How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: apps, photos, contacts and settings

Switching to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but transferring data from an old device can be a real headache, especially if it’s not just photos and contacts, but all the installed applications, their settings, saves in games and even saves in games. SMS. Many users are wasting hours trying to restore the familiar work environment, unaware that Xiaomi offers several official ways to migrate – from fully automatic to manual.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods of data transfer between Xiaomi devices, including hidden nuances that the manufacturer does not always mention in the documentation. You will learn how to save 100% of applications with their data (including passwords and cache), why some programs may not migrate, and what to do if standard tools fail to work. MIUI And transfer even the data that the system usually ignores.

1. Preparation of devices before data transfer

Before you start migrating, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, incomplete app portability, or even a new smartphone crash, starting with compatibility checks:

Both devices must be working on MIUI 10 or later: If an older smartphone has an earlier version, update it via Settings. → The phone. → Update the system. Also make sure that:

• 🔋 On both devices, the battery charge is at least 50% (when transferred through the cable, the devices can discharge faster than usual)
• 📶 Both smartphones are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network (for cloud transfer) or you have the original Wi-Fi network. USB-C-type cable (for direct connection)
• 🔒 On the old device, the screen lock is disabled (PIN, A pattern lock or fingerprint is a Mi Mover requirement for some versions. MIUI
• 🗃️ On the new smartphone enough free space (transfer takes up to 20% of the additional volume of temporary files)

Pay special attention to secure data applications (bank clients, encrypted messengers, online save games), which are better ported manually, as more detailed in the section on alternative methods.

⚠️ Note: If the old smartphone enabled Application Protection (in Settings) → Privacy, disable it in advance, otherwise Mi Mover will not be able to copy the data of the protected programs, and the system will not warn you about it!

Make sure it's relevant MIUI both-device|Charge both smartphones to at least 50%|Connect to a single Wi-Fi network (for cloud-based methods)|Prepare original USB-cable|Disable screen lock on the old device|Free up space on a new smartphone|Disable application protection in privacy settings-->

2.Official method: transfer via Mi Mover

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary data migration tool, which is set by default to all new devices.

• 📱 Contacts, messages (SMS/MMS) and call logs
• 🖼️ Photos, videos and audio files
• 📁 Documents and downloads
• 🎮 Applications (including their data for supported programs)
• 🔧 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, some parameters) MIUI)

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

1. Turn on your new smartphone and go to the data port configuration stage (if the device is already configured, find Mi Mover in the app menu).
2. On an old smartphone, open Mi Mover and select I give.
3. On the new device, select I am receiving and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. Connect devices through QR-code (for wireless transfer) or USB-cable (for direct connection).
5. Select data categories for transfer and confirm the start of the process.

The transfer rate depends on the amount of data and the method chosen:

Mi Mover copies most applications, but some programs (especially with the help of the software) DRM-It may not be portable, or it may not be corporate, and you'll have to manually install it from Google Play or GetApps.

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If the Mi Mover port is interrupted by 99%, try turning off the "Move System Settings" option. Often this is the stage that causes the freeze.

Alternative method: transfer via Mi Cloud

If you don't have one on hand USB-The Mi Cloud is a method that is suitable for transferring basic data (contacts, photos, notes), but has limitations on the size and type of files.

Instructions for transfer through the cloud:

1. On your old smartphone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on sync for all necessary categories (contacts, gallery, notes, etc.).
3. Wait until the data is uploaded to the cloud (you can check the progress in the Storage Management section).
4. On the new device, sign in to the same Xiaomi account and enable sync in Mi Cloud.
5. Select categories to download and wait for the process to complete.

Important nuances:

• 📦 The free Mi Cloud account only provides 5GB of space, and you’ll have to buy extra space or use another method to transfer more data.
• 🔄 Application synchronization via the cloud is not supported – they will have to be installed separately.
• 🕒 Uploading data to the cloud can take hours with slow internet.
• 🔒 Some data (such as Wi-Fi passwords) are not synced for security reasons.

⚠️ Note: If you used Hidden Album in Xiaomi Gallery, these files are not synced to Mi Cloud automatically.To save them, first export the photos to a regular folder or memory card.

Mi Mover through USB|Mi Mover on Wi-Fi|Mi Cloud (cloud)|Manual transfer via computer|Another way.-->

4. Manual transfer of applications and their data

If Mi Mover can't port some applications, or you want to control the process, you can use the manual method, which takes longer, but ensures that all data is safe.

For manual transfer you will need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website)
• 🔌 USB-cables for both devices
• 📂 Backup software (e.g. Titanium Backup for rooted devices or Swift Backup)

Step-by-step:

1. On your old smartphone, turn on debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
2. Connect the old device to your computer and copy the folder /data/app (Root rights required or use a backup program.
3. Install the same apps on your new smartphone via Google Play.
4. Restore application data from the backup (this may require re-activation of Debugging by USB new-device).

For secure data applications (such as WhatsApp or banking customers), use their built-in export features:

• 💬 WhatsApp: Settings → chat → Backup (saves history in Google Drive)
• 🏦 Sberbank Online: Profile → Settings → Exporting data (creating an encrypted file)
• 🎮 Games: Use a Google Play Games or Game Center account link to save progress

5. Transfer of hidden data and settings MIUI

Even after the successful transfer, many users notice that the new smartphone is not behaving like the old one, because the Mi Mover does not copy some system settings and hidden files.

List of hidden data that is not automatically transferred:

• 🔊 Individual audio settings (equalizer, user profiles)
• 📡 Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords (except for the current network)
• 🔑 Smart Lock settings (trusted unlockable devices)
• 🎨 Themes and styles from Mi Theme Store
• 📱 Performance Mode and Batteries settings

To transfer this data:

1. Take screenshots of all the settings screens on the old device (especially the Sound, Display, Battery partitions).
2. Export your Wi-Fi settings through the WiFi Password Viewer app (root required) or manually rewrite your passwords.
3. Sync your purchases in the Mi Theme Store through your Xiaomi account.
4. Restore performance settings by repeating them on the new device in Settings → Special facilities → Performance mode.

To transfer passwords from Wi-Fi without root-rights, you can use the following trick:

1. On an old smartphone, connect to the desired network.
2. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi, click on the network name and select Share.
3. Scan it. QR-code of a new device – it will automatically connect to the network.

6. Solving problems in data transfer

Even with all the instructions, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If Mi Mover refuses to work at all, try alternative programs:

• 📲 Clone Phone (from Xiaomi, available on GetApps)
• 📲 Samsung Smart Switch (works with Xiaomi devices via adapter)
• 📲 Dr.Fone – Phone Transfer (a paid solution with advanced features)

⚠️ Warning: If applications start to slow down after transfer on the new device, clear their cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management. Often the cause of lags is a conflict of old data with the new version. MIUI.

7. Optimize the new smartphone after the transfer

Data portability is only half the battle, and to make the new device work as efficiently as possible, follow a few additional steps:

Checklist for optimization:

• 🧹 Clear the cache of system applications in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup
• 🔄 Update all portable apps via Google Play or GetApps
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: discharge the smartphone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions
• 🛡️ Set up permissions for applications in Settings → Privacy → Permits
• 📡 Reconfigure Networks: Remove Unnecessary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Devices

Pay special attention to the battery settings. MIUI It limits the background activity of applications to save power, so that important programs (messaging, mail) work correctly:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Select No Limitations for Critical Applications.
3. Turn off Adaptive Charging if you want to charge your device faster.

To improve productivity:

• Activate Performance Mode in Settings → Special facilities.
• Disable the system animation through Settings → For developers (set all scales of animation on the off.).
• Use Lite Mode in Settings → Display if you want to save charge.

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After transferring the data, be sure to check the security settings: re-link Google, Xiaomi and bank cards. Old authorization tokens may not be transferred, which creates a risk of unauthorized access.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi data portability