The transition from Samsung to Xiaomi is not just about brand change, but also about migrating all your data, from contacts and messages to photos, apps, and even Wi-Fi settings. Many users fear this process, thinking it will take hours or lead to loss of important information. In fact, you can do the transfer in 15 to 40 minutes, if you know the nuances of each method.
In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to migrate data, taking into account the features of One UI (Samsung) and MIUI/HyperOS (Xiaomi) firmware, learn how to avoid typical errors – for example, why the Mi Mover application can “hang” 99% when migrating from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to the Xiaomi 14 Pro due to a conflict of Android versions, and how to fix it. We also compare the speed and reliability of each method in the table so you can choose the best option.
Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start
Before you start migrating, follow a few critical steps that can lead to data loss or disruption.
First, check device compatibility. Most methods work on Android 8.0 and later, but there are exceptions:
- 📱 Mi Mover officially supports the transfer from Samsung to Xiaomi only if Xiaomi is installed MIUI 12+ HyperOS. on older versions (for example, MIUI (11) the application may not detect the device.
- ⚡ Google’s Fast Data Transfer Requires Android 5.0+, But to transfer applications you need Android 10+.
- 🔌 Cable transfer (through cable) OTG) It is only possible if both phones are supported. USB OTG. The Samsung Galaxy A-series and Xiaomi Redmi Note with this usually no problem, but some models of the Galaxy M may require an adapter.
Second, make room for Xiaomi. Transfer 60 GB of data to a phone with 16 GB of free space will lead to an error. Check the available space in Settings → Storage and delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card if necessary.
⚠️ Note: If Samsung has enabled data encryption (e.g., through Settings) → Biometrics and safety → Encryption, some portability techniques may not work, in which case use a cloud backup (Google Drive or Samsung Cloud) or manual portability over a PC.
Finally, charge both phones to at least 50%, and transferring large amounts of data (such as 100 GB of photos and videos) can take up to 1-2 hours, and discharging in the process will interrupt the operation.
Charging both phones > 50%|Verification of Android Version Compatibility|There is enough space on Xiaomi|Samsung encryption disabled (if enabled)|Cable's ready. USB-C/USB-C or OTG-adapter-->
2. Method 1: Mi Mover – official solution from Xiaomi
Mi Mover is a proprietary tool from Xiaomi designed to migrate data from other Android devices.
- 📞 Contacts, call log, SMS/MMS
- 📷 Photos and videos (including Google Photos albums)
- 🎵 Music and audio files
- 📁 Documents (PDF, DOC, XLS etc.)
- 📱 Wi-Fi settings, wallpaper, alarm clocks
- 📦 Some system applications (e.g. Calendar, Notes)
However, there are limitations:
- ❌ Not portable: applications (except system), data from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), passwords from accounts.
- ⚠️ On some Samsung models (e.g. Galaxy) S22 one UI 5.1) Mi Mover may not see files in folder DCIM/Camera Due to the features of the file system F2FS.
Step-by-step:
- Download Mi Mover on both phones: Samsung: from Google Play. Xiaomi: the app is preinstalled (find through search in Settings).
Xiaomi
I'm getting data. → Android
Samsung
I'm sending data. → Android
Wi-Fi Direct
OTG
Select data types to transfer and wait for completion.
Average transport time:
- 📎 5–10 GB: 10–15 minutes.
- 📎 50–100 GB: 40–60 minutes.
⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Mover is 99 percent frozen, don't interrupt! Wait 10 to 15 minutes, often due to file integrity checks. If nothing changes after that time, restart both phones and try again.
💡
If the Mi Mover doesn’t see your Samsung, try turning off Power Saving Mode and Battery Optimization for the app in Samsung’s settings.
Method 2: Quick data transfer from Google
This method is suitable if you use a Google account on both devices.
- 📞 Contacts, calendars, tasks
- 📷 Photos and videos (if synced with Google Photos is enabled)
- 📦 Installed applications (but not their data!)
- 🔑 Wi-Fi settings and wallpaper
Pros: does not require the installation of additional applications, works stably. Cons: does not transfer SMS, music, documents and data from messengers.
Instructions:
- On Samsung, check that sync with Google is enabled: Settings → Accounts and archiving → Accounts → Google → Account Sync Make sure Contacts, Calendar, Google Photos, etc. are included.
- On Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select Copy Data → From an Android device and log in to the same Google account.
- Select the data to transfer and wait for completion.
If Xiaomi is already set up, reset it to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset) and repeat step 2. Alternatively, you can manually sync data through Settings → Accounts → Google.
Method 3: Transfer over OTG cable (for large data volumes)
This is the fastest way to transfer large files (video) 4K, RAW-Photos, archives, if you have a cable, it's fine. USB-C/USB-C adapter OTG.
What can be transferred:
- 📷 All photos and videos (including hidden folders)
- 🎵 Music and podcasts
- 📁 Documents, APK-file-ups
- 📱 Backup copies of applications (if saved in a folder)
What won't happen:
- ❌ Contacts, SMS, Call log (they are stored in system databases).
- ❌ Application settings (for example, save in games).
Step-by-step:
- Connect Samsung to Xiaomi via cable OTG. Xiaomi will receive a notification USB-Drive is connected - click on it and select Transfer files.
- On Samsung, unlock the screen and allow file access (you may need to select File Transfer Mode (MTP) in the notification curtain).
- Open Explorer on Xiaomi (Files app) and go to the section USB-accumulator.
- Copy the right folders (DCIM, Downloads, Music, etc.) to internal memory or SD-Xiaomi.
Transfer speed: ~500-800MB/min (depending on the USB version). For example, 64GB of data is copied in ~80-120 minutes.
⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi doesn’t see Samsung as a drive when connecting, check: Cable – it should support data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable). USB Samsung: Switch notifications in the curtain to File Transfer (MTP). Developer settings: if debugging is enabled USB, Try to turn it off (Settings) → System system → For developers → Debugging by USB). How to transfer hidden files (like screenshots from Snapchat)?To see hidden files on Samsung, open My files, click ⋮ → Settings → Hidden data folders usually have a point at the beginning of the name (e.g..thumbnails,.nomedia). Copy them on Xiaomi and then hide them again through the same Explorer. 5. Method 4: Cloud Backup (Google Drive or Samsung Cloud) This method is suitable if you want to keep a backup before transferring or if you don't have a cable. OTG. The disadvantage is the dependence on Internet speed and volume restrictions.Comparison of services: Google Drive Samsung Cloud Free space 15 GB (common to Gmail, Photos, Drive) 5-15 GB (depending on the Samsung model) Which saves Contacts, calendars, photos, videos, some settings Contacts, SMS, Call log, photos, videos, notes, settings Download speed Depends on the Internet (can be slow at high volume) Faster, but only for Samsung devices Restore on Xiaomi Yes (via Settings) → Google → Partially (Contacts and Media Only) Instructions for Google Drive: On Samsung, open Settings → Accounts and archiving → Backup and restoration → Backup Data. Select a Google account and click Backup Now. On Xiaomi, select Restore from Backup and log in to the same Google account when you setup. Instructions for Samsung Cloud: Go to Settings on Samsung → Accounts and archiving → Samsung Cloud.Tap Data Backup and select categories (Contacts, SMS, After you complete the backup, download your files to your PC via the web version of Samsung Cloud and then transfer them to Xiaomi via cable. 💡Samsung Cloud does not allow you to directly restore data to Xiaomi. Use it only to create a backup, which then needs to be manually transferred. 6. Method 5: Manual transfer over PC (for advanced users) This method gives maximum control over the data being transferred and is suitable if other methods have not worked. You will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) and cables for both phones: 📷 All media files (including RAW video 8K). 📱 Backup copies of applications (if saved in the /sdcard/Android/data). 📄 Documents, APK, load. 🔑 Wi-Fi settings (file) wpa_supplicant.conf into /data/misc/wifi — Instructions: Connect Samsung to your PC and copy all the folders you need (DCIM, Downloads, Pictures, etc.) to a hard drive. Connect Xiaomi and transfer files to internal memory or to the computer. SD-To carry the map. SMS Contact and use specialized programs: 📱 SMS Backup & Restore (Saves) SMS into XML and restores to Xiaomi). 📞 Export Contacts (export contacts to the company) VCF-To transfer applications and their data (for example, save in games) you will need: Install on both phones Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup. Create a backup on Samsung and save it to the PC. Restore backup on Xiaomi. ⚠️ Note: Moving system applications (such as Samsung Health or Knox) to Xiaomi can cause conflicts. → Annexes. 7. Transfer data from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Messengers store data (chats, media, settings) in their cloud services or locally: 🔹 Cloud Backup: Samsung Make Backup in Google Drive (⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup! On Xiaomi, install WhatsApp, log in to the same account and restore chats. ⚠️ Problem: If you have a different number on Xiaomi, you can’t restore the chats. In this case, use a local backup (copy the folder). /sdcard/WhatsApp on Xiaomi before installing the app. Telegram: 🔹 All chats and media sync to the cloud automatically. 🔹 To transfer local files (such as downloaded stickers) copy the folder /sdcard/Telegram. Viber: 🔹 Backup is created manually: More → Settings → Account. → Backup (save in Google Drive). ⚠️ Xiaomi can only restore the backup if the phone number has not changed. 💡If WhatsApp doesn’t see a local backup on Xiaomi, rename the file msgstore.db.crypt14 into msgstore.db.crypt12 (8. Frequent errors and solutions Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems. Here are the most common ways to fix them: Problem 1: Mi Mover does not see Samsung. 🔹 Check that both phones are off. VPN and energy-saving regime. 🔹 Restart Wi-Fi Direct: Go to Samsung Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct and turn off/enable the function. 🔹 Try connecting via a hotspot: on Xiaomi, turn on the hotspot, and on Samsung, connect to it and start Mi Mover. Problem 2: Transfer over the cable OTG interrupt. 🔹 Use the original cable (Chinese no-name cables often do not support data transmission). 🔹 Connect phones to charge – with a low battery charge, the transfer may break. 🔹 Break the transfer into parts: copy the photo first, then the video, then the documents. Problem 3: Xiaomi does not restore contacts from Google. 🔹 Check what's in the Settings → Accounts. → Google has enabled contact synchronization. 🔹 Delete and re-add your Google account to Xiaomi. 🔹 Export contacts manually: open contacts on Samsung → ⋮ → Contact management → Export and save the.vcf file, then import it to Xiaomi.Problem 4: Apps on Xiaomi don't work after porting. 🔹 Remove and reinstall them from Google Play – some apps are tied to the CPU architecture (e.g., games may not run on Xiaomi with MediaTek if installed on Samsung with Exynos). 🔹 Check the permissions: Settings → Annexes → Permits. FAQ: Can you transfer data from Samsung to Xiaomi without losing photo quality? OTG Or manually transfer via PC. When transferred via Mi Mover or Google Photos, the quality is maintained, but it is possible to transcode the video (for example, with the help of a computer). HEVC into AVC, Will saves from games (e.g. Genshin Impact) be transferred or PUBG)? It depends on the game: 🎮 If the game is linked to an account (Google Play, Facebook, miHoYo), saves will be transferred automatically after login. 🎮 If the storage is local (for example, in the /Android/obb), You have to copy them manually through your PC, and for Genshin Impact, you just need to log into the same Xiaomi miHoYo account. PUBG Mobile — connect your account to Facebook or Twitter. How do you transfer your Wi-Fi passwords from Samsung to Xiaomi? There are two ways: Mi Mover — it transfers your Wi-Fi settings automatically. Manual: On Samsung, install the WiFi Password Viewer (requires root) or use it ADB-Command: Adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml Open the file. WifiConfigStore.xml and find the lines from <string name="config_key_*_pwd"> — On Xiaomi, connect manually. Can you transfer data from Samsung to Xiaomi if Xiaomi is already set up: 🔹 Mi Mover only works when Xiaomi first setups. If the phone is already configured, reset it to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings). 🔹 Google Quick Transfer and Cloud Backup Can Be Used Without Resetting. 🔹 Manual transfer via PC or cable OTG Will the screen settings (brightness, color profile) be transferred from Samsung to Xiaomi? No, screen settings (e.g. Adaptive Brightness, Read Mode or Color Profile) are not transferred by any method. They will have to be reconfigured in Settings → Display on Xiaomi.