Moving to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but data porting often becomes a headache. Are you afraid of losing important messages, photos or app tweaks? We have compiled all the current ways to fully copy, from standard MIUI tools to professional methods for power users. This article does not provide general advice: only specific instructions tailored to the peculiarities of the Xiaomi ecosystem in 2026.
Many people mistakenly think that it is enough to copy files to a memory card, but this only works with media. System settings, application data and accounts require a separate approach. We tested all methods on models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra and identified key nuances. For example, did you know that when using Mi Mover, some applications (like banking) will still require re-authorization? And transferring through Google Account does not save the history of calls to MIUI 14+? These and other pitfalls are in our guide.
Before starting the process, make sure both devices have enough charge (at least 50%) and a stable Internet connection. If you are migrating data from a model older than 2020, check for compatibility of MIUI versions - some features may not be available.
1.Official method: Mi Mover - fast and lossless
Mi Mover is a built-in solution from Xiaomi that automatically copies almost all data between devices. It works on all smartphones with MIUI 9 and later, including the latest models of POCO and Black Shark. The main advantage is the preservation of folder structure and even some application settings.
To begin the transfer:
- On the new smartphone, when you first turn on, select Data Transfer (or find Mi Mover in Settings → About Phone → Data Transfer).
- On the old device, open Settings → Additional → Data Transfer.
- Select a role: new phone - "Recipient", old - "Sender".
- Scan it. QR-code from a new device or connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
It takes 10 to 40 minutes depending on the amount of data, and it’s important that Mi Mover doesn’t carry Wi-Fi passwords and some encrypted app data (e.g. WhatsApp requires a separate backup).
Charge both devices up to 60%+
Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network
Free up space on a new device (at least 10% of the data transfer volume)
Disable VPNs and Firewalls
Make sure that both devices are the latest version MIUI-->
⚠️ Note: If your old phone has custom firmware installed, Mi Mover may not work properly, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.
2.Cloud Transfer: Mi Cloud vs Google Account
Cloud services are handy when physical portability is impossible (e.g. if an old phone breaks down). Xiaomi has its own Mi Cloud, but it has limitations: only 5GB is available for free, and some data (e.g. notes) is only synced with an active subscription.
For a full backup in Mi Cloud:
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Enable synchronization for all categories (contacts, messages, photos, etc.).
- Wait for the download to be completed (may take several hours with a large volume).
- On the new device, log in to the same Xiaomi account and wait for recovery.
The alternative is a Google Account, which offers 15GB for free, and is better suited for portability:
- 📱 Contacts and calendars
- 📧 Letters from Gmail
- 📁 Photos and videos (via Google Photos)
- 🎮 Data from some games (via Google Play Games)
However, Google has a critical flaw: it does not save SMS on devices with MIUI 12+ (due to manufacturer restrictions).
- 🔕 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, gestures)
- 📥 Local files outside of standard folders
- 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords
💡
Before using Mi Cloud, check if your Xiaomi account is tied to China, in which case some features (such as note sync) may not be available.
Manual transfer via OTG cable: for full control
If you need to transfer all files without exception (including hidden application folders), the best way is to connect directly through the app. OTG-This method takes longer, but it guarantees 100% copying.
Instructions:
- Connect. OTG-Adapter to the new phone and connect it to the old one via cable USB-C/USB-A (model-wise).
- On the old device, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- On the new phone, open Explorer (or any file manager) and copy the folders: /storage/emulated/0/ – main storage /storage/emulated/0/Android/ – application data /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/ – photo and video /storage/emulated/0/Download/ – downloads
- For hidden files, enable the display of system folders in the Explorer settings.
Pay special attention to the folders:
- 📁 Android/data/ — Here are stored game and application settings
- 📁 MIUI/ — topics and system data
- 📁 Pictures/Screenshots/ — screenshot
⚠️ Note: Some apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram) store data encrypted. Simply copying folders won’t restore chats – a separate backup is required inside the apps themselves.
| Transfer method | Speed. | Data volume | Keeps the settings. | Demands the Internet. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Unlimited. | Partially. | No (Wi-Fi Direct) |
| Mi Cloud | ⭐⭐ | Up to 5GB free | Yes. | Yes. |
| Google Account | ⭐⭐⭐ | Up to 15GB free | No. | Yes. |
| OTG-cable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Unlimited. | No. | No. |
| Titanium Backup | ⭐ | Unlimited. | Yeah (root) | No. |
4. Portability of applications and their data: a complete guide
Standard methods don't always correctly port application data. For example, in MIUI, when copying through Mi Mover, some programs (elike SberBank Online or Tinkoff) require re-authorization.
Method 1: Integrated MIUI backup
- Open Settings → Applications → Backup of applications.
- Select the desired programs and click "Backup".
- The backup file will be saved to /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/ – transfer it to the new device and restore it through the same partition.
Method 2: ADB for power users (requires a PC)
- Connect your old phone to your ADB computer.
- Follow the command to create a backup: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab
- Transfer backup.ab to your new device and restore: adb restore backup.ab
Method 3: Titanium Backup (root only)
- 🔧 Install Titanium Backup from the XDA.
- 📦 Create a backup of all user applications and data.
- 🔄 Transfer the TitaniumBackup folder to a new device and restore it.
What applications can not be transferred without loss?
5.SMS, Calls and Contacts Transfer: Hidden Nuances
In MIUI, call history and SMS are stored in separate databases that are not always correctly transferred by standard methods.
Contact:
- 📇 Export it to the file VCF: Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Export to device.
- 📤 Transfer the file to a new phone and import it.
SMS and call history:
- 💬 Use it. SMS Backup & Restore from Google Play: Install the app on your old phone. Build a backup (select format) XML). Transfer the file to a new device and restore it.
- ☎ Call Logs Backup & Restore (similar process).