How to sync data between Xiaomi phones: 5 working ways

Why synchronization between Xiaomi smartphones requires a special approach

Transferring data from one Xiaomi to another is a challenge that every second brand owner faces when buying a new device or changing a gadget. Unlike the iPhone, where the Apple ID ecosystem automatically transfers almost all settings, Android devices — and especially Xiaomi with their branded MIUI shell — the process has nuances. The main problem: standard Google tools (for example, Backup in Google Drive) often miss MIUI settings, design themes and data of some system applications (for example, Mi Fit or Mi Home).

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven synchronization methods, from official solutions (Mi Account, Mi Mover) to universal methods (Bluetooth, cloud services), pay special attention to hidden limitations: why, for example, Wi-Fi Direct does not always send messages from SMS, and Mi Cloud can “forget” notes from the Notes app. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Before you start, answer the key question: what data do you need to migrate? That's what determines the method.

Method 1: Official synchronization with Mi Account

The most reliable method for Xiaomi owners is to use the Mi Cloud, which automatically backs up:

• 📱 Contacts and call log
• 📸 Photos and videos (if the option is included in the Gallery)
• 📝 Notes from the annex Notes
• 🔧 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, Wi-Fi networks)
• 🎮 Game data if the game supports Mi Game Center)

To activate synchronization:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account on both phones.
2. Sign up with one account (if not, register).
3. Go to Mi Cloud → Sync and enable sliders for the desired categories.
4. Press Sync now.

An important nuance: by default, Mi Cloud only provides 5 GB of free space. If you have a lot of photos or videos, the space will run out quickly. The solution is either to buy additional space (from 100 GB for ~300 rubles / year), or use alternative methods for large files.

Wi-Fi connection (mobile internet may not be able to handle big data)

Battery Charge >50% on both devices

Free space in Mi Cloud (check in Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud)

Same version of MIUI (if the difference is greater than 2 versions, there may be errors)

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Method 2: Mi Mover is a proprietary tool for fast transfer

Mi Mover is an application built into MIUI that is designed specifically for data transfer between Xiaomi devices, and it works on a point-to-point basis via Wi-Fi Direct, so it does not require Internet access and is not limited to cloud storage.

How to use Mi Mover:

1. Install the app on both phones (if not, download from the Mi App Store).
2. On the old phone, choose I give, on the new phone, I receive.
3. Scan it. QR-screen code from the new device old.
4. Select data for transmission: contacts, SMS, applications, multimedia.
5. Confirm the beginning of the process (it will take from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the volume).

The limitations of Mi Mover, which few people know:

• ⚠️ Does not transfer data from WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers (you need their built-in backup tools).
• ⚠️ Some system applications (e.g. Mi Fit) require separate authorization after transfer.
• ⚠️ If the new phone already has data (for example, contacts), they will be overwritten without the possibility of cancellation.

💡

Before using Mi Mover, disable battery optimization for this application in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Mover → Battery → Without restrictions. This will prevent connection breakdown during transmission.

Method 3: Sync through Google Account (for Universal Data)

If you don't need MIUI specific data (themes, Mi Home settings), but only basic data — contacts, calendar, mail, apps from Google Play — standard synchronization through a Google account is enough. This method is universal and works on any Android device, not only Xiaomi.

What exactly is synchronized:

• 📇 Contacts (from the Google Contacts app)
• 📅 Calendar (Google Calendar)
• 📧 Mail (Gmail)
• 📱 Installed apps (list from Google Play)
• 📍 Google Maps Data (Selected Places, History)
• 🔑 Passwords (if Google Smart Lock is enabled)

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your account (or add a new one).
3. Activate the sliders for the desired categories.
4. Press Sync now.

To transfer data to a new phone:

1. When you first enable a new Xiaomi, select Copy Data.
2. Sign in under the same Google account.
3. Select a backup from your old device (if you have it in Google Drive).

Method 4: Transfer files over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct

If you need to transfer individual files (photos, documents, music) without full synchronization, the classic methods — Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct — are suitable. They do not require Internet and work even on devices without Mi Account.

Bluetooth is convenient for small files (up to 50 MB), but has limitations:

• ⏳ Low speed (up to 2 MB/s on Bluetooth 5.0).
• 🔋 High battery consumption when transferring large packets.
• 📱 Limit the number of files per send (usually up to 100).

Wi-Fi Direct is faster (up to 10MB/s), but less stable.

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Wi-Fi Direct on both phones.
2. Connect devices to each other (code confirmation is required).
3. Use the Explorer or Gallery to send files.

To speed up the process, use third-party applications like Files by Google or Send Anywhere that support transmission over the local network.

💡

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct are not suitable for transferring system data (contacts, SMS, applications) and are only for multimedia and documents.

Method 5: Cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk, Dropbox)

If you have slow internet or little space on the Mi Cloud, the alternative is to upload data to a third-party cloud and then download it to a new phone, which is universal and works on any device, but requires manual control.

Comparison of popular services:

How to move data through the cloud:

1. On the old phone, upload files to the selected service (via the application or browser).
2. On the new phone, log in to the same account and download files.
3. For contacts/SMS, export them to a file (e.g..vcf for contacts) and upload them to the cloud.

⚠️ Note: When you upload WhatsApp or Telegram backups to the cloud, make sure the file is not encrypted (otherwise you won’t be able to restore it to a new phone.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when you follow instructions, users have problems. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. Mi Mover can't find the device Reason: Wi-Fi Direct is turned off or power saving mode is turned on. Solution: check settings → Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct and turn off battery optimization for Mi Mover.
2. Mi Cloud does not sync photos The reason: the Gallery disabled the option Autoboot in Mi Cloud. Solution: open the Gallery → Settings → Cloud Sync and turn it on.
3. Google is not restoring apps Reason: the new phone does not activate the Restore Apps option. Solution: When you first turn on, select Copy Data → Apps.
4. Bluetooth interrupts the connection Reason: weak signal or background processes interfere with transmission. Solution: bring the devices closer to a distance of < 1 meter and close all applications.
5. Lack of cloud space Reason: Free Mi Cloud (5GB) tariff is full Solution: Clear unnecessary backups in Mi Cloud → Storage Management.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, sync via Mi Cloud may not work.In this case, use a Google account or third-party clouds.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions