How to transfer all data from Xiaomi phone to another Xiaomi: the complete guide

Why data transfer between Xiaomi smartphones requires a special approach

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but the data transfer process can become a headache if approached unprepared. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi phones have a unique MIUI ecosystem that offers both standard migration tools and exclusive solutions like Xiaomi Cloud or Mi Mover. However, even these tools do not work perfectly: users often face problems synchronizing contacts, a Wi-Fi transmission interruption or data loss due to incompatibility of MIUI versions.

The biggest mistake most people make is trying to migrate things as they are without any preparation, like using Mi Mover on different versions of devices. MIUI (for example, MIUI 13 and MIUI 14) there may be a failure if you do not update the firmware to at least minor compatible build. APK-files are correctly restored from the backup, especially if the new device has a different processor architecture (for example, with a different processor architecture). ARMv7 on ARMv8).

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to transfer data between Xiaomi smartphones, from official tools to manual methods for power users, how to avoid losing photos, why notes from Mi Notes don’t sync, and what to do if a new phone doesn’t see the old one on Wi-Fi Direct. And at the end, FAQ answers to the most common questions, including problems with transferring data to devices with HyperOS.

Method 1: Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s official tool for quick migration

Mi Mover is a built-in MIUI application designed specifically for transferring data between Xiaomi devices, using Wi-Fi Direct technology to transfer files without an internet connection, and the advantage of the method is that it is simple and supports most types of data: contacts, messages, photos, videos, applications (including their data), and even some system settings.

But there are some nuances: first, Mi Mover only works between devices with MIUI 9 and newer. If one of the phones has an older version, update the firmware first. Second, not all applications support the transfer of their data - for example, games with cloud-based saves (such as PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) will have to be configured separately.

• 📱 Step 1. On both phones, open Settings → The phone. → Mi Mover (or find the app through search).
• 🔄 Step 2. On the old phone, select I am the sender, on the new phone, I am the receiver.
• 📶 Step 3: Connect to a single Wi-Fi network or use Wi-Fi Direct (automatically created access point).
• 📁 Step 4: Select data types for transfer (contacts, messages, media, etc.) and confirm the start of transfer.
• ⏳ Step 5: Wait until completion (time depends on data volume; 30GB can be transmitted for up to 1.5 hours).

⚠️ Note: If the process is stuck in the Preparation phase, check if there is enough space on the new device. Mi Mover requires 1.5-2 times the amount of free space transferred for temporary files. For example, to transfer 20 GB you need at least 30-40 GB of free space.

Update. MIUI on both phones until the latest version|Battery charge >50% on both devices|Turn it off. VPN firewalls|Make sure that the new phone has enough space (minimum 1.5).× volume)|Connect both phones to charge (transfer drains battery)

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Method 2: Xiaomi Cloud – sync through the cloud

Xiaomi Cloud is a cloud storage from Xiaomi that automatically syncs contacts, notes, photos, calendar entries, and even some system settings. The main advantage of the method is that data is available on any Xiaomi device after you log in to one Mi Account. This is convenient if you change phones often or want to have a backup in case of loss of the device.

However, Xiaomi Cloud has limitations:

• 📸 Photos and videos are synced only in original quality if you have a Xiaomi Cloud subscription.+ (5GB free, 50GB - 99₽/month).
• 📱 Applications and their data are not transferred through the cloud (only contacts, notes, calendars).
• 🔒 Two-factor authentication is required for data recovery on a new device.

To move data through Xiaomi Cloud:

1. On your old phone: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Sync → enable sync for the desired data.
2. On a new phone: log in to the same Mi Account and wait for automatic sync (can take up to 24 hours for larger volumes).
3. For photos: open Gallery → Albums → Xiaomi Cloud and download the necessary files.

Method 3: Manual transfer via OTG or PC cable

If you only need to transfer specific files (such as photos from the past year or documents), manual transfer via cable or computer can be faster and more reliable.

• 🔌 You don’t have stable Wi-Fi for Mi Mover.
• 📂 You only need to transfer a part of the data (for example, a folder). DCIM/Camera).
• 🛠️ You are a user and you want to control the process.

For PC portability:

1. Connect your old phone to your computer in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy the folders you want (DCIM, Downloads, Pictures, etc.) on your PC.
3. Connect the new phone and paste the files into the appropriate folders.

For transfer via OTG cable (if the new phone has a USB-C connector):

1. On the old phone, turn on Developer Mode and allow Debugging over USB.

2. use another cable (some cheap ones) OTG-Adapters do not support data transfer).

3. Reboot both phones before connecting.

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⚠️ Note: When manually transferring, do not copy the entire Android folder, which can cause app crashes on the new phone, it is better to transfer only media files and documents, and install the apps again via Google Play.

Method 4: Transfer through third-party applications (SHAREit, Send Anywhere)

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t work (for example, because of different versions of MIUI or firmware regions), you can use third-party applications to transfer files.

• 📲 SHAREit – fast Wi-Fi Direct transmission (up to 20 MB/s), supports all types of files.
• 🌐 Send Anywhere – Transmission over cloud or direct channel, there is a function of generation QR-code.
• 🔗 Xender – an alternative to SHAREit with support for application transfer (APK).

How to transfer data to Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both phones.
2. On an old phone, select files to send and click Send.
3. Select the transfer method: Direct transmission (via Wi-Fi) or Link (via the cloud).
4. On a new phone, enter a 6-digit code or scan the QR.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ Works on all versions. MIUI Android.
• ✅ Supports transfer between Xiaomi and other brands.
• ✅ Often faster than Mi Mover (e.g. Send Anywhere uses data compression).

⚠️ Note: When transferring applications via Xender or SHAREit, do not install APK-files from unknown sources - this can lead to infection with viruses.

Method 5: Transfer over backup (TWRP + ADB for experienced)

This method is suitable for advanced users who want to migrate the entire system with all settings, including application data, SMS, call log and even desktop wallpaper.

• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader on both phones.
• 📦 Established custom recovery (e.g, TWRP).
• 💻 Computer with ADB and Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. On an old phone, create a full backup via TWRP (select all sections: Boot, System, Data, Internal Storage).
2. Copy the backup folder (TWRP/BACKUPS) to your PC or external drive.
3. On your new phone, run TWRP and boot into recovery.
4. Move the backup to your new phone and restore it through Restore.
5. Restart and wait for the first setup (it can take up to 10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Important: This method is not recommended for beginners, as if you make a mistake, you can get a “brick” (defaulting device).If you are not sure about your skills, use Mi Mover or Xiaomi Cloud.

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Transferring over TWRP is the only way to save all application data (including progress in games without cloud storage) and system settings (for example, the Xiaomi Home configuration for the smart home).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when using official tools, users are faced with errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

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

• 📇 Contacts and calendar – via Xiaomi Cloud.
• 📷 Photos – through manual cable transfer.
• 📱 Apps – Reinstall from Google Play.
• 📝 Notes - export manually from Mi Notes (.zip format).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions