How to transfer data from Xiaomi Redmi 4X to a new phone: the full guide

Why Transferring Data from Redmi 4X Needs a Special Approach

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still popular with users due to its reliability and low price. However, when switching to a new device, many face a problem: standard data porting tools often do not work correctly due to the outdated version of MIUI (maximum - MIUI 11 based on Android 7.1) and limited device resources. Unlike modern smartphones, Redmi 4X has only 2/3 GB of RAM and 16-64 GB of ROM, which complicates backup of large amounts of data.

Another feature is the lack of support for Quick Share (similar to AirDrop) and limited compatibility with cloud services. For example, Mi Cloud on older versions of MIUI may not sync applications, only contacts and notes. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to transfer data, taking into account all the nuances of Redmi 4X, including bypassing typical errors like “lack of memory” or “device not detected”.

Importantly, if your new phone is an iPhone, the process will be different from porting to Android, and we'll look at both scenarios separately.

Redmi 4X Preparation for Data Transfer: Mandatory Steps

Before you start the transfer, you need to perform several critical actions, omitting at least one point can lead to data loss or a process failure.

• 📱 Update. MIUI until the last available version, even if your Redmi 4X Does not support new versions of Android, update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Update the system. This will fix synchronization errors.
• 🔋 Charge both phones to a minimum. 50%. Data transfer may take up to 1-2 hours, especially when using a cable.
• 🗃️ Clear the cache and unnecessary files. Go to Settings → Memory. → Clean up and remove the garbage, which will make room for temporary files.
• 🔒 Turn off the screen lock (PIN, Some methods (e.g. through Xiaomi Migration) require unlocked devices.

Pay special attention to application permissions. Go to Settings → Permissions → Autostart and enable autorun for Mi Mover, Google Drive and other portable tools. Without this, programs can close in the background.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4X Developer mode is enabled with debugging USB (Settings → Additionally. → For developers, disable it before using official Xiaomi tools.This can cause conflicts when connecting to a new phone.

Method 1: Xiaomi’s official tool is Mi Mover (most reliable)

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi for transferring data between devices on MIUI. It is pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand, including Redmi 4X.

• 📞 Contacts, messages (SMS/MMS) and call logs
• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads)
• 🎵 Music and audio files
• 📁 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel)
• 📱 Some system settings (wallpaper, sounds)

Step-by-step:

1. On Redmi 4X, open Mi Mover (find by app search).
2. Select the role of "I am an old phone."
3. On the new phone, also launch Mi Mover and select "I am the new phone."
4. Scanner. QR-The code will appear on the new device – scan it from the old Redmi 4X.
5. Confirm the connection and select the data to transfer. Click "Start".

It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data, so don't interrupt the connection or block the screen, because it will crash.

Method 2: Transfer through a Google account (for Android and iPhone)

If the new phone is running on Android or iOS, the most versatile method is sync through a Google account.

• 📇 Contacts (from the "Google Contacts" app")
• 📅 Calendars and reminders
• 📧 Letters from Gmail
• 📸 Photos and videos (via Google Photos)
• 🎮 Data of certain games (if linked to Google Play)

Instructions for Android:

1. On Redmi 4X, open Settings → Google Accounts →
2. Select your account and enable synchronization for Contacts, Calendar and other data.
3. Wait for the synchronization to complete (check in the top notification bar).
4. On the new phone, add the same Google account and enable sync.

For iPhone: After adding a Google account to Settings → Passwords and accounts, contacts and calendars will automatically appear in standard iOS apps.

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If it's Redmi. 4X Contacts are not stored in Google, but in the phone’s memory, export them to the file. VCF: open "Contacts" → ⋮ → "Contact management" → "Imports/Exports" → "Export to file".

⚠️ Note: Google Photos compresses images when downloading free ("High Quality"). To transfer photos in the original resolution, use the option "Source Quality" (you will need to pay for cloud space in excess of 15 GB).

Method 3: Transfer over an OTG cable or computer (for large volumes)

If you have a lot of data (such as 30+GB photos or 100+ apps), wireless methods may not be suitable due to speed and stability limitations.

• 🔌 Cable OTG (direct-to-phone connection)
• 💻 Computer (as an intermediate storage)

Option 1: Direct connection via OTG

1. Buy it. OTG-Adapter (e.g. Xiaomi) USB-C to Micro-USB OTG).
2. Connect the Redmi 4X to your new phone via an adapter.
3. On the new phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
4. Open the file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager) and copy the folders you want (DCIM, Downloads, Pictures).

Option 2: Through a computer (Windows/macOS)

1. Get Redmi on board. 4X PC-only USB-cable.
2. Select the "File Transfer" mode on your phone.
3. Copy the data into a folder on the computer.
4. Connect the new phone and transfer the files back.

For the portability of applications (APK) Use programs like this. APK Extractor (available in Play Market). APK-snare 4X, And then install them on a new device. Attention: not all apps will run on the new version of Android!

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Cable transfer is the only way to transfer files larger than 4GB (like 4K video).Wireless methods are usually limited to 2GB per file.

Method 4: Move to iPhone with Move to iOS

If you're upgrading from Redmi 4X to iPhone, use Apple's official Move to iOS app.

• 📞 Contacts, Message History and Call Logs
• 📸 Photo and video (in original quality)
• 📧 Email accounts
• 📍 Browser bookmarks
• 🎵 Music and books (if not protected) DRM)

Important: the app only works during the initial setup of the iPhone. If the iPhone is already configured, you'll have to reset it to factory settings!

Step-by-step:

1. Start setting up your new iPhone and go to the Apps and Data screen.
2. Select "Move data from Android".
3. On Redmi 4X, install Move to iOS from Play Market.
4. Launch the app, accept the terms and enter the 10-digit code that will appear on the iPhone.
5. Select the data to transfer and wait for completion.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4X the cost of traffic savings is included, or VPN, Move to iOS may not connect to your iPhone. disable these features before porting.

Method 5: Alternative applications (SHAREit, Send Anywhere, CLONEit)

If the standard methods don't work, use third-party apps. We tested the 3 most reliable ones:

Recommendations for use:

• 🔄 For SHAREit and Send Anywhere, both phones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 📡 If Wi-Fi is not available, create a hotspot on Redmi. 4X And connect it to a new phone.
• 🔒 Disable antivirus (e.g. Avast or 360 Security) – it can block file transfers.

When transferring via CLONEit, select the “No Root Access” option to avoid errors on Redmi 4X.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you migrate data from Redmi 4X, users often face typical problems.

• 🚫 "Lack of memory on Redmi 4X" Solution: Transfer data in parts (e.g., photo first, then video) or use your computer as an intermediate storage device.
• 🔌 "The phone is not detected when connecting USB" Solution: Insert "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → Additionally. → For developers and select "File Transfer" mode when connecting.
• 📶 "Mi Mover is constantly off" Solution: Close all background apps and turn off "Battery Optimization" for Mi Mover in the settings.
• 🔄 "Google account does not sync contacts" Solution: Delete account from Settings → Accounts, reboot your phone and add it again.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting your network settings to Redmi 4X (Settings → System → Reset → Network Reset).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions