How to Transfer Data from One Xiaomi to Another: A Complete Guide

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment: you want all the usual data — from contacts to saves in games — to move without loss. But how to do this correctly? Mistakes when transferring can cost hours to recover lost information or even lead to loss of access to accounts if the sync is not configured correctly.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to migrate data between Xiaomi devices, from official tools to manual methods for power users. You will learn which method is faster, which is more reliable, and how to avoid typical problems (for example, why photos may not move or why apps “fly off” after moving), and what to do if you have different models (for example, Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra) or different versions of the model (for example, Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra) MIUI.

Spoiler: The most reliable way is to combine cloud sync and local backup, but there are nuances. For example, not all data can be transferred over Mi Cloud (more on this below), and some applications require separate authorization. Are you ready to go into all the details? Then let's get started!

Why not just copy files from one Xiaomi to another?

Many users think that it is enough to connect both phones to the computer and drag the folders — but this is a gross mistake.

First, system data (wi-fi settings, wallpaper, display options) are not stored as files, but in an Android database. /data/data/ It won’t work, we need special tools.

Secondly, apps don't carry as is, even if you copy them. APK-files, they won't work without data (obb files for games, cache, settings), and some programs (for example, banking) generally block the transfer due to security.

Third, Xiaomi uses closed formats for some data (such as notes in Mi Notes or recordings from a recorder), which without the right export, will become useless on the new device.

Finally, MIUI It has its own nuances: for example, themes and widgets are tied to the Mi Account, and they need to be synchronized separately.

⚠️ Note: If you transfer data from Xiaomi to a device of another brand (e.g. Samsung), some features (e.g. Mi Share or Quick Apps) will not work.

Method 1: Transfer over Mi Cloud (the easiest, but not the complete)

Xiaomi's official cloud is a basic migration tool that is suitable for the majority of users.

- Contact.

- Communications (SMS/MMS)

- Notes (Mi Notes)

- Calendar.

System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sound profiles)

Some application data (if it supports Mi Cloud)

But there are critical limitations:

Photos and videos are only transferred if they were uploaded to Mi Cloud Gallery in advance (automatic download is disabled by default!).

Applications are not portable – only their list for re-installation through Google Play.

Game data (save, progress) is not synchronized if the game does not support the cloud itself.

How to do this:

1. On your old phone: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and enable synchronization for all the necessary data. wait for the download to be completed (check in the Storage section).
2. On new phone: When you first turn on, select Restore from Mi Cloud and log in under the same account. If your phone is already set up, go to Settings → The phone. → Recovery and discharge → Restore from Mi Cloud.
3. Select a backup (usually the latest) and wait until it's finished. Don't interrupt the process! - this can lead to the loss of some data.

The speed of the transfer depends on the speed of the Internet and the amount of data, for example, 10 GB of photos can be loaded for several hours on slow Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Note: If the new phone already has data under the same Mi Account, it can be overwritten with the old ones, for example, the contacts from the backup will replace the current ones!

Method 2: Local transfer via Mi Mover (without the Internet)

Mi Mover

Xiaomi

Direct data transfer over Wi-Fi

- Contacts, messages, call log

- Photos, videos, music.

- Applications (including some of them)

- System settings

Advantages:

It works without the Internet (only Wi-Fi Direct is required).

It carries more data than Mi Cloud (e.g. saving some games).

- Keeps the folder structure (as opposed to manual copying).

Disadvantages:

Not all apps support data transfer (for example, WhatsApp will have to backup separately).

- In some models (POCO, Older Redmis may not work stably.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Mi Mover on both phones (you can download from Google Play or Settings) → Additionally. → Mi Mover).
2. On the new phone, select I am a new user, on the old one, I want to send data.
3. Scan it. QR-code from a new phone on an old phone (or connect manually via Wi-Fi Direct).
4. Select the data to transfer and confirm the beginning. Don't break the connection! - the process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the volume.
5. Once completed, restart the new phone.

Important: If the transfer is interrupted, it will start over, so charge both phones at least 50% or plug them into charging.

Both phones are charged or connected to a power outlet

There is enough free space on the new phone (at least 20% more than the amount of data transferred)

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled on both devices

Power saving mode is disabled on the old phone (it can break the connection)

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Method 3: Transfer through Google Account (universally, but not all)

If you use Google services, some of the data can be transferred through account sync.

- Contact.

- Calendar.

- Mail (Gmail)

- Some settings (Google Chrome, YouTube)

Photos (if uploaded to Google Photos)

Pros:

It works on all Android devices (not just Xiaomi).

The data is available immediately after authorization.

Cons:

- No messages, call log, settings MIUI.

Photos in their original quality take up space in the cloud (free only 15 GB).

- Apps will have to be installed manually.

How to set up:

1. On your old phone: Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync → Enable all the necessary items.
2. On a new phone: When you first turn on, select Copy Data from another device → From cloud storage. → Google.
3. Sign in with the same account and wait for synchronization.

Tip: If you use Google Photos in Original Quality mode, check if there is enough space in the cloud. The alternative is to temporarily switch to High Quality (unlimited storage but photo compression).

💡

Before transferring via Google, check what data is already synced: go to myaccount.google.com → Data and personalization → Synchronization settings.

Method 4: Manual transfer via computer (for advanced users)

If you need complete control over which files to copy, or if other methods have failed, use manual porting over a PC.

- Large volumes of photo/video

- Music and documents

Backups of applications (e.g..apk and.obb for games)

What you need:

USB-TypeC Cable (preferably original)

- Computer with Windows/Mac/Linux

Minimum 20% free space on your new phone

Instructions:

1. Connect your old phone to your computer in File Transfer mode (MTP) (notice will appear in the curtain).
2. Copy the right folders: 📷 Photo/video: DCIM, Pictures, Movies 🎵 Music: Music, Ringtones 📄 Documents: Documents, Download 🎮 Preservation of games: Android/obb/ (large-file), Android/data/ (setting)

new

Don't change the structure!

DCIM/Camera

DCIM/Camera

.apk

.obb

Android/obb/[packet]

Important: Some folders (for example, Android/data/) To see them, turn on the display of hidden files in the Explorer (Windows: View) → Hidden elements).

⚠️ Warning: Do not copy the folder Android/data/ In the whole, it can lead to conflicts in applications).

Method 5: Transfer through third-party applications (for specific data)

If standard methods do not cover your needs, for example, you need to transfer:

- WhatsApp saves (chats and media)

Telegram data (secret chats, media)

- Setting up specific applications (e.g. Nova Launcher)

You will need to use specialized tools.

The best applications for transfer:

• 💬 WhatsApp: Built-in backup in Google Drive (configure in Settings) → chat → Backup. Restore on your new phone when you first log in.
• 🔒 Telegram: Export chats through Settings → Additionally. → Chat data export (retained in.json) + Import is only possible on Android.
• 🎮 Games: Helium (requires root) or embedded game clouds (Google Play Games, Game Center for some titles).
• 📱 Launcher settings: For Nova Launcher – backup in Settings → Backup. MIUI Launcher – only via Mi Cloud.

Example for WhatsApp:

1. On an old phone: Open WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → Chat → Backup → Create a copy (select Google Account).


2.On a new phone: Install WhatsApp, log in under the same number → restore from Google Drive when requested.




3. wait until completion (may take up to an hour for large chats).

⚠️ Note: If you are porting WhatsApp from your iPhone to Xiaomi, use the official method from WhatsApp with a Lightning-to-USB-C cable. Other methods may not work due to encryption.

💡

Always use official tools to transfer instant messenger data (such as WhatsApp backup in Google Drive). Third-party programs can break chat encryption!

Method 6: Complete backup through TWRP (for advanced users)

If you are ready for technical manipulation and want to migrate the entire system 1:1 (including settings, applications and even wallpaper), you can use custom recovery. TWRP. This method is suitable for:

Transfer of all data without exception

- Recovery after discharge

Cloning the system to another Xiaomi (if the models are compatible)

Requirements:

Unlocked bootloader on both phones

- Established TWRP Recovery

- Memory card or OTG-backup

Warnings:

Loss of warranty (unlocking bootloader resets Xiaomi counter).

- Risk of a breeze (if something goes wrong).

- Does not work on phones with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13/14 series).

Instructions (brief):

1. Unlock bootloader on both phones (instructions on the official website).
2. Install TWRP for your model (download from twrp.me).
3. On the old phone: go to the TWRP → Backup → Select the System, Data, Boot sections → keep on SD-map.
4. Transfer the backup to your new phone (via the phone) SD-map OTG).
5. On the new phone: in TWRP Choose Restore → Specify the backup file → confirm the recovery.

Important: This method is not recommended for beginners.Errors can result in complete data loss or phone inoperability.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you transfer data correctly, it can get lost or it can work incorrectly.-5 problems and solutions:

1. Photos and videos are not displayed in the gallery

Reason: Folders are copied to the wrong directories or media database is not updated.

Solution: Restart your phone or manually update your media scanner (Rescan Media app from Play Market).

2. applications installed, but data lost

- Reason: Only moved APK, without.obb files or cache.

Solution: For games, download additional data via Play Market. For other applications, check your sync settings (e.g. Google Account for Chrome).

3. Contacts have not been moved.

- Reason: They were not saved to a Google Account or Mi Cloud, but locally. SIM-map.

- Solution: On an old phone, export contacts to.vcf (Contacts) → ⋮ → Import/Export and import on new.

4. WhatsApp is not recovering from backup

Reason: Different phone numbers or backups are made on another Google Account.

- Solution: Make sure that:

- Same phone number.

Backup is linked to the same Google Account as the new phone.

There is plenty of space on the new phone (the backup can weigh tens of GB).

5. Settings MIUI throw off

Reason: Not all settings are synchronized via Mi Cloud (e.g. gestures or settings of an always-on display).

Solution: Set them up manually or use Mi Mover to transfer system data.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions