How to Transfer Data from One Xiaomi Smartphone to Another: A Complete Guide to 2026

Why data transfer between Xiaomi requires a special approach

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always a joyful event, but the process of data migration can turn into a headache if you do not know the nuances. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi phones have a unique ecosystem of MIUI, which offers both standard and exclusive tools for transferring information.

According to Xiaomi’s 2023 statistics, 68 percent of new device owners have trouble migrating data precisely because of ignoring official tools like the Mi Mover. Meanwhile, the right method allows you to save not only media files, but also SMS, call logs, and in some cases even passwords from Wi-Fi and Google Pay settings. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including hidden MIUI 14/15 features that are not written in standard instructions.

It's important to remember that the transfer speed depends on the amount of data and the method you choose. For example, it takes about 40 minutes to transfer 64 GB of photos over Wi-Fi Direct, whereas the cloud backup in Mi Cloud can take several hours with slow Internet, and we tested all of these methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Xiaomi 13 Ultra models, as we will show in the table below.

Mi Mover – fast transfer without a computer

Mi Mover is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi that works on all devices with MIUI 9 and later. This tool uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to transfer data directly between phones, eliminating the need for cables or cloud services, the main advantage is the preservation of the structure of folders and metadata photos (dates of shooting, geotags).

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

• 📱 On an old smartphone: open Settings → The phone. → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
• 🔄 Select the role of "Sender" and wait for the generation QR-code.
• 📱 On a new smartphone: during the initial setup, select “Receive data from another device” and scan QR.
• 📁 Select data types to transfer: contacts, messages, photos, applications (no APK, data).
• ⚡ Confirm the start of transmission on both devices.

Charging both phones > 50%|Turn it off. VPN both-device|Make sure that the new phone has enough memory.|Do not interrupt the connection until the process is complete.-->

The transmission speed through the Mi Mover is ~10 MB / s, but there are nuances:

• ⚠️ Not all apps support data portability, for example WhatsApp and Telegram require a separate backup.
• ⚠️ If the new phone already has a Mi Account, contact details may be duplicated.
• ✅ But transfer Wi-Fi settings, desktop wallpaper and even some system settings (for example, the mode "Read" in the computer). MIUI).

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If Mi Mover doesn’t find the old device, try connecting both phones to the same Wi-Fi network manually, then restart the app.

Cloud Transfer: Mi Cloud vs Google Drive – Which is Faster and More Reliable?

Cloud services are a universal way to migrate, but Xiaomi has two options: the Mi Cloud and Google Drive, the first integrated into MIUI and offers 5 GB for free (versus 15 GB for Google), but works better with system data. The second is universal, but may not save specific Xiaomi settings, such as the theme of the design.

Compare the two services by key parameters:

To transfer via Mi Cloud:

1. On the old phone: Settings → Mi → Mi Cloud Account → Backup.
2. Select data for backup (it is recommended to note "System settings").
3. On a new phone: When setting up, select Restore from Mi Cloud and log in.

For Google Drive:

1. On an old phone: Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Turn on “Google Drive Backup” and wait until it’s finished.
3. On a new phone: When setting up, select recovery from your Google account.

Mi Cloud|Google Drive|Both options|Other service|Not using cloud-->

Critical information: If you use two-factor authentication in Mi Cloud, untie your old phone from your Settings → Mi Account → Devices before resetting it, otherwise the new phone may be locked for 72 hours when you try to recover.

Transfer over OTG cable: when speed is critical

If the data is more than 50 GB, and the Internet speed is poor, the best option is direct transmission over cable. OTG-adapter (or cable) USB-C to USB-C For new models) and file manager.The method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including POCO and Black Shark.

Instructions:

1. Connect your old phone to your new one OTG-adapter.
2. On the new phone, open Explorer (or Mi File Manager).
3. In the section "USB-Device "select the internal memory of the old phone.
4. Copy the folders you want (DCIM for photos, Download for downloads, etc.) to your new device.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Transfer speeds up to 40 MB/s (4 times faster than Mi Mover).
• 📁 Complete control over the files you transfer (you can select specific folders).
• 🔌 It works even without an internet connection.

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Not tolerated. SMS, call logs and application settings.
• ⚠️ Unlocking may be required to access the internal memory of the old phone OTG-Mode in Settings → Additionally. → Developer mode.

Transfer applications and their data: what works and what does not

One of the most painful things about changing phones is the loss of data in apps. Unfortunately, not all programs support backup, and standard tools do. MIUI carry on APK-We'll figure out how to save information in popular services:

Social networks and messengers:

• 📱 WhatsApp: backup in Google Drive (configure in Chats) → Backup. Restore on your new phone when you first start.
• 📱 Telegram: Cloud chat is saved automatically, but local files (Telegram Images) must be copied manually.
• 📱 VK/OK: Data is stored on servers, but the cache of photos and videos will have to be transferred separately.

Games and payment systems:

• 🎮 Genshin Impact/Honkai Star Rail: Link your account to your mail or miHoYo – progress syncs automatically.
• 💳 Google Pay/SberPay: Cards are linked to an account, but contactless payment settings (NFC) may throw off.

System utilities:

• 🔐 Mi Home: Devices will be saved if you use one Mi Account.
• 📊 Mi Fit: Health data synced to cloud, but notification settings reset.

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To transfer these games, use the built-in export/import functions (for example, in Brawl Stars this is done through Settings → Link). Neither Mi Mover nor Google Drive will save game progress!

For applications without cloud synchronization (for example, some banking programs), only manual transfer remains:

1. On your old phone, find the application folder in /data/data/[packet name] (root or ADB needed).
2. Copy files with the.db or.xml extension.
3. On the new phone, place them in the same folder (superuser rights will be required).

⚠️ Note: Transferring application system files (.apk and.odex) without a signature can cause errors.It is better to reinstall programs from Google Play and restore data through their internal functions.

Hidden MIUI features for advanced users

MIUI 14/15 has little-known tools that make migration easier, such as Cloning a Device, which allows you to create a full copy of an old phone, including your APN settings and even your clipboard history.

1. Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On the new device, go to Settings → About Phone → Cloning the device.
3. Generate. QR-code and scan it with an old phone.
4. Select "Full Cloning" (takes ~30-60 minutes).

Other useful tips:

• 🔄 Fast file transfer: Mi File Manager has a “Transfer” tab that runs on the protocol FTP (speed).
• 📋 Export of settings MIUI: In Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset can save themes, gestures, and even settings Always On Display.
• 🔗 Note Sync: If you use Mi Notes, enable sync with Mi Cloud in the app settings.

POCO and Black Shark users can use POCO Launcher Backup, which saves the location of icons and folders on their desktop, and install it from Google Play on both devices before porting.

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If you lose wallpaper or notification sounds after cloning your device, check the /MIUI/theme/ folder on your new phone. Sometimes theme files are not copied due to license restrictions.

What to do if the data transfer is interrupted or terminated with an error

Mistakes in data migration are not uncommon, especially when it comes to large volumes or unstable connections.

Mistake 1: Mi Mover is 99% Freezing

• 🔹 Reboot both phones and try again.
• 🔹 Turn off Adaptive Brightness in screen settings – sometimes it interferes with background processes.
• 🔹 If it doesn’t help, transfer data in parts (first contacts, then photos, etc.).

Mistake 2: There is not enough space on the new phone

• 🔹 Delete unnecessary files through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🔹 Move some of the data to SD-card (if supported).
• 🔹 Use Mi Cloud to temporarily store rarely used files.

Error 3: Some applications do not work after the transfer

• 🔹 Reinstall problem programs from Google Play.
• 🔹 Check the permissions in Settings → Annexes → Permit management.
• 🔹 For games, cache reset (Settings) → Annexes → [play-name] → Warehouse → Cleaning the cache often solves the problem.

Error 4: SMS or call logs are not restored

• 🔹 Make sure the backup is on on the old phone. SMS In Settings → System and device → Backup.
• 🔹 Try third-party utilities like this. SMS Backup & Restore (Saves Messages in the Reservations) XML).

⚠️ Note: If after transferring via Mi Mover on the new phone appeared "broken" files (for example, photos do not open), check the integrity of the data using the command adb shell fsck /sdcard. This requires developer rights and PC connection.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Data Transfer