How to transfer data from ZTE to Xiaomi Redmi 9: 5 proven ways

Switching from a ZTE smartphone to a Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not only a hardware update, but also a migration of all important data: contacts, photos, messages and even installed applications. Many users are afraid of losing valuable information when changing their device, especially if they have not previously experienced this procedure. Fortunately, data transfer between Android devices is now as simple as possible – manufacturers offer both built-in tools (for example, Xiaomi’s Mi Mover) and universal solutions such as synchronization through Google Account or cloud services.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways of transferring data, from automatic (with the help of proprietary software) to manual (via cable or memory card), and pay special attention to the nuances that arise when working with Redmi 9: the limitations of MIUI, compatibility with outdated ZTE models and ways to avoid typical errors. If you want to save time and avoid losing files, read more.

Preparation for data transfer: what to do before the start

Before you start migrating, check both devices for compliance with key requirements, which will save you from unexpected failures in the process.

On ZTE (source phone):

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 50%. Data transfer can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour (depending on the volume), and discharging in the process will interrupt the operation.
• 📶 Free space – make sure your device has enough memory to back up (if you plan to use cloud or local storage).
• 🔒 Unlock the screen – disable the pattern lock or PIN-Transfer code (some methods require constant access to the screen).

On Xiaomi Redmi 9 (target phone):

• 📱 Initial setting – if the phone is new, do not complete the activation process before the data transfer stage. MIUI There is a built-in migration wizard that starts when you first turn on.
• 🔄 Software Update - Check the relevance of the firmware in Settings → The phone. → System update. Outdated version MIUI It may not support some of the Mi Mover's functions.
• 📡 Wi-Fi or mobile Internet – cloud-based transfers will require a stable connection (preferably Wi-Fi to avoid wasting traffic).

Important! If ZTE has custom firmware or root access installed, some official methods (such as Mi Mover) may not work properly, in which case we recommend using manual transfer via memory card or cloud.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi 9 has already created data (for example, you have used your phone for several days), migrating through Mi Mover can overwrite it.

Method 1: Automatic transfer via Mi Mover (recommended)

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi that allows you to transfer data from any Android device to Redmi or Mi wirelessly, which supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio, notes and even some applications (without their data), but has a volume limit (up to 4 GB per session).

Step instructions:

1. Set Mi Mover on the ZTE: Download. APK-file from the official Xiaomi website (link: uptodown.com) or through Google Play (if available). Launch the application and provide all the necessary permissions (access to files, contacts, SMS).
2. Activate Mi Mover on Redmi 9: If the phone is new, select Data Transfer → With Android at the initial setup stage. If the phone is already configured, open Settings → Memory → Mi Mover.
3. Connect devices: On ZTE Select I'm the sender, Redmi 9 I'm the receiver. Scan. QR-screen code from Redmi 9 on ZTE (enter PIN-manually).

Select data for transfer

• Tick the necessary categories (contacts, SMS, multimedia, etc.).
• Click Transfer and wait for the process to be completed.

Both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.|Nana ZTE The Mi Mover app is installed|Redmi 9 has plenty of free space.|Battery charged at least 50 times%|Disabled. VPN firewalls-->

The speed of the transfer depends on the volume of data and the stability of the connection, on average 1 GB of information is transmitted in 5-10 minutes, and if the process is interrupted, you can resume it from the same stage.

⚠️ Note: Mi Mover does not carry data from some applications (for example, save games or messengers like WhatsApp.

Method 3: Transfer through Google Account (universal method)

Synchronization through Google Account is the most reliable way, since it does not depend on the phone model and works even on outdated ones. ZTE. Disadvantages: not all data is automatically transferred (for example, SMS Calls require additional action).

What can be transferred via Google:

• 📇 Contacts (automatically if synchronization is enabled).
• 📅 Calendar and events.
• 📎 Notes (if Google Keep is used).
• 📷 Photos and videos (via Google Photos, but with limited quality).
• 🎮 Some application settings (such as Chrome bookmarks).

Step-by-step:

1. Set up sync on ZTE: Open Settings → Accounts → Google. Select your account and enable sync for all the right categories (contacts, calendar, Chrome, etc.). For photos and videos, set up Google Photos and enable autoload in the app settings.
2. Sign in to the same account on Redmi 9: When you first turn on, select Recover Data → From Google Backup. If your phone is already set up, go to Settings → Accounts → Google and enable sync.

Recover the data.

• Contacts, calendars and bookmarks will appear automatically.
• Photos and videos will be uploaded to Google Photos (check the Archive folder).

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 High speed (especially when used) OTG).
• 🔒 Security – data is not transmitted via the Internet.
• 📁 Selective transfer – you can only copy the necessary folders.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Contacts are not tolerated, SMS and application settings.
• ❌ Additional equipment (memory card or card) is required OTG-cable).
• On Redmi 9, log in to the same Google account and download files via Google Drive.

💡

Mi Cloud automatically backs up SMS, notes, and MIUI settings, which Google Drive doesn’t, which is useful if you’re planning to use Xiaomi’s branded services.

Method 5: Transfer applications and their data (for advanced users)

Standard transfer methods (such as Mi Mover or Google Account) only restore the applications themselves, but not their data (for example, save in games or chat in instant messengers).

Option 1: Titanium Backup (requires root access)

• 🔧 Allows you to create a full backup of applications along with their data.
• 📲 It only works on rooted devices.
• 🔄 Restores apps on a new phone while saving all settings.

Option 2: Helium (Carbon Backup) (without root but with limitations)

• 🔄 Transfers data from most applications (except system applications).
• 📱 Requires installation on both devices.
• ⚠️ Not all apps are supported (for example, WhatsApp blocks backups via Helium).

Option 3: Integrated application functions

Some applications have their own data transfer tools:

• 💬 WhatsApp: Settings → chat → Backup (saves chats in Google Drive).
• 🎮 Games: Many games (such as Clash of Clans or Brawl Stars) are linked to a Google Play account or social media.
• 📱 2GIS, Yandex.Maps: synchronized through the service account.

To transfer game saves without being linked to the account, you can use:

• 🖥️ GameGuardian (requires root).
• 📁 Manual transfer of save files (usually in the /Android/data/ or /Android/obb/).

⚠️ Note: Transferring these applications through third-party tools can disrupt their operation or lead to a ban of the account (for example, in online games.

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Mi Mover doesn't find the device

• 🔌 Make sure both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not mobile internet).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices and try again.
• 📱 Nana ZTE Check that file transfer permission is enabled in the Mi Mover settings.

Problem 2: Contacts or SMS are not transferred

• 📇 Check if contact synchronization is enabled in Settings → Accounts. → Google.
• 💬 For SMS use SMS Backup & Restore (link to Google Play).
• 🔍 Make sure your contacts are saved in your Google account, not yours. SIM-map.

Problem 3: Slow file transfer

• 📶 Connect both phones to a 5GHz router (if supported) – this will speed up transfers.
• 🔌 Use it. OTG-cable instead of Wi-Fi for large files (e.g. video in the Internet) 4K).
• 📁 Break the transmission into parts (for example, first photo, then video).

Problem 4: Redmi 9 is not enough space

• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files from Redmi 9 before transfer (e.g. pre-installed games).
• 📱 Move some of the data to a memory card (if supported).
• ☁️ Use the cloud for temporary storage (e.g. upload photos to Google Photos and then delete them from your device).

Problem 5: Applications are not restored

• 📱 Check that Redmi 9 has Settings enabled → Google → Application recovery.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and wait for automatic installation (may take hours).
• 🛠️ Install the required apps manually through Google Play.

8. FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability to Xiaomi Redmi 9

Redmi 9

Redmi 9

⚠️ Important: Phone number must remain the same, otherwise you will not be able to restore chats.