Lenovo to Xiaomi Data Transfer: A Complete Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions

Switching from Lenovo to Xiaomi is not just about changing your brand, it's also about migrating all your data, from contacts to message history. Many users fear losing important information or spending hours manually transferring files. In practice, the process can be made easier to 10 to 30 minutes if you choose the right method and avoid typical mistakes.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer data, from standard Xiaomi tools to universal solutions for Android, SMS, Photos, videos, apps and even Wi-Fi settings, as well as what nuances it is important to consider when working with different models (Redmi, POCO, We will focus on compatibility between MIUI and Lenovo shells (e.g., Lenovo shells, ZUI vibe UI), which may complicate the process.

If you’ve tried to migrate data and have encountered errors, there’s an FAQ at the end of the article that addresses some of the most common issues (such as why Mi Mover can’t see Lenovo or how to recover lost files).

Before you start, check out two key points:

1. Lenovo should have enough battery power (at least 50%).
2. Xiaomi must have the latest version of MIUI installed (update via Settings → About Phone → System Update).

1.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary application for data migration from Android devices, pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand and supports the transfer of most types of files, the main advantage is that there is no need for cloud services or a computer.

How it works:

• 🔗 Creates direct communication between phones over Wi-Fi (access point).
• 📱 Supports transfer: contacts, SMS, Photos, video, audio, documents, applications (including their data) and even Wi-Fi settings.
• ⚡ Transmission speed: up to 10-15 MB/s (depending on model).

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi, open Settings → About Phone → Mi Mover (or find the app in the menu).
2. Choose I'm the recipient.
3. On Lenovo, download Mi Mover from Google Play and launch it.
4. Xiaomi will appear QR-Code - scan it with a Lenovo camera.
5. Select data types to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

Important: Mi Mover does not transfer data from some Lenovo firmware in China (e.g. ZUI for Zuk Z2).

Make sure that there is enough space on Xiaomi.|Turn it off. VPN and firewall on both phones|Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (if you have a QR-code not scanned)|Close all background apps, especially instant messengers-->

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If Mi Mover is stuck in the Prep phase, reboot both phones and try again. Often the problem is solved by a change of role: first make Lenovo the recipient and Xiaomi the sender.

2. Universal method: Google Account and synchronization

If you use Google services, most of the data is already synchronized automatically, which is a good way to transfer:

• 📇 Contacts (via Google Contacts).
• 📅 Calendars (Google Calendar).
• 📎 Notes (Google Keep).
• 📷 Photos and videos (via Google Photos with original quality).

How to enable sync on Lenovo:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account and activate sliders in front of all the necessary services.
3. Wait for the synchronization to complete (check in Settings → Accounts → Synchronization).

On Xiaomi:

1. Sign in to the same Google account when you first turn on or through Settings → Accounts.
2. Enable synchronization for the same services.
3. Photos and videos will be uploaded to Google Photos automatically (check in the Archive folder).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not tolerated. SMS, Calls, apps and their data.
• ❌ Photos in Google Photos are compressed if you run out of space (free only 15GB).

OTG Cable Transfer: For Large Data Volumes

If you have tens of gigabytes of photos/video or weak Wi-Fi, the best option is direct cable transfer.

• 🔌 OTG-adapter (or cable) USB-C → USB-C, if the models are supported USB OTG).
• 📱 File Manager (e.g. Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Connect Lenovo to Xiaomi via the OTG-adapter.
2. On Xiaomi, open a file manager and select USB-device.
3. Copy the right folders (DCIM for photos, downloads, etc.) to internal memory or SD-map.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Transfer speeds up to 40–50 MB/s (3–5 times faster than Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 No risk of data loss due to communication breakdown.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Applications and their data (files only) are not portable).
• ❌ Required. OTG-adapter (stands) ~300-500 rubles).

1. Does your model support Xiaomi USB OTG (the list is available on the official website).

2. Unblocked file access on Lenovo (in the notification when connecting, select File Transfer).-->

4. Cloud services: Dropbox, Yandex Drive, Telegram

If you don't. OTG-The cable or Mi Mover doesn't work, you can use cloud storage:

* Up to 200 GB of files can be downloaded to Save Messages (Telegram Limitation).

How to transfer data via Telegram:

1. On Lenovo, open the Save Messages chat.
2. Press the file → Send without compression (for photo / video).
3. On Xiaomi, download files from the same chat.

For larger volumes (such as WhatsApp backup):

• 📦 Use Google Drive (Automatic Backup in Settings) → chat → Backup copy).
• 🔄 Or upload the archive to Yandex Drive and share a link to Xiaomi.

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If the internet is slow, turn on Lenovo’s Traffic Saving mode in Settings → Wireless Networks → Additional. This will speed up the download of small files.

5. Application and Data Portability: Titanium Backup and Alternatives

Standard methods do not tolerate installed applications and their data (for example, save in games, setup messengers).

Method 1: Titanium Backup (requires root)

• 🔧 Creates full backup copies of applications and their data.
• 📲 It only works on rooted devices.
• ⚠️ Risk of system failure in case of incorrect recovery.

Instructions:

1. Install Titanium Backup on Lenovo.
2. Back up the required applications (Backups → Package Action → Back up all custom applications).
3. Move the Titanium Backup folder to Xiaomi (via OTG or cloud).
4. Install Titanium Backup on Xiaomi, give root rights and recover data.

Method 2: Swift Backup (without root but with limitations)

• 🔄 Only the data of the applications (not themselves) APK).
• 📱 It works on Android 6.0+ rootless, but requires ADB.

The command to enable backup through ADB:

adb shell pm grant com.machinarium.swiftbackup android.permission.BACKUP

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when you follow instructions, users have problems. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If Mi Mover shows an error "Unconnected", check if the connection is blocked by antivirus (for example, Avast or 360 Security.

⚠️ Note: When transferring files with a resolution above 16 MP or video to Google Photos 4K They can shrink. To avoid loss of quality, use OTG-cable or Yandex Drive (saves the originals).

Table of errors and decisions:

FAQ: Answers to popular questions