How to sync data between two Xiaomi phones: 7 proven ways

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment: how do you keep your data from being lost when you move? Photos, contacts, messages, apps, even screen settings, all of which can be transferred from your old device to your new one without losing any of your data. But how do you do it quickly and safely?

Many users mistakenly believe that synchronizing data between two Android devices requires complex manipulation or special knowledge.In fact, Xiaomi offers several built-in tools that simplify the process to a few clicks. And if standard methods do not fit, there are always alternative solutions through a Google account, local network or even a physical connection.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working synchronization methods, from automated services to manual file transfer, how to avoid common errors, which data can be transferred completely and which will require additional actions, and most importantly, which method to choose depending on the volume of data and model of your Xiaomi.

1.Sync through Mi Account: The fastest way for Xiaomi owners

If both of your phones are running MIUI, Mi Account is the best option for data transfer. It automatically synchronizes contacts, notes, calendar entries, browser bookmarks and even some system settings. The main advantage is that the data is stored in the cloud and available on any Xiaomi device after authorization.

To activate synchronization:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Mi Account on an old phone.
• 🔄 Turn on switches opposite data categories (contacts, notes, etc.).
• 📲 Sign in to the same account on a new device.
• ☁️ Wait for synchronization to be completed (time depends on data volume).

Note: Mi Account does not tolerate apps, photos, or videos. These file types will require additional actions (see the following sections). Also make sure both devices have the latest version of MIUI installed – some sync features may not be available in old firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Mi Account for the first time, the system may request confirmation by SMS Don't ignore this step, because without verification, synchronization won't start.

2. Data transfer via Google account: a universal method for Android

Google offers its own sync system that works on all Android devices, including Xiaomi.

• 🔄 You often change smartphones from different brands;
• 📱 Want to move contacts, mail, calendar and Chrome bookmarks;
• ☁️ You prefer to keep backups on Google Drive.

To adjust the synchronization:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your account and enable sync for the right categories.
3. On the new device, log in under the same account and wait for the process to be completed.

Important: Google Photos and Google Drive are synced separately. To transfer photos, open the Google Photos app on your old phone and enable backup. On the new device, files will appear automatically after authorization.

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If you have slow internet, connect to Wi-Fi before syncing. Transferring large amounts of data (such as photos) over a mobile network can take hours and waste all traffic.

Local Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth Transmission: No Clouds or Cables

If you don’t want to use cloud services, you can transfer data directly between phones via Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth, a method that is suitable for transferring photos, video files and documents of small size (up to 1-2 GB).

Instructions for Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On both phones, turn on Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct (in the Settings menu → Wi-Fi → Additional).
2. On an old phone, select files to transfer (e.g. in Gallery or Explorer).
3. Click “Send” and select a new device from the list.
4. Confirm the acceptance of files on the new phone.

Bluetooth is similar, but the transfer speed will be lower (about 1-2 MB/s vs. 10-15 MB/s for Wi-Fi Direct), which is convenient for sending contacts in.vcf or small documents.

⚠️ Warning: When transmitting via Wi-Fi Direct, make sure that both devices are power-saving.

4.Use of OTG cable or adapter: for large data volume

If you need to transfer tens of gigabytes of photos, videos or app backups, the most reliable way is to physically connect via cable. OTG or USB-Adapter: This method is independent of Internet speed and allows data to be transmitted at speeds up to 40-50 MB/s (for example, for the Internet). USB 3.0).

You'll need:

• 🔌 Cable USB OTG (adapter USB-C → USB-A new-model);
• 📁 Memory card or USB-drive (optional if there is no direct cable between phones).

Step-by-step:

Download the file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager) to both phones |

Connect the old device to the new one through OTG-cable|

Open Explorer on your new phone and select the source folder (old phone)|

Copy the required files to the memory of the new device |

Check the integrity of the data after the transfer-->

If you don't. OTG-cable, you can use it. USB-storage-storage:

1. Copy data from an old phone to a flash drive.
2. Connect the flash drive to the new device and transfer the files.

⚠️ Note: When connecting through OTG Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3) may require permission to access USB-If the files are not displayed, check the storage settings. → Access to USB.

5. Backup and Restore via Mi Cloud

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s cloud storage that allows you to create full backups of your system, including apps, settings and user data, and unlike Mi Account, you can save almost all of your phone’s contents.

How to make a backup:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data categories for saving (applications, settings, SMS, etc.).
3. Click on “Create a backup” and wait until it is completed.
4. Copy the backup file (.mbk) to a new device or to Mi Cloud.

For recovery:

1. Sign in to the new phone in Mi Cloud.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Restore from backup.
3. Select the backup file and confirm the recovery.

Note that backups through Mi Cloud can weigh a few gigabytes. If you have slow internet, it's best to use local storage (USB-storage OTG).

6. Applications and their data portability: what you need to know

Synchronizing apps is one of the hardest things to do when you move to a new phone, and even if you migrate.apk files, your user data (save games, messaging settings) can get lost.

For most applications:

• 🔄 Use the built-in backup feature (e.g. WhatsApp: Settings) → chat → Backup copy).
• ☁️ Synchronize data through a developer account (for example, VK, Telegram, Google Play Games).
• 📱 Install apps again via Google Play – many of them will automatically upload data once you have logged in.

For games and specialized programs:

• 🎮 Use services like Helium (outdated but works on some devices) or Swift Backup (requires root rights).
• 💾 Manual transfer of files from the folder /Android/data/ (Only for experienced users!).

Important: Some applications (such as banking or two-factor authentication) may block access when migrating to a new device, in which case you will need to re-authorize.

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Not all apps support data portability. Before changing your phone, check if the program has a function of export/import settings or backup.

7.Chronicle problems and errors: how to avoid them

Even if you follow instructions correctly, you can have failures, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If none of the methods worked:

• 🔧 Check if there is enough space on the new device.
• 📶 Make sure that both phones have Developer Mode enabled (if you use it). ADB).
• 📱 Restart both devices – sometimes it solves connection issues.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS), standard sync methods may not work.In this case, it is recommended to use a Google account or manual transfer via the Internet. OTG.

Frequently asked questions