How to quickly and securely transfer data from one Xiaomi phone to another

Data transfer between Xiaomi smartphones: what you need to know before you start

Transferring data from an old phone to a new Xiaomi is a challenge that every user faces when buying a gadget. Even if both devices are from the same brand, the process can be complicated due to different versions of MIUI, memory volumes or file types. The main rule is: do not start transferring if the new phone already has important data – some methods (for example, Mi Mover) require resetting to factory settings.

In 2026, Xiaomi users have at least 5 working ways to transfer, from the Mi Mover solution to universal cloud services. The choice of method depends on the amount of data, Internet speed and the availability of additional accessories. For example, it will take at least 30-40 minutes to transfer 50 GB of photos and video over Wi-Fi, while the OTG cable will cope in 10-15 minutes. In this article, we will analyze each option with nuances for different models, from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge on both phones (at least 50% - when transferring over Wi-Fi discharge is accelerated).
• 📶 A stable internet connection (for cloud methods) or cable availability Type-C/OTG.
• 📂 Free space on the new device (data takes up the same amount as on the old one).

Method 1: Mi Mover – the official solution from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a built-in utility in MIUI that is specifically designed to migrate data between brand devices, supporting contact, message, photo, video, apps, and even system settings, with the main advantage of maintaining folder structure and metadata (such as photo creation dates), which is important for users who sort files by album.

To use Mi Mover, follow the steps:

1. On the new Xiaomi phone, when you first turn on, select Data Transfer (if the device is already configured, go to Settings → About Phone → Data Transfer).
2. On your old phone, open Mi Mover (download from Google Play if it isn’t).
3. Select the device role: new phone - Receiver, old - Sender.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of a new phone or connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
5. Select data types to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

The speed of transfer depends on the amount of data and the phone model. For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro with Wi-Fi 6E can cope with 20 GB in 15-20 minutes, while Redmi 9A will drag this process to 40-50 minutes. Note: applications are portable without their data (for example, save in games or chats in messengers will have to be restored separately).

Charge both phones to 70%+

Make sure there is enough memory on your new phone

Disable VPN and energy saving modes

Connect to a single Wi-Fi network (if you use it) QR-code)

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⚠️ Note: If the new phone already has a Mi Account, Mi Mover may request a factory reset, in which case all data on the new device will be deleted - back up in advance.

Method 2: Google Accounts – The Universal Cloud Method

Using a Google Account is the most reliable way to transfer, if you do not want to depend on Xiaomi’s branded utilities, which is suitable for transferring contacts, calendars, notes, photos (via Google Photos) and some settings, the main advantage is that data is synchronized automatically and can be restored on any Android device.

Instructions for transfer:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google and enable sync for the right categories (contacts, calendar, etc.).
2. For photos and videos, install the Google Photos app and enable Backup (select Original quality if saving permission is important).
3. On the new phone, log in to the same Google Account and wait for the sync to complete (it can take from a few minutes to hours depending on the amount of data).

Limitations of the method:

• 📁 Photos and videos in original quality take up space in Google Drive (free only 15 GB).
• 🎮 Applications are ported without data (for example, progress in games or settings messengers).
• 📱 Some system settings MIUI (For example, topics or gestures are not synchronized.

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If you use Google Photos to transfer media files, check your mobile traffic settings before you start. Downloading 10GB of photos over 4G can spend the entire month limit in a few minutes.

Method 3: OTG or USB-Type-C Cable – Fast physical transfer

Using an OTG cable (or USB-Type-C adapter) is one of the fastest ways to transfer data, especially if you are talking about tens of gigabytes of data. Transfer speeds reach 40-60 MB / s (depending on the USB version), which is 2-3 times faster than over Wi-Fi. This method is suitable for transferring any files, including music, documents and application backups.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable OTG (adapter USB-C → USB-A, if the phones are different).
• 📱 Both phones with support OTG (Check the characteristics of the model).
• 🔋 Charging at least 60% (when transferring large volumes, the battery sits down faster).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the OTG cable to your new phone (it will act as a host).
2. Connect your old phone to the other end of the cable (you may need to select File Transfer mode in the notification curtain).
3. On your new phone, open the File Manager (e.g. Files by Google or built-in MIUI).
4. Find a folder with an old phone (usually displayed as a removable drive) and copy the files you want.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Speed – 50 GB of data will be transferred in 15-20 minutes.
• 📂 Support for any file formats (including system backups).
• 🔒 No dependence on the Internet or cloud services.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9 or Poco) M3) may not support the regime USB-a host to connect another phone. USB-externally powered hub or choose another method.

Method 4: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct – when there is no cable

Transferring data via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct is the slowest, but versatile way, requiring no additional accessories. It is suitable for transferring small files (up to 1-2 GB), such as contacts, several photos or documents. Bluetooth 5.0 speeds up to 2-3 MB / s, and Wi-Fi Direct - up to 10-15 MB / s (but depends on interference in the air).

How to transfer data over Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).
2. Make the phones visible to everyone and do pairing.
3. On an old phone, select files to send (such as in Gallery or File Manager) and click Send → Bluetooth.
4. Take the files on the new phone.

For Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct in Settings → Wi-Fi → More
2. Connect the phones to each other (one creates an access point, the other connects).
3. Use a file manager to transfer data (e.g. ES Explorer).

Limitations:

• 🐢 Slow speed (5 GB photos will be transmitted 30-40 minutes).
• 📡 Unstable connection (can be interrupted when phones are separated from each other).
• 📂 File size limit (Bluetooth may not send files larger than 50–100 MB).

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Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct are only suitable for emergencies when there is no other way. For large amounts of data, use an OTG cable or cloud services.

Method 5: Third-party applications - alternative to standard methods

If the built-in tools of Xiaomi or Google do not fit, you can use third-party applications.

• 📲 SHAREit – transfer files over Wi-Fi at speeds up to 20 MB / s (supports cross-platform transfer, for example, from iPhone to Xiaomi).
• 📲 Send Anywhere – 6-digit code generation for fast transfer without registration.
• 📲 Xender – similar to SHAREit, but with a simpler interface.
• 📲 Samsung Smart Switch – despite the name works with Xiaomi (transfers contacts, messages, photos).

Example of transfer via Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both phones.
2. On the old phone, select files and click Send.
3. 6-digit code is generated or QR-code.
4. On the new phone, enter the code or scan the QR – the transfer will begin automatically.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• 🌐 Cross-platform (you can transfer data from iOS or other brands).
• 🚀 Often high speed (for example, SHAREit is 5-10 times faster than Bluetooth).
• 📂 Support for rare formats (e.g. Titanium Backup.ab backups).

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. SHAREit) may request access to contacts, messages and geolocation. Check Google Play permissions and user reviews before installing them – there were cases of data leakage through such utilities in 2023.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose for your case

The choice of how to transfer data depends on three key factors: the amount of data, the availability of accessories and the speed requirements.

Selection recommendations:

• 📱 If both phones are Xiaomi, use Mi Mover (the most reliable way to use it).
• ☁️ To back up for the future, set up a Google Account (the data will be available on any device).
• ⚡ For speed and large volumes - cable OTG.
• 🔄 If you need to transfer data from an iPhone or other brand – third-party applications (SHAREit, Send Anywhere).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with proven methods, users face problems, and let's look at common mistakes and how to fix them.

1 Mi Mover doesn't see old phone

• 🔹 Check that both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
• 🔹 Reboot both devices.
• 🔹 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (old versions have bugs with Mi Mover).

2. Bluetooth transmission is interrupted

• 🔹 Reduce the distance between phones (maximum 1-2 meters).
• 🔹 Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, fitness bracelets).
• 🔹 Break a large file into parts (e.g.,.zip archive).

3. OTG cable is not working

• 🔹 Check the cable on another device (it may be damaged).
• 🔹 Turn on Debugging. USB developer-setting.
• 🔹 Use it. USB-Power hub if the phone is not recognized.

4. Google Photos does not upload files

• 🔹 Check the space limit on Google Drive (clean or buy extra space if necessary).
• 🔹 Turn off traffic savings in Google Photos settings.
• 🔹 Download files over Wi-Fi, not mobile internet.

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If neither method works, try backing up your PC via the Mi PC Suite and then transferring the data to a new phone. This is a versatile but longer-lasting way.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions