How to Transfer Data from One Xiaomi Phone to Another: The Complete Guide

Introduction: Why Data Transfers to Xiaomi Need a Special Approach

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but the process of transferring data often turns into a headache. Unlike other brands, Redmi, POCO or Mi phones have unique features like the branded MIUI shell, which simultaneously simplifies and complicates migration. For example, a standard Google Account does not always correctly synchronize the settings of the Theme or Security data, and the Mi Mover feature can refuse to work with different versions of MIUI on devices.

This article will not just list the portability of each method, but will also explore the hidden limitations of each method (such as why Mi Mover doesn’t copy Wi-Fi passwords on some models) and provide checklists for phone preparation. We will focus on the challenges that POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 owners face when switching to new flagships like Xiaomi 14. You will learn how to save even game account data (such as Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings) and Game Turbo settings that are usually lost in standard portability.

Preparation of telephones before transfer: checklist of mandatory actions

Before migrating, you need to perform a series of actions on both the old and new Xiaomi devices, and neglecting this stage often leads to errors such as “failed to connect” in Mi Mover or loss of data.

Download both phones to at least 50%|Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system)|Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup|Turn it off. VPN Firewalls (they block Mi Mover)|Make sure there is enough space on your new phone (minimum) +20% of the volume of data transferred)-->

Pay special attention to the MIUI versions. For example, if the old phone has MIUI 13 installed and the new one has MIUI 14 installed, some Mi Mover features may not work properly, in which case it is recommended to use alternative methods (more on this below). Also check if the Developer mode is activated with debugging disabled over USB - this blocks data transmission over the cable.

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If the new Xiaomi is not yet SIM-If you have a card, connect to Wi-Fi with the same name and password as your old phone, this will speed up syncing of your Mi Account after the transfer.

2. Method 1: Mi Mover – Xiaomi’s official tool with pitfalls

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary wireless data transfer solution for the brand’s devices, preinstalled on all modern models (starting with the Redmi Note 7) and allows you to transfer:

• 📞 Contacts, call log and SMS
• 📷 Photos and videos (including Gallery albums)
• 🎵 Music and audio files
• 📱 Annexes (APK-files, but no data)
• 📍 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, some parameters) MIUI)

However, there are some critical limitations: Mi Mover cannot tolerate:

• 🔒 Passwords from Wi-Fi (on models with MIUI 12.5+)
• 🎮 Game data (progress in Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile and others.)
• 📂 Files from folders Android/data and Android/obb
• 🔐 Data of some banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff)

How to use Mi Mover:

1. On the new phone, when you first turn on, select Data Portability. If the phone is already configured, go to Settings → Additional → Mi Mover.
2. On your old phone, open Mi Mover (find through search in settings).
3. Select a role: new phone - "Recipient", old - "Sender".
4. Scan it. QR-code from a new phone or connect via a Direct Wi-Fi connection.
5. Select data for transfer and confirm the transfer.

Method 2: Transferring your Google Account – secure, but not completely

Syncing through Google Account is a universal method that works on all Android devices, including Xiaomi.

• ✅ Portable: contacts, calendars, notes (Google Keep), some system settings, list of installed applications (without data).
• ❌ I can't stand it: SMS, call log, multimedia files, game and application data, settings MIUI (themes, gestures).

Step-by-step:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Google Accounts → Sync and turn on all the switches.
2. Wait for the sync to complete (check in Settings → Google Accounts → Google Account Management → Data and Personalization → Data Sync).
3. On the new phone, when you set up, select “Restore from backup” and log in to the same Google account.
4. Select a backup (usually the most recent) and confirm the recovery.

Important: If the old phone used a Mi Account, it also needs to be linked to a new device to transfer Notes, Mi Cloud Files and Theme Settings.

1. On the new phone, go to Settings → Mi Account.
2. Sign in with the same login as on the old device.
3. Enable synchronization in Settings → Mi → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.

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Google Account is the most reliable way to migrate contacts and apps, but it doesn't store game and media data. For full migration, combine it with other methods.

Method 3: OTG Cable – Quick Transfer without Internet

Cable use OTG (adapter USB-C to USB-C) — One of the quickest ways to transfer, especially if you have a lot of heavy files 4K, RAW-Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Transmission speed to 480 Mbit/s (in) 5-10 faster than Wi-Fi).
• 🔌 It does not require an internet connection.
• 📁 Transfers all files, including hidden folders Android/data.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Supported cable required OTG (Not all cheap cables work).
• ⚠️ On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) You may need to unlock the debugging USB.
• ⚠️ Applications are transferred in the form APK, But their data (for example, saving games) must be copied separately.

Instructions for transfer:

1. Connect the cable. OTG Connect to the new phone and connect the old phone to the new phone. OTG-port.
2. A notification will appear on the new phone "USB-Device is connected. Click on it and select File Transfer.
3. Open Explorer on a new phone and a folder with an old device (usually called Xiaomi or Redmi) will appear there.
4. Copy the required folders: DCIM (photos and videos), Download (downloads), Pictures (images), Android/data (app data) Android/obb (additional game files)
5. Use Explorer → APK Installer to port applications (or install APK Extractor on your old phone).

1. Reconnect the cable to another port (if the hub is used).

2. Enable USB Debugging on both phones (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (7 times press) → Developer Settings → USB Debugging).

3. Use a support cable USB 3.0 (blue connector).-->

5. Method 4: Cloud Services – Mi Cloud vs Google Drive

Cloud storage is convenient for data transfer if you have slow internet or don’t have an OTG cable. Compare two popular options for Xiaomi:

How to transfer data through Mi Cloud:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Mi → Mi Cloud Account.
2. Turn on sync for all the categories you need (contacts, gallery, etc.).
3. Wait for the download to complete (you can check in Mi Cloud → Storage Management).
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and enable synchronization.

For Google Drive:

1. Install Google Drive on your old phone.
2. Download files manually (or use Backup in Google settings).
3. On the new phone, download files from Drive.

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Mi Cloud is convenient for porting MIUI settings (themes, wallpaper, gestures), but has a limit of 5 GB. Google Drive gives more space, but does not store Xiaomi-specific data.

6. Method 5: Data portability of games and applications – a separate story

One of the most painful things about changing your phone is losing progress in games, even if you're going to move it. APK-game file, save data is usually stored in folders Android/data or Android/obb, That's not always copied by standard methods:

• 🎮 For cloud-saving games (e.g. Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile): Link the game to your account (Google Play, Facebook, Mi Account). On your new phone, install the game and log in - progress will be automatically pulled up.
• 📁 For cloud-free games (e.g. Minecraft, Stardew Valley): Copy the save folder (usually /Android/obb/com.name /Android/data/com.name.games) through OTG-Install the game on your new phone and paste the copied files into the same folders.
• 🔧 Root: Use Titanium Backup (requires root rights) and back up the game and restore it to your new phone.

For popular games, there are special instructions:

• PUBG Mobile: Link your account to Facebook or Twitter. Progress is synced automatically.
• Genshin Impact: Use your miHoYo account. After logging in to your new phone, the game will offer you to download additional files.
• Clash of Clans: Link to your Supercell ID account. On your new phone, click "Restore the Village."

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔌 Mi Mover is not connected: ⚠️ Note: If both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, but Mi Mover can’t see the device, check if the mode is turned on to Save traffic in the Wi-Fi settings (POCO X3, Redmi 9) you need to disable the dual Wi-Fi connection (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally).
• 📱 Applications not restored: ⚠️ Note: If applications are not automatically installed after porting, check if App Restore is enabled in Google settings (Settings) → Google accounts → Application recovery. On some firmware MIUI This function is disabled by default.
• 🔒 Wi-Fi passwords are not portable: ⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 12.5, Wi-Fi passwords are not transferred through Mi Mover for security reasons.To save them, use the WiFi Password Viewer app (requires root) or manually write down passwords before changing your phone.
• 📸 Photos and videos are not displayed in the gallery: If files are in memory after transfer, but are not shown in the Gallery, do: Open the Gallery → ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files. Update media base: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data (files will not be deleted!) Reboot the phone.

8. Additional advice for owners of specific models

Some Xiaomi models have features when migrating data. Here's what you need to know:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi K60: On these flagships, Mi Mover may require an update to the latest version. MIUI (Before transferring, check for updates to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 POCO F5, POCO X5: On devices with POCO Launcher standard Mi Mover may not appear in the menu. To find it, search the settings on request "data port".
• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12: In these models, when translating through OTG-The solution is: use the original Xiaomi cable or the chip cable. USB-IF.
• 📱 Xiaomi Pad 5/6: On Xiaomi Mi Mover tablets, it only works in landscape orientation. If the screen is locked in portrait mode, unlock it in the notification curtain.