How to transfer a text message from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: the full guide 2026

Why Standard Copying Methods Don’t Work with Messages

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones usually does not cause problems - the brand offers convenient tools like Mi Mover or synchronization through Mi Account. SMS-The situation is different in the case of messages, and this data is often left behind by automated processes, because the messages are stored in a secure database. /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db, Access to which is limited even for system utilities.

Xiaomi does not knowingly include SMS to the standard backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup, because it's considered confidential, creates a paradox: on the one hand, the manufacturer is concerned about the safety of users, on the other hand, it makes it difficult to legitimately transfer personal correspondence. 5 working methods, including formal and alternative solutions, taking into account the features of firmware MIUI 14/15 and models from the Redmi Note 12 Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

It is important to understand that the choice of method depends on several factors:

• 📱 Device models: on new flagships (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro) may not have a 3.5 mm connector for OTG-cable
• 🔒 Root rights status: Some ways require unlocking the bootloader
• 📶 Internet: Cloud-based methods are useless with limited traffic
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: into MIUI 15 changed the encryption algorithm backups

Method 1: Official transfer via Mi Mover (no root)

Mi Mover is a standard application set of Xiaomi, designed to migrate data between the brand’s devices, and despite its limitations, it remains the most reliable way for users without technical skills.

1. On your old smartphone, open Settings → The phone. → Backup → Data portability
2. Select the “Sender” role and confirm the creation of a Wi-Fi hotspot
3. On the new device, run the same menu, but select Receiver.
4. Connect to the network and wait for the data scan
5. In the list of available data, find the item "Messages" (may be called "SMS/MMS") and mark it

Key nuances of the method:

• ⚡ Speed: transfer 10 000 posts ~15-20 minute
• 📶 Requirements: Both devices must have a charge ≥40% and stay within a radius of 5 meters
• 🔄 Restrictions: drafts and messages from spam folder are not transferred
• 📱 Compatibility: Works on all devices with MIUI 10+, including POCO and Black Shark

Make sure that both phones have the latest version installed. MIUI|

Disable VPN and power saving modes |

Check the free space on the new device (you need to do it) ≥1.5× volume-message)|

Write it down. IMEI both devices (in case of failure)|

Prepare chargers (the process discharges the battery to the 10-15%)

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⚠️ Note: If Mi Mover stopped fails during the transfer process, restart both devices and try again. On Redmi Note 11 and later, it sometimes helps to disable the dual apps feature in the settings.

Method 2: Export via Google Drive (for firmware with the GMS)

If your Xiaomi devices are running Google services (not Chinese firmware), you can use the built-in backup feature. SMS Google Drive. This method is suitable for models with global or European firmware (MIUI Global/EEA).

Instructions:

1. Open the Messages app (not Mi Messages!) on your old phone
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → "Settings" → "Backup and restoration"
3. Select “Google Drive Backup” and log in under the appropriate account
4. On the new device, repeat the steps. 1-2, but select "Recovery"

Features of the method:

• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Backup takes up space in your Google Drive
• 🔗 Sync: Messages are linked to an account, not a device
• ⏳ Restriction: Only the last copy is stored (previous ones are overwritten)
• 📱 Incompatibility: Does not work on Chinese firmware (MIUI China) without rooting rights

⚠️ Note: When recovering from Google Drive, do not manually delete the backup via the web interface, this may result in the loss of linking messages to the account. Only use the option to "Delete a copy" in the Messages app settings".

Method 3: Manual export through SMS Backup & Restore

For users who need advanced features (selective transfer, saving in the XML, Backup planning, the application is perfect SMS SyncTech’s Backup & Restore runs on all Xiaomi firmware, including the Chinese versions, and does not require root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Install an app from Google Play (or AppGallery for Chinese firmware)
2. Run it and provide all the permissions requested (SMS, storage)
3. Press "SET UP A BACKUP" → Choose "Local backup"
4. Check "Messages" and "Call logs" (optional)
5. Press "BACK UP NOW" Wait until the file is completed (the file is saved in the /SMSBackupRestore)
6. Transfer the backup file to your new phone (via Mi Share, cable, or cloud)
7. On the new device, install the same app and select "RESTORE"

Advantages of the method:

• 📁 Export formats: XML (legible), CSV (for Excel), JSON
• 🔍 Selectiveness: You can carry messages over a period or from specific contacts
• 📅 Automation: Support for planned backups (weekly/monthly)
• 🔄 Cross-platform: works on Xiaomi, Samsung, Pixel and other Android devices

💡

If the application does not see messages in Chinese firmware, change the system language to English before exporting (Settings) → Additionally. → Language and input. This bypasses the localization limitations of the MIUI China.

Method 4: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods didn’t work and you don’t have root rights, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — This requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but it is guaranteed to work on all versions. MIUI.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download. ADB Tools and unpack in C:\adb
2. On the phone, activate the "Developer Mode" (7 taps by "Version" MIUI" in settings) and turn on "Debugging by USB"
3. Connect the phone to the PC and perform:

cd C:\adb


adb devices




adb backup -f C:\sms_backup.ab -apk com.android.providers.telephony

After the command is executed, a request will appear on the phone to create a backup - confirm it by entering a password (optional).

To recover on the new device:

adb restore C:\sms_backup.ab

Important observations:

• 🔌 USB-Cable: Use the original Xiaomi cable – cheap analogues can cause device unauthorized errors
• 🔐 Encryption: if you have a backup password, do not lose it – recovery without a password is impossible
• 📱 MIUI 15: New firmware may require an additional command adb shell pm grant com.android.providers.telephony android.permission.BACKUP
• ⚠️ Limitation: not carried forward MMS and attachments (text only) SMS)

💡

ADB-method is the only way to transfer SMS device-on MIUI China is rootless, but it doesn't work if the phone has encryption enabled (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption).

Method 5: Transfer with root rights (for advanced)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and you have Magisk or another root manager installed, you can copy the database. SMS It gives you 100 percent control over the process, but it requires technical skills and it voids the warranty.

Step-by-step action:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer). FX File Explorer)
2. Cross the path. /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/
3. Copy the files mmsms.db and mmssms.db-wal on SD-map
4. Transfer files to the new device to the same directory
5. Change the access rights:

chmod 660 /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db


chown system:radio /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db

Reset the device.

Risks and characteristics:

• ⚠️ Warranty: unlocking the bootloader officially deprives of warranty (checked by the status of fastboot oem device-info)
• 🔧 MIUI 14+: New Firmware Requires to Be Disabled miui_optimization Magisk
• 📱 Models: on Xiaomi 12S Ultra and newer can trigger anti-rollback, blocking the system
• 🔄 Recovery: After transfer, be sure to reset the cache (Wipe) Dalvik/Cache into TWRP)

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The best way to choose depends on your technical skills, device models and portability requirements.

Selection recommendations:

• 🏆 For beginners: Mi Mover (if both phones are on global firmware) or SMS Backup & Restore (if you need flexibility)
• 💻 For PC users: ADB — Fast and reliable, but requires adjustment
• 🔧 For enthusiasts: Root method is complete control, but risks are high
• ☁️ For cloud users: Google Drive, if you have global firmware and a stable Internet

💡

On devices with MIUI 15 (e.g. Xiaomi 14) Mi Mover is a priority method, as it is optimized for a new backup encryption system. Alternative methods may require additional manipulation of security settings.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users encounter common errors, and consider the most common cases and ways to fix them:

1 Mi Mover doesn't see the message

• 🔹 Make sure both devices have Power Saving Mode disabled for com.miui.mimover
• 🔹 Reinstall Mi Mover via Mi App Store
• 🔹 On Chinese firmware, try changing the region to "India" (Settings) → Additionally. → Region)

2. when restoring through ADB The error is called Invalid Backup"

• 🔹 Check the integrity of the backup file with the adb shell command md5sum /sdcard/sms_backup.ab
• 🔹 Make sure the new device has the same version of Android as the old one.
• 🔹 Try to restore the backup on another device (such as Android Studio emulator)

3. SMS Backup & Restore does not see any message MIUI China

• 🔹 Install a modified version of the application from XDA Developers (seek out topics about Xiaomi)
• 🔹 Manually grant rights through ADB:

adb shell pm grant com.riteshsahu.SMSBackupRestore android.permission.READ_SMS


adb shell pm grant com.riteshsahu.SMSBackupRestore android.permission.WRITE_SMS

4.The names of the contacts in the SMS

• 🔹 Sync your contacts with Mi Account or Google before transferring messages
• 🔹 In the "Messages" app, update the data: "Settings" → Update contacts"
• 🔹 If you use Truecaller, turn it off for the duration of the transfer (may conflict with system contacts)

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with dual SIM-cards (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G) The messages may be duplicated after the transfer. To avoid this, turn off the second one before the migration. SIM in settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions