How to transfer data from Sony Xperia to Xiaomi: a complete guide with photos and videos

The transition from Sony Xperia to Xiaomi is not just a smartphone change, but a complete migration of digital life: contacts, photos, messages, apps and even settings. Many users have trouble migrating data between different brands, especially when it comes to older Xperia models (e.g. Xperia). Z5 Xperia XZ1) And the new Xiaomis. MIUI 14/15. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways – from standard Google tools to specialized utilities like Xiaomi Migration and Sony Xperia Transfer Mobile.

It's important to understand that the transfer process depends on several factors: the Android version on both devices, the availability of root rights, data volume and even Xiaomi models (for example, the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13 Ultra have different limitations). We tested all methods on real devices and identified those that work steadily in 2026. If you are afraid of losing data, use a combination of cloud backup and local transfer via cable, this is the most reliable option.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge on both smartphones (at least 50%).
• 📶 A stable Internet connection (for cloud-based methods).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the Xiaomi kit).
• 📱 Free space on Xiaomi (data from Xperia can take up to a few minutes) 10-15 GB).

1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Transfer

The first step is to prepare both smartphones. On the Sony Xperia, you need to turn on modes that allow other devices to access data; on Xiaomi, you need to activate functions to receive files. Skipping this stage often leads to errors like "Device not detected" or "No read rights."

On Xperia, do the following:

1. Go to Settings. → System system → About Phone and 7 times Click on Build Number to Activate Developer Mode.
2. Back to Settings → System system → For developers and include: 🔄 Debugging by USB 🔗 File transfer by USB (choose PTP or MTP).

power-saving

On Xiaomi (especially on new models with newer models) MIUI 14+):

• 🔓 Unlock. OEM-unlocking → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additional settings → For developers → Unlocking OEM.
• 📲 Turn it on. USB-Debugging in the same developer settings.
• 🚫 Turn off data protection. MIUI (if enabled) in the settings → Confidentiality.

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If Xiaomi does not activate the developer mode, try to connect the device to Wi-Fi and repeat the clicks on "Version". MIUI". Some firmware requires the internet to unlock.

We also recommend checking firmware compatibility. For example, if Xperia is running Android 8.0 Oreo and Xiaomi is running Android 13, some system files (such as a call log) may not be ported correctly, in which case it is better to use a cloud backup or a side utility.

2. Method 1: Transfer through Google Account (most universal)

This method works on all Sony Xperia and Xiaomi devices, regardless of the Android version, the main condition is an active Google account and enough space in Google Drive (free of charge 15 GB).

• 📇 Contacts (including groups and notes).
• 📅 Calendars and reminders.
• 📸 Photos and videos (via Google Photos).
• 🎵 Music and documents (if uploaded to Google Drive).
• 📱 Some system settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper).

Step-by-step:

1. On Sony Xperia go to Settings → System system → Backup and enable Backup in Google Drive.Click Create Backup Now.
2. Wait for the process to be completed (it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of data).
3. On Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select Restore Data from a backup and log in to the same Google account.
4. Select the latest backup and confirm the recovery.

⚠️ Attention: This method does not tolerate SMS, Call log and installed apps will require additional steps (see section 4) and note that Google Photos compresses images when downloading free of charge. To maintain the original quality, use the “Original Quality” option (it takes up space in your Google storage).

Contact synchronization enabled (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Contacts)

Photos uploaded to Google Photos (open the app and check "Backups")

Xiaomi has plenty of data recovery space

Both devices have the same Google account.-->

Method 2: Direct cable transfer (without computer)

If you don’t have access to your computer or want to transfer data as quickly as possible, use a direct connection via the Internet. USB-This method is supported by most Xiaomi models (starting with the MIUI 10) and Sony Xperia (on Android 6.0)+). Advantages:

• ⚡ Speed (up to 500 Mbps when used) USB 3.0).
• 🔒 Security (data is not transmitted via the Internet).
• 📁 Transfer of all types of files (including: SMS and a call log when using special utilities).

Instructions:

1. Connect Sony Xperia to Xiaomi with the help of USB-OTG Adapter (if on Xiaomi Type-C connector and on Xperia - Micro-USB).
2. On Xiaomi, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification panel.
3. Open the Files (or Explorer) app on Xiaomi and go to the section USB-device.
4. Copy the right folders (DCIM Photos, Downloads for downloads, etc.) to Xiaomi’s internal memory.

For transfer SMS, Call logs and applications will require additional software:

• 📲 Xiaomi Migration (built-in to the MIUI, It works on new models).
• 🔄 Sony Xperia Transfer Mobile (official app from Sony, but not all Xiaomi models support it).
• 📱 Send Anywhere or ShareMe (Side of the utility for the P2P-transmission).

⚠️ Note: When connecting through OTG Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Poco) X5 or Redmi 12C) They may not recognize Xperia as a drive:

1. Try another cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
2. Reboot both devices.
3. On Xperia in the settings USB Choose a Media Device (MTP) instead of Charging.

Method 3: Transfer over a computer (for full control)

If you need to migrate all the data without exception (including hidden files, application settings, and system logs), the best option is to use a computer. This method takes longer, but guarantees 100% control over the process.

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
• 🔌 Two. USB-cables (preferably original).
• 📂 Programs: Mi PC Suite (for Xiaomi) and Xperia Companion (for Sony).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Xperia Companion from Sony and Mi official website PC Suite from Xiaomi website.
2. Connect Sony Xperia to your computer and wait for the drivers to install. USB Select File Transfer (MTP).
3. Copy all the folders you need (DCIM, Pictures, Music, etc.) onto your computer.
4. Turn off Xperia and plug in Xiaomi. PC Select Data Import and specify the path to copied files.
5. Use the application transfer APK Extractor (on Xperia) and APK Installer (on Xiaomi).

For transfer SMS and computer call logs:

• On Xperia, install Super Backup & Restore and backup SMS/.xml-formatted calls.
• Copy files to your computer, then to Xiaomi.
• On Xiaomi, install the same app and recover the data.

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Use your computer if you need to transfer more than 50 GB of data or if there is little space available on Xiaomi, which is also suitable for transferring files with a corrupt file system to Xperia.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ When connecting to a computer, a request to unlock may appear USB-Debugging even if it's already on, confirm access or the files won't show up.

5. Method 4: Use of specialized applications

If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to outdated firmware on Xperia), you can use third-party utilities. We tested 5 popular applications and selected those that work consistently with Sony Xperia and Xiaomi:

We recommend Send Anywhere for most users, as it:

• 🔄 Works without registration.
• 📡 Use Wi-Fi Direct (no Internet connection required).
• 🔒 Encrypts the transmitted data.
• 📱 Supports Xperia on Android 4.4+ and Xiaomi MIUI 8+.

Instructions for Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both devices from Google Play.
2. On Xperia, select files to send and click Send.
3. 6-digit code is generated or QR-code.
4. On Xiaomi, enter this code in the Get field.
5. Confirm the transmission on both devices.

To port data applications (such as save games), use Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup (for older versions of Android).

Method 5: Transfer through SD-map (for older models)

If your Sony Xperia supports microSD cards (e.g. Xperia) Z3 Xperia XA1), Xiaomi has a slot for you. SD (Like the Redmi Note 11 Pro, you can use the card as an intermediate drive:

• 📸 Photo and video (folder) DCIM).
• 🎵 Music and documents.
• 📱 Backup copies SMS/Contacts (created through Super Backup).

How to transfer data:

1. Put it in. SD-map in Sony Xperia.
2. Copy the files you need to the card (use Explorer or Files).
3. Remove the card and paste it into Xiaomi.
4. Copy files from the card into internal memory.

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models support adoptable storage SD-If you want to install applications on a card, pre-format it as an internal drive in the Xiaomi settings (Settings) → Warehouse → SD-map → Format it as an internal drive, and then the card will only work with that device, and the data on it will be encrypted.

Transfer of specific data types: detailed instructions

Some types of data require a special approach, and below are detailed instructions for the most popular categories.

Contacts and calendars

The most reliable way is synchronization through Google Account:

1. On Xperia: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Contact synchronization (enable).
2. On Xiaomi: When you first start, select Contact Recovery from Google or manually sync to Settings → Accounts.

If the contacts are kept on SIM-map:

1. On Xperia, export them to your phone's memory: Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Export to device.
2. Transfer the.vcf file to Xiaomi in any convenient way (cable, cloud).
3. On Xiaomi, import the file through Contacts → Settings → Imports.

7.2. SMS call-book

For transfer SMS rootless:

• Use it. SMS Backup & Restore (Free, runs on Android 4.0)+).
• On Xperia, create a backup in.xml format.
• Transfer the file to Xiaomi and restore it.

For call logs:

• Install Call Logs Backup & Restore.
• Create a backup copy on Xperia.
• Restore to Xiaomi (you may need permission to access calls in Settings) → Annexes).

7.3 Applications and their data

Transfer of installed applications is possible only if root rights are available or through the ADB. For most users, it is easier:

1. Make a list of installed apps on Xperia through Settings → Annexes.
2. Install them manually on Xiaomi from Google Play.
3. To transfer application data (e.g., saves in games) use Helium (requires a PC) or Swift Backup (requires root).

Photo and video in original quality

To avoid compression:

• Use Google Photos in the “Original Quality” mode (paid after 15 GB).
• Transfer files via cable or SD-map.
• For RAW-Photos (e.g. from Xperia) XZ2) Use Lightroom Mobile to sync.

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when you follow the instructions, you can get errors, and we've collected some of the most common problems and ways to solve them.

If none of the methods worked:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Reset your network settings on both smartphones (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings).
• 🔓 On Xiaomi, temporarily turn off data protection MIUI privacy settings.

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If Xiaomi doesn’t recognize Xperia via cable, try connecting both devices to the same Wi-Fi router and using Send Anywhere or Xiaomi Migration over a local network.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions