How to transfer all data from Xiaomi to Redmi: 5 proven ways

Why Data Transfers Between Xiaomi and Redmi Need a Special Approach

Switching from the old Xiaomi to the new Redmi seems like a simple task – because both devices run on the same firmware. MIUI. But in practice, users are faced with nuances ranging from lost contacts to incorrect app synchronization, because even within the Xiaomi ecosystem, there are hardware and software differences between the lines that affect the migration of data.

The main problem is that Redmis are often released with more recent versions. MIUI or HyperOS, which can lead to conflicts when recovering backups from old devices, such as backup with Xiaomi Mi 9 (MIUI 12) may not recover correctly on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (HyperOS 1.0) due to changes in system file structure, this article will help you avoid common errors and choose the best portability method depending on your tasks.

We'll look. 5 Transfer methods – from standard Xiaomi tools to universal solutions that work even when changing an account or region of a device. MIUI/HyperOS, This is the most common cause of failure.

1. Official method: Mi Mover (fastest, but with limitations)

Mi Mover is a standard tool from Xiaomi for wireless data transfer between the brand’s devices. It is pre-installed on all modern smartphones and supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, applications and even some system settings. However, this method has a critical limitation: it only works between devices with the same or compatible version. MIUI/HyperOS.

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Make sure both devices have the latest Mi Mover installed (update via Google Play or App Store if necessary).
• 🔗 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (preferably 5GHz for speed).
• 🔄 On the old Xiaomi, select the “Send” option, on the new Redmi – “Get” option".
• 📋 Confirm the data transfer by selecting the desired categories (contacts, messages, multimedia, etc.).

Install Mi Mover on both devices|

Connect to one Wi-Fi network (5 GHz)|

Charge both phones at least 50% |

Release. 10-15% memory|

Disable VPNs and Firewalls

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Important nuance: if the new Redmi is installed HyperOS, and the old Xiaomi — MIUI 12-14, The process may be interrupted by the error "Incompatible version of firmware." In this case, try to upgrade the old device to the latest available version. MIUI before transfer.

⚠️ Note: Mi Mover cannot tolerate some banking applications (due to security restrictions), Mi Home smart home settings, and files from the Private Folder, which you will have to manually transfer.

2. backup via Mi Cloud (reliable but account required)

The Mi Cloud is a universal portability service that works even when you change your device to a different firmware model, and the main condition is that both phones must be linked to the same Xiaomi account, and if you use different accounts, you will have to export the data manually first (see section 4).

Instructions for transfer via Mi Cloud:

1. On the old Xiaomi go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on synchronization for all the necessary categories: Contacts, Notes, Bookmarks, Settings.
3. To back up applications and their data, use the Backup option in the same menu.
4. On the new Redmi, log in to the same Xiaomi account and wait for the sync to complete.

If you have multiple Xiaomi accounts, be sure to export contacts to the file before transferring them. VCF (via Contact → Settings → Exports) and save them to the cloud or to a memory card.

Mi Mover (wireless)|

Mi Cloud (cloud)|

Manual cable transfer|

Third-party applications (e.g. ShareMe)|

I can't handle data, I can set it up from scratch.

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3. Cable transfer OTG (large-scale)

If you need to carry tens of gigabytes of photos, videos or music, wireless methods can take hours or even days. OTG (adapter USB-C to USB-C, if both devices have a new connector. 5-10 faster than Wi-Fi and does not depend on the firmware version.

Step-by-step:

• 🔌 Connect the old Xiaomi to the new Redmi OTG-On the screen of the old device, select "File Transfer" mode" (MTP).
• 📁 The new Redmi will open a conductor with folders of the old phone. Copy the data you need manually (we recommend starting with folders). DCIM, Downloads and Pictures).
• 🔄 To transfer applications, use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) and copy the folder. /data/app — But remember, this will only work for APK-file-in-file.

⚠️ Note: When you copy an Android folder (where application data is stored), some files may not open on a new device due to differences in the processor architecture (for example, when you switch from Snapdragon to Mediatek).

To speed up the process, we recommend:

• 📦 Archive folders with photo / video in ZIP before copying (saving time on transferring small files).
• 🔋 Use charged powerbanks as long-term copying drains the battery.
• 🚫 Avoid copying system folders (system, vendor) so as not to cause failures on the new device.

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If it's cable OTG Not defined, try to turn on the debugging USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click on version 7 times, then return to Additional Settings → For developers).

4. Manual transfer of critical data (contacts, SMS, note-book)

Some data cannot be transferred automatically, especially if you change your Xiaomi account or switch from Chinese firmware to global, in which case manual exporting will help:

Contacts

Export to the.vcf file:

1. Open Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Export.
2. Select a save location (such as a memory card or cloud).
3. On the new Redmi, import the file through Contacts → Settings → Imports.

SMS and call log

Use the app. SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play):

• 📲 Install the app on both devices.
• 🔄 On your old phone, create a backup (.xml format).
• 📥 Transfer the file to the new Redmi and restore the messages.

Notes and calendar

If you have used the standard Xiaomi apps:

• 📝 For Notes: Export each note manually through Share → Save it in a file.
• 📅 For Calendar: sync with Google Calendar (in account settings).

5. Transfer applications and their data (without loss of progress)

The hardest part is to transfer installed applications along with their data (for example, save in games, setting messengers, cache cards in navigators). Standard methods (Mi Mover or Mi Cloud) copy only APK-Files, but not user data. Additional tools will be needed to fully transfer data.

Method 1: Titanum Backup (requires root)

If your old Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and root rights, use Titanium Backup:

1. Install the application and provide root access.
2. Create a backup of all applications and data (Backage Backup).
3. Transfer the Titanium Backup folder to the new Redmi (via the OTG cloud).
4. Install Titanium Backup on your new device and recover the data.

Method 2: ADB Backup (without root but with limitations)

For users without root rights is suitable ADB Backup:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

This team will create a full backup on the PC, which can then be restored to the new device.

• ⚠️ Not all apps support backup through ADB (For example, WhatsApp or banking applications).
• 🔐 Some games (such as Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings) are not portable, but will have to be synced through the game account.

Method 3: Synchronize through application accounts

Many applications have built-in synchronization:

• 🎮 Games: Link progress to Google Play Games, Game Center (for iOS) or developer account.
• 💬 Messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber synced through the phone number.
• 📌 Cloud services: Google Drive, Dropbox or Mi Cloud for documents.

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If the application does not support backup, check if it has a "Data Export" feature in the settings. 1Password or KeePass can save a password database to a file and then import it to a new device.

6. Transfer system settings and smart home Mi Home

Settings MIUI/HyperOS Mi Home devices (smart lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners) are not automatically transferred either through the Mi Mover or through the Mi Cloud.

MIUI/HyperOS settings

Some of the parameters can be exported through the Local Backup:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Create a backup (select System Settings).
3. Transfer the file to the new Redmi and restore it through the same menu.

However, this method does not guarantee the transfer of all parameters – for example, the Always On Display settings or Navigation Gestures can be reset.

Mi Home Devices

To move the smart home:

• 🏠 Make sure the new device is tied to the same Xiaomi account as the old one.
• 🔄 In the Mi Home app, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Transfer Control" (if you change your account).
• 📡 Some devices (such as Mi Robot Vacuum) will require a reconnection to Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Note: If you change your Xiaomi account region (e.g. from Chinese to global), all Mi Home devices will be untethered, in which case they will have to be reconnected as new ones.

7 Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Transfer Fails

Even when following the instructions, users encounter errors, and consider typical problems and ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, try alternative transfer apps:

• 📲 ShareMe (Mi Drop) - wireless file transfer without restrictions according to the firmware version.
• 📲 CLONEit – clones contacts, messages and applications (requires) OTG-cable).
• 📲 Google Drive – for backup photos, contacts and documents.

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If data transfer is critical (such as work contacts or important files), make a double backup: one via Mi Cloud, the other to a physical medium (memory card or PC).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions