How to Transfer Data from Android to Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Comparing All Ways

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, especially when it comes to keeping valuable data from an old device, and even if both phones run on Android, the transfer process can turn into a headache: Some people will lose contacts, some will fly the settings of the applications, and suddenly the photos will be in low resolution. Why is this happening? The fact is that manufacturers (including Xiaomi) often modify standard Android to their branded shells — MIUI, HyperOS or others, which means that universal data porting methods may not work properly or require additional steps.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to transfer data – from the official Mi Mover tool to manually copying through a cable. OTG. You will learn which method is suitable for specific file types (contacts, SMS, photos, applications, how long the process will take, and what hidden nuances MIUI They can ruin the results if you don't take them into account, like why moving through a Google Account sometimes eats up your call history, or how to get around the Mi Mover limit on how much data you transmit.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the beginning

The first rule of successful transfer is to not start with batteries running out. If at least one device has a charge that drops below 30% during transmission, Mi Mover or other tools can interrupt the operation, leaving the data in a "suspended" state. This is especially critical for Xiaomi with a shell. MIUI 14+, where background processes are aggressively optimized.

Two, check the Android versions on both devices. If the old device runs Android. 8.0 Or below, and the new Xiaomi is on Android. 13/14, Some methods (e.g., Bluetooth transfer) may not work due to changes in exchange protocols. Use the compatibility table below to avoid errors:

The third step is to clear the space on the new Xiaomi. Even if you're transferring data to the device from scratch, the system is not. MIUI It saves up to 10% of the memory for the service files. → If less than 15%, remove unnecessary applications or transfer them to a memory card (if supported).

⚠️ Note: If the old device has data encryption enabled (Settings) → Security → Encryption), some methods (e.g. transfer through ADB) Decrypt your device in advance or use cloud services.

Make sure that both devices are ≥50% charge|

Check the compatibility of Android versions and MIUI|

Release me. ≥15% of memory on the new Xiaomi|

Turn it off. VPN Firewalls (they block Mi Mover)|

Backup your old device on your PC (in case of a crash)-->

2. Method 1: Mi Mover is the official tool of Xiaomi

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for transferring data between devices, pre-installed on all smartphones with a mobile device. MIUI It's also HyperOS, but it has some limitations that the manufacturer doesn't mention:

• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi networks (they will have to be entered manually)
• 📁 Files from secure folders DRM (For example, downloaded movies from Google Play)
• 🔄 Settings of some third-party applications (such as WhatsApp or banking programs)
• 📱 Data from the Android Sandbox (/data/data/)

How to use Mi Mover:

1. On the new Xiaomi, select Data Transfer when you first enable (or find the Mi Mover app in the menu).
2. On your old device, download Mi Mover from Google Play (if not available).
3. Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network or create an access point on the new Xiaomi.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of a new device with an old phone.
5. Select data types for transfer (contacts, SMS, Photos, etc.) and confirm the beginning.

The speed of transfer depends on the amount of data and version. MIUI. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with HyperOS, the transfer of 10 GB takes up ~20 minutes, while on Poco X3 s MIUI 12 the same volume can be transmitted for up to 40 minutes due to background traffic restrictions.

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Mover is stuck in the "Data Preparation" phase, check if the Security app (Xiaomi antivirus) is blocking the transfer. → Annexes → Application management → Security and disable the real-time scanner function for transfer time.

💡

If Mi Mover can’t see an older device, try connecting via a mobile hotspot instead of Wi-Fi. Some routers block local traffic between devices on the same network.

3. Method 2: Transfer through Google Account (for contacts, calendar, mail)

This is a good way to do this if you're using Google services and you want to migrate only basic data: contacts, calendar events, Google Keep notes, and email. The main advantage is that you don't have to connect devices to each other. SMS, call history and application files.

Instructions:

1. On the old device, open Settings. → Accounts. → Google.
2. Make sure that synchronization is enabled for Contacts, Calendar and other services.
3. On the new Xiaomi, add the same Google account to Settings → Accounts.
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).

To transfer photos and videos, use Google Photos:

• 📸 On your old phone, open Google Photos and turn on Backup.
• 🖼️ Choose quality (original or high quality).
• ☁️ Wait for all files to be uploaded to the cloud.
• 📱 On the new Xiaomi, log in to the same Google account and download files back.

Important nuance: if on the old device photos were stored on a memory card (SD), Google Photos won't be able to automatically upload them. Move the files to internal memory before backing up.

Method 3: Cable OTG — big-data

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (for example, a collection of movies or a collection of films). RAW-Photos, the best option is a direct connection via cable OTG. This method works even if one of the devices is discharged (provided that there is enough charge to transmit data).

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C to USB-C (or micro-USB to USB-C, port-dependent)
• 📱 adapter OTG (If the cable does not support direct connection)
• 📂 File Manager (e.g. Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your old device to the new Xiaomi OTG-cable.
2. On the new smartphone will appear notification USB-It's connected. Tap it and select File Transfer.
3. Open the file manager and go to the section USB-storage (this is the memory of an old phone).
4. Copy the right folders (DCIM for photo, download, etc.) to internal memory or SD-Map of the new Xiaomi.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Transmission speed to 480 Mbit/s (in) 5-10 faster than Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 There are no restrictions on file types (you can even transfer them). APK applications).
• 📦 Suitable for devices with damaged screen (if enabled) USB-debugging).

⚠️ Note: If you are connected through OTG The new device doesn’t see the old one, check if the mode is on MTP (Media Transfer Protocol on your old phone. Go to Settings for that. → System system → For developers → Configuration USB and select File Transfer.

Mi Mover (Official Tool of Xiaomi)|Google Account (Cloud)|Cable OTG computer|Third-party applications (e.g. ShareIt)|Another way.-->

5. Method 4: Xiaomi Cloud – Backup and Restore

Xiaomi Cloud is a proprietary cloud storage from Xiaomi that allows you to create a full backup of an old device and restore it to a new one. The method is convenient if both phones are from Xiaomi, but has a limitation: a free account gives only 5 GB (this is a free account). ~1000 photos of high quality or ~500 songs).

How to use Xiaomi Cloud:

1. On the old Xiaomi go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable backup for the desired categories (Contacts, SMS, Notes, etc.).
3. Click Backup and wait until it is completed (can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours).
4. On the new device, log in to the same Xiaomi account and select Restore from backup.

What can be transferred through Xiaomi Cloud:

If you need more than 5 GB, you can buy additional space in the Mi Cloud (from 25 GB per unit). ~300 rubles per year. Alternative is to use Google Drive or Yandex Disk for backup.

💡

Xiaomi Cloud is the only method that saves the settings of Xiaomi’s branded apps (such as Themes or Music).

Method 5: Third-Party Applications (ShareIt, Send Anywhere, CLONEit)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, because of incompatibility of Android versions), you can use third-party applications, which often offer additional features, such as transferring call history or data from games.

• 🛡️ Security: Some applications (e.g. ShareIt) have been caught transferring user data to third parties.
• 📶 Speed: Wi-Fi Direct transmissions can be slower than cable transmissions.
• 🔄 Limitations: Free versions often limit the amount of data you transmit.

Top.-3 tested applications:

1. CLONEIT (from the developers of SHAREit): ✅ Transferring: Contacts, SMS, applications, photos, music, call history. ❌ Cons: Advertising requires administrator rights.
2. Send Anywhere: ✅ Transfers: files of any type without compression. ✅ Works through a web interface (can be used with PC). ❌ Cons: limitation 10 GB per transmission.
3. Samsung Smart Switch (Yes, it works with Xiaomi!): ✅ Transfers: Everything except some Chinese app data. ❌ Cons: Sometimes requires rebooting devices.

How to use CLONEit:

1. Install the app on both devices.
2. On the old phone, select the sender, on the new one, the receiver.
3. Connect to a single Wi-Fi network or create an access point.
4. Scan it. QR-code and select data to transfer.

⚠️ Note: Apps like CLONEit can carry outdated versions APK. After recovery, check for updates to Google Play, especially for banking and instant messengers.

7. Method 6: Transfer over a computer (for power users)

If you want complete control over the data you carry (e.g., selectively copy only certain folders or application backups), the best way to do this is to use a computer, which takes longer, but ensures that no file is lost or corrupted.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 Two. USB-cables (preferably original).
• 📂 Backup program (optional: Titanium Backup for root users).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the old device to your computer and copy all the files you need (folders). DCIM, Download, Pictures, etc. on the hard drive.
2. For transfer SMS And use call histories. SMS Backup & Restore (Save.xml backup on PC).
3. To port applications and their data: No root: Use Helium (requires installation on both devices). With root: Use Titanium Backup to create a full backup.

Xiaomi

SMS Backup & Restore

Helium

Advantages of the method:

• 🔍 Full control over what data is transferred.
• 🛠️ You can edit files before the perenosom (for example, delete unnecessary photos).
• 🔄 Suitable for devices with damaged screen (if enabled) USB-debugging).

To transfer Wi-Fi passwords (if you have root rights), copy the file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml You can't do that without root, you have to type in passwords manually.

💡

If your computer can’t see Xiaomi when you connect, install Mi drivers. PC Suite or enable File Transfer Mode (MTP) notice-curtain.

8. Method 7: Data portability for specific applications

Some applications (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or banking) store data in secure folders that are not portable by standard methods.

How to transfer WhatsApp correspondence:

1. On your old phone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings. → chat → Backup copy.
2. Back up your Google Drive account (make sure your Google account is the same as your new phone).
3. Install WhatsApp on the new Xiaomi and sign in to the same account.
4. When they offer to restore the chat rooms, confirm the operation.

How to transfer data from games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile):

• 🎮 Most games are linked to a Google Play account, Facebook or your own gaming account (e.g. miHoYo for Genshin Impact).
• 🔑 Just log in to the same account on a new device – progress will be automatically pulled up.
• ⚠️ Exception: Offline games (such as Minecraft) require manual folder copying /games/com.mojang/.

How to transfer the settings of Xiaomi-specific applications (Theme, Music, Notes):

• 🎨 Sign in to the same Xiaomi account on a new device – theme will automatically fit.
• 🎵 For Music: copy the folder MIUI/music/ through OTG computer.
• 📝 For Notes: Use Xiaomi Cloud (they sync with your account).

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Fit for Xiaomi smartwatches, health data (steps, pulse) is not automatically transferred. → Export of data in.zip format.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability to Xiaomi