How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Realme 6 Pro: 5 proven ways

Why Data Transfers between Xiaomi and Realme Need a Special Approach

The transition from Xiaomi to Realme 6 Pro is not just a change of smartphone, but a transition between two different ecosystems with unique branded services. Unlike the transfer between devices of the same brand (for example, with Redmi Note 10 on Xiaomi 13), here you will have to face a number of nuances, from the incompatibility of backups of the Mi Cloud and Realme Cloud to the peculiarities of working with the ColorOS firmware on the new device.

The main problem is the lack of a universal tool for direct transfer. If you can use Smart Switch when switching between Samsung smartphones, and Apple has Quick Start, then Xiaomi → Realme will have to combine several methods. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, taking into account the specifics of both models, from the limitations of the Realme 6 Pro (for example, the lack of a memory card slot in some regional versions) to the features of authorization in the Mi Account.

Important: The Realme 6 Pro runs on ColorOS, which has its own backup algorithms, meaning that even standard Android tools like Google Backup can work incorrectly with some data (like screen settings or control gestures).

Method 1: Transfer through Google Account (most universal)

This method is suitable for basic data: contacts, calendars, Google Keep notes, call history and parts of applications. It does not require additional programs, but has limitations, for example, it does not tolerate SMS/MMS and multimedia files.

To synchronize the data:

1. On Xiaomi, go to Settings → Google Accounts → Sync and turn on all the switches.
2. On Realme 6 Pro, when you first turn on, select the option “Copy data from your old device” and log in to the same Google account.
3. Wait for the synchronization to be completed (it can take up to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data).

⚠️ Warning: If you’ve already set up Realme 6 Pro without being tied to Google, reset it to factory settings (Settings) → Additional settings → Reset and repeat the procedure, otherwise some of the data (such as Wi-Fi passwords) will not be transferred.

💡

If contacts don’t show up after sync, check Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync – sometimes manual updates are required.

What is carried through Google Account:

• 📇 Contacts (including groups and tags)
• 📅 Calendars and reminders
• 📝 Notes from Google Keep
• 📱 Installed apps (only from Google Play)
• 🌐 Wi-Fi passwords (if sync is enabled in Settings) → Google → Services → Auto-filling)

What's NOT tolerable:

• 📷 Photos and videos (you need to use Google Photos separately)
• 💬 SMS call history
• 🎵 Music and downloads
• 🔧 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, gestures)

Method 2: Transfer photos and videos via Google Photos

Google Photos is the only reliable way to migrate media files without loss of quality (provided you have enough space in the cloud). Xiaomi may have its own Gallery app installed by default, but it doesn’t sync with Realme.

Instructions:

1. On Xiaomi, install Google Photos from Play Market (if not installed).
2. Launch the application and enable autoboot in the settings (Photo → Settings → Backup and Synchronization).
3. Choose the quality "Original" (if it is important to keep the resolution) or "High" (free, but compression up to 16 MP for the photo).
4. On Realme 6 Pro, log in to the same Google account and wait for files to load (may take several hours with a large volume).

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi photos were stored in a folder DCIM/Camera, And on Realme. 6 Pro they are automatically saved in Pictures, after transferring the folder structure may break. To avoid confusion, before uploading to Google Photos, create a separate folder on Xiaomi (for example, create a separate folder on Xiaomi, Xiaomi_Backup) And move all the media files there.

Method 3: Transfer over OTG cable (for large data volumes)

If you don’t have a stable internet or data volume exceeds 100GB, the fastest way is to connect directly via a network. OTG-The Realme 6 Pro supports cable. USB OTG, Xiaomi may require an adapter (e.g. Type-C). → Micro-USB if you have an old model).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi to Realme 6 Pro via the OTG-The cable will be on Realme "USB-plug-in".
2. On Realme 6 Pro, open the File Manager (the standard Files app) and select the USB tab.
3. Copy the right folders (DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp, etc.) to internal memory or SD-map (if installed).
4. To speed up the process, use the “Transfer Files” mode (in the Xiaomi notification curtain).

⚠️ Note: When copying a WhatsApp folder, be sure to move the entire folder, including the files. msgstore.db.crypt14 If you just copy media, chat history won't be restored!

Charging the battery of both phones > 50%|Free space on Realme 6 Pro (at least 20% more copyable data)|Battery Optimizers for File Manager Disabled|Used by the original OTG-cable (cheap may not support high transmission speeds)-->

The transfer speed depends on the USB version:

• 🔌 USB 2.0 (old Xiaomi): ~5-10 MB/s
• 🔌 USB 3.0 (Realme 6 Pro): Up to 40–50 MB/s
• ⚡ USB-C 3.1 (if both devices support): up to 100MB/s

The Realme 6 Pro is a critical feature: if you copy files to the SD-Pre-format it in the exFAT file system (not the exFAT file system). FAT32), Files larger than 4GB are not copied.

Method 4: Transfer SMS and call histories through third-party apps

Standard Android tools don’t carry SMS and call logs between different brands, and you’ll need a third-party app like SMS Backup & Restore (free, no ads) or Super Backup.

Instructions for SMS Backup & Restore:

1. Install the app on Xiaomi from the Play Market.
2. Run backup: Settings → Backup → Create a backup.
3. Select the.xml format (compatible with most devices) and save the file to internal memory or to the storage. SD-map.
4. Transfer the backup file to Realme 6 Pro (via OTG, cloud, or email).
5. Install Backup & Restore SMS on Realme 6 Pro and recover the data from the file.

⚠️ Note: If you have a dual-sim Realme 6 Pro, after recovery SMS check which one SIM-The map has messages attached to it, and in some cases, they can only be displayed for the main message. SIM. To fix this, go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Settings SMS and pick the right one. SIM.

Alternative applications for portability:

• 📱 Super Backup: SMS & Contacts – Supports the transfer to SD-map
• 🔄 SMS To Text - Exports SMS text-file
• ☁️ SMS Backup+ — synchronizes with Gmail (messages are saved in tags)

Method 5: Complete computer transfer (for advanced users)

If you need to migrate all the data without exception (including application settings, game saves, and system files), the most reliable way is to use a computer and the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) program, which requires technical skills, but allows you to copy even the data that is not available through standard tools.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB-Type C and USB-MicroUSB cables (depending on Xiaomi model)
• 🛠️ Established ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website)
• 🔐 Included debugging by USB both-device

Instructions:

1. On Xiaomi and Realme 6 Pro Enable Developer Mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI/ColorOS → press 7 once).
2. Enable debugging over USB (Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB).
3. Connect Xiaomi to your computer and execute the command to create a backup: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f xiaomi_backup.ab
4. Connect Realme. 6 Pro and recover data: adb restore xiaomi_backup.ab

⚠️ Note: When restoring through ADB Realme 6 Pro may have conflicts with ColorOS system applications, for example, if Xiaomi has Mi Fit or Mi Home installed, they may not work properly after the transfer.

💡

ADB-Transfer is the only way to save application data (such as game progress or Nova Launcher settings), but it requires manual adjustment and can cause crashes if you don’t follow the order.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If after transferring to Realme 6 Pro, lags or applications began to close, follow the following steps:

1. Reset the device.
2. Clear the cache in Settings → Storage → Clearing data → Cash.
3. Update all apps in the Play Market.
4. If the problem persists, reset your network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions