How to Transfer an Old Xiaomi Account to a New Phone: 2026

Moving to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, especially if the old device has accumulated years of photos, correspondence and settings. Many users are afraid of losing data or encountering sync errors when transferring an account. In fact, the process can be done quickly and safely - the main thing is to choose the right method and follow the proven steps.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer an account between Xiaomi, Redmi or other devices. POCO — From automatic sync through Mi Account to manual backup, you'll learn how to save not only contacts and photos, but also how to save your photos. SMS, Notes, system settings, even game data, and we'll also uncover the hidden nuances of portability between devices with different versions. MIUI, which are not written in the official instructions.

1. Preparing an Old Xiaomi Phone for Data Transfer

Before you start the transfer, you need to properly prepare the old device, which is a step that is often missed, and then you face errors like incomplete synchronization or loss of files.

First, check the version. MIUI If the difference is greater than 2 main versions (e.g., on both phones, MIUI 12 vs MIUI 14), there may be problems with compatibility of backups. Update the old device to the latest available firmware via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Second, clean up the unnecessary data:

Clear the application cache in Settings → Annexes → Cleanup

Delete duplicate photos in the Gallery (use the built-in tool "Duplicate Search")

Untie unused devices in Settings → Mi Account → Devices

Disable unnecessary notifications from system applications-->

And finally, charge both phones to at least 50 percent -- the transfer process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of data that you have, and if the battery runs out during the transfer, it can damage the backup.

⚠️ Note: If the old phone has bootloader lock enabled, some transfer methods may not work. Check lock status via fastboot oem device-info in Fastboot mode.

Method 2: Automatic transfer via Mi Account (cloud)

The easiest method is to use the built-in sync function via Mi Cloud, which is suitable if you have a stable internet connection and enough space in cloud storage (free 5GB is provided).

Step instructions:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings. → Mi Account and make sure you are logged in. If not, log in to your account.
2. Enable synchronization for all necessary data: 📇 Contacts 📸 Gallery (photo and video) 📝 Notes 🎵 Recorder recordings 📱 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, labels)

Wait for the synchronization to be completed (progress is displayed in the same menu).

new phone

Mi Account

Select the last backup and wait for the recovery to be completed.

Advantages of this method:

💡

If you don’t have much space in Mi Cloud, temporarily free it up by deleting old backups. → Mi Account → Xiaomi Cloud → Storage management.

⚠️ Note: If you have used third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher) or custom firmware, desktop settings may not be transferred correctly.

Method 2: Local backup via Mi Mover

To transfer large amounts of data (over 5 GB) or if you don’t have internet, use the built-in Mi Mover app, which allows you to transfer files directly over Wi-Fi between devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Mi Mover on both phones (the app is pre-installed on most Xiaomi devices).
2. On the new phone, select "I am a new user" → "Get data from another device".
3. On your old phone, select "Send Data" and scan. QR-screencode.
4. Select data types for transfer: 📱 Applications and their data (including game saves) 📞 Call log and SMS 📁 Files and folders 🔧 System settings

Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed (may take up to 1 hour for 64GB of data).

Features of the method:

💡

Mi Mover is the only official way to transfer game saves (e.g. from Genshin Impact or Honkai Star Rail) between Xiaomi devices without root rights.

If the transmission is interrupted, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (should be) >30%)
• 📶 Wi-Fi connection stability (it is better to use the access point on a new phone)
• 📱 Absence of advertising blockers or VPN, which may interfere with the connection

Cable can be used to speed up the process. OTG (If the new phone supports the "Host" function, connect the old device as USB-drive and manually copy files from folders:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/backup/AllBackup/


/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/




/storage/emulated/0/Download/

4. Method 3: Transfer through Google Account (alternative to Mi Cloud)

If you prefer the Google ecosystem or have problems with Mi Account, you can use standard sync through Google Account, which is suitable for transferring contacts, calendars, some settings and some of the app data.

How to set up:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Turn on the synchronization for: 📇 Contacts 📅 Calendar 📝 Notes (if you use Google Keep) 📁 Disk (for backup photo)

Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Management → Synchronization

new phone

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ No resumption of settings. MIUI (themes, gestures, sounds)
• ❌ No backups. SMS (use SMS Backup & Restore from Google Play)
• ❌ Data from some Chinese apps (e.g. Xiaomi Community) is not synced

To transfer photos through Google Photos:

1. Open the Google Photos app on your old phone.
2. Go to Settings → Backup and Synchronization and turn on the function.
3. Select quality ("Original" or "High") and wait for the download to be completed.
4. On your new phone, install Google Photos and wait for sync.

⚠️ Note: If you have used two-factor authentication in Mi Account, you may need to re-assign your phone number after transferring to the new device. → Mi Account → Security.

5. Method 4: Manual transfer via computer (for advanced users)

If you want full control of the data being transferred or previous methods have failed, use manual copying via PC, which takes longer, but ensures that all files are safe.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 Cable USB (Best Original from Xiaomi)
• 📁 Programme Mi PC Suite (optional, for backup applications)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your old phone to your computer and enable file transfer mode (MTP).
2. Copy the following folders from internal memory: /DCIM/ — photo /Download/ — file-load /MIUI/backup/ — backup MIUI /Android/data/ — Data from some applications (root rights required) /Pictures/Screenshots/ — screenshot

SMS and call logs

SMS Backup & Restore

Mi PC Suite

Tools → Backup

new phone

SMS Backup & Restore

Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Local backup

To transfer applications and their data without root rights:

• Use it. APK Extractor for extraction APK-file.
• Copy the folders from /Android/obb/ heavy-resource.
• On the new phone, install it. APK-file and move OBB-file-to-file.

Warning: Some applications (e.g. banking) may block work when ported in this way due to changes in unique device identifiers.

6. Solving common problems during transfer

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can get errors, and let's look at the typical situations and the ways that we can solve them.

If fingerprints do not work on the new phone after transfer, this is normal – they need to be configured again in Settings. → Passwords and security → Fingerprints: Biometric data are not transferred for security reasons.

To resolve post-transfer notification issues:

1. Check notification settings for each application in Settings → Notifications.
2. Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" mode (Settings) → Sound and vibration → Don't disturb).
3. Restart your phone – sometimes it helps to reset the notification services cache.

7.Optimize the new phone after the transfer

After a successful data transfer, it is recommended to follow several steps to optimize the operation of the new device.

First, clean the system cache:

Settings → About phone → Memory → Cleaning (broom sign in the upper right corner)

This will help you get rid of temporary files that may have been transferred from your old phone.

Second, set up the autoloading of applications:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Autostart Management.
2. Turn off auto-run for unnecessary apps (especially for social media and instant messengers if they are not used constantly).

Third, personalize new functions. MIUI, which was not on the old phone:

• 🎨 Super wallpaper (dynamic) 3D-wallpaper) in Settings → Wallpaper.
• 🔍 Screen search (swipe down on the desktop)
• 📱 Second Space mode for separating personal and work data
• 🔋 Ultra Battery Mode to Extend Operating Time

Finally, check the security settings:

Update your fingerprints and face ID

Check permissions for applications in Settings → Confidentiality

Set up the lock. SIM-map (PIN-code)

Turn on Find Device to find your phone when you lose-->

8.Frequent questions about moving your Xiaomi account