How to transfer data from Samsung to Xiaomi via computer: 5 ways to guarantee 100% file security

Why a computer is the most reliable way to transfer data between Android devices

Transferring data from the old Samsung Galaxy to the new Xiaomi Redmi or POCO via a computer is not just an alternative to cloud services or wireless technology, but often the only way to ensure that all files are completely safe. Unlike Smart Switch (Samsung’s proprietary solution) or Mi Mover (Xiaomi’s applications), PC connectivity eliminates the risk of data loss due to unstable Wi-Fi or firmware conflicts.

The key advantage of the computer method is direct control over the process. You can see which files are copied, you can choose the storage format (for example, convert HEIC to JPEG for compatibility), and you can back up your hard drive. This is especially critical if you move from Samsung One UI to MIUI, two Android shells that handle system data differently (for example, application settings or call logs).

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to transfer data over PCs, including both universal solutions (suitable for any model) and specialized tools for specific file types. All methods are tested on current firmware in 2026 and take into account the features of the new Xiaomi 14 and Galaxy S24.

Preparation of devices: what to do before transfer

Before connecting your phones to your computer, follow the necessary preparatory steps, and ignoring them can lead to data loss or synchronization errors:

• 🔋 Charge both smartphones to at least 50% – transferring large amounts of data (for example, a gallery to 64 GB) can take 1-2 hours.
• 🔄 Update your firmware: Check Settings on Samsung → Update on Xiaomi - in Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI.
• 🔐 Unlock. OEM-Unlocking on Xiaomi (if you plan to use it) ADB): Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM.
• 📂 Free up space on Xiaomi: transferring 30-50 GB of data requires at least 10-15% of free space on internal storage.

Pay special attention to the settings USB-On Samsung, charging mode can be enabled by default via USB — You need to change it to File Transfer (MTP). For that:

1. Connect Samsung to the PC.
2. Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the USB alert to charge.
3. Select File Transfer (or File Manager on some models).

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi has enabled data protection MIUI (In Settings → Privacy, the computer may not see some folders (for example, DCIM/Camera). Turn it off temporarily or use it. ADB circumvention.

Method 1: Transfer through Windows Explorer (for photos, videos, and documents)

The simplest method is to manually copy files through Windows Explorer, which is suitable for transferring multimedia (photos, videos, music), documents and other media. APK-files, but can't handle contacts, SMS or application settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Samsung to your PC via USB-cable (preferably original) Wait for the drivers to install (if you first connect).
2. Open this computer. → Find a Samsung device (usually displayed as a Galaxy S... or Portable Device).
3. Go to Internal Storage (or Internal Memory) → open directories: DCIM – photos and videos; Downloads – downloads; Documents – documents; Pictures – screenshots and images from instant messengers.

Desktop

Samsung

Xiaomi

Xiaomi

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi files do not appear after copying, check folder permissions. → Annexes → Permits → Warehouse give access to Files and Gallery.

Make sure that USB-The cable supports data transfer (not just charging)|

Check the space available on the PC (need at least 1.5 times the amount of data transferred)|

Disable the antivirus (it can block access to Android system folders) |

Create a folder on the desktop for temporary storage of files

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Method 2: Using Samsung Smart Switch for PC (for contacts, SMS, and applications)

Samsung Smart Switch is the official data porter that you install on your computer. Unlike the mobile version, the desktop program allows you to save contacts, messages, call logs, and even some application settings to a file that you can then import to Xiaomi.

Download Smart Switch from the official Samsung website (link) and follow the instructions:

1. Install and run the program on PC.
2. Connect Samsung via USB by selecting File Transfer mode.
3. In the main Smart Switch menu, click More → Settings → Preferences and turn on the option Save Data on PC.
4. Select data types for export (we recommend to note Contacts, Messages, Call Logs).
5. Click Export and save the file to your computer (.spb format).
6. Connect Xiaomi and copy the.spb file to any folder.
7. Install the Smart Switch Mobile app on Xiaomi (available on Google Play) and import data from the file.

Important nuance: Smart Switch does not support the transfer of installed applications (only their data). APK-use the files APK Extractor on Samsung and manual installation on Xiaomi.

Method 3: Transfer of contacts through export/import VCF (universal method)

If you only need to migrate contacts, the most reliable way is to export to a.vcf (vCard) file, which is supported by all Android devices, including Xiaomi and Samsung, as well as services like Google Contacts.

Instructions for Samsung:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press. ⋮ (three-point) → Contact management → Import/Export of contacts.
3. Select Export → Mark all contacts (or select the right ones) → click Export.
4. Save the contacts.vcf file to internal memory or SD-map.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC and copy the contacts.vcf file to the Download folder.
2. Open the Contacts app → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
3. Select Import from.vcf and specify the path to the copied file.

⚠️ Note: If contacts are duplicated after import, use the “Unite duplicates” function in the Google Contacts settings (synchronized with Xiaomi via Google account).

💡

To avoid losing contact formatting (such as profile photos), export them to Google Contacts on Samsung and then sync with Xiaomi through the same Google account.

Method 4: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a tool for advanced users to copy all data, including system files and application settings, which requires command-line skills but gives maximum control over the process.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools;
• 🔌 USB-data-couple;
• 📱 Included debugging by USB both-device.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Samsung to your PC and open Command Prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
2. Check the connection command: Adb devices must display the serial number of the device.
3. Backup all data: Adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup_samsung.ab On the phone will be a request for confirmation – allow the creation of a backup.
4. Disable Samsung, connect Xiaomi and recover data: adb restore C:\backup_samsung.ab

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Transfer all applications with data (including games);
• ✅ Conservation SMS/MMS and call logs;
• ✅ Selective recovery capability.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Difficulty for beginners;
• ❌ Not all applications are properly restored to MIUI (particularly systemic);
• ❌ Requires an unlocked bootloader on Xiaomi for some operations.

💡

ADB is the only way to migrate system applications (such as Samsung Notes or the S Planner calendar), but it requires manual editing of the backup file (.ab) using tools like abe (Android Backup Extractor).

Method 5: Cloud Bridge (Google Drive + PC as an intermediate link)

If you don't want to use cables, but you're not ready to risk wireless transmission either, a cloud bridge over Google Drive + computer would be a compromise.

Algorithm of action:

1. On Samsung, open Google Drive and upload files to the cloud (or use Google Files to selectively download).
2. On your computer, open drive.google.com and download files to your local folder.
3. Connect Xiaomi to your PC and copy the files back to your device.

Advantages:

• 🌐 No cable binding;
• 🔒 Data is encrypted during transmission;
• 📁 You can transfer files in parts (for example, today's photos, tomorrow's music).

Limitations:

• 🚫 Google Drive’s free fare is only 15GB;
• ⏳ Downloading/downloading large files takes a long time;
• 🔌 A stable internet connection is required.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when you follow the instructions, you have typical problems. TOP-5 errors and ways of solving them:

⚠️ Note: If after transfer to Xiaomi lost the Wi-Fi settings, check the file wpa_supplicant.conf file /data/misc/wifi/. It can be copied through ADB, But root rights are required.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions