How to transfer data from Samsung to Xiaomi via computer: 5 proven ways

The switch from Samsung to Xiaomi is not only a brand change, but also a need to transfer all the important data: photos, contacts, messages and applications. Many users are afraid of losing information when changing devices, especially if it is different operating systems (One UI from Samsung and MIUI from Xiaomi). Using a computer to transfer data is one of the most reliable ways, because it allows you to control the process and avoid errors associated with wireless transmission.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for transferring data over a PC, from standard Windows and MacOS tools to specialized programs like Smart Switch and Mi Mover. You will learn how to save folder structure, avoid duplicate files and what to do if the computer does not recognize one of the devices.

1. Preparation of devices for data transfer

Before connecting phones to a computer, several critical steps must be taken, and neglecting them can result in data loss on the original device (Samsung) or incomplete file transfer.

On Samsung:

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50% – this will prevent sudden shutdown during transmission.
• 📁 Make sure that your device has enough free space (at least 1GB) as some methods create temporary copies of files.
• 🔒 Disable the lock. USB in the security settings (Settings) → Biometrics and safety → Other security parameters).
• 📱 Turn on Developer Mode and activate Debugging by USB (if you plan to use ADB).

On Xiaomi:

• 📦 Remove unnecessary files from internal memory to make room for new data.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – this minimizes the risk of compatibility errors.
• 🔌 Connect the device to your computer at least once before the transfer starts to install drivers.

⚠️ Note: If Samsung has enabled data encryption (Settings) → Biometrics and safety → Encryption, the computer may not see files without additional drivers. In this case, use the method with Smart Switch or cloud backup.

2. Method 1: Conductor transfer Windows/Mac (file-wise)

The easiest way is to manually copy files through Windows or Finder (MacOS), which is suitable for transferring photos, videos, music, documents and other files stored in the device’s memory, but this method is not suitable for contacts, messages and application settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Samsung to your computer via USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. Open This Computer (Windows) or Finder (MacOS) – the device will appear as a removable drive.
4. Copy the folders you need (DCIM for photos, Downloads for downloads, etc.) to your computer.
5. Turn off Samsung, plug in Xiaomi, and repeat steps 2–3.
6. Insert the copied files into the corresponding folders on Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: If you copy files from Samsung to Xiaomi via MacOS, a file system format warning may appear (exFAT/NTFS). In this case, use Android File Transfer (the official software from Google) or reformat the flash drive into the Internet. FAT32 (Please note the file size limit in 4 GB).

Check the free space on the PC (minimum 2x volume of data transferred)

Use the original. USB-cable (not cheap analogues)

Disable the antivirus while copying (can block access)

Backup important files on the cloud-->

Method 2: Using Smart Switch (for contacts, messages, applications)

Samsung Smart Switch is Samsung’s official software that allows you to transfer not only files, but also contacts, messages, call logs, calendars, and even some application settings. Although it is designed for Samsung devices, it can also be used to transfer data to Xiaomi via a computer.

How it works:

• 💻 Install Smart Switch on your computer from the official Samsung website (link).
• 📱 Connect Samsung to your PC and follow the program instructions to backup.
• 📲 Connect Xiaomi and select Restore option (although Xiaomi is not officially supported, backup files can be manually extracted).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all data will be restored on Xiaomi (for example, Samsung Notes will not open in Mi Notes).
• ❌ Applications are only transferred in the form APK-files (they will have to be installed manually).
• ❌ Messages from Samsung Messages can be displayed without attachment.

Method 3: Mi Mover is the official tool from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is an application from Xiaomi designed to transfer data from other devices. It supports transmission over Wi-Fi Direct, but can also work over a computer if you use a local area network or USB-OTG.

Instructions for porting via PC:

1. Install Mi Mover on Xiaomi from the Mi App Store.
2. Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (or use USB-OTG for direct connectivity).
3. On Samsung, turn on File Transfer (MTP) mode and connect to your PC.
4. Copy the files you want from Samsung into a separate folder on your computer.
5. Run Mi Mover on Xiaomi, select Get Data from your computer and follow the instructions.

Advantages of Mi Mover:

• 📲 Supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos and applications.
• 🔄 Automatically converts formats (e.g. Samsung Notes) → Mi Notes).
• 📡 It works without the Internet (via a local network).

⚠️ Note: If you are on Xiaomi MIUI 12 Mi Mover can block the transfer of certain system files (for example, sec_container In this case, use the developer mode and turn off the application signature verification (Settings). → For developers → Disable the check MIUI).

1. whether antiviruses are disabled (they can block access to folders).

2. permissions to folder (should be Read and Write for everyone).

3. disk file system format (should be NTFS exFAT).-->

5. Method 4: Transfer over cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

If direct transmission through a computer is difficult, you can use cloud storage as an intermediary, and this method is universal and works even if the devices are not recognized by the PC.

Algorithm of action:

1. On Samsung, upload your data to Google Drive or Mi Cloud:

Xiaomi

The limitations of the cloud method:

• ⏳ Long loading time with a large amount of data.
• 🔒 Data breach risk (if you use public Wi-Fi networks).
• 📶 A stable internet connection is required.

💡

Cloud services are the most versatile way, but they are not suitable for porting applications and their data, and it is better to use Smart Switch or manual copying of APK.

6. Method 5: ADB (for power users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a tool for advanced users that allows you to manage files and settings at the system level, with the help of which you can transfer applications with data, system settings and even passwords from Wi-Fi.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB on your computer (download Platform Tools from Google).
2. Connect Samsung and execute the command to create a backup: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup_samsung.ab
3. Connect Xiaomi and recover data: Adb restore C:\backup_samsung.ab

Warnings:

• 🛑 Not all apps will recover correctly due to the difference in the architecture of Samsung and Xiaomi.
• 🔐 Backup is not encrypted – keep the file in a safe place.
• ⚙️ Xiaomi may need to be disconnected MIUI Optimization (Settings) → For developers).

7. Solving common problems

When transferring data from Samsung to Xiaomi via a computer, errors may occur.

⚠️ Note: If after transfer to Xiaomi lost contacts from the SIM-maps, check the synchronization settings: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Contact sync. Often contacts are duplicated and the system hides them - turn on the display of all contacts in the Contacts app.

FAQ: Frequent questions