How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Redmi: 5 proven ways

The switch to a new Redmi smartphone is always exciting, but the process of transferring data from the old Xiaomi can seem difficult. Many users are afraid of losing important contacts, photos or settings, especially if they have not faced this task before. In fact, the manufacturer has provided several convenient ways to migrate, from the automatic Mi Mover tool to manual copying through the cloud services.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of data transfer between Xiaomi and Redmi devices, including the nuances for different versions. MIUI. You will learn how to save not only media files, but also SMS, Calendar records, Wi-Fi passwords, even desktop settings, and what mistakes users make most often and how to avoid them.

Importantly, if you move from Xiaomi to Redmi in the same ecosystem, the process will be easier than changing the brand. → Redmi Note 13 Pro+), All of the following methods will remain operational.

1. Preparation of devices before data transfer

Before you start migrating, follow a few steps on both smartphones, which will save you from data loss and speed up the process.

On the old Xiaomi:

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50% – transfer can take up to 30 minutes.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (if you use the cloud or Mi Mover!
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning to remove unnecessary files.
• 🔐 Make sure there is no bootloader lock on the device (relevant for rooted devices).

On the new Redmi:

• 📱 Go through the initial setup before the request to transfer data (do not miss this step!).
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Turn it off. VPN Antiviruses – they can block data transmission.

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If the new Redmi already has data (for example, you have partially configured it), reset to factory settings via Settings. → Additionally. → Recovery and reset, which will eliminate conflict during transfer.

⚠️ Note: If old Xiaomi has data encryption enabled (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption, cable transfer may not work. In this case, use the cloud method.

2. Method 1: Mi Mover is the official tool of Xiaomi

Mi Mover is the easiest solution for transferring data between devices Xiaomi/Redmi. This tool is built into the firmware and supports the transfer of almost all types of data, including:

• 📞 Contacts, call log, SMS/MMS
• 📷 Photos, videos, audio files
• 📅 Calendar, notes, alarm clocks.
• 🌐 Wi-Fi passwords, system settings
• 📱 Annexes (APK-file + data-data)

How to use:

1. On the new Redmi, select Data Transfer when you first set up → Xiaomi.
2. On the old Xiaomi, open Settings → Additionally. → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
3. Scan it. QR-code from a new phone or connect via a Wi-Fi hotspot created by Redmi.
4. Select data types to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

The speed of transmission depends on the amount of data:

Shut down. VPN both-device|Close all background applications|Connect to one Wi-Fi network|Charge both phones at least 50 times%-->

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Mover is stuck in the Preparation phase, check if the old phone is power-saving (Settings) → Battery → Power saving mode. Turn it off and restart the process.

3. Method 2: Transfer via cable OTG (bulky)

If you have a lot of data (e.g., more than 100GB of photos and videos in original quality), wireless methods may not work. OTG (USB Type-C → USB Type-C or Micro-USB → Type-C depending on the model).

Step-by-step:

1. Buy a cable. OTG Data-enabled (not all cables support this mode!).
2. Connect the old Xiaomi to the new Redmi OTG.
3. On the new phone, select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
4. Open Explorer on Redmi and copy the folders you need (DCIM, Download, Pictures, etc.) from an old device.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Transfer speeds 2-3 times faster than Wi-Fi.
• 🔒 No risk of data loss due to connection breakdown.
• 📁 You can selectively copy only the right folders.

Disadvantages:

• 🔌 Purchase of cable required OTG (cost ₽).
• 📂 Applications and their data will have to be transferred separately (via Titanium Backup or analogues).

Method 3: Cloud Transfer (Xiaomi Cloud) + Google Drive)

If you don't have a cable. OTG Or Wi-Fi is unstable, you can use cloud services. Xiaomi offers two options: its own Mi Cloud and integration with Google Drive.

Option A: Mi Cloud (for contacts, notes, photos)

1. On the old Xiaomi, log in to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on synchronization for the desired data (contacts, gallery, notes).
3. On the new Redmi, log in to the same Xiaomi account and wait for automatic sync.

Option B: Google Drive (for full phone backup)

1. On your old phone, open Settings → System → Backup.
2. Select Backup in Google Drive and create an archive.
3. On the new Redmi, when setting up, select Restore from Google backup.

Comparison of cloud services:

Mi Cloud|Google Drive|Yandex Disc.|iCloud|Other|Not using.-->

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Photos to transfer media files, please note that from June 2021 free storage in High Quality is limited to 15 GB. Photos in the original resolution will take up space from your tariff.

5. Method 4: Computer Transfer (for power users)

If you need to transfer all data without exception (including hidden system files), the best way is to use a computer, a method that is suitable for users who want to have complete control over the process.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 Two. USB-cable (to connect both phones)
• 📁 Programme Mi PC Suite (the official utility from Xiaomi) or ADB for advanced users

Instructions via Mi PC Suite:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite on your computer.
2. Connect your old Xiaomi to your PC and back up through Backup → Create a backup copy.
3. Turn off the old phone, plug in a new Redmi.
4. Select Restore from backup and specify the previously created file.

For advanced users (through the ADB):

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f /sdcard/backup.ab


adb restore /sdcard/backup.ab

These commands create a full backup (including apps and their data) and restore it to a new device. Developer rights are required!

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Transferring over a computer is the only way to save all application data (for example, progress in games or setting up messengers) without root rights.

Method 5: Manual transfer of individual data types

If you don't have to carry everything, you can selectively copy only the important data, and let's look at the most popular categories.

📞 Contact and SMS:

• Export contacts to.vcf file via Contacts → Settings → Exports/imports.
• For SMS use the app SMS Backup & Restore (Saves in the XML).

📷 Photos and videos:

• Connect your old phone to your PC and copy the DCIM and Pictures folders.
• Or upload files to Google Photos and sync to a new device.

🎵 Music and documents:

• Use Explorer on your phone to copy files to a flash drive or to the cloud.
• For music, it is convenient to use Spotify or Yandex Music with playlist synchronization.

🔑 Wi-Fi passwords:

• Download the old WiFi Password Viewer (root required).
• Export the list of networks to the file and import to the new Redmi.

🎮 Game data:

• Use built-in sync via Google Play Games or Game Center.
• For offline games (such as Genshin Impact) move the folder Android/obb.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common errors and ways to correct them:

If none of the methods worked:

1. Check if the phone is enabled with the developer mode debugging USB (It can block the Mi Mover).
2. Restart both devices and try again.
3. Contact the Xiaomi service center – they can transfer data through special software.

8. What to do after the data transfer?

Once all files are successfully copied, follow a few steps to optimize the new Redmi:

• 🔍 Check the Settings. → Storage and remove duplicate files.
• 🔄 Update all apps through Google Play Store.
• 🔒 Set up face unlock/print in Settings → Screen locking.
• 📶 Reconfigure the mobile network (sometimes settings) APN bearable).
• 🎨 Set up a dark theme and wallpaper in Settings → Screen.

We also recommend:

• 🛡️ Include virus protection in Settings → Security.
• 🔋 Optimize battery consumption through settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.
• 🔔 Set up notifications for important applications.

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After transferring data, back up on the new Redmi via Settings → Additionally. → Backup. It'll keep you from losing information in the future.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions