point, rather than start over.

After rebooting, make sure that all data is in place. Contacts should appear in the Contacts app, photos in the Gallery, and messages in the standard Message app. If something is missing, try re-transferring or using alternative methods (we will discuss this below).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a seemingly simple transfer process, users often face problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to solve them.

1.The devices can't see each other

• 🔌 Check whether Wi-Fi Direct is enabled on both smartphones (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally).
• 📶 Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (even if you use Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔄 Reboot the Mi Mover on both phones.

2. Transmission is interrupted or suspended

• 🔋 Charge both devices to 100% – with a low battery charge, the process can fail.
• 📴 Turn off power saving and battery optimization modes for Mi Mover.
• 📡 If the transfer is 0% or 100%, restart the application and start again.

3. No photos or contacts are transferred

• 📂 Check if files are hidden in folders (for example,.nomedia can block access).
• 📇 Make sure that your contacts are saved in your Google account or on your account. SIM-A card, not just in your phone memory.
• 🔄 Try to move data in parts (first contacts, then photos, etc.).

⚠️ Note: If your old smartphone has custom firmware (like LineageOS), Mi Mover may not work smoothly, and it is recommended to use cloud backup or physical cable transfer. OTG.

If none of these methods worked, try alternative methods of transfer, which we will discuss in the next section.

Alternative ways to transfer data to Xiaomi

If Mi Mover doesn’t work for some reason, there are a few alternative ways to migrate data to the new Xiaomi.

1. Cloud backup (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

• 🌥️ Google Drive: Backup on your old smartphone (Settings) → System system → Backup and restore it to the new Xiaomi.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Upload data to Xiaomi cloud from your old device (if it supports Mi Cloud) and sync it to your new device.

2. Transfer via OTG cable or computer

• 🔌 Connect both smartphones to the PC via USB and manually copy files (photos, videos, documents).
• 📱 Use the adapter. OTG, Connecting an old device like a flash drive to a new Xiaomi.

Third-party annexes

• 📲 Clone Phone (from Huawei, but works with most Android devices).
• 🔄 Samsung Smart Switch (supports portability to other brands).
• 📎 Send Anywhere – handy for transferring large files over Wi-Fi.

If you want to move everything, Mi Mover is the best option. If you want to move everything, if you want to be reliable and control, you better use a cable or a cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Mi Mover is the fastest and most secure way to migrate data to Xiaomi, but for a full migration (including passwords and instant messengers), you will have to combine several methods.