How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi via computer: 5 proven ways

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones via a computer is a reliable way to save all important files when wireless methods are unavailable or unstable. Unlike cloud services or direct transmission over Wi-Fi Direct, using a PC gives you complete control over the process: You can see which files are being copied, you can sort them into folders, and you can even compress them with archives to save space. 8 Pro for new (Xiaomi) 13 Ultra) when the data volume exceeds 50-100 GB.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of transferring files through a computer: from standard copying files to using proprietary utilities Mi PC Suite and Xiaomi Cloud in the desktop version. You will learn how to avoid common errors (for example, loss of contacts during synchronization), which file formats are supported without conversion, and how to speed up the process with USB 3.0. We will separately dwell on the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader and models based on MIUI 14, where the logic of working with media files has changed.

Preparing devices and computers for data transfer

Before you start the transfer, make sure that both Xiaomi smartphones are fully charged (at least 50%) – this will prevent a sudden shutdown while copying large files.

• 🖥️ Operating system: Windows 10/11 macOS 12+ (for Mi PC Suite required by Windows)
• 🔌 Ports USB: at least one port USB 3.0 (blue) to speed up transmission
• 📁 Free space: the system disk must have at least 20 GB for temporary files
• 🔒 Antivirus: temporarily disable real-time protection (it can block access to the system folders of the smartphone)

On smartphones, perform the following actions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
2. Enable USB debugging: In the developer menu (Settings → Additional → For developers), find the appropriate switch.
3. Unlock the screen on both devices – some files (such as screenshots) may not be available when the screen is locked.

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring data from Xiaomi to a model with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14), pre-update Mi PC Suite up to 4.5.2 or later. Older versions of the utility do not recognize devices on new firmware.

Method 1: Directly copy files through Explorer (for Windows)

This is the most versatile method, which does not require additional software installation. It is suitable for transferring photos, videos, music, documents and most user files, except for application data (for example, save in games) and system settings - they will have to be transferred in other ways.

Connect both smartphones to your computer through USB-On the Xiaomi screen, select File Transfer Mode (MTP). Windows Explorer will open two new devices — usually designated as Redmi [model] or Xiaomi [model:

1. Open the folder of the original smartphone (from which you copy the data).
2. Go to Internal Drive → DCIM for photo/video or Download for downloaded files.
3. Select the files you want (Ctrl+A for all of them) and copy them (Ctrl+C).
4. Open the folder of the target smartphone and paste files (Ctrl+V).

To speed up the process, use archiving: select files, right-click and select Add to archive (ZIP format). Copy the archive to a second smartphone and unpack it on the device (for example, via ES Explorer), This will reduce transfer time by 30-40% when working with large volumes (100+ GB).

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If the computer does not see the smartphone MTP, Try to connect it to another. USB-port (preferably 3.0) or install Mi drivers USB Driver from the official Xiaomi website.

Method 2: Use Mi PC Suite for full port

Mi PC Suite is the official utility from Xiaomi, which allows you to transfer not only media files, but also contacts, messages, notes, application data (for example, the history of chats in WhatsApp). MIUI 10 and newer, but for proper operation requires:

• 🖥️ Windows 7/10/11 (32- or 64-bit-version)
• 🔌 USB-cable with data transmission support (not all charging cables are suitable!)
• 📱 Permission to install applications from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special rights)

Download the latest version of the Mi PC Suite from the official website (avoid third-party sources - they may contain viruses).

1. Connect the original smartphone to the computer and wait for its recognition in the program.
2. In the main menu, select Backup.
3. Check the data types for transfer (we recommend that you select all but System settings – they may conflict on the new model).
4. Click Start and wait for the backup to be created (time depends on the amount of data).
5. Disable the first smartphone, connect the second and select Restore, specifying the created backup.

⚠️ Attention: Mi PC Suite does not port data to some applications (such as Telegram or banking programs) due to the limitations of their developers.

Install the latest version of the utility|Disable the antivirus|Connect both smartphones in turn|Check the free space on the PC (minimum 20 GB)|Backup important data on the cloud (in case of a crash)-->

Method 3: Transfer over Xiaomi Cloud (desktop version)

If you have a Mi Account, you can use the desktop version of Xiaomi Cloud to sync your data, which is convenient because it doesn't require you to physically connect both smartphones at the same time, so you can upload data from one device to the cloud and then download it to the second phone.

• 📁 Free tariff provides only 5 GB of space (for transferring photos / videos this is not enough).
• ⏳ Download speed depends on your Internet connection (50 Mbps connection is recommended).
• 🔒 Some data (such as Wi-Fi passwords) are not synced for security reasons.

To move data through Xiaomi Cloud:

1. On the original smartphone, open Settings → Mi Account → Xiaomi Cloud.
2. Turn on sync for the desired categories (contacts, notes, photos, etc.).
3. On your computer, go to i.mi.com and log in.
4. In the web interface, select the Data Management section and export the desired files to the PC.
5. Connect the second smartphone to your computer and copy the downloaded files to the corresponding folders.

To speed up the process, use selective synchronization: disable unnecessary categories (such as Call Records or Calendar) if they are not required, and you can also use the Optimize Photos in the cloud settings, which will reduce their resolution and speed up loading.

Method 4: Transfer of contacts and messages through export/import

Contacts and SMS are critical data that is often lost when you change your smartphone, and use the built-in export features to transfer it over your computer:

For contacts:

1. On the original smartphone, open the Contacts app.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management → Import/Export → Export to file.
3. Select the format.vcf (for individual contacts) or.csv (for the entire address book).
4. Copy the resulting file to your computer and then to your new smartphone.
5. On the new device, import the file through the same Import/Export menu.

For SMS:

The standard Messages app in MIUI does not support SMS export.

1. Install the SMS Backup & Restore app from Google Play.
2. Run it and select Backup (create backup on your device).
3. Backup file (.xml) copy to your PC and then to your new smartphone.
4. On the new device, install the same application and restore messages from the file.

⚠️ Attention: When transferring SMS attachments (photos, videos, voice messages) will not be saved through third-party applications. To transfer them, use the method of directly copying files from the folder. /MIUI/mms.

Method 5: Transfer data from blocked or damaged Xiaomi

If the original Xiaomi smartphone is locked (forgot the password), the screen or device is not turned on, but the computer recognizes it, you can try to extract data bypassing standard methods.

• 🔧 ADB-Android Debug Bridge tools for accessing the file system.
• 🔓 Unlocked OEM Unlock (if previously enabled in the developer settings).
• 📂 Special utilities like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey (paid, but with a trial period).

Step-by-step instructions for data retrieval via ADB:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, proceed to the next step.
4. Copy the desired files on PC (example for photo): adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Photos

For devices with a damaged screen but a working sensor, you can use the mouse through the OTG-adapter:

1. Connect. USB-mouse to smartphone OTG-adapter.
2. Unlock the device (if possible) and turn on Developer Mode.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and transfer the data in a standard way.

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If your smartphone is not recognized by your computer even in ADB mode, try using a different cable or USB port. In 30% of cases, the problem lies in the damaged cable, not in the device itself.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring data through a computer, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If you are transferring through Mi PC Suite, you can create a backup on another computer or use the 4.5.2 version of the utility, which works more stable with MIUI 14.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions