Transferring data from one Xiaomi to another: all ways of 2026

Moving to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but data porting often turns into a headache. Contacts, photos, messages, app settings - how not to lose anything important? Fortunately, Xiaomi has several built-in tools for painless migration, and we added proven life hacks for difficult cases.

Many users mistakenly think that it is enough to copy files to a flash drive — but this only works with media. What about system settings, call history or data from Mi Fit? In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of transfer, including hidden functions and bypass errors. From the classic Mi Mover to the cloud backup, choose the best option for your situation.

We will pay special attention to data transfer between devices with different versions. MIUI (for example, MIUI 12 on MIUI 14), where compatibility conflicts often arise, and how to save data if the old Xiaomi smartphone is not turned on or locked.

1.Official method: Mi Mover - fast transfer over Wi-Fi

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for data migration between brand devices. MIUI 9 and later, it doesn't require root rights and it keeps the folder structure, and the main advantage is that it transfers not only files, but also application settings, history. SMS and even the desk wallpaper.

To use the Mi Mover, both phones must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.

1. On the new Xiaomi, select Data Transfer when you first turn on.
2. On your old phone, open Settings → About Phone → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
3. Scan it. QR-code from a new device or connect manually via Wi-Fi Direct.
4. Select data categories for transfer (contacts, photos, applications, etc.).
5. Confirm the start of the transfer – the process will take from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the volume.

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Note: If you have an old phone MIUI 11 or older, and on the new — MIUI 14, there may be errors in porting some applications, in which case, first update the firmware on the old device to the latest available version.

Among the limitations of the Mi Mover are:

• 📱 Does not transfer data from some third-party messengers (for example, Viber or Telegram).
• 🔒 Requires unlocking the screen on both devices during the process.
• 📶 Speed depends on the stability of the Wi-Fi connection – with a weak signal, the transmission can be interrupted.

Charging both phones > 50%|Shut down. VPN and energy-saving regimes|Make sure there is enough memory on your new phone|Close background applications on both devices-->

2. Cloud transfer via Mi Account: reliable, but with nuances

If you have a Mi Account, you can use Mi Cloud storage, which is suitable when your phones are in different places or you don't have physical access to your old device. Mi Cloud provides 5GB of free space, which is enough for contacts, notes and parts of photos.

Step instructions:

1. On the old Xiaomi go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on synchronization for the desired categories (contacts, calendar, gallery, etc.).
3. Wait until the data is uploaded to the cloud (progress is displayed in the same menu).
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and enable synchronization.

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Note: Photos in Mi Cloud are compressed to resolution 2048×2048 For the transfer of originals, you will have to pay a premium subscription (from the 100 rub/month 50 GB).

The advantages of the cloud method:

• ☁️ Data is available from any device, not even Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Automatic sync – new contacts or notes will appear on both phones.
• 🛡️ Protection against data loss in case of phone breakdown.

Here’s what you can’t do with the Mi Cloud:

• 🎵 Locally saved music (playlists from Mi Music only).
• 📁 Settings of third-party apps (such as WhatsApp or games).
• 📱 Data from system folders (such as screenshots or downloads).

3. Local backup on PC: for full control of data

If you need to transfer all data without exception (including hidden application files), the best option is to create a full backup to your computer, which takes longer, but guarantees 100% security of information, suitable for users who want to make a clean transfer or plan to sell an old phone.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (Preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 📂 Programme Mi PC Suite (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Set up Mi. PC Suite and connect the old Xiaomi to the PC.
2. In the program, select Backup. → Full backup.
3. Specify the folder to save (we recommend on the system disk to avoid errors).
4. Once completed, disconnect the old phone and connect the new one.
5. In Mi PC Suite press Recovery → Select a backup file.

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Note: When you restore the backup on your new phone, all current data will be erased. If the device already has important information, back it up first.

The advantages of local backup:

• 💾 All data is stored, including Wi-Fi settings, wallpaper and application data.
• 🔒 There is no limit to the volume (unlike the cloud).
• 🛠️ Only the right categories can be selectively restored.

Cons:

• ⏳ The process takes a long time (up to 1-2 hours for 128 GB of data).
• 🖥️ You need a computer with enough disk space.

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If Mi PC Suite doesn't see the phone, try turning on Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI in settings) and activate the debugging USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.

4. Cable transfer OTG: for devices without Wi-Fi

If you do not have access to the Internet or Wi-Fi is unstable, you can use a direct connection through the Internet. OTG-This method is suitable for transferring media files, documents and some applications, and for full migration (including settings), it is better to combine it with other methods.

What you need:

• 🔌 OTG-cable USB-C/USB-C cable if both phones are new).
• 📱 Both phones with a charge of at least 30%.

How to transfer data:

1. Connect the old Xiaomi to the new one OTG-cable.
2. A notification will appear on the new phone "USB-The device is connected – click on it.
3. Select File Transfer (MTP).
4. Open Explorer on your new phone and copy the folders you need (DCIM, Downloads, Pictures and more.).

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Application settings and system data are not transferred.
• 📁 The folder structure may be broken (for example, photos from Google Photos will not be included in the gallery).
• ⚡ When copying large files (>4 GB) errors due to file system limitations FAT32.

You can use file managers like Solid Explorer to speed up the process. FX File Explorer, which supports dual-panel mode, so you can drag and drop files between devices like Total Commander.

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OTG-cable is the most versatile way, but it is only suitable for file transfer, not settings. For a full migration, combine it with sync via Mi Account.

5. Transfer data from blocked or broken Xiaomi

What if the old Xiaomi doesn’t turn on, lock or has a broken screen?

Scenario 1: Phone is turned on but locked

• 🔐 If you remember the pattern lock or PIN, Connect your phone to your PC via Mi PC Suite and backup.
• 📱 If you forgot your password, try unlocking through Find Device in Mi Account (works if Remote Unlock is enabled).

Scenario 2: Phone is not turned on, but there is access to recovery

• 🔧 Go to Recovery Mode (squeeze the power supply) + Volume up when switched on).
• 📀 Choose Backup & Restore → Backup to /sdcard (If you have a memory card, or backup to PC (through USB).

Scenario 3: The phone is completely dead (unresponsive to charging)

• 🛠️ Contact the Xiaomi service center – they can extract data using specialized equipment (paid service, from 1500 rubles).
• 💽 If you have synced with Mi Cloud on your phone, restore the data from there.

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Note: When resetting via Recovery Mode (Wipe Data option), all data will be permanently deleted. Do not select this item if you have not done a backup!

For devices with a Qualcomm processor (e.g., Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro can be used to extract data through EDL-The Mi Flash Tool, however, requires skill and can result in complete data loss if you make an error.

6. Data transfer from specific applications

Some apps (like messengers or fitness trackers) store data in their cloud services, and here's how to migrate information from the most popular ones:

WhatsApp:

• 📱 Make a backup chat in Settings → chat → Backup copy.
• ☁️ Link the same phone number on the new device – chats will automatically recover.

Mi Fit / Zepp:

• 🏃 Data is synchronized with the account Xiaomi/Zepp — Just log in on your new phone.
• 🔄 If you use Google Fit, plug it into your Mi Fit settings for an additional backup.

Google Account:

• 📧 Contacts, calendar and email are synced automatically when you add an account.
• 📲 Install the same apps from Google Play – some of the settings will be restored via Google Drive.

Games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG):

• 🎮 Link your account to Facebook, Google Play Games or the official game server.
• 🔄 Sign in to the same account on the new phone – progress will be automatically picked up.

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Note: In some games (such as Honkai: Star Rail), the Mi Account may not be secure. Always use additional login methods!

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when using official tools, users are faced with problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

1 Mi Mover does not find the device

• 🔄 Reboot both phones and try again.
• 📶 Turn off modem modem modem and VPN customized.
• 🔗 Try connecting via Hotspot instead of Wi-Fi Direct.

2.Mi Cloud space is missing

• ☁️ Remove old backups in Mi Cloud → Storage management.
• 📂 Transfer photos to Google Photos (free 15GB).
• 💰 Buy an extra seat (50 GB for 100 rubles / month).

3.Appendices are not restored after the transfer

• 📥 Check if the Restore option is enabled in Mi Mover.
• 🔄 Update apps manually through Google Play.
• 📂 Make sure that the new phone has enough memory.

4. Files are not copied through OTG

• 🔌 Try another cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Reboot both phones.
• 🛠️ In the developer settings, turn on debugging by USB.

5.Backup at Mi. PC Suite interrupted

• 🖥️ Put the phone in the back. USB-PC port (they are more stable).
• 🔋 Make sure the phone is charged > 50%.
• 🚫 Close all background programs on PC (especially antiviruses).

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If neither method works, try a "clean" transfer: first, reset the new phone to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset the settings), and then repeat the procedure.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions