How to Completely Copy Data from One Xiaomi Phone to Another: A Step-by-Step Guide

Shifting data from one Xiaomi smartphone to another is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device. Even if both phones run on MIUI, the copying process can raise questions: what data will be transferred automatically and what will have to be adjusted manually? In this article, we will discuss three official ways of full portability – from the built-in Mi Mover tool to cloud backup, and also explain how to avoid typical errors that cause lost photos or app settings.

It’s important to understand that “full copy” includes not only contacts and SMS, but also hidden application data (such as saving in games), system settings (wallpaper, audio profiles) and even call history. We tested all methods on Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13T models with the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 – instructions are relevant for all devices of the brand released after 2018. If you move from Android to iPhone or vice versa, these methods are not suitable: cross-platform portability requires other tools.

1. Mi Mover: The Official Way to Transfer Data Between Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a built-in app from Xiaomi that allows you to transfer data over Wi-Fi Direct without an Internet connection, and it works even if the new phone doesn’t have one yet. SIM-The main advantage is speed: average data volume (20-30 HB) carried over 15-40 minutes depending on the model.

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Make sure that both phones have the latest version installed. MIUI (Update through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔋 Charge both devices to at least 50% – the process consumes a lot of energy.
• 📶 Turn off mobile data and connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (or use Wi-Fi Direct if there is no router).
• 🚫 Close all background apps, especially instant messengers and games – they can interrupt the transfer.

Next up on the old phone:

1. Open the Mi Mover app (if not, download it from Google Play).
2. Select the option "I am an old phone".
3. Click "Next" and wait for the generation. QR-code.

On the new phone:

1. When you first turn on, select "Data Transfer" in the settings menu.
2. Scan it. QR-code from the old device.
3. Confirm the connection and select data types to transfer (contacts, messages, photos, apps, etc.).
4. Click "Start transfer" and wait until it is completed.

Battery charge >50%|Free space on the new phone > portable|Both models support Mi Mover (listed on Xiaomi website)|There is no important data on the new phone (it will be erased when you set up it)-->

Mi Mover copies:

• 📞 Contacts, call log, SMS/MMS
• 📷 Photos and videos (including hidden folders)
• 🎵 Music and audio files
• 📱 Annexes (APK-file + data, if maintained)
• ⚙️ System settings (wallpaper, sounds, Wi-Fi passwords)

Not tolerable:

• 🔒 Passwords from accounts (Google, social networks)
• 💳 Banking Application Data (due to security)
• 🎮 Preserve some games (depends on the developer)
• 📁 Files in the root folder /storage/emulated/0/ (except for the standard directories)

⚠️ Warning: If the new phone already had data (for example, you used it for several days), Mi Mover erased it before transferring it!

2.Cloning through MIUI Clone: an alternative for older models

If your old Xiaomi doesn’t support Mi Mover (e.g., models before 2018 on MIUI 9 and below), use the MIUI Clone app. It works on the same principle, but with some limitations: it does not transfer applications and their data, only media files and contacts. The transfer speed is lower - about 5-10 MB / s.

Instructions for MIUI Clone:

1. Install the app on both phones from Google Play or Mi App Store.
2. On the old phone, select "Send", on the new one - "Get".
3. Connect devices via Wi-Fi Direct (click "Connect" on your new phone and confirm on your old one).
4. Select data categories to transfer and start the process.

MIUI Clone is suitable for basic porting, but if you need to copy all the data without exception, it’s best to combine this method with manual backup (more on this below). For example, you can transfer contacts via MIUI Clone, and photos via Google Photos.

Mi Mover|MIUI Clone| Cloud backup |Manual transfer via computer |Another way-->

3. Cloud backup: reliable but slow

If you can’t connect your phones directly (like an old smartphone broke but still turns on), use cloud backup. Xiaomi offers two options: via Mi Account or Google Account. The first one saves more data (including MIUI settings), and the second one is universal and works on any Android device.

Method 1: Backup in Mi Cloud

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Select data categories (contacts, notes, SMS, settings) and click "Create backup".
3. Wait until it is completed (it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours depending on the internet speed).
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and recover data from the cloud.

Method 2: Backup in Google Drive

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Enable the option “Backup to Google Drive” and select an account.
3. Click on "Create a backup now."
4. On the new phone, when you set up, select “Restore from Google Backup”.

The advantages of the cloud method:

• 🌐 Data is available from any device.
• 🔄 Only the right categories can be selectively restored.
• 🛡️ Protection against data loss in case of phone breakdown.

Disadvantages:

• ⏳ Slow speed (depending on the internet).
• 💾 Volume limit (5GB in Mi Cloud, 15GB in Google Drive).
• 🔒 Some data (such as Wi-Fi passwords) are not restored.

Manual transfer via computer: for experienced users

If you need to copy all the data without exception, including system files and hidden folders, use manual transfer over the PC. This method takes longer, but gives you complete control over the process.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows or Mac.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 📂 Enough free space on the hard drive (at least 50% more data volume of the phone).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your old phone to your computer and turn on File Transfer mode (in the notification curtain).
2. Copy all folders from internal memory (DCIM, Downloads, Pictures, etc.) to your PC.
3. Export contacts: open the Contacts app, click "⋮ → Contact management → Exports/imports → Export to file" (save as.vcf).
4. Save SMS: Use the SMS Backup & Restore app from Google Play.
5. Connect a new phone and transfer all files to the same folders.
6. Import contacts and SMS via the appropriate apps.

To transfer applications and their data, use:

• Titanium Backup (requires root rights)
• Swift Backup (works without root on some firmware).
• adb backup (command line, suitable for technically savvy users).

⚠️ Warning: When manually porting, don’t copy the entire Android and data folder, which can cause a new phone to crash, only transfer media files and documents, and it’s better to install apps from Google Play.

- Screen settings (resolution, refresh rate).

Application Permissions (Settings → Privacy → Permissions)

- Notifications (Settings) → Notifications).-->

5. Data transfer from the phone that is not turned on

If your old Xiaomi breaks down but is still reacting to your PC connection (for example, a charging indicator vibrates or lights up), try the following methods:

Method 1: Fastboot mode

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and use the command: fastboot oem backup (does not work on all models, requires an unlocked bootloader).

Method 2: Removal of the memory card

• If the data was stored on a microSD, retrieve it and connect it to the new phone via an adapter.
• Use a card reader to copy files to your PC.

Method 3: Service Center

If the phone is not responding to anything, contact the service center Xiaomi, specialists can extract data using professional equipment (for example, UFi Box or Medusa Pro), the cost of the service is from 1500 to 5000 rubles depending on the complexity.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on, but you're sure the data is intact, DO NOT try to query it yourself! This can lead to irretrievable loss of information.

6.What to do after data transfer

After copying the data to the new Xiaomi, follow the following steps to avoid problems:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – this will help you apply all the settings.
• 📱 Check the key functions: calls, SMS, mobile Internet, Wi-Fi.
• 🔒 Update all apps on Google Play (some may not work due to differences in Android versions).
• 📁 Remove duplicate files (use Files by Google or Settings) → Warehouse → Cleanup).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions.

Typical post-transfer problems and their solution:

If you notice that some data is missing after the transfer (such as photos or contacts), check:

• MIUI/Backup/AllBackup folder on the new phone (backups are saved there).
• Archive in Mi Cloud or Google Drive (probably not completed)
• Recycle bin in the Gallery or Files applications (data could get there).

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability to Xiaomi