How to sync all data from phone to phone Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Introduction: Why Data Synchronization on Xiaomi Needs a Special Approach

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, especially when it comes to saving all data from an old device. Unlike the iPhone, where the Apple ecosystem offers a single tool Quick Start, Android owners face disparate solutions, from cloud services to manual file copying. Xiaomi has its own nuances – for example, the proprietary firmware MIUI is integrated with Mi Account, which opens up additional opportunities (and risks) when transferring data.

The main problem is that not all synchronization methods work equally well for different types of data. For example, Google Contacts will perfectly transfer your address book, but will not save the history of SMS or Mi Home settings. And trying to copy applications via Bluetooth often ends in errors due to the limitations of Android 12+. In this article, we will analyze 5 working methods, taking into account the specifics of Xiaomi, from automated solutions to manual operations for advanced users.

Method 1: Automatic synchronization with Mi Account

The Mi Account is the easiest solution for owners of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO. It allows you to synchronize:

• 📱 Contacts (including groups and tags)
• 📅 Calendar and reminders
• 📸 Photos and videos (optional via Mi Cloud)
• 📝 Notes (Appendix Mi Notes)
• 🔧 System settings (wallpaper, themes, shortcuts)

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 → Synchronize and enable sliders for the desired data.
4. Click Sync Now and wait until it is completed.

Is mobile internet or Wi-Fi enabled on both devices?|

Is there enough space in the Mi Cloud (free 5 GB)|

Is firmware updated? MIUI last-minute|

Is it off? VPN/Proxies (they can block access to Xiaomi servers)-->

⚠️ Note: If you have previously used a Google Account to sync contacts, there may be a conflict of duplicate entries. Before transferring, we recommend exporting contacts to a.vcf file via Contacts → Management → Import/Export and clear duplicates with the Cleaner app (built-in) MIUI).

Method 2: Transfer data through Google Account

For users who don't want to be attached to the Xiaomi ecosystem, the one-size-fits-all solution is Google Account.

• 📇 Contacts (via Google Contacts)
• 📧 Mail and events Gmail/Calendar
• 📱 Data from some applications (e.g. Chrome, YouTube)
• 📍 Location History (Google Maps)

Instructions:

1. On your old phone: Settings → Google → Manage your Google account → Sync → Enable all the necessary options.
2. On a new phone: When you first turn on, select Copy Data from your old device and log in under the same Google Account.
3. If the phone is already set up: Settings → Accounts → Google → click on the account and enable sync.

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If contacts are not displayed after sync, check Settings → Apps → Contacts → Permissions to see if permission to access contacts for Google Contacts and MIUI Contacts is included.

Method 3: Local Transfer over Mi Mover (for new devices)

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi designed to migrate data when a new smartphone is first turned on, and it works on the principle of P2P (device-to-device) over Wi-Fi Direct, which speeds up the process and eliminates dependence on the cloud.

• 📱 Applications and their data (including games)
• 📞 Call log and SMS
• 📸 Media files (photos, videos, music)
• 📄 Documents (PDF, DOCX etc.)
• 🔧 System settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpapers)

How to use:

1. Turn on Mi Mover on both phones (on the new one it starts automatically when you first set up).
2. On the old phone, choose I am the sender, on the new phone, I am the receiver.
3. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of the new phone old.
4. Select the data to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

⚠️ Warning: Mi Mover doesn't work if the new phone has already completed the initial setup, in which case the only way out is to reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings) and re-start the setup wizard, and the application may not support some models. POCO Android One based on the same (for example, POCO F1).

Method 4: Manual transfer via OTG cable or computer

If cloud services and Mi Mover are not available for some reason, the classic method is to copy files manually.

• 🔌 Cable OTG (direct-to-phone connection)
• 💻 Computer with USB-Ports (for intermediate copying)
• 📁 File Manager (built-in in the MIUI or Total Commander)

Step-by-step instructions for transfer via computer:

1. Connect your old phone to your PC via USB-cable and select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Copy folders: DCIM (photo/video), Download (download), Pictures (images from messengers) WhatsApp/Media (media from Watsap)
3. Disable the old phone, plug in a new one, and paste the copied files into the same folders.
4. To transfer SMS, use the SMS Backup & Restore app (save backup to PC, then restore to new phone).

Directly connect your phones through OTG-cable:

1. Connect the cable to a new phone and an old phone to it.
2. A notification will appear on the new phone USB-The device is connected - open it.
3. Select File Transfer and copy the data through the file manager.

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When manually transferring applications (.apk files), keep in mind that many programs (such as banking) are tied to the device and may not work after copying.

Method 5: Synchronize through third-party services (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party tools that are useful for transferring specific data, such as:

• 🔄 Titanium Backup (requires root rights) – copies applications with data and settings.
• 📱 Clone Phone (from Huawei, but it also works on Xiaomi) SMS, call log, contacts.
• ☁️ Syncthing – Syncs files between devices over a local area network without a cloud.
• 📧 Dropsync – Automatic sync with Google Drive, Dropbox or Yandex Drive.

Example of Syncthing settings:

1. Install the app on both phones from the official website.
2. On an old phone, add a folder for sync (e.g. DCIM/Camera).
3. On the new phone, connect to the sender device via the device ID (displayed in Syncthing settings).
4. Select Send and Receive mode and wait until synchronization is complete.

⚠️ Note: When using Titanium Backup on Xiaomi with MIUI 12+ You may need to disconnect MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then additionally → For developers → Shut down. MIUI Without this, some backups may not recover.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Another common mistake is the lack of space on the new device. Before transferring, check the free space in Settings → Storage. If there is not enough space, clear the cache (Settings → Apps → Clear cache) or transfer some of the files to a microSD (if supported).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions