How to Transfer All WhatsApp Messages from One Xiaomi to Another: 4 Ways to Work

Transferring WhatsApp history between Xiaomi smartphones is often a headache for users. Even when using one brand, the procedure requires taking into account nuances: the version MIUI, root rights, Google account status, and free space on devices. In this article, we'll look at all the current methods, from standard backups through Google Drive to little-known tricks with Mi Mover and local backups.

The main problem when transferring chats between Xiaomi is different versions of Android or the other versions of the chat. MIUI For example, if you move from the old Redmi Note 8 Pro (Android 10) to the new Xiaomi 13 Ultra (Android 13), the standard backup through Google may not recover.

Important: WhatsApp does not support direct transfer of chats between Android devices without an intermediate backup – even if both are from Xiaomi.

Preparation of devices before transfer

Before you start the transfer, make sure that both Xiaomi smartphones meet the minimum requirements:

• 📱 The same phone number – WhatsApp is linked to SIM-If you change the number, move the chats first, then change the number in the messenger settings.
• 🔋 Battery charge >50% – the process can take up to 30 minutes, especially when you have a large amount of media.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection – for downloading / unloading backups via Google Drive or Mi Mover.
• 📂 Free space – both devices must have a minimum of 1.5× The size of your chat history (for example, if chats take up 2 GB, you need 3 GB of free space).

Pay special attention to the version MIUI. On devices with MIUI 12.5+ Android 11+ You may need additional permission to access files. Check this in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Special access → Access to all files.

⚠️ Note: If the old Xiaomi installed custom firmware or remote /sdcard/WhatsApp/, Standard transfer methods won't work, and you'll need to manually repair the backup through the backup. ADB third-party.

2. Method 1: Transfer over Google Drive (official method)

This is the most reliable way, recommended by WhatsApp itself, and works on most Xiaomi devices, but has limitations:

• 🔄 You need the same Google account on both smartphones.
• ⏳ The last backup must be created no later than 7 days (otherwise WhatsApp will offer to create a new backup).
• 📎 Backup size should not exceed 15 GB (Google Drive restriction for free accounts).

Instructions for the old phone (from which we transfer):

1. Open WhatsApp. → ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup copy.
2. Click Create a copy and select a Google account to save.
3. Wait for the process to be completed (it can take 5 to 60 minutes depending on the amount of data).

Instructions for the new phone (where we transfer):

1. Install WhatsApp from Google Play and log in with the same phone number.
2. During the recovery phase, the system will prompt you to download the backup from Google Drive. Confirm the action.
3. After recovery, check the integrity of the chats (especially media files – they may not load the first time).

⚠️ Note: If the new Xiaomi is installed MIUI 14+, Before restoring, turn off the optimization function MIUI In Settings → It can block the background load of the backup.

Make sure there is enough room on your new phone.|Sign in to the same Google account|Connect to Wi-Fi (not mobile internet)|Turn off battery optimization for WhatsApp|Make sure that a fresh backup is created on the old phone.-->

3. Method 2: Local backup (without Google Drive)

If you don’t have a stable internet connection or don’t want to use Google Drive, you can transfer chats through a local backup, which requires physically connecting devices or using a memory card.

Step 1: Create a backup on an old phone

1. Open File Manager on the old Xiaomi and go to the /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/.
2. Find the file. msgstore.db.crypt14 (or crypt12/13 That's your chat history.
3. Copy this file and folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Media/ (If you need to transfer media to a computer or memory card.

Step 2: Transfer to a new phone

1. Connect the new Xiaomi to your computer or insert a memory card.
2. Copy the file. msgstore.db.crypt14 folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/ new-device.
3. Install WhatsApp, log in and wait for the offer to restore chats from the local backup.

If WhatsApp doesn’t see a local backup, check:

• 📌 File Name Correctness (should be) msgstore.db.crypt14, symbolless).
• 📌 Databases folder (registration is important!).
• 📌 File Access Permits for WhatsApp in Settings MIUI.

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If the new Xiaomi doesn’t see the memory card, format it in the new Xiaomi FAT32 via computer or in phone settings (Settings) → Warehouse → Memory map → Format).

4. Method 3: Using Mi Mover (for new Xiaomi models)

Mi Mover is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi for transferring data between the brand’s devices. It supports WhatsApp transfer, but with the reservations:

• 🔹 It only works on devices with MIUI 10+.
• 🔹 Requires a physical connection through OTG-cable or wireless module (on older models).
• 🔹 It only transfers chats, media files will have to be copied separately.

Step-by-step:

1. On both phones, install Mi Mover from Google Play or the App Store (for iOS, if you transfer from an iPhone).
2. On the old phone, select I send, on the new phone, I receive.
3. Connect devices via Wi-Fi Direct or OTG-cable (recommended for large amounts of data).
4. In the data list for transfer, mark WhatsApp and confirm the action.

It can take up to 20 minutes. Once completed, check the WhatsApp chats on your new device. If some messages have not moved, try to restore them further through the local backup (method 2).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ Android 12+ Mi Mover may not transfer messages older than 1 year This restriction is due to Xiaomi's privacy policy.

5. Method 4: Alternative programs (for power users)

If the standard methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities, and we tested two reliable solutions.

5.1. Dr.Fone — WhatsApp Transfer

Programme for Windows/Mac, It's a chat room that moves chats between Android devices without a backup. MIUI 9–14.

• ✅ Transfers all media files (photos, videos, voice).
• ✅ It works without root rights.
• ❌ Paid license (from 30)$).

5.2. Backuptrans Android WhatsApp Transfer

An alternative that supports encrypted backups, allows you to selectively transfer chats.

• ✅ Keeps the dates and times of messages.
• ✅ Works with crypt12/13/14.
• ❌ Requires the installation of Xiaomi drivers on PC.

For the use of these programmes:

1. Connect both phones to your computer via USB (Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press the version).
2. Start the program and select the option Transfer WhatsApp between Android.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually both devices require confirmation).

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Third-party software is only useful if standard methods have failed, and they are paid and may not support the latest versions. MIUI. Always check reviews before buying!

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users encounter errors.

If voice messages or stickers are missing after the transfer, check:

• 🔊 folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Voice Notes/ — It should be copied to a new phone.
• 🎨 WhatsApp settings → Warehouse → Data management → revamp the media.

7.Move between Xiaomi on different versions MIUI

If you are switching from an old model (e.g. Redmi) 4X on MIUI 9) to a new one (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T on MIUI 13), there may be problems with backup compatibility:

For transfer from MIUI 9/10 on MIUI 12+:

• 📉 Use local backup (method 2) but before copying the file msgstore.db.crypt14 rename him in msgstore.db.crypt12 (If your phone had an older version of WhatsApp).
• 🔄 If WhatsApp gives a recovery error, install the old version of WhatsApp (for example, 2.21.10) on the new phone, restore the chats, then update the messenger.

For transfer from MIUI 11/12 on MIUI 13/14:

• 🔄 Update WhatsApp on your old phone to the latest version before creating a backup.
• 📁 Move not only the database file, but also the Shared folder from /sdcard/WhatsApp/Media/ — It stores shared media files.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13 WhatsApp may request additional permissions to access notifications and files.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions