How to Transfer Data From One Xiaomi to Another: 5 Ways to Transfer Data

Why Data Transfers Between Xiaomi Need a Special Approach

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, especially when it comes to saving all data from an old device. Unlike the iPhone, where the migration process is standardized through iCloud, the Xiaomi ecosystem offers several alternative paths - from cloud storage to direct transmission by cable. However, not all methods are equally effective: some lose application settings, others ignore messenger data, and still require mandatory authorization in Mi-account.

The main problem is data fragmentation. Contacts can be stored in a Google account, photos in a device gallery, and game saving in the developer cloud. If you just copy files to the new Xiaomi, you risk losing your call history, SMS In this article, we will discuss the only way that is guaranteed to transfer 100% of data without loss (including hidden files of system applications), as well as alternative options for different scenarios.

We will pay special attention to the nuances:

• 🔄 How to Avoid Duplicate Contacts When Syncing Through Google and Mi Cloud at the Same Time
• 📱 Why direct cable transmission may not work on models older than the Redmi Note 10
• ⚡ What to do if the new Xiaomi does not see the old device on Wi-Fi Direct

Warn in advance: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS), standard portability techniques may not work – you will need manual backup through the service. ADB.

1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Transfer

The first step is to synchronize critical data with cloud services, and even if you plan to use a direct transmission, backing up to Mi Cloud or Google will save the situation if you crash.

• 📲 Open the Settings. → Accounts and sync and make sure sync is enabled for: Contacts (Google or Mi Account) Note Calendar (Mi Notes or Google Keep)
• ☁️ B Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud check that backup is enabled for: SMS and call history of Application Data System Settings (if supported)
• 🔋 Charge both devices to at least 50% – the transfer process can take up to 2 hours with a large amount of data.

⚠️ Note: If the old Xiaomi has a firmware installed MIUI version below 12.5, update to the latest version via Settings → The phone. → Update: Older versions do not support direct data transfer via Mi Mover (built-in migration application).

Charge both devices >50%|Updated firmware MIUI last-minute|Synchronized contacts and calendar|Backup made in Mi Cloud|Released. ≥10 GB of memory on the new device-->

A special case is applications with local data (for example, games without cloud storage or banking applications).

1. Create a backup through the app menu (if you have such an option).
2. Use third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root rights).
3. Manually export data (e.g. screenshots from SberBank Online or game save files).

Method 1: Mi Mover - Official Direct Transmission Tool

Mi Mover is a built-in application from Xiaomi that allows you to transfer data directly over cable or Wi-Fi. This is the most reliable method, since it copies:

• 📞 Contacts, SMS call history
• 📸 Photos, video and audio files
• 🎮 Application data (if the application supports migration)
• ⚙️ System settings (wallpaper, shortcuts, network parameters)

Step instructions:

1. On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select Data Transfer. If the device is already configured, open Settings. → The phone. → Data portability.
2. On the old device, run Mi Mover (download from the Play Market if not available).
3. Select a role: New device - Receiver, old - Sender.
4. Connect devices via OTG cable (recommended) or Wi-Fi Direct.
5. Select the data to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

⚠️ Note: When transferring over Wi-Fi, make sure that both devices are connected to the same 2.4 GHz network (5 GHz networks may not be supported on older models:

• Reboot both devices.
• Turn off the VPN or firewall.
• Use the cable USB-C to USB-C supportive OTG.

Method 3: Transfer over Mi Cloud – Cloud Backup

If direct transmission is not possible (for example, due to a damaged port) USB-C), Use Mi Cloud, which requires this method:

• ☁️ Mi Account (required to be the same on both devices).
• 📶 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi is recommended).
• ⏳ Time – speed depends on the amount of data (up to 5 GB free).

Step-by-step:

1. On the old Xiaomi go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Select data for reservation (contacts, SMS, settings, applications) and click Create backup.
3. Wait until it is completed (it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours).
4. On the new device, log in to the same Mi Account and restore data from the backup to Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Recovery.

⚠️ Note: Mi Cloud does not have a backup:

• 🎵 Local music (Mi Music playlists only).
• 📁 Files in Download folders or DCIM/.thumbnails.
• 🔐 Data from banking applications and some instant messengers (such as WhatsApp).

For these files, use manual copying via Explorer or Google Drive, for example, to transfer WhatsApp chats:

1. Copy the folder. /sdcard/WhatsApp new phone.
2. Install WhatsApp and restore the story from a local copy when requested.

💡

If backup in Mi Cloud is not restored, try clearing the Mi Cloud app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Mi Cloud → Clear the cache).

Method 3: Wi-Fi Direct – fast transmission without cable

If you don't have a cable. OTG, But you have Wi-Fi, you have direct transmission over the local network, and this method works on all Xiaomi models. MIUI 11 and newer:

• 🚀 Speeds up to 10MB/s (faster than cable on some devices).
• 🔌 No additional accessories required.
• 📂 Transfers files of any type (including hidden files).

How it works:

1. On both devices, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
2. On the new Xiaomi, select Data Transfer → Wireless transmission.
3. On the old device, open Mi Mover and select Send.
4. Confirm the connection through QR-code PIN.
5. Select the files to transfer and wait for completion.

🔍 Nuance: On some models (e.g. Poco) F3) Wireless transmission can be interrupted by a large amount of data (>20 GB). In this case:

• Break the program into parts (for example, first photo, then video).
• Use the aircraft mode on both devices, leaving only Wi-Fi on.

💡

Local Wi-Fi Direct transmission is the best option for transferring large files (video, backups), but requires a stable signal. If you have a weak connection, use a cable.

5. Method 4: Manual copying via PC – for advanced users

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on custom firmware devices), use manual copying via a computer, which guarantees the transfer of all data without exception, including system files, but requires technical skills.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 Cables. USB both-device.
• 🛠️ Programme ADB (file-access).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the old Xiaomi to your PC and enable File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Copy all folders from internal memory (/sdcard/) on the computer, including: DCIM (Photo/video) Download (downloads) WhatsApp (chats) Android/data (file) MIUI (subject-setting)
3. To access hidden folders (for example, /data/data/) use ADB: adb pull /data/data/com.xiaomi.market/ Note: root rights are required.
4. Connect the new Xiaomi and transfer the copied files to the appropriate folders.

⚠️ Note: When manually copying:

• Do not replace system files in folders /system/ — It'll cause a breakdown.
• Use Total Commander or FX File Explorer for working with root folders.
• After the transfer, restart the device to apply the settings.

6. Method 5: Transferring through Google Account – universal but limited

If you use Google services, most of the data is already synced to your account, a method that is suitable for:

• 📇 Contacts and calendars.
• 📧 Gmail emails and Google Keep notes.
• 📍 Location History (Google Maps).
• 🎵 Music and movies (Google Play Music, YouTube).

How to recover data on the new Xiaomi:

1. When you first turn on, log in to your Google Account.
2. B Settings → Accounts. → Google Enables Sync for All Services.
3. For apps (such as Chrome or Google Photos), data will be restored automatically after installation.

🔍 Limitations:

• 🚫 Not tolerated. SMS, call history and settings MIUI.
• 🚫 Local files (photos, videos) must be copied separately.
• 🚫 Data from some applications (for example, Viber) is not synchronized.

For full portability, combine this method with Mi Cloud or manual copying.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can get errors, and let's look at the typical scenarios and how to fix them:

⚠️ If after the transfer on the new Xiaomi appeared duplicate contacts, delete them through the:

1. Contacts → Management → Combine the takes.
2. Or export contacts to.vcf, delete everything, and then import the cleaned file.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions