Transferring data from one Xiaomi smartphone to another can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never experienced synchronization before. However, the manufacturer has provided several convenient tools that simplify this process to a few clicks. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.), the version of MIUI and the amount of data transferred, you can choose the best method: from wireless synchronization via Mi Account to direct cable connection using Mi Mover.
In this article, we will discuss all the current sync methods, including their pros and cons, and give recommendations on how to choose a method depending on your situation. For example, if you need to migrate only contacts and photos, a cloud service will do, and Mi Mover is better for a complete migration of the system (including settings and applications), and we will also pay attention to the typical errors that occur during syncing and how to fix them.
1.Preparation of phones for synchronization: what to do in advance
Before you start transferring data, be sure to follow a few preparatory steps, which will help to avoid loss of information and speed up the process.
First, check the battery level on both devices. It should be at least 50%, as some methods (such as wireless transfer of large amounts of files) can discharge the phone in 10-15 minutes. Also make sure that the target phone has enough free space - go to Settings → Memory.
Second, update MIUI to the latest version. Outdated firmware may not support new sync functions. Check the software's relevance at Settings → About Phone → System Update. If an update is available, install it before transferring data.
- 🔋 Charge both phones to at least 50% (preferably up to 80%).
- 📱 Free up space on the target device (recommended 10-15% of total memory capacity).
- 🔄 Update. MIUI on both smartphones until the latest version.
- 🔒 Make sure both phones are using the same Mi Account (if you plan to sync through your account).
⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Mover to transfer data from Android to Xiaomi, pre-disable Find My Device in the Google settings on your old phone. Otherwise, the process may be interrupted due to blocking.
Synchronization through Mi Account: Cloud Method
One of the easiest ways to transfer data is to use the Mi Cloud cloud storage, which is suitable for transferring contacts, notes, photos, call history and some settings, the main advantage is that you do not need to physically connect your phones, and the data is available from any device associated with your account.
To enable synchronization:
- On your old phone, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Enable synchronization for the desired categories (contacts, gallery, notes, etc.).
- On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and wait for automatic synchronization.
The speed of transfer depends on the amount of data and Internet speed. For example, 5 GB of photos can be synced from 10 minutes to an hour. Note that the free tariff of Mi Cloud provides only 5 GB of space. If you need more, you will have to buy additional space or use another method.
| Type of data | Supported by Mi Cloud | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | ✅ Yes. | Only sync with your linked Google/Mi Account |
| Photographs and videos | ✅ Yes. | Limit 5GB on free fare |
| Messages (SMS) | ❌ No. | Mi Mover or third-party applications required |
| Annexes | ❌ No. | Only the list of installed (without data) |
| Notes | ✅ Yes. | Only notes created in Mi Notes |
⚠️ Note: If you delete data from your phone before syncing with Mi Cloud is complete, it may be lost irretrievably.
3.Use of Mi Mover: Direct Data Transfer
Mi Mover is a built-in MIUI application designed to quickly transfer data between Xiaomi devices, and supports the transfer of almost all types of information, including:
- 📞 Contacts and call log
- 📸 Photos, video and audio files
- 💬 Communications (SMS and MMS)
- 📱 Applications (including their data, if supported)
- 📍 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings
For use with Mi Mover:
- Install the app on both phones (if it’s not the default, download it from Google Play).
- On the new phone, select I am a new user, on the old one, I want to send data.
- Connect your phones via Wi-Fi Direct or OTG cable (depending on the model).
- Select the data to transfer and confirm the start of the process.
The speed of transfer via Mi Mover is much faster than through the cloud — for example, 10 GB of data can be transferred in 15-20 minutes. However, this method has a limitation: it works only between Xiaomi devices (or Redmi/POCO based on MIUI).
Install Mi Mover on both phones|Battery charge ≥ 50%|Make room on your new phone|Turn off Find My Device (if ported from Android)-->
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If Mi Mover doesn’t see the second phone, try restarting Wi-Fi Direct on both devices or using an OTG cable to connect directly.
4. Transfer data through Google Account
If you use Google services (Gmail, Contacts, Drive, Photos), syncing through a Google Account can be a convenient alternative.This method is universal and works on any Android device, including Xiaomi.
To move the data:
- On your old phone, enable sync in Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync.
- Select categories for sync (contacts, calendar, Chrome, Google Photos, etc.).
- On the new phone, log in to the same Google account and wait for the automatic download.
The main advantage of this method is cross-platform. For example, if you move from Samsung to Xiaomi, all contacts and photos (uploaded to Google Photos) will be automatically available, but there are also disadvantages: not all settings and applications are portable, and large amounts of data can take time.
What is not transferred through Google Account?
5. Alternative methods: cable, Bluetooth and third-party applications
If the standard methods don't work, you can use the alternatives. Let's look at the three most popular ones:
Direct connection via OTG cable
For phones with OTG (On-The-Go) support, you can use a direct-connect cable adapter, which is suitable for transferring large files (video, backups) without using the Internet, and the transfer speed depends on the USB version (USB 3.0 has 10 times faster than USB 2.0).
5.2. Bluetooth
Suitable for transferring small files (up to 50 MB), such as individual photos or documents, the main disadvantage is the low speed (about 1-2 MB / s) and the limitation on the number of files simultaneously transferred.
Third-party annexes
Apps like SHAREit, Xender, or Send Anywhere allow you to transfer data over Wi-Fi without an internet connection. They support cross-platform transfer (like from an iPhone to Xiaomi) and often run faster than Mi Mover. However, beware: some apps contain ads or collect user data.
| Method | Speed. | Limitations | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTG cable | ⚡ Very high. | Adapter required, not all models support OTG | Large files (video, backups) |
| Bluetooth | 🐢 Low. | File size limit (usually up to 50MB) | Small files (photos, documents) |
| Third-party applications (SHAREit) | ⚡ Tall. | Advertising, possible privacy issues | Cross-platform transfer |
Typical errors and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them:
- 🔴 Mi Mover doesn’t see the second phone: check if Wi-Fi Direct is enabled on both devices, restart the app or use a cable OTG.
- 🔴 Mi Cloud sync is suspended: make sure the Internet connection is stable, restart your phone or temporarily disconnect VPN.
- 🔴 Not tolerated. SMS: If you are using Mi Mover, make sure that the backup function is turned off on your old phone. SMS Google.
- 🔴 Lack of space in Mi Cloud: Clear unnecessary files in the cloud or buy extra space.
If neither method worked, try resetting your new phone and repeat the sync process, and at the very least, you can manually copy the files to your computer and then transfer them to the new Xiaomi.
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Before resetting your settings, be sure to back up your data on your old phone – this will prevent them from being lost.
7. How to check that the data transferred correctly
Once synchronization is complete, it is important to make sure that all data is transmitted without errors.
- Contacts: Open the Contacts app and check that all numbers and groups are in place.
- Photos and videos: Go to the Gallery and make sure all files are displayed (sometimes media files may not show up right away – wait until indexing is complete).
- Messages: Open Messages and check your SMS/MMS history.
- Apps: If you have moved apps through Mi Mover, go to Settings → Apps and make sure they are installed.
If you don't have any data, re-sync it or use an alternative method, for example, if you don't have photos transferred, try uploading them to Google Photos and syncing them through your Google account.
⚠️ Warning: After a successful data transfer, don’t rush to dump or sell your old phone. Keep it off for another 1-2 weeks in case you need to re-synchronize.