How to Transfer Data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi via Mi Account: A Complete Guide to 2026

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, especially when it comes to saving all the important data. Photos, contacts, messages, app settings all need to be transferred without loss. Fortunately, the manufacturer has a convenient tool: synchronization via Mi Account, which allows you to transfer most of the information between devices in just a few clicks, without using cables or third-party programs.

But how does this work? What data can be moved and what can't? And what to do if the sync is stuck or not started? In this article, we will break down the step-by-step instructions for transferring data through Mi Account, look at typical errors and give practical tips for different Xiaomi models, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi 13 Ultra.

The Mi Account method is suitable for most modern devices on the Internet. MIUI 12 and later. If you have an older firmware version, some features may not be available, as we'll talk about later.

1 What data can be transferred through Mi Account

Before you start the process, it’s important to understand what information syncs through your Xiaomi account, and not all data can be transferred this way – some apps (like banking) block backups for security reasons.

Here is a complete list of what is guaranteed to carry over with the right setup:

• 📱 Contacts (including groups and tags)
• 📷 Photos and videos from the gallery (if sync with Mi Cloud is enabled)
• 📝 Notes (Application Notes Xiaomi)
• 🔄 Call log (incoming/outgoing/missed)
• 📅 Calendar and events
• 🎵 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, brightness, etc.)
• 📱 List of installed applications (without data inside them)
• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords (if synchronization is enabled)

Here’s what won’t automatically happen:

• 🚫 SMS and MMS (separate backup is required)
• 🚫 Data within applications (for example, saves in games, chats in messengers)
• 🚫 Files in folders (documents, music, downloads – only if they are in Mi Cloud)
• 🚫 Settings for some stock applications (such as Mi Fit or Mi Home)

If you need to transfer SMS or data from specific applications (such as WhatsApp), you will need to use additional methods, we will discuss this at the end of the article.

2. Preparation of devices for data transfer

Before syncing, you need to take several important steps on both smartphones, both old and new, and skipping either of them can cause crashes or incomplete data transfer.

Preparation checklist:

Now, more details on each item:

1. Update MIUI. Make sure both devices have the latest firmware version installed. Go to Settings for this. → The phone. → Update the system. If you have an update, install it. It's important because it's in older versions. MIUI 11 and below sync via Mi Account is unstable.

2. Wi-Fi connectivity. Data transfer requires an active Internet connection. Use the same Wi-Fi network for both devices, this will speed up the process (4G/5G) It may not be suitable due to traffic restrictions.

3. Battery charge: The synchronization process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour (depending on the amount of data) Make sure both phones have enough charge or the transfer will be interrupted.

4.Place in Mi Cloud. Xiaomi provides 5GB of free cloud storage by default.If you have a lot of photos or videos, check the free space in Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Warehouse. If necessary, clear unnecessary files or buy extra space.

5. Sign out on a new phone. If you have already signed in to Mi Account on a new device, be sure to log out (Settings) → Mi Account → Otherwise, the system may not offer the option of data recovery on the first turn on.

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If you have any doubts about model compatibility, check the support. MIUI For example, the Redmi Note 8 (2019) and Xiaomi 13 Pro (2023) are easily synchronized via the Mi Account, despite the age difference.

3. Step-by-step instructions: transferring data through Mi Account

Now, we're going to break it down into two steps: set up the old phone (where we're transferring data from) and set up the new phone (where we're transferring it).

Step 1: Backup on your old phone

1. Open the settings on your old smartphone.

2. Go to Mi Account → Mi Cloud.

3. Enable synchronization for all the desired categories (contacts, photos, notes, etc.) Sliders should be green.

4. Go back to the main Settings menu and select Additional → Backup and reset → Local backups.

5. Press Backup and select the data to save. Be sure to note:

• 📱 System data (settings, wallpaper, sounds)
• 📞 Contacts and call log
• 📷 Gallery (if not synchronized with the cloud)

6. Wait for the process to be completed. The backup file will be saved in the phone's memory.

Step 2: Recovery on a new phone

1. Turn on the new Xiaomi smartphone and go through the initial setup before you sign in to the Mi Account.

2. On the screen Sign in to Mi Account, select Already have an account and log in with the same data as on your old phone.

3. After logging in, the system will prompt you to restore data from the backup. Select Restore.

4. If the offer does not appear, go to Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Restore from backup and select the file created on your old phone.

5. Confirm recovery and wait until completion. Phone will reboot.

Step 3: Checking the transferred data

After the reboot, check:

• 📱 Contacts in the Phone application
• 📷 Photos in the Gallery (Folder Mi Cloud or Camera)
• 📝 Notes in the annex of the same name
• 🔄 Call magazine

4. Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right setup, users sometimes face problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: "I failed to connect to the Mi Cloud"

Causes and solutions:

• 🌍 Internet problems → Reconnect to Wi-Fi or reboot your router.
• 🔄 Xiaomi servers are not available → Check the status of services on status.mi.com.
• 📱 An outdated version MIUI → Update the firmware on both devices.

Mistake 2: “Not enough space in the Mi Cloud”

Decisions:

• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary backups in the Mi Cloud → Storage management.
• 💳 Buy an extra seat (from 50 GB per seat) ~100 rubles/month).
• 📁 Transfer the photos to your computer or external drive and then sync only contacts and settings.

Error 3: “The data is not fully transferred”

What to do:

• 🔍 Check if sync is enabled for all categories in the Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Try to create a new backup on your old phone and repeat the recovery.
• 🔄 If specific data is lacking (e.g. SMS), use third-party applications such as SMS Backup & Restore.

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If the new phone already had data (for example, you have used it for several days), the recovery from the backup can overwrite it, in which case it is better to transfer the data selectively through the Mi Cloud or manually.

5. Alternative methods of data transfer

If synchronization through Mi Account is not suitable for some reason, you can use other methods.

1. Transfer via cable OTG

Suitable for transferring photos, videos and documents.

• 🔌 Cable USB-C to USB-C (Micro-USB adapter if the old phone has a Type-B connector).
• 📱 File Manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).

Instructions:

1. Connect your old phone to your new phone via cable.
2. On the new phone, select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
3. Open the Explorer and copy the required folders (DCIM, Downloads, etc.).

2.Use of Google Account.

If you have sync with Google, you can transfer:

• 📱 Contacts
• 📅 Calendar
• 📝 Notes (via Google Keep)

For this:

1. On your old phone, check that sync with Google is enabled (Settings) → Accounts. → Google).
2. On the new phone, log in to the same Google account when you set up.
3. Wait for automatic synchronization (it can take up to 15 minutes).

Third-party transfer applications

Applications like SHAREit, Xender or Send Anywhere allow you to transfer files over Wi-Fi Direct.

• ⚡ Fast transmission (up to 20 MB/s).
• 📱 Support for all types of files.
• 🔄 No volume limit.

Cons:

• 🚫 System settings and application data are not transferred.
• 🛡️ Risk of data leakage when using unreliable applications.

6.Perfections of transfer for different models Xiaomi

While the general principle of data transfer via Mi Account is the same for all Xiaomi devices, there are nuances for different lines and versions. MIUI.

1. Devices on MIUI 12/13/14

Starting with MIUI 12, the synchronization process is more stable:

• 🔄 Automatic recovery offer on first activation.
• 📱 Support for porting application settings (for example, design themes).
• 🔒 Selective recovery (e.g. only contacts).

2. Old models (MIUI 11 and below)

On devices like Redmi Note 7 or Mi 9 with MIUI 11 may cause problems:

• 🚫 No automatic recovery suggestion – you need to manually go to Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 📱 Mi Cloud synchronization is slower.
• 🔄 Some settings (such as navigation gestures) may not be portable.

3. Flagship models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Mix Fold)

On top devices, the process is optimized:

• 📱 Restore camera settings (e.g., custom modes in Leica Authentic).

4. HyperOS models (2026)

New HyperOS firmware (replacement) MIUI) shifts the logic of transference:

• 🔄 Backup is now called Xiaomi Cloud Backup.
• 📱 There is an option to transfer data from third-party clouds (for example, Google Drive).
• 🚀 Accelerated synchronization by optimizing code.

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If you POCO or Black Shark, the data transfer process is similar, but may be called differently in the settings (for example, POCO Cloud instead of Mi Cloud).

7.Security: How to protect your data when you move

Transferring data through Mi Account is convenient, but it is important to keep security in mind.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Before you start syncing, enable two-factor authentication for your Mi Account:

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Security.
2. Choose a two-step check.
3. Attach a phone number or email address.

This will protect your account from being hacked, even if someone recognizes your password.

2. Encryption of backup

V MIUI 13/14 And HyperOS has a local backup encryption option to enable it:

1. When creating a backup copy in Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
2. Select Encrypt the backup copy.
3. Create a strong password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters).

3. Verification of connected devices

After transferring the data, check which devices are linked to your Mi Account:

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Device management.
2. Remove old or unknown devices.
3. If you see a suspicious device, change your password immediately.

4. Cleaning up the old phone

After successful data transfer, be sure to reset the old phone to the factory settings.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Delete all data.
3. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter a password from Mi Account).

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Never sell or transfer an old phone without resetting to factory settings!Even if you have manually deleted files, they can be restored with special programs.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)