How to transfer data from the old Xiaomi to the new Poco M3: 5 proven ways

Introduction: Why data portability to Poco M3 requires a special approach

Changing a smartphone within the Xiaomi ecosystem seems like a simple task — both devices run on MIUI, use the same services and even look similar. However, the Poco M3, despite its affinity with the classic Redmi or Mi, has a number of nuances, from limited memory in the basic version (64 GB) to the features of working with Mi Mover on custom firmware. Incorrect data transfer can lead to duplicate files, application malfunctions or even loss of information.

In this article, we will discuss 5 current migration methods – from the official Mi Mover tool to manual transfer via Google Drive and TWRP. Particular attention will be paid to the problem of limiting the transfer volume through Mi Mover to Poco M3 (maximum 40 GB per session), which the manufacturer does not advertise. You will learn how to circumvent this restriction, save the Mi Account settings and avoid the error “Not enough space”, even if the new device has more than 50% of memory.

Method 1: Mi Mover – Xiaomi’s official tool with pitfalls

Mi Mover is a built-in data portability app that Xiaomi has positioned as the easiest solution. It really does kop contacts, messages, photos and even some system settings. However, there are three critical limitations on the Poco M3:

• 📉 Volume limit: Maximum 40 GB per session (even if 100 GB is free on the device).
• ⚡ Speed: When transferring over Wi-Fi Direct, the speed drops to 5-8 MB/s (against) 20-30 MB/s in alternative methods).
• 🔄 Failures: On firmware below MIUI 13 the application may "hang" in step 99%.

To take advantage of the Mi Mover:

1. On both smartphones, open Settings → About the phone → Mi Mover.
2. Select a role: on the old phone, “I am the sender,” on the Poco M3, “I am the receiver.”
3. Scan it. QR-Poco screen M3 arch-device.
4. Select data to transfer (priority be given to contacts, messages and applications – it is easier to restore manually).

⚠️ Warning: If the process is interrupted during the "Data Preparation" phase, restart both devices and try again. M3 s MIUI 12.5 and below helps disabling the Optimization function MIUI designer.

Charging both phones > 50%|Shut down. VPN firewall|Remove unnecessary files from old Xiaomi|Check the version. MIUI (update if necessary)-->

Method 2: Transferring your Google Account is secure, but not for everything

Sync with Google Account is a universal method that works on any Android device.

• 📇 Contacts (including groups and notes)
• 📅 Calendars and reminders
• 📎 Notes from Google Keep
• 🎵 Music and books (if downloaded to Google Play)

However, there are important limitations:

• ❌ No messages. SMS/MMS (Unless you use third-party apps like SMS Backup & Restore).
• ❌ No apps and their data (only a list of installed programs via Google Play).
• ❌ Photos and videos are synced only in compressed form (originals - through Google Photos with a restriction of 15 GB).

Synchronization instructions:

1. On the old Xiaomi, go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync and turn on all the switches.
2. On Poco M3, when you first turn on, select “Recover Data” and log in to the same Google Account.
3. Wait until synchronization is complete (it can take up to 24 hours for large libraries).

💡

If contacts are not synced, check if the background mode for the Contacts app is turned off in the battery settings. On the Poco M3, this is a common cause of failures.

Method 3: OTG cable + adapter – fast transfer without restrictions

If you need to move more 40 GB data (e.g. video in the 4K or heavy games, and Mi Mover refuses to work – use cable OTG (adapter USB-C to USB-C). This method is in 3-5 faster than wireless alternatives and has no limits on the volume.

You'll need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C to USB-C (or USB-A to USB-C + OTG-adapter).
• 📱 Old Xiaomi with unlocked Developer Mode.
• 🛠️ File Manager (e.g. Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect both phones with a cable. On Poco M3, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. On the old Xiaomi, open the file manager and go to /storage/emulated/0/ (internal memory).
3. Copy folders: DCIM (photo/video), Download (download), Pictures (images from messengers) WhatsApp/Media (media from Watsap)
4. Insert files into similar folders on Poco M3 (not the root of memory!).

⚠️ Warning: Do not copy the folder /Android/data/ — This will cause problems with Poco applications. M3. To port these games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) use built-in backup features in the games themselves.

Method 4: Backup via TWRP (for advanced users)

If you're ready to unlock the bootloader and install the custom recavator, TWRP will allow you to create a full backup system with all the applications, their data and settings.

• 🔄 Transfer of all SMS/MMS (including multimedia).
• 🎮 Preservation of games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire).
• ⚙️ Settings MIUI (topics, gestures, battery parameters).

Pre-launch warnings:

• ⚠️ Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data to Poco M3.
• ⚠️ Xiaomi can block the account with frequent unlocking (limit – 1 time in 30 days).
• ⚠️ Not all Poco models M3 support TWRP (check the compatibility on XDA Developers).

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader on both devices via the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP on old Xiaomi and create a backup in Backup → Select Partitions (select Data, System, Boot).
3. Copy the backup to a PC or external drive.
4. Install TWRP on the Poco M3 and restore the backup via Restore.

Method 5: Third-party applications – when standard methods don’t work

If none of the above methods work (for example, you have a damaged USB connector or Mi Mover constantly fails), use third-party tools. We tested 5 applications and selected the best ones:

Recommendations for use:

• 🔗 For ShareIt and Xender, turn off battery optimization in the settings MIUI, otherwise the transmission will be interrupted.
• 📶 When transferring over Wi-Fi Direct, make sure that both phones have mobile internet turned off – this speeds up the process.
• 🔒 For Send Anywhere, use a six-digit key, not a single key. QR-code is more reliable.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and we have collected the TOP-5 errors and ways to fix them:

1. "Mi Mover can't see the device" Reason: Mismatched MIUI versions or Flight Mode enabled Solution: Upgrade both phones to the latest MIUI version or use an OTG cable.
2. "Not enough space" when migrating to the Poco M3 Reason: MIUI reserves 5-7 GB for system needs, even if the memory is "free." Solution: Move the data in parts (for example, photo first, then video) or use Google Photos for temporary storage.
3. "Apps don't open after porting" Reason: Incompatibility of Android versions or processor architecture (e.g. ARM64 vs ARMv8) Solution: Reinstall apps from Google Play and recover data through their built-in backup.

⚠️ Note: If after transferring Poco M3 Started to warm up or discharge quickly, check the settings → Battery → Battery use. Often to blame for the postponed background processes from old applications.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions