How to transfer data from Samsung Galaxy to Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The transition from Samsung Galaxy to Xiaomi is not just about brand change, but also about personal data migration: photos, contacts, messages, and even app settings. Many users fear losing important information or spending hours manually transferring files. In fact, the process can be automated using both the built-in Mi Mover and Samsung Smart Switch tools, as well as universal solutions like Google Account or cloud services.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to transfer data, compare them in terms of speed and reliability, and provide specific recommendations for different scenarios, from complete migration to selective copying of certain types of files.

If you just unpacked the new Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+, And the old Galaxy. S23 Galaxy A54 And you'll also find out, if you're not in a hurry to format it, if you're properly prepared for both devices, you'll save time and nerves, and then you'll know what data you can transfer without loss, and what you'll have to reconfigure.

1. Preparation of devices before data perenos

Transferring data between smartphones of different brands requires pre-configuration of both gadgets.

✅ Update the firmware on both devices. Outdated versions of Android may not support modern transfer protocols (such as Wi-Fi Direct or Mi Mover). → Update of the PO.

✅ Clear the cache in the applications responsible for data transfer (Samsung Smart Switch, Google Drive, Mi Mover) This will prevent failures due to corrupted temporary files. → Annexes → [name] → Memory. → Clear the cache.

✅ Check the space available on Xiaomi. If you're carrying tens of gigabytes of photos or videos, make sure the new device has enough memory. 10-15% Free space for stable operation of the system.

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Note: If Samsung has enabled data encryption (Settings menu) → Security → Encryption, some transfer methods (e.g., via cable) OTG) In this case, use cloud services or Google Account.

It is also worth considering that Xiaomi by default blocks the installation of applications from unknown sources. APK-files (for example, via Smart Switch), allow this option in advance in Settings → Annexes → Special rights → Installation of unknown applications.

2. Method 1: Mi Mover – official solution from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a built-in application for migrating data from other Android devices in Xiaomi. It supports the transfer of contacts, messages (SMS/MMS), Photos, videos, audio files, notes and even some system settings, the main advantage is that it does not require the Internet (works on Wi-Fi Direct) and maintains the folder structure.

How to use Mi Mover:

1. On Xiaomi, open the Mi Mover app (if not, download from the Mi App Store).
2. Choose Me the Recipient (on Xiaomi) and I the Sender (on Samsung).
3. On Samsung, download Mi Mover from Google Play (unless it automatically offers).
4. Connect to a single Wi-Fi network or use an access point.
5. Select data types to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

⏳ The speed of transmission depends on the amount of data:

• 📁 Do 5 GB — ~10-15 minute
• 📁 5-20 GB — ~30-40 minute
• 📁 More than 20 GB – Cable is recommended OTG

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Note: Mi Mover does not carry installed applications (only their data if the application is already installed on Xiaomi).There may also be problems with porting messages from Samsung Messages - in this case, use Google Messages as an intermediate solution.

Charge both devices > 50%|Disabled. VPN firewalls|Samsung has installed the Mi Mover app|Selected stable Wi-Fi network (or cable) OTG)-->

3. Method 2: Samsung Smart Switch (alternative for Galaxy owners)

Samsung Smart Switch is a proprietary tool for backup and data portability. Although it is optimized for Galaxy devices, it can be used to transfer information to Xiaomi, but with limitations.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Smart Switch on Xiaomi from Google Play.
2. On Samsung, open the Smart Switch and select Send Data → Wireless.
3. On Xiaomi, select Get Data → Samsung.
4. Confirm the connection and select the files to transfer.

✅ What's transferable:

• 📞 Contacts (including groups and notes)
• 💬 Communications (SMS/MMS, But not messenger chats)
• 📷 Photos and videos (without loss of quality)
• 🎵 Music and documents

❌ What is NOT tolerable:

• 📱 Installed applications (only their data)
• 🔧 System settings (wallpaper, sound profiles)
• 📊 Data from certain applications (e.g. Samsung Health)

🔹 Tip: If the Smart Switch doesn’t see Xiaomi, try connecting via cable OTG (need an adapter USB-C to USB-C). In this case, the transmission speed will increase in 2-3 once.

4. Method 3: Google Account – Universal Method

Syncing through Google Account is the most reliable way to transfer basic data (contacts, calendars, notes), but it is not suitable for large files like videos or music, but it does not depend on the device model and works even if the smartphones are physically far apart.

What can be transferred:

How to set up synchronization:

1. On Samsung, open Settings → Accounts and archiving → Accounts.
2. Select your Google Account and enable sync for the data you need.
3. On Xiaomi, add the same account to Settings → Accounts. → Add an account.
4. Wait until sync is complete (it can take up to 1 hour for large photo libraries).

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Note: If Samsung used a Samsung Account for backup, the data from it is not synchronized with Xiaomi. It must first be exported manually (for example, contacts in a.vcf file).

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Before you go to the penos, check if you have exceeded the storage limit in your Google Account. The free rate only provides 15 GB, and photos in their original quality take up a lot of space. If necessary, clear Google Photos of unnecessary photos or buy additional space.

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

If you need to migrate large files (video, app backups) or do it remotely, cloud services will be the best choice.

🔹 Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi):

• 📁 Free: 5GB (can be expanded to 100GB for a fee)
• ⚡ Speed: Depends on the Internet connection
• ✅ Supports: contacts, messages, notes, photos

🔹 Google Drive:

• 📁 Free: 15 GB (shared with Gmail and Google Photos)
• ⚡ Speed: High with stable Wi-Fi
• ✅ Supports: any files, including APK

🔹 Yandex Disk:

• 📁 Free: 10 GB (32 GB bonus for card binding)
• ⚡ Speed: Can be limited with high traffic
• ✅ Supports: Automatic photo uploading

Instructions for Google Drive:

1. On Samsung, upload files to Google Drive (via the app or web version).
2. On Xiaomi, log in to the same account and download files.
3. To automatically sync photos, use Google Photos with the Backup and Synchronization setting.

🔹 Benefits of Cloud Services:

• 🌍 Access to files from any device
• 🔄 Possibility of selective transfer
• 🛡️ Protection against data loss in case of device breakdown

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Note: When loading a large amount of data (e.g., 50)+ GB photo) via mobile Internet can be written off gigabytes of traffic. Use only Wi-Fi or unlimited tariff.

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Cloud services are the only way to migrate data if devices are located in different cities or countries, but for full migration (including application settings), it is better to combine the cloud with other methods, such as Mi Mover.

Method 5: Manual transfer via PC or flash drive

If you prefer full control of the process or have slow internet, manual transfer via computer or OTG-This method is suitable for all types of files, including application backups (.apk,.obb) and hidden folders (.nomedia,.thumbnails).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer (Windows/Mac) or OTG-adapter + flash-drive
• 🔌 Cables. USB-C Micro-USB (depending on the model)
• 📂 Backup programs (optional: Titanium Backup, Swift Backup)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Samsung to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy the right folders: DCIM (Photo/video) Download (downloads) Pictures (images) WhatsApp/Media (chat-media) Android/data (file)
3. Connect Xiaomi and paste the files into the appropriate folders.
4. For transfer SMS Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore (saves messages to.xml file).

⚠️ Important nuances:

• 📂 folder Android/data It can be hidden – turn on the display of hidden files in the Explorer.
• 🔧 Some apps (such as Samsung Notes) store data in encrypted form – they will have to be exported manually.
• 📱 Xiaomi may need to reboot after transfer to display new files in the gallery.

🔹 Advantages of the manual method:

• 🎯 Full control over the data transferred
• 🚀 Maximum speed (limited only) USB 3.0/3.1)
• 🔧 Ability to edit files before the penos

7. Data portability of specific applications

Some apps require special attention when migrating, and consider the most popular ones:

📱 WhatsApp:

• Use the built-in Backup function in Google Drive (Settings menu) → chat → Backup copy).
• On Xiaomi, install WhatsApp and restore chats from the same Google account.
• ⚠️ Important: The phone number must remain the same!

🎵 Spotify/Yandex Music:

• 🎧 Playlists sync through your account (just log in to your new device).
• 💾 The music is transferred manually (folder) Android/media/com.spotify.music/files).

📊 Samsung Health → Mi Fitness:

• Export data from Samsung Health to.csv (Settings menu) → Export of data).
• Import to Mi Fitness or Google Fit (requires manual entry of some metrics).

💬 Telegram:

• 📁 Media files are transferred through the folder Telegram/Telegram Images.
• 🔄 Chat backup can be done through Settings → Data and memory → Exporting chat history.

🔹 Advice for gamers:

If you play cloud-saving games (e.g. Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile), just log in to the same account on Xiaomi. For offline games (e.g. Stardew Valley), copy the folder Android/obb manually.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:

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Note: If your contacts are missing after transferring to Xiaomi, check if they are duplicated in different accounts (Google, SIM-Map, Mi Account.combine duplicates in the Contacts app.

🔹 How to speed up transfer:

• 🔌 Use the cable. USB 3.1 Wi-Fi (the speed will increase in the 5-10 once).
• 📶 Turn off background synchronization of other applications.
• 🔋 The charge of both devices must be more than 50% (at a rate below 20%, the transmission may be interrupted).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions