How to transfer SMS From Android to Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide to data retention

Transfer SMS-Messaging between Android devices is a challenge that one in five users face when changing their smartphone, and it is especially relevant for owners of Xiaomi Redmi, where standard methods of synchronizing through Google Account often work with errors due to the features of the shell. MIUI. Unlike photos or contacts, your email history doesn’t always automatically migrate to your new device, and losing important messages (such as confirmation codes or work correspondence) can be a serious problem.

This article covers all relevant means of transfer SMS — built-in MIUI We tested each method on Redmi Note models. 12/13 Pro, Redmi 10/11 and POCO X5 steerable MIUI 14/15, To ensure that the instructions are working, special attention is paid to compatibility with Android. 13/14, where the work permits have changed SMS.

If you are switching from a device of another brand (Samsung, Huawei, Realme) to Xiaomi Redmi, it is important to consider the nuances: for example, the Messages application from Google by default does not sync. SMS over 3 months old. MIUI The message backup function is hidden in the depths of the settings. To avoid data loss, follow our recommendations, from the simplest export through the Internet. SIM-map to advanced transfer by means of ADB.

1.Preparation for transfer: what to do before the beginning

Before you start the transfer, make sure that both devices meet the minimum requirements. on the old smartphone (source) should be enough free space to create a backup, and on the new Xiaomi Redmi – the current version. MIUI (You can check the version in the Settings menu. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Critical moments:

• 🔋 The battery charge of both devices is at least 50%, and interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to the loss of some messages.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network) 4G/5G) — mandatory for cloud methods.
• 🔑 The same Google Account on both devices (if you use Google sync).
• 🛠️ Turn off battery optimization for applications involved in the transfer (e.g. Messages or Mi Mover).

On Android 12 devices+ and MIUI 13+ There is an additional restriction: applications require special permission to read. SMS. To activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Permit management → SMS.
2. Select the application for transfer (for example, SMS Backup & Restore and Enable Access.

⚠️ Note: If the old device is installed Android 10 Or below, and on the new Xiaomi Redmi - Android 13/14, Google sync may not work due to changes in the API. In this case, use the export method in XML (section 3).

Method 2: Embedded Mi Mover Tool (for Xiaomi devices)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for migrating data between brand devices. It supports not only portability. SMS, But it's also contacts, photos, apps, but it only works between smartphones. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO requires physical connection through OTG-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. On the new Redmi, run the Mi Mover app (if not, download from Google Play).
2. Select the option I receive data.
3. On the old device, open Mi Mover and tap I'm sending data.
4. Connect devices through OTG-cable (recommended) or select wireless mode (slower).
5. On an old smartphone, tick Messages and confirm the transfer.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Keeps the folder structure SMS (incoming, outgoing, drafts).
• 📥 Transfers attachments (photos, video, audio in messages).
• 🛡️ Encrypts data during transmission.

⚠️ Note: If the old Mi Mover device is missing (e.g. Samsung or Huawei), this will not work.

Install Mi Mover on both devices|Check availability OTG-cable|Shut down. VPN/proxy|Close the background annexes-->

3. Method 2: Exports SMS into XML and importation of Redmi

A universal method that works on any Android device, including Xiaomi Redmi, is to save messages to a.xml file on an old smartphone and then import them to a new one. SMS Backup & Restore (free, no advertising in the main features).

Instructions for export:

1. Download. SMS Backup & Restore on an Old Device.
2. Launch the application and click Create a backup.
3. Select Messages (you can also include a Call Log).
4. Specify the location of the save (Inner Memory or Google Drive is recommended).
5. Click Create and wait until completion (can take up to 10 minutes for 10,000)+ message).

Imports to Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Transfer the backup file (for example, sms-20260515.xml) New device via Bluetooth, Email or cloud.
2. Install. SMS Backup & Restore at Redmi.
3. In the app, select Restore. → specify the file → confirm the import.

Features of the method:

• 📄 Keeps timestamps, contact names and message statuses (read/not read).
• 🔄 It works even between devices with different versions of Android (for example, Android 9). → MIUI 15).
• ⚠️ Does not transfer investments (photo / video) MMS) — They need separate exports.

Method 3: Synchronize with Google (limitations and bypasses)

Google’s official way of syncing SMS through the account, but has critical limitations:

• ⏳ Save messages only for the last 3 months.
• 📵 Does not work on devices with Android 10 and below, if on the new Android 13 smartphone+.
• 🔄 Requires Google Messages (not standard) MIUI).

How to turn on synchronization:

1. On the old device, install Messages from Google.
2. Open the app. → tap on the profile avatar → Message settings → Backup and restoration.
3. Enable Backup Messages and wait until it is completed.
4. On Xiaomi Redmi, install the same app, log in to your account and recover your data.

Bypass of the 3-month limit:

1. Before synchronizing manually change the date on the old device to the current year minus 1 day (for example, if it is May 15, 2026, set May 14, 2026).
2. Start backup – the system will consider all messages as “fresh”.
3. After the transfer, return the correct date.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 14/15 Google Messages App Could Conflict with Standard SMS-To avoid duplication of notifications, disable the standard application: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Communications → Shut down.

Synchronization through Google|Apps like this SMS Backup & Restore|Branded tools (Mi Mover, Smart Switch)|Manual export to XML|Another way.-->

5. Method 4: Appendix Pulse SMS (for advanced users)

Pulse SMS — One of the few apps that not only portables your message history, but also syncs it between devices in real time, which is suitable if you change your smartphone frequently or use multiple devices (e.g. Redmi). + tablet).

Advantages:

• 🔄 Synchronization via encrypted cloud (data stored on Pulse servers).
• 📱 Works on iOS, Android, Windows and in the browser.
• 📎 Supports MMS, group chat and attachment.
• 🛡️ Two-factor authentication for data protection.

Instructions for transfer:

1. Install Pulse. SMS both-way.
2. On an old smartphone, register and wait for the initial synchronization to complete.
3. On Xiaomi Redmi, log in to the same account – messages will be automatically downloaded.
4. (Optional) In the settings, enable Automatic Backup (once a week).

Limitations of the free version:

• 📌 Only 1,000 last messages are stored.
• 🔒 No end-to-end encryption (only) TLS).

💡

If after transfer to Pulse SMS Contact names are not displayed, update contacts manually: open the Contacts app on Redmi, click More → Imports/Exports → Update.

Method 5: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

For those who are not afraid of the command line. ADB (Android Debug Bridge allows you to copy the database SMS Directly from one device to another, storing all metadata, including hidden system messages, suitable for devices without root rights, but requires the inclusion of Debugging by USB.

Step-by-step:

1. On both devices, turn on Developer Mode: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times) Then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate debugging by USB.
2. Connect your old device to your PC, open the terminal and do: adb backup -f sms_backup.ab -apk com.android.providers.telephony On the smartphone screen, confirm the creation of a backup copy (do not set a password!).
3. Disable the old device, connect Xiaomi Redmi and restore data: adb restore sms_backup.ab

Possible errors and solutions:

• 🚫 adb: unable to open backup file → Check the backup folder rights (must be 777).
• 🔌 device unauthorized → On the smartphone screen, confirm trust in the PC.
• 📱 Messages are not displayed → Reboot Redmi or install Google Messages.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ A standard Message application can block recovery through ADB. In this case, before restoring, install an alternative SMS-client, QKSMS) And make it the default app.

💡

ADB — The only way to transfer the system SMS (For example, messages from the operator with settings APN), which are not exported by standard methods.

7. Checking the integrity of data after the transfer

Once the transfer is complete, it is critical to ensure that all messages are intact.

• 🔍 Number of messages: Compare the total number SMS on old and new devices (you can see Messages in the application settings).
• 📅 Date Range: Check what the oldest and newest messages have moved.
• 👤 Contact Names: Make sure that names are displayed instead of numbers (if not, update contacts).
• 📎 Attachments: Open a few MMS photo/video.
• 🏷️ Folders: Check the Incoming, Outgoing, Spam sections.

If gaps are found:

1. Repeat the transfer by another method (for example, if Mi Mover failed, try it). SMS Backup & Restore).
2. For partial loss, use Search in the Messages by Keyword or Numbers app.
3. If messages are missing for a specific period, check if the old device was not a filter by date (for example, in the case of a computer). SMS Backup & Restore).

On Xiaomi Redmi, memory optimization can work after the transfer, which deletes “old” messages.

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. In the Deep Clean section, turn off the option to Delete old messages.

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with accurate follow-up, errors can occur, and let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try a combination approach:

1. Export. SMS into XML through SMS Backup & Restore.
2. Import the file to Redmi via Pulse SMS (The application supports import from XML).
3. For MMS Use a separate transfer via Google Photos (save attachments manually).

💡

If you frequently switch between devices, set up automatic sync in Pulse SMS Or Google messages, which will eliminate the need for manual portability in the future.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions