How to transfer data from the old Xiaomi to the new with MIUI 11: 5 proven ways

The move to Xiaomi’s new MIUI 11 smartphone is always exciting, especially if the old device has accumulated years of photos, important messages and unique settings. Many users fear losing data when transferring or spending hours manually tuning the new gadget. Fortunately, MIUI 11 offers several built-in tools for fast and secure information transfer, but each has its own nuances.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to migrate data between Xiaomi devices, from the official Mi Mover app to manual backup through Mi Account and third-party services. We will focus on typical errors that can interrupt the process, and give recommendations for optimizing the transfer for different types of files (contacts, media, applications). If you are planning to upgrade from the Redmi Note 8 Pro to Xiaomi 12T or just want to sync two devices on MIUI 11, this guide will help save time and nerves.

1. Preparation of devices for data transfer

Before you start migrating, you need to make sure that both Xiaomi smartphones are ready for the procedure.Neglected preparation is the main cause of failures when users lose some data or encounter synchronization errors.

Start by checking the MIUI version on both devices. While MIUI 11 supports data porting from older versions (starting with MIUI 9), some features may not work properly.

  • 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI
  • 🔄 If the version is lower MIUI 11.0.3.0, update the software via Settings → Updating the system
  • 🔋 Battery charge on both devices must be at least 50% (when using Mi Mover discharge below 30% may interrupt the process)
  • 📶 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (for wireless transfer) or prepare OTG-cable (for wired)

Also, clear the cache on both devices to avoid conflicts when copying files.

  1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup
  2. Select “Clear Cache” (Do not delete application data!)
  3. Reboot both smartphones

⚠️ Note: If the old phone has data encryption enabled (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption, transfer via Mi Mover may result in an error, in which case you can back up via Mi Account or manual export.

📊 What kind of data transfer do you prefer?
Through Mi Mover
Through the Mi Account.
Manual transfer (flash drive/PC)
The Appendix (SHAREit, etc.)

Method 1: Transfer via Mi Mover (official annex)

Mi Mover is a standard data migration application pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 9 and later. It supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio, applications (including their data), notes and system settings. The main advantage is the preservation of folder structure and file metadata (for example, the date of creation of photos).

Instructions for use:

  1. Install Mi Mover on both devices (if the app is removed) from the Mi App Store or the official store.
  2. Run the app on both phones and select roles: 📱 On the old phone: I am the sender» 🆕 On the new phone: I am the recipient»

Select the type of connection

  • 📶 Wi-Fi (recommended for large amounts of data)
  • 🔌 Cable (required) OTG-adapter)
  • Scanner. QR-Code: The new phone will appear QR-code that needs to be scanned from an old pairing device.
  • Select data for transfer: ☑️ What data can be transferred through Mi Mover Contacts (SMS/MMS)Call log Photos and video Audio files Applications (with data) Wi-Fi settings Notes and calendar Completed: 0 / 8
  • Start the transfer and wait until it's done. Don't interrupt the process.

Advantages of this method:

  • 🔄 Data can be retrieved selectively (for example, only contacts or photos).

Disadvantages:

  • ☁️ Free cloud storage restriction – 5 GB (to increase you need to buy a premium subscription).
  • ⏳ Recovery of large amounts of data can take several hours.
  • 🚫 Not all apps support backup of their data (for example, WhatsApp or Viber need to be saved separately).
  • Turn off the old phone and connect the new one.
  • Transfer the copied files to the corresponding folders on the new device.

Warnings:

  • 🚫 Don’t copy the entire Android folder – it could lead to conflicts with apps on the new phone.
  • 🔄 If you are transferring music or videos, check format compatibility (e.g., format compatibility, MIUI 11 does not support.flac in a standard player).

💡

To speed up the transfer of large files (video to 4K, archives), use a USB 3.0 cable and port on your PC. This will reduce copy time by 3-5 times compared to USB 2.0.

5. Method 4: Transfer data through third-party applications

If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't suit you, you can use third-party migration apps.

  • 📲 SHAREit - Wireless file transfer via Wi-Fi Direct (speeds up to 20 MB/s).
  • 🔄 Send Anywhere – transfer files using a six-digit code (no registration required).
  • ☁️ Google Drive – Backup and Restore (especially handy for contacts and calendar).
  • 📱 Cloneit – a specialized application for transferring data between Android devices.