How to transfer data from the old Xiaomi to the new Redmi 9: the complete guide

Switching to a new smartphone is always exciting, especially when it comes to saving all the important data. If you upgrade from one Xiaomi device to another (for example, from Mi 8 or Redmi Note 7 to Redmi 9), the transfer process can be made as fast and painless as possible.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways to migrate data between Xiaomi smartphones, including official tools from the manufacturer and alternative solutions. You’ll learn how to transfer not only contacts and photos, but also messages, notes, app settings and even game data. And we’ll also explain what hidden limitations each method has – this will help avoid errors.

1. Transfer via Mi Account (the most reliable way)

Using a Xiaomi account (Mi Account) is the manufacturer's recommended method that guarantees the safety of most data. It works at the system level and synchronizes not only contacts, but also calendars, notes, browser settings, as well as some interface parameters.

To use this method, on the old device you need:

• 📱 Sign in to Mi Account (if not already done) via Settings → Xiaomi account
• ☁️ Activate data synchronization in the Settings section → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization
• 🔄 Wait for synchronization to be completed (time depends on data volume)

On the new Redmi 9:

• 📱 When you first turn on, select the option “Restore from backup” and log into the same Mi Account.
• 🔍 Select the latest backup copy from the list
• ⚙️ Confirm recovery and wait for the process to be completed (may take up to 30 minutes)

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If your new phone has already set up an account, reset it to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset) to avoid data conflicts.

⚠️ Note: This method does not tolerate installed applications and their data (for example, save in games or configure messengers.

2. Transfer over OTG cable (fast and without internet)

If you don't have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile Internet connection, direct cable transmission is the best solution. USB-cable OTG (It's a little bit of patience, and it's a good way to transfer photos, videos, music and documents, but not system data.

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-cable to the new Redmi 9.
2. Connect your old smartphone to the cable via a standard USB-Type-C (or Micro-USB, depending on the model).
3. On your old phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
4. On the new device, open Explorer and copy the desired files from the memory of the old smartphone.

Suitable OTG-cable (Type-C) → Type-C or Type-C → Micro-USB)

Charged both phones (minimum 50%)

Free space on the new Redmi 9 (check in Settings → Storage)

Disabled ad blockers (they may interfere with transmission)

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🔹 Pros of the method: high transfer speed (up to 40 MB / s), no dependence on the Internet, the folder structure is preserved.

🔸 Cons: applications, contacts and SMS (Media files and documents only).

Through the Mi Account.

On OTG cable.

Through Google Drive

Bluetooth.

Another option-->

3.Move over Mi Mover (official app from Xiaomi)

Mi Mover is a dedicated application from Xiaomi designed to migrate data between the brand’s devices, combining the benefits of cloud synchronization and direct transmission, but has its limitations.

How to use:

1. Install Mi Mover on both phones from the Mi App Store (or Google Play if available).
2. On the old phone, choose I am the sender, on the new phone, I am the receiver.
3. Scan the scanner on the new device QR-code that will appear on the old.
4. Select data types for transfer (contacts, SMS, photos, apps) and confirm the start of the process.

⚠️ Note: Mi Mover may not work properly if one of the phones has custom firmware or version installed MIUI If you are older than 12, use alternative methods.

4. Transfer through Google Account (universal method)

If you use Google services, most of the data is already synced to the cloud automatically, a method that is suitable for transferring contacts, calendars, mail, Google Keep notes, and some app settings.

What needs to be done:

• 📱 On your old phone, check that sync is enabled: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of the account.
• ☁️ Wait for the synchronization to complete (you can force the data to be updated by clicking on three dots in the upper right corner).
• 📱 On the new Redmi 9, when you first turn on, select Restore from Google Account and log in to the same profile.

🔹 Advantages: cross-platform (works on both Android and iOS), automatic data updates.

🔸 Restrictions: not carried forward SMS, Photos (only if uploaded to Google Photos), settings MIUI.

5. Transfer via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct (for small files)

If you need to transfer several photos, documents or contacts, and there is no cable at hand, you can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, which is suitable for small amounts of data (up to 1-2 GB), since the transfer speed is limited.

Instructions for Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).
2. Make the devices visible to everyone (for 2-3 minutes).
3. On an old phone, select files to transfer (for example, in the gallery, click Share → Bluetooth).
4. Confirm your file acceptance on the new Redmi 9.

For Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct in the Wi-Fi settings on both devices.
2. Connect the phones to each other (usually code confirmation is required).
3. Use any file manager to transfer data over a local network.

⚠️ Note: When transmitted via Bluetooth, files may lose metadata (for example, the date of the photo capture) and errors may occur when transferring files larger than 50 MB.

6. Data transfer of games and applications (additional steps)

Even if you have migrated apps through Mi Mover or Google Account, their data and saves may not be transferred.

• 🎮 For games: use Google Play Games (if the game supports cloud-based saves) or services like Helium (requires root rights).
• 📱 For instant messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber have built-in backup functions in the cloud.
• 🔧 For application settings: Some programs (e.g. Nova Launcher) allow you to export configurations to a file.

Example of WhatsApp save transfer:

1. On your old phone, create a backup: WhatsApp Settings → Chat → Backup.
2. Copy /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases to your new phone (via cable or cloud).
3. Install WhatsApp on the new Redmi 9 and restore data from the local copy.

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To transfer your application data, always check if it supports cloud sync. If not, use manual copying of your save files (usually stored in /Android/data/ or /Android/obb/ folders).

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to Redmi 9