How to transfer data from your old phone to Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro: Full Guide 2026

Why porting data to Redmi Note 10 Pro requires a special approach

The transition to a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to flagship models of the budget segment like Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro. This device, released in 2021, still remains relevant thanks to the powerful Snapdragon processor. 732G, AMOLED-display with a frequency of 120 Hz and a capacious battery at 5020 mAh. However, its key feature is the proprietary shell MIUI (12–14 – imposes certain restrictions on standard data migration methods.

Unlike “clean” Android devices, where it is enough to log in to a Google account, Redmi Note 10 Pro will have to take into account nuances: from locking the bootloader to the features of working with Mi Account. For example, when using the official Mi Mover tool, users often encounter an error “I could not connect” if the old phone has an outdated version of MIUI. And transferring through Google Drive can take hours due to the speed limit of downloading on free accounts.

In this guide, we will analyze 5 proven ways to transfer data - from contacts and SMS before applications and game saves - taking into account the specifics of the Redmi Note 10 Pro. You will learn which method is the fastest (spoiler: cable) OTG), Which is more reliable (Google Account) and which is suitable for transferring more than 100 GB of media (PC) + Xiaomi PC We will also reveal the hidden function. MIUI, allowing you to transfer Wi-Fi settings and passwords without manual input.

Method 1: Mi Mover is the official tool of Xiaomi

Mi Mover is an MIUI-built application designed specifically for data migration between Xiaomi devices, which supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio, applications (including their data), and even some system settings, the main advantage is that it does not require Internet (works on Wi-Fi Direct) and maintains the folder structure.

However, there are pitfalls: on the Redmi Note 10 Pro Mi Mover only works with devices on MIUI 9 and later. If your old phone is a Samsung, iPhone or even an outdated Redmi 4X, you will have to choose another method, and the tool can “hang” when transferring large amounts of data (over 50 GB), so we recommend that you first clear the cache of applications.

• ⚡ Speed: ~1-2 GB/min (depending on the old phone model)
• 📁 Data types: contacts, SMS, MMS, multimedia, applications (+ data), Wi-Fi settings
• 🔌 Requirements: MIUI 9+, charge on both phones >30%, Wi-Fi Direct
• ⚠️ Restrictions: does not carry passwords from applications, game accounts, files from root folders

Step-by-step:

1. On Redmi Note 10 Pro, go to Settings → About Phone → Mi Mover (or find the app through search).
2. Select “I am a new user” (if you transfer data to a new phone) or “Send data” (if Redmi Note 10 Pro is the source).
3. On your old phone, open Mi Mover and select Send Data.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of a new phone or connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
5. Select data types to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

⚠️ Note: If Mi Mover gives an error "Unconnected", check if Developer Mode is enabled on both devices (in Settings). → The phone. → Version. MIUI press 7 times. Then in the Additional settings → For developers, activate the "Debugging by" USB" and “Installation by USB".

Charge both phones up to 50%+

Delete unnecessary files (leave <30 GB of data)

Update MIUI on both devices

Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Shut down. VPN firewalls-->

Method 2: Google Account is universal, but not perfect

Syncing through Google Account is the most versatile method, as it works on any Android device, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro. It allows you to transfer contacts, calendars, notes, some system settings and even a list of installed applications (but not their data!).

However, there are serious limitations:

• 📸 Photos and videos are synced only through Google Photos (compression up to 16 MP in free tariff).
• 🎮 Game saves and application data (e.g., progress in Genshin Impact) are not portable.
• ⏳ Speed depends on the Internet: with a slow connection, synchronization can take hours.

How to set up synchronization:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Accounts → Google and select your profile.
2. Activate sync for Contacts, Calendar, Google Drive and Google Photos.
3. On Redmi Note 10 Pro, when you first turn on, select “Recover Data” and log in to the same Google account.
4. Wait until synchronization is complete (it can take up to 24 hours for large data sets).

💡

If you need to move SMS, use the app SMS Backup & Restore from Google Play. It saves messages XML-It's a file that you can then restore on your new phone. SMS into MIUI (Settings → Annexes → SMS → Automatic booting MMS).

Method 3: OTG + adapter for large data

If you need to move 50+ GB photos, videos or music, the best option is to connect directly via OTG-This method is 3 times faster than the Mi Mover, and it doesn't depend on the version. MIUI. You'll need it:

• 🔌 OTG-adapter (Type-C) → Type-C or Type-C → MicroUSB, depending on the old phone).
• 📱 File Manager (built-in in the MIUI Or Solid Explorer).
• ⚡ Charging: The process can drain the battery by 10-15%.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
2. Connect your old phone to the adapter via cable.
3. On Redmi Note 10 Pro, open the file manager and select the file manager "USB-side-menu.
4. Copy the right folders (DCIM, Download, WhatsApp, etc.) to internal memory or on SD-mapping.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Speed: up to 40 MB/s (5-10 times faster than Wi-Fi).
• 📂 Control: You choose which files to copy.
• 🔒 Security: Data is not transmitted via the Internet.

⚠️ Attention: Not all OTG-adapters support the regime "USB Host, which is required to connect your phone as a flash drive. Check compatibility with Redmi Note 10 Pro before buying (description should include "Supports" OTG UMS"). Cheap Chinese adapters often only work with flash drives, not phones!

Mi Mover (Official Tool of Xiaomi)

Google Account (Sync)

Cable OTG or SD-map

Transfer over PC

Another way.-->

Method 4: SD-map - slowly but reliably

If your Redmi Note 10 Pro has a microSD slot (up to 512GB cards are supported), you can use it as a stash, a method that is suitable for porting media, documents, and even some applications (if they support SD installation), the main plus is that you do not need the Internet or additional devices.

Cons:

• ⏳ Duration: 100GB copying can take 1-2 hours.
• 🔄 Double work: first copy data to a map, then - from a card to a new phone.
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: Some system files (for example, SMS or calls) cannot be exported to SD.

How to transfer data through SD-map:

1. Put it in. SD-card.
2. Open the file manager and copy the folders you need (DCIM, Pictures, Music, etc.) to the map.
3. Remove the card and paste it into the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
4. In the file manager of the new phone, select "SD-Map and transfer files to internal memory.

To speed up the process, batch copying can be used:

• Press and hold the folder, then select other files/folders.
• Press "Copy" → "SD-map".
• After transferring to a new phone, use the "Insert Here" option in the desired directory.

Method 5: Transfer over PC (Xiaomi PC Suite or manually)

If you have a computer, the most reliable way to use Xiaomi is to use it. PC Suite (official utility) or manual copying through MTP-This method is suitable for transferring all types of data, including:

• 📱 System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sound schemes).
• 🎮 Game saves (e.g. from /Android/data/).
• 🔐 Passwords from applications (if you use Smart Lock).

Instructions for Xiaomi PC Suite:

1. Download and install Xiaomi PC Suite on your computer.
2. Connect your old phone to your PC via USB-cable (select File Transfer mode when requested).
3. In the program, select "Backup" and select the desired data types.
4. Once you have created a backup, turn off your old phone and plug in the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
5. Select Recovery and specify the path to the saved backup.

Manual copying via PC:

1. Connect both phones to the computer.
2. Open "This Computer" and find both devices in the "Portable Devices" section.
3. Copy files from your old phone to a folder on your PC, then transfer them to the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
4. To transfer SMS and calls, use programs like MobileTrans or Dr.Fone.

💡

To transfer game saves (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), be sure to copy /Android/obb/ and /Android/data/ manually via PC or OTG. Automatic tools (Mi Mover, Google) do not carry them!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems. TOP-5 Errors when transferring data to Redmi Note 10 Pro and their solutions:

1. Mi Mover doesn't see old phone - Reason: Incompatible versions MIUI Or Wi-Fi Direct turned off. Solution: Update. MIUI On both devices, until the latest version. If it doesn't work, use it. OTG-cable.
2. Google Photos doesn't upload video Reason: file size limit (10GB) or slow internet Solution: Download videos over Wi-Fi or break them down into pieces via MX Player.
3. Applications are not recoverable from the backup Reason: The Redmi Note 10 Pro has disabled installation from unknown sources. Solution: Enable the option in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
4. SD-The card is not determined Reason: Incorrect format (should be) FAT32 Solution: Format the card via your phone (Settings) → Warehouse → SD-map → Format).
5. Transfer interrupted at half Reason: Battery is out of order or connection is interrupted Solution: Connect both phones to charge and use OTG-cable.

⚠️ Note: If you are migrating data from your iPhone to the Redmi Note 10 Pro, don’t use Mi Mover, which doesn’t support iOS. Instead, download Google’s Move to Android app to your iPhone and follow the instructions; SMS Notes will have to be exported separately (for example, via iCloud).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions