How to transfer data from LG to Xiaomi Redmi: from contacts to apps

Contents

1. Why Transferring Data from LG to Xiaomi Needs a Special Approach
2. Preparation of devices: what to do before transfer
3. Method 1: Mi Mover – official solution from Xiaomi
4. Method 2: Sync through Google Account (for contacts and calendar)
5. Method 3: Direct Cable Transfer (OTG + Adapter)
6. Method 4: Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Drive)
7. Method 5: Third-party applications (SHAREit, Send Anywhere, CLONEit)
8. Typical problems and their solutions
9. Frequent Questions (FAQ)

The transition from LG to Xiaomi Redmi is not just a change of gadget, but a complete migration of digital life: contacts, photos, messages, apps and even settings. The main difficulty is that manufacturers use different ecosystems: LG has proprietary Android solutions with the LG UX shell, and Xiaomi has MIUI with its own services. Without proper preparation, you risk losing data or spending hours on manual portability.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for data transfer, from official tools (Mi Mover) to universal solutions (cloud, cables, third-party applications). We will focus on data-saving app porting – this is the most problematic part, as Xiaomi does not support direct migration. APK-You will also learn how to avoid common mistakes, such as why Mi Mover might not see your file. LG How to get around the limits on the amount of files transferred.

Preparation of devices: what to do before transfer

Before you start migrating, follow the mandatory preparatory steps on both devices, which will save time and prevent data loss:

• 🔋 Charge both smartphones to at least 50%. Data transfer can take from 20 minutes to several hours (depending on the volume), and discharging in the process will lead to a failure.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. Even if you plan to use a cable, some methods (such as Mi Mover) require an internet connection to check compatibility.
• 🗃️ Clear unnecessary files on LG. Transferring garbage (cache, duplicate photos, temporary files) is pointless. Use the built-in Settings utility → Maintenance of the device → Memory.
• 🔐 Remove the screen lock (if any) or remember the pattern lock/PIN. Some methods require unlocking the device during the transfer process.

Pay special attention to compatibility of Android versions. If your LG runs Android 7.0 and lower and Redmi runs Android 12+, you may have problems supporting data protocols, in which case we recommend using cloud services or third-party applications.

⚠️ Attention: If LG Encryption of data (Settings) → Security → Encryption, disable it in advance. Encrypted files will not be able to transfer all tools correctly, especially over a cable.

Make sure that Xiaomi Redmi has enough free memory|Disable battery optimization for transfer applications|Check the compatibility of Android versions|Make a backup copy of important data on LG|Prepare the cable. OTG (if a direct transfer is planned)-->

Method 1: Mi Mover – official solution from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi, designed to migrate data from other Android devices, pre-installed on all Redmi smartphones and supports porting:

• 📞 Contacts (including call history)
• 📷 Photos and videos (without loss of quality)
• 💬 Communications (SMS and MMS)
• 📅 Calendar and notes
• 🎵 Music and documents

However, there are limitations: apps cannot be moved, only their data (e.g., save games if they support backup), and Mi Mover may not recognize older LG models (e.g., the G3 or V10 series).

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi Redmi, open Settings → About Phone → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
2. Select a new user and follow the tips.
3. Download Mi Mover from Google Play on LG (if it’s not in the store, use the APK from Xiaomi’s official website).
4. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or create an access point on Redmi.
5. Nana LG Start Mi Mover, select Send Data and scan QR-Redmi screen code.
6. Select data types to transfer and wait for completion.

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Mover is getting stuck during the "Device Connection" phase, check if it is blocking. LG Disable the antivirus (for example, McAfee, if it is installed by default) and try again.

Method 2: Sync through Google Account (for contacts and calendar)

The most reliable way to migrate contacts, calendar and email is to use a Google Account, which works independently of the LG or Xiaomi Redmi model, since data is synchronized with the cloud rather than being transmitted directly between devices.

How to transfer contacts:

1. Nana LG Go to Contacts. → Settings → Imports/exports → Exports to SIM-map or Google Account.
2. Select Export to Google and wait for the sync to complete.
3. On Xiaomi Redmi, add the same Google Account to Settings → Accounts.
4. Contacts will automatically be downloaded within 5-10 minutes.

For calendar and notes, the process is similar:

Turn on sync in Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync data on both devices.

Advantages of the method:

✅ No need for additional applications.

✅ Data is available on any device with your Google Account.

✅ Automatic backup.

Disadvantages:

❌ No photos, videos, messages and applications are transferred.

❌ If LG contacts saved on SIM-First, you need to import them into your phone memory.

💡

If contacts are duplicated after the transfer, use the Contacts Optimizer app (available on Google Play) to clean the list.

Method 3: Direct Cable Transfer (OTG + Adapter)

If you don’t have Wi-Fi access or want to transfer a large amount of data (10+ GB) without compression, the best option is to use an OTG cable.

• 🔌 Cable OTG (s USB-C or micro-USB on USB-A, model-wise LG).
• 🔄 Adapter (if the ports on the devices are different, for example, LG G6 has USB-C, Redmi. 9A — Micro-USB).
• 📁 File Manager (e.g. Solid Explorer or Built-in File Manager) MIUI File Manager).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. LG Xiaomi Redmi through OTG-On the screen. LG Select the File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. On Redmi, open the file manager and find the connected device (LG will appear as an external drive).
3. Copy the folders you want: DCIM - photos and videos. Downloads - downloads. Pictures, Music - media files.

SMS messages

SMS Backup & Restore

LG

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Redmi

The transmission speed over cable is 2-3 times higher than over Wi-Fi, but there are nuances:

⚠️ Not all application files (.obb,.data) will work on Xiaomi due to different processor architectures.

⚠️ Android folder (with application data) can be hidden – enable the display of hidden files in the file manager settings.

Method 4: Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Drive)

Cloud storage is convenient if you want to move data in stages or you don’t have physical access to both devices at the same time.

Instructions for Google Drive:

1. On LG, install Google Drive and log in.
2. Click + → Download and select files to transfer.
3. On Xiaomi Redmi, open Google Drive, find uploaded files and download them.

For Mi Cloud (if you plan to actively use the Xiaomi ecosystem):

1. Nana LG Download Mi Cloud from Google Play.
2. Upload data to the cloud (photos, contacts, notes are supported).
3. On Redmi, log in to the same Mi Account and sync your data.

How to use CLONEit (Step-by-step):

1. Install CLONEit on both devices from Google Play.
2. On LG, select Sender, on Redmi, Recipient.
3. Connect devices to a single Wi-Fi network or create an access point.
4. Scan it. QR-screencode LG.
5. Select data to transfer (you can mark everything, including applications) and start transferring.

Advantages of third-party applications:

✅ It works on any Android device, regardless of brand.

✅ Supports data-driven applications (unlike Mi Mover).

✅ There are no limits on the volume (except for free space on the device).

Disadvantages:

❌ Some applications (such as SHAREit) collect user data.

❌ Speed depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi connection.

💡

CLONEit is the best choice for a full migration, including apps and settings. However, check for MIUI compatibility before migrating apps: some LG system utilities (like LG Health) won’t work on Xiaomi.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If contacts are missing after transferring to Xiaomi Redmi, check:

• 🔍 Sync with Google Account (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts).
• 📱 Display contacts in the Contacts app (possibly hidden in the Other Contacts group").
• 🔄 Update of the Contacts app in Google Play.

If photos and videos are displayed without thumbnails, clear the gallery cache: Settings → Apps → Gallery → Memory → Clear the cache.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)