How to Transfer Data from One Xiaomi to Another: A Complete Guide to MIUI 11

Why migrating data to MIUI 11 requires a special approach

Updating a smartphone is always exciting, especially when it comes to switching from one Xiaomi device to another within the same ecosystem. The MIUI 11 firmware version, despite its stability, has a number of nuances when migrating data that are not always obvious to the user. For example, the standard Mi Mover may not recognize some models when connecting directly through a cable, and the cloud backup through Mi Account is limited to the amount of free storage. In this article, we will examine all working methods, from official tools to workarounds for complex cases.

The main problem with migrating to MIUI 11 is the compatibility of the transmission protocols, because the newer versions of MIUI (12+) use an updated migration mechanism that doesn't always work properly with the "old" version eleven, and if you encounter errors like "Device Unconnected" or "Files Unsupported," it's not a bug, but a feature of the architecture. Fortunately, there are ways to get around these limitations without losing data.

Another important point is that the transfer of applications along with their data (for example, save in games or configure messengers) is possible only when using Mi Account or third-party tools like Titanium Backup. APK-This is critical for users who want to save their chat history on Telegram or progress in Genshin Impact.

Preparation of devices before data transfer

Before you start migrating, there are a few steps you need to follow on both smartphones, and neglecting to prepare can lead to loss of data or disruptions in the transmission process, starting with checking the version of MIUI and the available space.

On the old device (data source), go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Make sure that MIUI 11 is installed (for example, 11.0.3.0 or 11.0.8.0). If the version is different, update the firmware through Settings → System Update or roll back to the desired version through the Mi Flash Tool. On the new device, the MIUI version can be any, but for maximum compatibility it is recommended to also use version 11 or newer.

Charging the battery of both smartphones ≥ 50%|Release. ≥ 2 GB of memory on the new device|Shut down. VPN firewalls|Update Mi Mover to the latest version on Google Play|Make sure both devices have the same Mi Account (or no accounts at all)-->

Pay special attention to the space available on your new smartphone. If you are porting photos, videos or apps, their total volume should not exceed the available space. For example, if you migrate 15 GB of data to a device with 32 GB of memory, which is already occupied by 25 GB, the process will end in error. Check the free space in Settings → Memory and if necessary, clear the cache or delete unnecessary files.

⚠️ Note: If the old smartphone enabled data encryption (in Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption, disable it before transfer. Otherwise, Mi Mover will not be able to read some files, including some applications and media.

Method 1: Transfer over Mi Mover (official method)

Mi Mover is a built-in application from Xiaomi designed to migrate data between the brand’s devices. It supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, applications (without data!), and some system settings. However, it has limitations that you should be aware of in advance.

To begin the transfer:

1. Install Mi Mover on both devices from Google Play (if it isn't in firmware). On some models, the app is pre-installed and hidden - find it through a search in the app menu.
2. On the new smartphone, launch Mi Mover and select "I'm a new user" (or "This is a new device"). On the old one, select "I'm an old user."
3. Connect devices through the original USB-cable (preferably from the set) to charge or to each other using the OTG-Adapter: Use of unoriginal cables can cause a connection to break.
4. On the old device, select data to transfer (check the desired categories with ticks) and click "Send." The process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the volume.

If Mi Mover gives an error "I couldn't connect", try the following:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices and try again.
• 📱 Turn off Developer Mode (if enabled) in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times tap the version, then turn off the mode in Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🔌 Use another one. USB-cable or port, sometimes it helps to connect through USB-hub.
• 📡 Turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot on your old device and connect a new one if the cable connection is not working.

Method 2: Transfer over Mi Account (cloud backup)

If Mi Mover is not working or you want to save data in the cloud for future transfers, use Mi Account, which is suitable for backing up contacts, messages, notes, calendar and some settings. However, it has a tough limitation - a free Mi Account provides only 5 GB of cloud storage, which may not be enough for a full backup.

Instructions for creating a backup:

1. On your old device, go to Settings → Mi → Mi Cloud Account and log in (or create an account if you don’t have one).
2. Turn on synchronization for the desired categories: Contacts, Messages, Notes, Calendar, etc. For photos, use a separate option Gallery → Backup.
3. Wait until the sync is complete (progress is displayed in the same menu).
4. On the new device, log in to the same Mi Account and enable sync. Data will start to download automatically.

To transfer applications and their data through Mi Account:

• 📱 On the old device, go to Settings → System and device → Backup and reset → Local backups.
• 💾 Create a local backup (the file will be saved in the folder) MIUI/backup/AllBackup).
• 📁 Copy this file to a new device (via computer or other device) OTG-flash-drive).
• 🔄 On the new device, restore data from this file to the same menu.

⚠️ Note: Local backups in the MIUI 11 is not encrypted by default. If you copy the backup to a removable medium (like a flash drive), anyone with access to it will be able to recover your data. 7-Zip WinRAR.

Method 3: Transfer over a computer (for large amounts of data)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes of photos, videos or other files, the most reliable way is to use your computer as an intermediary, which is independent of the MIUI version and works even if the devices can't see each other through the Mi Mover.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Two. USB-cable (original or qualitative analogues).
• 📂 Free space on the hard disk (recommended) ≥ portable).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your old smartphone to your computer via USB. From the phone's connection menu, select File Transfer (MTP).
2. Copy all the files you need (photos, videos, music, documents) from phone to computer. MIUI: Internal Storage/DCIM/ — Photos and videos by Internal Storage/Download/ — Internal Storage/Music/ — Internal Storage/Movies/ — film
3. Turn off your old smartphone and plug in a new one. Select File Transfer Mode again.
4. Transfer previously copied files from your computer to the new device to the same folders (DCIM, Download, etc.).
5. To port applications, use programs like APK Extractor (to retrieve APK from an old phone) and App Installer (to install on a new one).

To transfer contacts and messages via computer:

• 📇 Export contacts on your old phone to.vcf via Contacts → Settings → Exports/imports.
• 💬 Messages can be exported using applications such as SMS Backup & Restore (Saves in the XML).
• 📥 On the new device, import these files through the same menu.

1. Install Mi PC Suite drivers from the official Xiaomi website.

2. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.

3. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the front panel of the system unit).-->

Method 4: Transfer by Third-Party Applications

If standard methods don’t work or you need additional features (such as porting these applications), you can use third-party tools, the main advantage of such applications is cross-platform and advanced migration settings.

Top.-3 Proven applications for data transfer between Xiaomi:

• 📲 SHAREit is a Wi-Fi Direct transmission with no limit on volume, supports photos, videos, music, apps (without data) and files of any format. Up to 20 MB/s.
• 🔄 Clone Phone (from Xiaomi, but not built-in) MIUI 11) - Mi Mover analogue with improved compatibility. Portable contacts, messages, photos and applications.
• 📦 Titanium Backup (requires root) is the only solution for porting application data (such as game saves or messenger settings.

Instructions for SHAREit:

1. Install the app on both devices from Google Play.
2. On the old phone, select "Send", on the new one - "Get".
3. Scan it. QR-code from a new device or connect via Wi-Fi Direct search.
4. Select the files to transfer and confirm the transfer. The process will go without an Internet connection.

⚠️ Note: When using Titanium Backup on rooted devices, do not port system applications (e.g. com.android.settings). MIUI 11 on a new smartphone. Only port user apps and their data.

What to do if the data is not moved or damaged

Even if you follow all the instructions, sometimes you have problems: files don't open, contacts are duplicated, and applications aren't installed. Here's how to fix the most common errors.

Problem 1: Photos and videos are not displayed in the gallery after the transfer.

• 🔍 Check if the files are copied to the folder DCIM/Camera or DCIM/Screenshots.
• 🔄 Reset the device — MIUI scans media files at launch.
• 📁 Install a file manager (such as Solid Explorer) and manually update your media index through Settings. → Memory. → Clear data for the Gallery application.

Problem 2: Applications are not installed after the transfer.

• 🛠️ Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings → Privacy → Special permits → Installation of unknown applications.
• 📥 Try to install it. APK through APK Installer or SAI (Split APK Installer for applications with multiple files (e.g. games).
• 🔄 If the application gives an error "Application not installed", delete its residues through Settings → Annexes → Delete the data and re-install.

Problem 3: Contacts are duplicated or not synchronized.

• 📇 Open Contacts. → Settings → Contact management → Combine duplicates.
• 🔄 Turn off and turn on sync again in Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Contacts.
• 📱 If contacts are linked to Google, check sync in Settings → Accounts. → Google.

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.

2. Select "Deep Clean" and confirm.

3. Reboot the smartphone.

This will help to eliminate lags caused by incorrect data migration.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to MIUI 11