How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Samsung Galaxy A12: all ways 2026

Why Data Transfers between Xiaomi and Samsung Need a Special Approach

The transition from Xiaomi to the Samsung Galaxy A12 is not just a change of smartphone, but a transition between two different ecosystems with unique features. Unlike transferring within the same brand (for example, from Redmi Note 10 to Poco X5), here you will find nuances: from differences in backup formats to the limitations of proprietary services MIUI and One UI.

The main problem is that there is no universal solution. What works for iPhones is not suitable for Android devices, and standard Google Account tools often miss important data like the history of calls or Mi Notes. In this article, we will analyze 4 proven methods of transfer (from automatic to manual), point out typical errors and give recommendations for optimizing the process for the Samsung A12, taking into account its hardware limitations.

We will pay special attention to data transfer through OTG-Cable without computer – this method is often ignored, although it is the only one that retains folder structure and file metadata (for example, photo creation dates in the Xiaomi Gallery).

Method 1: Automatic transfer via Smart Switch (Samsung’s official method)

Samsung Smart Switch is a proprietary migration solution, but it doesn’t work as smoothly with Xiaomi as it does with other Android devices, because of customized MIUI firmware that blocks access to some system data, but it remains the fastest way to migrate the main categories:

• 📱 Contacts (including groups and linked accounts)
• 📷 Photos and videos (without Mi Gallery albums)
• 💬 Communications SMS/MMS (But not the messages from Mi Messages)
• 🎵 Music and documents (except protected.nomedia files)

How to do this:

1. Download Smart Switch to both devices from Google Play (Xiaomi may need permission to install from unknown sources).
2. On the Samsung A12, select Get Data → Android.
3. Connect devices via Wi-Fi Direct (recommended) or USB-C/OTG cable.
4. On Xiaomi, allow access to files and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi is requesting unblocking OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers, don't agree - it will reset the phone to factory settings! Choose a Wi-Fi connection instead.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Applications and their data (for example, saves in games) are not portable).
• ❌ Call history is partially transmitted (maximum 3 months).
• ❌ Files from DCIM/.thumbnails (Sketch designs take up extra space on Samsung A12.

Disable battery optimization for Smart Switch|

Remove duplicate contacts in Mi Contacts|

Close all background applications |

Connect both phones to charging (the process takes a lot of time) 20-40 minute)-->

Method 2: Transfer through Google Account (partial synchronization)

Google Account sync is the most versatile method, but it works selectively, for example, the Samsung A12 does not automatically download MMS and Mi Notes, even if they are saved in Google Keep.

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi, open Settings → Accounts → Google and enable sync for all categories.
2. Make sure that Google Photos has autoload enabled (settings → Backup and Sync).
3. On the Samsung A12, add the same Google account and wait until sync is complete (it can take up to 24 hours).
4. To recover SMS, use the SMS Backup & Restore app (create a backup on Xiaomi, then restore on Samsung).

Critical error: If Xiaomi has dual apps enabled, contact synchronization can duplicate entries. Turn it off in Settings → Applications → Dual apps before transferring.

Up to 5G.|

5-20 GB |

20 GB |

More than 50GB-->

Method 3: Manual copying through OTG-cable or computer (maximum control)

This method takes longer, but it ensures that all files are transferred, including hidden folders and application data (unless they are encrypted).This is especially true for the Samsung A12, which has only 32/64GB of storage – you can choose what to copy, avoiding debris from MIUI/.cache.

You'll need:

• 🔌 OTG-Adapter (for direct connection of Xiaomi to Samsung as a flash drive)
• 💻 Computer with USB-ports (if data is greater than 30 GB)
• 📁 File Manager (e.g. Solid Explorer or standard My file on Samsung)

Instructions for OTG-cable:

1. Connect Xiaomi to Samsung A12 through OTG-Adapter (on Xiaomi, select File Transfer Mode).
2. On Samsung, open My file. → USB-device.
3. Copy folders: DCIM (photo/video), Download (download), Pictures (screenshots), Music (music), Documents (documents) Android/data (data from some applications)
4. To transfer contacts, export them to the.vcf file via Contacts → Settings → Export to Xiaomi, then import to Samsung.

⚠️ Warning: Do not copy the folder Android/obb — This is a cache of games that may not work on Samsung. A12 Because of the differences in the processor architecture (Xiaomi often uses Snapdragon, and the processor architecture is different). A12 — MediaTek Helio).

Alternatives via computer:

1. Connect both phones to your PC and enable File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy data from Xiaomi to a hard drive, then to a Samsung A12.
3. Use Backup & Restore to transfer messages (save backup to PC, then restore to Samsung).

💡

If the Samsung A12 doesn’t see files after copying, check for the.nomedia file in the folders. Delete it and the media files will appear in the gallery.

Method 4: Transfer through third-party applications (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, use specialized utilities, which are paid, but offer advanced features like porting your call history, settings for Wi-Fi, and even app data (such as saving to WhatsApp or Viber).

The best apps to transfer from Xiaomi to Samsung A12:

• 🔄 Clone Phone (from Huawei, but works with any Android)
• 📲 Copy My Data (Supports Wi-Fi Transfer)
• 🔗 Send Anywhere (transfer without volume restrictions)

Example of transfer via Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both phones.
2. On Xiaomi, select files to send and generate a 6-digit key.
3. On the Samsung A12, enter this key and confirm receipt.
4. To transfer applications, use the APK Exporter option (available in the premium version).

Important: Apps like Clone Phone can request super-user rights (root) to transfer some data. On the Samsung A12, rooting is difficult because of bootloader locking, so this method is only suitable for non-system files.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users are faced with problems, and here are the most common mistakes when migrating from Xiaomi to the Samsung A12 and how to solve them:

The Hidden Problem: On Samsung A12 firmware-one UI 4.1+ The installation restriction may be applied APK from unknown sources, even if allowed in the settings. To get around this, go to Settings before installing. → Annexes → Menus (⋮) → Special access → Install unknown applications and enable permission for file manager.

💡

Before transferring, be sure to check the free space on the Samsung A12.One UI system files take up to 12GB, and transferring duplicates (e.g. from DCIM/.thumbnails) can fill up memory.

Optimizing the Samsung A12 after data transfer

Data portability is only half the battle, and to keep the Samsung A12 running smoothly, after the migration, follow these steps:

1. Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Device Care → Memory → Clean.
2. Transfer of applications to SD-Card: If you use a memory card, in Settings → Apps select apps and click Storage → Change. → SD-map.
3. Customize autoload media: Turn off autoload in Google Photos if you use original quality – this will save space.
4. Firmware Update: Check for updates in Settings → Software Update – Newer versions of One UI are better optimized to work with data from Xiaomi.

Productivity tip: On Samsung A12 With 3 GB of RAM, it is recommended to disable the interface animation. To do this, turn on Developer Mode (click 7 times on the Assembly Number in Settings). → About the phone, then in Settings → For developers, install:

The scale of window animation: 0.5x


Transition animation scale: 0.5x




Duration of animator: 0.5x

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions