How to Move Data from Samsung to Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete 2026 Guide

The transition from Samsung to Xiaomi Redmi is not just about brand change, but also about the migration of all digital life: contacts, photos, messages, and even app settings. Many users fear this process, considering it difficult or risky. In fact, transferring data between Android devices in 2026 has become easier than ever thanks to built-in tools and third-party services. However, there are nuances: not all methods are equally effective, and some can lead to loss of media quality or incomplete sync.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to migrate information, from official Xiaomi and Samsung solutions to universal cloud services, and learn what is right for you (for example, if you don’t have enough space on your old phone or have access to Wi-Fi), how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do if data isn’t moved, and focus on WhatsApp portability, the most problematic part of brand migration.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Charge both phones (minimum 50%) – the process can take up to 1 hour.
• 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection (for most methods) or mobile internet with unlimited traffic.
• 📱 Free space on Xiaomi Redmi – should be no less than the data on Samsung.

⚠️ Note: If data encryption is enabled on Samsung (Settings) → Security → Encryption, some portability techniques may not work, in which case use cloud services or a computer as an intermediary.

1.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi

Mi Mover

Xiaomi

Contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio, documents, calendars and even some app settings

Mi Mover does not transfer data from WhatsApp, Viber and other messengers – they will have to move separately

How to use Mi Mover:

1. On Xiaomi Redmi, open the Mi Mover app (if not, download from Google Play).
2. Select I am a new user → Android.
3. On Samsung, download Mi Mover from Google Play and open it.
4. On both phones, select Send Data (to Samsung) and Receive Data (to Xiaomi).
5. Scan it. QR-code from the screen Xiaomi camera Samsung.
6. Select data types to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

The speed of the transfer depends on the amount of data:

• 📸 5 GB photo/video — ~15-20 minute.
• 📞 Contacts + message — ~2-5 minute.
• 📁 Total migration (20)+ GB - up to 1 hour.

Install Mi Mover on Samsung|Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network|Close background applications on both devices|Check out the free space on Xiaomi Redmi-->

⚠️ Note: If Mi Mover is stuck in the Preparation phase, try restarting the app on both phones and reconnecting. If the problem recurs, use alternative methods (see below).

2.Samsung Smart Switch: Backward portability

Samsung Smart Switch

Samsung

Xiaomi

folder-structure

file-meta

Instructions:

1. On Samsung, install Smart Switch (unless it is installed by default).
2. Connect Xiaomi Redmi to Samsung via USB-cable OTG (You need an adapter if the connectors are different).
3. On Samsung, select Send Data → Cable.
4. On Xiaomi, in the USB settings, select File Transfer (MTP).
5. Select the data types for export (contacts, media, notes) and confirm the transfer.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Maintains the original folder structure (e.g, DCIM/Camera remain unchanged).
• 📅 Transfers metadata photo/video (date, geotagged).
• 🔌 It works without the internet (only cable is needed).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Does not tolerate applications and their data (for example, saves in games).
• ❌ It may not work with new Xiaomi Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 13).

Mi Mover by Xiaomi|Samsung Smart Switch|Cloud services (Google Drive)|Computer-assisted transfer|Another option-->

3. Cloud services: Google Drive, OneDrive, Yandex Disk

If you don't have a cable or Mi Mover doesn't work, cloud storage is going to be a universal solution, and it allows you to move data in several steps: first upload from Samsung to the cloud, then download to Xiaomi Redmi, and the main advantage is that you don't need to connect your phones to each other.

Comparison of cloud services for transfer:

The Google Drive Guide (the most reliable option):

1. On Samsung, open Google Drive and click + → Download.
2. Select files/folders for transfer (you can archive them in advance).
3. Wait until the download is complete (it can take hours if there is a lot of data).
4. On Xiaomi Redmi, log in to the same Google account and download files.

💡

If you have slow internet, upload data to the cloud at night or use mobile internet with unlimited rates. To speed up, archive files in ZIP before downloading (use the RAR or ZArchiver app).

4. Computer Transfer: The Most Reliable Way

If you need to move a large amount of data (50+GB) or you are afraid of the security of cloud services, the computer will be the best intermediary, this method guarantees 100% control over files and minimal risk of data loss.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS.
• 🔌 Two. USB-cables (preferably original).
• 📁 Enough free space on the hard disk (equal to the amount of data transferred).

Instructions:

1. Connect Samsung to your computer via USB and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy all the necessary files (DCIM folders, Downloads, Documents, etc.) to your computer.
3. Turn off Samsung and plug in Xiaomi Redmi by also selecting MTP.
4. Transfer files from your computer to Xiaomi.
5. For contacts, export them to Samsung in a.vcf file (via Contacts → Settings → Export) and import them to Xiaomi.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Maximum speed (limited only) USB-port).
• 🔒 Security – data is not transmitted via the Internet.
• 📂 Ability to sort files before perenosom (delete duplicates, unnecessary folders).

5.Mobilization of WhatsApp and other messengers

WhatsApp

Samsung

Xiaomi

WhatsApp

Method 1: Backup through Google Drive

1. On Samsung, open WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup copy.
2. Back up your Google Drive (make sure you have enough space).
3. On Xiaomi Redmi, install WhatsApp, log in to the same account and restore chats from backup.

Method 2: Local backup (for power users)

1. On Samsung, create a local copy of your chats: Settings → Chat → Backup → Create a copy (the file will be saved in /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases).
2. Transfer the WhatsApp folder to Xiaomi Redmi via your computer or Mi Mover.
3. Install WhatsApp on Xiaomi, but don’t run it!
4. Use a file manager (such as Solid Explorer) to rename the backup file from msgstore.db.crypt14 to msgstore.db.
5. Launch WhatsApp and restore chats from local copy.

⚠️ Note: If you use two-factor authentication on WhatsApp, turn it off in your account settings before perenosom.

For other messengers:

• 📱 Telegram: chats are synced automatically through the cloud (just log into your account).
• 💬 Viber: Backup is created in Google Drive or locally (similar to WhatsApp).
• 🗣️ Signal: Supports transfer via local copy (folder) Signal/Backups).

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WhatsApp can only be moved between different Android brands via Google Drive or manual backup files.There is no official direct port tool!

6. Transfer of applications and their data

Apps and their data (e.g., save in games, social media settings) are the hardest to port. Android doesn’t provide built-in tools for this, but there are several working methods.

Method 1: Backup through Google

• On Samsung, open Settings → Google → Backup and enable the option.
• Select a Google account and wait for the backup to be completed.
• On Xiaomi Redmi, log in to the same Google account and recover data when you first start.

❗ Restriction: only the settings of some applications (e.g. Chrome, Gmail) are restored, but not the applications themselves or their cache.

Method 2: Stonny backup applications

• 🛠️ Titanium Backup (requires root rights) – Copy applications and their data.
• 📦 App Backup & Restore – Restore APK-file-piece.
• 🎮 Helium – specializes in game backup.

Method 3: Manual copying of application files

1. Connect Samsung to your computer and find the application folders in /Android/data/ and /Android/obb/.
2. Copy them on your computer, then on Xiaomi Redmi.
3. Install the same apps from Google Play – some data will be automatically pulled up.

⚠️ Important: Not all applications allow data to be transferred this way, such as BankID, SberBank Online, and other financial applications require re-authorization.

7. Post-transfer validation and optimization

After the data transfer is completed, be sure to check:

• 📞 Contacts: Open the Contacts app and make sure all numbers are in place (especially check groups and linked photos).
• 📸 Photo/Video: Open the Gallery and check that all files are displayed (sometimes folders may not show up right away – restart your phone).
• 💬 Messages: on WhatsApp and SMS Check the chat history (especially media files).
• 🎵 Music/documents: Open the file manager (e.g. Files by Google) and make sure all files are in place.

If something hasn't moved:

• 🔄 Repeat the transfer selectively (for example, only contacts or photos).
• 📡 Check your internet connection (if you use the cloud).
• 🔌 Try another cable or USB-port (if transferred via computer).

Optimization after transfer:

• 🧹 Clear the app cache: Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔋 Check battery consumption: After porting, some applications may run in the background, draining the battery.
• 📲 Set up notifications: Xiaomi may have default notifications disabled for some apps.

💡

After transferring the data, it is recommended to make a cache reset to Xiaomi Redmi (in Settings → Memory → Cleanup). This will speed up the system and prevent possible errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer