How to sync data with Android to Android Xiaomi: the full guide 2026

Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or resetting an old one. Even if both phones run on MIUI, the synchronization process can raise questions about what data can be transferred, what tools are suitable for this, and how to avoid losing important information. In this article, we will examine all the current ways, from standard Xiaomi features to universal solutions that work on any Android device.

Xiaomi offers its own migration tools integrated into MIUI 14/15 firmware, but they don’t always cover all needs: for example, transferring data between devices of different generations (Redmi Note 10 → Xiaomi 14) may require additional steps. We tested all methods on current models and highlighted their pros, cons and nuances – from transfer speed to compatibility with different versions of Android.

Important: If you plan to sell or transfer an old smartphone, back it up first and then reset it to factory settings, which will protect your personal data from leakage. There's a separate section on how to properly prepare the device for transfer.

1.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a built-in data migration app available on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI 9 and later.

• 📱 Contacts, messages (SMS/MMS) call-book
• 📷 Photos, video and audio files
• 📁 Documents and downloads
• 🎮 Installed applications (without data)
• ⚙️ System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sound profiles)

To use Mi Mover, both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On the new smartphone, the application starts automatically at the first setting (Data Transfer screens). On the old device, it can be found in Settings → About Phone → Data Transfer.

The process takes 10 to 40 minutes depending on the amount of data. Mi Mover does not transfer application data (for example, save in games or chats in Telegram), as well as files from the root folders of the system. If you need to save progress in games, use Google Play accounts or social networks to link.

⚠️ Note: If the old smartphone enabled data encryption (in Settings) → Security → Encryption), Mi Mover may not recognize some files. Before penos, disable encryption or use alternative methods.

2. Sync through Xiaomi account (Mi Cloud)

Mi Cloud is another official tool that automatically backs up and syncs data between Xiaomi devices, and the advantage of this method is that you can move data gradually without being tied to a single session.

• 📇 Contacts and notes
• 📅 Calendar and reminders
• 📸 Photos and videos up to 5GB free)
• 🔄 Call log and SMS
• 📍 Location data (if synchronization is enabled)

To enable synchronization:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Sign in with one account on both devices.
3. Enable synchronization for the desired data categories.
4. On the new device, wait for the download to complete (may take several hours with a large volume).

The limitations of Mi Cloud:

• Free storage - only 5 GB (for photos in original quality this is not enough).
• Applications and their data are not synchronized.
• Some models (e.g., POCO F5) may have limited cloud support.

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Before using Mi Cloud, check if there is enough space in the cloud. If not, delete old backups or buy additional space (from 100 rubles / month for 50 GB).

3. Data transfer via OTG cable or adapter

If you don't have Wi-Fi access or if you have too much data (such as a 50+GB video collection), you can use a direct cable connection.

• 🔌 Cable USB-C — USB-C (adapter USB-A — USB-C old-model).
• 📱 Both smartphones with support OTG (Most of the Xiaomi support).
• 🛠️ File Manager (e.g., built-in Explorer or Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphones with a cable. On your old device, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. On your new smartphone, open the file manager and find the connected device in the Devices or USB section.
3. Copy the folders you want (DCIM for photos, Downloads for downloads, etc.) to your new device.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Maximum transfer speed (up to 480 Mbit / s at USB 3.0).
• 🔒 There are no limits on the amount of data.
• 📂 Only the necessary files can be selectively copied.

⚠️ Note: Not all cables support data transmission - some cheap models are only for charging.

4.Using a Google Account for Synchronization

If you prefer universal solutions that are not tied to Xiaomi, Google Account is a reliable option.

• 📇 Contacts (via Google Contacts)
• 📅 Calendar (Google Calendar)
• 📧 Mail (Gmail)
• 📸 Photos and videos (via Google Photos, 15GB free)
• 🎮 Data from some apps (if they support backup in Google Drive)

To move the data:

1. On an old smartphone, open Settings → Google → Backup and enable the function.
2. On the new device, when setting up, select “Restore from backup” and log in under the same account.
3. Select the last backup and wait for the recovery to be completed.

Please note:

• Google Photos compresses photos and videos for free storage (high quality) and you have to pay for extra space for original quality.
• Some Xiaomi system settings (such as themes or gestures) are not restored through Google.

5. Third-party applications for data migration

If you don't like Xiaomi's built-in tools, you can use third-party apps.

• 📲 Clone Phone (from Huawei but runs on Xiaomi) – transfers contacts, messages, photos and apps.
• 📲 SHAREit – transfer files over Wi-Fi Direct (quickly but requires installation on both devices).
• 📲 Send Anywhere – generation of one-time code for transferring files without registration.

Example of using Clone Phone:

1. Install the app on both smartphones from Google Play.
2. On the old device, select "This is an old device" and on the new one, "This is a new device."
3. Scan it. QR-code or connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
4. Select the data to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

Warnings:

• Some applications (such as SHAREit) may collect user data. Check permissions before installing.
• The transmission speed depends on the stability of Wi-Fi Direct, and in areas with interference, the process can be interrupted.

6. Data transfer by computer

If you have a PC or a laptop, you can use it as an intermediate storage device, and this is a good way to:

• 🖥️ Backup before resetting.
• 📂 Selective transfer of specific files.
• 🔄 Data exchange between Xiaomi and other brands.

Instructions:

1. Connect your old smartphone to your computer via USB and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy the folders you need (DCIM, Pictures, Music, etc.) to your hard drive.
3. Turn off the old device and plug in the new one. Move the files back.

To transfer contacts and messages, you can use specialized programs:

• 🖥️ Mi PC Suite (Official Xiaomi Backup Software).
• 🖥️ Dr.Fone (paid deep copy software, including WhatsApp).

⚠️ Note: When connecting to computers running Windows 11, you may need to install drivers ADB For Xiaomi recognition, download them from the official Xiaomi website or through Mi. PC Suite.

7. Preparation of the old smartphone for transfer

Before you transfer or sell an old device, follow the following steps:

1. Back up all your data (even if you’ve already moved it to your new smartphone).
2. Untie the accounts: 📱 Xiaomi: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out. 📱 Google: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.

Reset to factory settings

• Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
• Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action.

Once reset, the device will go back to the "out of the box" state. If you're selling a smartphone, remember to remove it. SIM-It is also recommended to format the memory card separately, as resetting the settings does not always clear it completely.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data synchronization Xiaomi

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For maximum reliability, use a combination of methods: for example, transfer the main data through Mi Mover, and save a backup copy to Mi Cloud or Google Account.