How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Samsung: all the ways 2026

Moving from Xiaomi to Samsung is not just a brand change, it’s also a migration of all your data, from contacts to call history. Many users have trouble moving information between devices on different operating systems (MIUI One UI). In this article, we will analyze 5 working methods of data transfer, their pros and cons, and give specific recommendations for different scenarios - from full synchronization to selective copying.

The peculiarity of the process is that Samsung is actively promoting its own Smart Switch solution, and Xiaomi is Mi Mover, but these tools are not always compatible with each other. We tested all the current methods (including cloud services and manual copying) and compiled step-by-step instructions taking into account the nuances of Android. 13/14 If you just need to transfer a photo or clone an old device entirely, you'll find the best solution here.

1. Preparation of devices before data transfer

Before you start migrating, you need to follow a few critical steps to avoid data loss or crashes in the process.First, check the Android versions on both smartphones: if Xiaomi is running Android 10 And below, and on Samsung, Android. 13+, There may be problems with the compatibility of the transmission protocols. Second, free up space on both devices - temporary files will require at least one more time. 5-10 GB of free space.

Also pay attention to the following points:

• 🔋 Charge both smartphones to at least 50% – the process can take up to 2 hours with a large amount of data.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (if you use cloud services) or prepare for the event. USB-cable OTG.
• 🔒 Turn off the screen lock (PIN, pattern lock on Xiaomi – some methods require unlocked access.
• 📱 Make sure Samsung has disabled Find My Mobile (if the device is new and not activated).

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If you transfer data to the new Samsung right out of the box, turn it on in “Setting up as a new device” mode and wait for the migration stage – the system will offer port options.

For Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (e.g., Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) Some methods may not work, and in this case we recommend using cloud services or manual copying via PC. UI, Reverse to stable firmware beforehand – this will eliminate synchronization errors.

2. Method 1: Smart Switch from Samsung (recommended method)

Samsung Smart Switch is the official data migration application that supports porting from most Android devices, including Xiaomi.

• 📞 Contacts, call log and SMS/MMS
• 📸 Photos, videos and documents
• 🎵 Music and ring tones
• 📅 Calendars and notes (if you use Samsung Notes)
• 📱 Some system settings (wallpaper, labels)

However, there are limitations: Smart Switch does not carry installed applications and their data (for example, save in games or setup messengers), and there may be problems with transferring files larger than 1 GB, in which case the application will suggest using a cable.

Install Smart Switch on both devices (download from the device) [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sec.android.easyMover) or [Galaxy Store](https://galaxystore.samsung.com/detail/com.sec.android.easyMover))|

Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (or use a cable) USB-C/OTG)|

On Xiaomi, Allow Files and Contacts for Smart Switch|

On Samsung, select "Get data" → "Android"|

Follow the instructions of the transfer wizard (select data types to copy)

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Step-by-step:

1. Open Smart Switch on Samsung and select Get Data → Android.
2. On Xiaomi, launch the app and click Send Data.
3. Select the way you connect: Wi-Fi: both devices must be on the same network. Cable: use USB-C → USB-C adapter OTG.

Xiaomi

Wait until it's finished (time depends on the amount of data you have).

Smart Switch (Samsung)|

Mi Mover (Xiaomi)|

Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) |

Manual copying via PC|

Another option-->

Method 2: Mi Mover by Xiaomi (an alternative to older models)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for transferring data between devices, and it’s less versatile than the Smart Switch, but it can be useful if:

• 📱 You have an old Samsung model (before the Galaxy). S8), It does not support Smart Switch.
• 🔄 You want to move the settings. MIUI (topics, gestures – other methods ignore them.
• 📎 You need to copy Mi Notes or Mi Fit data.

Cons of the method:

• ⚠️ Not all Mi Mover data is correctly recognized on Samsung (for example, call history may be duplicated).
• 🚫 No support for porting installed applications.
• 📶 Requires a stable Wi-Fi Direct connection that can break.

How to use Mi Mover:

1. Install Mi Mover on both devices (you can download it here).
2. On Xiaomi, choose I send, on Samsung I receive.
3. Connect via Wi-Fi Direct (Samsung may need to enable Developer Mode and allow Debugging by Debugging). USB).
4. Select the data to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

Method 3: Transfer through Google Account (universal method)

Google Account Sync is the most reliable method if you need to move contacts, calendars, mail and some apps, and it works on any Android device and does not require additional software.

• 📁 Only data linked to Google services (e.g. Google Photos or Google Contacts) are transferred).
• 🎮 Game saves and settings for most applications are not synchronized.
• 📂 Files (photos, videos, documents) must be downloaded manually to Google Drive.

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi, open Settings → Accounts. → Google and enable sync for all the services you need (Contacts, Calendar, Gmail, etc.).
2. To transfer photos and videos: Install Google Photos and enable Backup. Wait for the download to be completed (check in Settings). → Backup).

Samsung

Google Account

applications

Google Play

Library

Established

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Use Google Account to transfer basic data (contacts, mail, calendars), but for multimedia and apps, choose other methods.

5. Method 4: Manual copying via PC (for full control)

If you need to selectively transfer files or other methods don't work, use a computer.

• 📁 Transferring large files (video) 4K, backup).
• 🔧 Copy hidden folders (such as game data or app settings).
• 🛠️ Data recovery after failure in other transfer methods.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Two. USB-cables (preferably original).
• 📂 Up to 50 GB of free space on PC (depending on the amount of data).

Instructions:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy the right folders: DCIM — Photos and videos. Downloads - uploaded files. Android/data — Application data (root rights required for full access). MIUI/backup — backup MIUI (if).

Xiaomi

Samsung

Samsung

contact

SMS

.vcf

.xml

Contacts

SMS Backup & Restore

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To transfer the game save, find a folder with the game data in /Android/data/The name.package on Xiaomi and copy it to Samsung in the same location. Some games (eg, Genshin Impact) will require additional account binding.

Method 5: Third-party applications (for specific tasks)

If the standard methods don't work, use specialized applications, and we tested a few solutions and selected the best ones:

Recommendations for use:

• For WhatsApp and other instant messengers, use the built-in backup in Google Drive (on Xiaomi) and restore to Samsung.
• If you need to transfer passwords from Mi Browser, export them to.csv via Settings → Passwords.
• For calls and SMS better SMS Backup & Restore – it saves time stamps and sender contacts.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you migrate data from Xiaomi to Samsung, users face typical problems, and we have collected the most common errors and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If the Smart Switch is stuck in the Preparation phase, check if Xiaomi is running Battery Savings for Background Processes. → Battery → Saving charge.

Problem 1: Devices can’t see each other on Wi-Fi.

• 🔹 Restart the router and both smartphones.
• 🔹 On Xiaomi, turn off dual Wi-Fi (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally).
• 🔹 Try connecting via a mobile hotspot (turn it on Samsung).

Problem 2: Contacts are not transferred or duplicated.

• 🔹 Make sure your contacts are saved in your Google Account, not in your device memory.
• 🔹 On Samsung, open your contacts. → Contact management → Combine duplicates.
• 🔹 If contacts are linked to a Mi Account, export them to.vcf via Settings → System system → Imports/exports.

Problem 3: Smart Switch or Mi Mover interrupts the transmission.

• 🔹 Free up space on both devices (at least 10% of memory capacity).
• 🔹 Turn it off. VPN Ad blockers – they can interfere with the connection.
• 🔹 Try to move data in parts (for example, first photo, then contacts).

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring data to Samsung with a locked bootloader (e.g., U.S. Galaxy models) S23), Some methods (such as Mi Mover) may not work, in which case you can manually copy through your PC or Google Account.

8. FAQ: Answers to popular questions