How to Transfer All Data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: Full Backup Instruction

Why Xiaomi’s standard data porting methods don’t always work

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always a joy of updated hardware and fresh firmware, but also a headache with data portability. Even if both devices are powered by MIUI, the manufacturer does not always guarantee flawless migration through standard tools. Users face problems: some contacts are lost, photos are transferred in low resolution, and application settings are reset. It is all about the nuances of the MIUI versions, the differences in the architecture of the chips (for example, Snapdragon vs Mediatek) and the limitations of the cloud storage Mi Cloud.

This article is not about basic Mi Mover transfer, but about full migration of all data — from SMS to Wi-Fi passwords, with possible errors and workarounds. We will discuss 4 methods: from official tools to manual copying through ADB, and also explain why some data (for example, call histories or notes) may not migrate and how to fix it. If you go from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra or from POCO F3 to Redmi K70 Pro, here you will find a solution for your pair of devices.

We warn you right away that data transfer between devices with different regional firmware (Global/EU vs China) can lead to conflicts in Mi Account and loss of application licenses. This is true for gray devices purchased abroad.

Method 1: Mi Mover - the official method with pitfalls

Mi Mover is a built-in data porting app that Xiaomi positions as a universal solution. It does kop basic data (contacts, SMS, photos, videos), but there are critical limitations:

• 📱 It only works between devices with MIUI 9 and newer (check the version in Settings) → The phone).
• 🔌 Requires cable. OTG Or direct Wi-Fi (not via router!) on Xiaomi 13/14 The series may not work through USB-C → USB-C kit-line.
• 🚫 Does not tolerate: Wi-Fi passwords, application settings (for example, Xiaomi Home or Mi Fit), data of some games.
• ⏳ On large volumes (50)+ HB) may “hang” in the “Data Preparation” phase — the solution in the spoiler below.

How to start the transfer:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Additional → Mi Mover (or search through search).
2. Select the “Sender” role and confirm the screen unlock.
3. On the new phone in the same menu, select Receiver and connect to the old device via QR-code.
4. Select data for transfer (we recommend that you uncheck the "Applications" - they will be transferred without data).
5. Wait until it is completed (can take up to 2 hours for 100+GB).

1. Reboot both phones.

2. On an old device, clear the Mi Mover cache: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Mover → Storage → Clear the cache.

3. Try to transfer data in parts: first photo, then contacts, then SMS.

4.If Wi-Fi is used: connect both phones to the router at 5 GHz (2.4 GHz lower speed).

5. For devices with MIUI 14+: Update Mi Mover via GetApps (the built-in Xiaomi store).

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If Mi Mover doesn’t see the new device via Wi-Fi, turn on both phones to Access Point and Modem mode in the network settings.

Method 2: Backup in Mi Cloud – Reliable, but not unlimited

The Mi Cloud is an alternative to Mi Mover, which runs over the Internet and does not require cable, and the main advantage is that the data is stored on Xiaomi servers, and it can be restored even a month after the transfer.

• 📁 Free rate – only 5 GB (this is the price). ~1000 high quality photos or 2 hours of video).
• 🔒 Some data (e.g., some data, SMS or call log) not automatically backed up – you need to manually include.
• 🌍 On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Mi Cloud can block access from global accounts.

Step-by-step:

1. On an old phone: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup of the device.
2. Select the data to copy (be sure to mark "System settings" for Wi-Fi password transfer).
3. Click "Start backup" and wait until it's completed (may take up to a day for large volumes).
4. On a new phone: When you first turn on, select Restore from Backup or do it later through the same path in Mi Cloud.

☑️ Preparing for backup in Mi Cloud

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Connect your phone to charge (energy-intensive process)|Check out free space in the cloud |Disable battery optimization for Mi Cloud in the app settings |Enable Wi-Fi and mobile data transfer |Sync your contacts with Mi Account in advance

⚠️ Note: If you used Google Photos to back up your media files, disable autosynchronization on your new phone before you complete the transfer over Mi Cloud. Simultaneous upload to two clouds can lead to duplicate files.

Method 3: Manual copying via PC – for full control

If Mi Mover and Mi Cloud don't fit (for example, due to volume constraints or regional locks), you'll have to manually transfer it over your computer, which takes longer, but gives you 100% control over the data.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cables. USB (Best Original from Xiaomi).
• 📂 Programs: Mi PC Suite (official) or ADB (for advanced users).

Instructions for Mi PC Suite (simple way):

1. Download Mi PC Suite and install it on PC.
2. Connect your old phone to your computer in File Transfer mode (select this option when you request your phone).
3. In Mi PC Suite, select Backup and mark all the data you need (including Other Files for hidden folders).
4. Once completed, disconnect the old phone and connect the new one.
5. In Mi PC Suite, select Recovery and specify the backup you created.

For advanced users: If you need to migrate application data (e.g., save games), use ADB backup:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup.ab


adb restore C:\backup.ab

Commands are executed via Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) with a connected phone with USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock the developer menu → enable debugging).

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ADB backup does not work with some system applications (e.g. Mi Home or Mi Fit) and requires built-in export/import features.

Method 4: Transferring over Google Services – Universal, but not Complete

If you use Google services (Contacts, Calendar, Photos, Drive), some of the data can be transferred through them, which is suitable for users who do not want to depend on the Xiaomi ecosystem.

• 📇 Contacts and calendars sync automatically if you add one Google account to both phones.
• 📷 Google Photos will transfer media files, but in compressed quality (if you do not pay for the original permission).
• 📱 Google Drive can create a backup copy SMS, Wi-Fi call logs and settings, but only on Android 9 and newer phones.
• ⚠️ Application data (such as WhatsApp or Viber) is not portable – they need separate backups.

How to transfer data via Google:

1. On your old phone: Settings → Google → Backup → turn on “Google Drive Backup” and click “Create a copy now.”
2. On the new phone, when you first turn on, select “Copy Data from Old Device” → “From Cloud” → Sign in to the same Google account.
3. For media files: Set Google Photos on both phones and wait for sync.

⚠️ Note: If your old phone used Mi Account to sync contacts and your new phone uses Google Restore, your contacts may be duplicated. Before transferring, export them to.vcf via Contacts and import them manually on the new device.

What to do if the data is not transferred (solved problems)

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, some data may not be transferred. Here are the typical problems and solutions:

For WhatsApp and other messengers:

1. On your old phone: Open WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup copy.
2. Copy /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases folder on your PC.
3. On your new phone, install WhatsApp, confirm the number and restore the backup from the Databases folder.

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If you use Xiaomi Home for a smart home, export your device settings through Profile → Settings → Data Export. This will save sensor bindings and scenarios.

Transfer data between Xiaomi with different firmware (Global vs China)

If your old phone is on Chinese firmware (China ROM) and your new phone is on Global/EU ROM, or vice versa, standard portability methods may not work because of:

• 🔒 Blocking Mi Accounts when changing region (Change accounts) ROM, They may not be working for Global).
• 📱 The absence of pre-installed Google services on Chinese firmware (this prevents synchronization through Google account).
• 🔧 Differences in system folder structure (e.g., path to the SMS differ).

Decisions:

1. For contacts and calendars: export them to a.vcf file (for contacts) or.ics (for calendars) and import them on a new phone.
2. For media: copy via PC or use Google Photos (if there are no Google services on Chinese firmware, install them manually via APKMirror).
3. For apps: Use APK Extractor to extract APK from an old phone and Titanium Backup (requires root) to transfer data.
4. For Mi Account: If your account is blocked when you change region, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check or box).

⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware without Google services (China) ROM without GMS) Some apps (like YouTube or Gmail) won't work even after the transfer. ROM via Fastboot - but this will void the warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Data Transfer