How to sync Xiaomi with Samsung: all the ways of 2026

Why synchronization between Xiaomi and Samsung is not as easy as it seems

Moving from Xiaomi to Samsung (or vice versa) often turns into a headache: manufacturers use different ecosystems, backup formats, and even data protocols. If you are used to seamless synchronization within the same brand – for example, between the Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13T via Mi Account – then when trying to transfer data to the Galaxy S23 or Galaxy A54, the problem is not technical incompatibility (both smartphones run on Android), but proprietary solutions of companies.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working synchronization methods, from official tools (Smart Switch and Mi Mover) to workarounds through cloud services and third-party applications. Particular attention will be paid to transferring data without loss of quality (photos in original resolution, contacts with call history, SMS with attachments) and solving typical errors such as “device not detected” or “inadequate space”.

Spoiler: The most reliable method depends on what data you need to move, for example, for contacts and calendars, you will need a Google account, and for multimedia and applications you will have to combine several tools, starting with the preparation of devices, this step is missed by 70% of users, and in vain.

Step 0: Preparing devices for synchronization

Before trying to connect Xiaomi and Samsung, do the mandatory steps on both smartphones, which will save 90% of errors like “can’t connect” or “the process is frozen at 99%”.

• 🔋 Both devices charge at least 50%. When transmitting large amounts of data (e.g., 64 GB photo), the energy consumption can be as high as 20-30% per hour.
• 📶 Wi-Fi or mobile Internet: Cloud methods require a stable signal (speeds from 10 Mbps). For cable connections, the original USB- cable (not cheap Chinese analogues!).
• 🗑️ Waste cleanup: At least 20% of the memory should be free on the target device (Samsung or Xiaomi). Use built-in tools: Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
• 🔒 Disable locks: temporarily delete the pattern lock, PIN or fingerprint – they can interrupt data transfer.

If you sync an old Xiaomi model (like the Redmi 4X or Mi A1) with the new Samsung Galaxy S24, update the firmware on both devices. On Xiaomi, this is done via Settings → Phone → System Update, on Samsung – Settings → Software Update. The difference in Android versions (like 10 vs 14) can block some transfer features.

Method 1: Official Samsung Smart Switch Tool

Smart Switch is Samsung’s proprietary solution for transferring data from other devices, including Xiaomi, and supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, notes and even some settings.

• ✅ Works with Xiaomi on Android 5.0+ (but better 8.0+ for stability).
• ❌ Does not port installed applications (only their data if the application is already installed on Samsung).
• ⚠️ Some Xiaomi models (e.g., POCO X3) require you to enable Developer Mode and allow Debugging using USB.

Step instructions:

1. Download Smart Switch to Samsung from Google Play (or through the Galaxy Store). Xiaomi doesn't need to install anything.
2. Connect your devices with a USB-C cable - USB-C (or USB-A - USB-C with an adapter). On Xiaomi, select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
3. On Samsung, run Smart Switch, select Get Data → Cable.
4. On Xiaomi, allow access to data (a request will appear for permission USB- debugging if it is enabled).
5. Select data types to transfer and wait until it is completed (can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours depending on the volume).

If the Smart Switch doesn’t see Xiaomi:

• Try another cable (preferably the original one from Samsung).
• Reboot both devices.
• On Xiaomi, turn on Settings → Additional → Developer Mode → Debugging over USB.

Method 2: Mi Mover – Xiaomi’s alternative

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s answer to Smart Switch, but with more features. The app can port not only multimedia, but also:

• 📱 Installed applications (.apk files) and their data.
• 📞 Labeled Call Log (missed, outgoing, incoming).
• 📅 Calendars and reminders (including recurring events)

However, there are limitations:

• ❌ Doesn't work on Samsung with One UI 5.0+ (needs a workaround).
• ⚠️ Xiaomi with MIUI 14 requires you to disable battery optimization for the Mi Mover.

How to use Mi Mover:

1. Download the app to both devices: Xiaomi: preinstalled (look at Settings → Memory → Mi Mover). Samsung: download APK from APKCombo (officially not on Google Play).

Xiaomi

I give.

Samsung

I get it.

Wi-Fi Direct

hotspot

Select the data to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

If the Mi Mover is 99% frozen:

⚠️ Warning: This is a typical error when carrying large volumes (over 10 GB). Solution: break the transmission into parts — first transfer the photo, then the video, then the applications. Also check if the devices are overheating (at temperatures above 45 °C, the process is interrupted).

Method 3: Cloud Services – Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Samsung Cloud

If cable methods don't work (for example, because of a damaged USB port), use cloud storage, and the main advantage is that you can transfer data remotely (even if the devices are in different cities).

Step-by-step instructions for Google Drive (universal method):

1. On Xiaomi: Open Settings → Google → Backup. Enable Download in Google Drive and select data (contacts, photos, SMS). Wait until it is completed (may take hours at a large volume).

Samsung

• Log in to the same Google account.
• Go to Settings → Accounts and Archiving → Data Recovery.
• Select the last backup and restore.

To transfer photos and videos in original quality, use Google Photos:

• On Xiaomi: Open the app, turn on Backup and Sync (select Original Quality).
• On Samsung: Sign in to the same account and wait for your media files to load.

💡

If you have a slow Internet connection, archive your photos in ZIP via the RAR app before uploading to the cloud (compression will reduce the volume by 30-40%).

Method 4: Third-party applications - SHAREit, Send Anywhere, Feem

If official tools fail (e.g., due to outdated firmware), use third-party applications that are P2P (device-to-device) and do not require cloud storage.

• 📲 SHAREit: Up to 20MB/s, supports files of any type, but displays ads.
• 🌐 Send Anywhere: No registration, there is a "send link" function (valid for 48 hours).
• 🔗 Feem: works without the internet (creates a local Wi-Fi network), but is difficult to set up.

Instructions for Send Anywhere (we recommend as the most reliable option):

1. Install the app on both devices from Google Play.
2. On Xiaomi, select files to submit and click Send.
3. 6-digit code is generated or QR-code.
4. On Samsung, enter this code in the Receive field.
5. Wait until the transfer is completed (the files are saved to the Download/SendAnywhere folder).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ There are no limits on volume (unlike clouds).
• ✅ Works even on older versions of Android (4.4+).
• ✅ Keeps the folder structure.

⚠️ Warning: When transmitted via SHAREit or analogues, disable Battery Optimization for these applications. Otherwise, the connection may break every 5-10 minutes. Do this in Settings → Applications → [application name] → Battery → No restrictions.

Method 5: Manual transfer via computer

If all previous methods failed (e.g., because of a damaged Wi-Fi module or a USB- port), use your computer as an intermediary, which is the longest, but the most reliable way, you control each step.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS.
• 🔌 Two. USB-cables (preferably original).
• 📁 Folder on the desktop for temporary data storage.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy the data you need (photos from DCIM, videos from Movies, contacts in.vcf format) into the folder on the desktop.
3. Disable Xiaomi, plug in Samsung and repeat the action in reverse order.
4. To transfer contacts and SMS, use specialized programs: MyPhoneExplorer (for Windows), Android File Transfer (for macOS).

How to export contacts manually:

1. On Xiaomi, open Contacts → Settings → Import / Export → Export to.vcf file.
2. Copy the file to your computer, then to Samsung.
3. On Samsung, import contacts through Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Import/Export.

Solving Common Errors in Synchronization

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If neither method worked, try resetting to factory settings on the target device (Samsung or Xiaomi) and repeat the sync.

⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete all data on the device. Pre-backup through Google Drive or Mi Cloud. On Samsung, this is done in Settings → General Management → Reset.

💡

The most reliable way is to combine methods: contacts and calendars through a Google account, photos via cable or Send Anywhere, applications manually through APK.

FAQ: Frequent questions on synchronization Xiaomi and Samsung