How to download data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: all ways without loss

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but data transfer often turns into a headache, and even between devices of the same brand, the process can be delayed if you do not know the nuances. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of data transfer between Xiaomi smartphones - from the official Mi Mover tool to little-known life hacks using the use of the device. ADB And we're going to focus on preserving folder structure, transferring application accounts, and circumventing restrictions. MIUI.

It's important to understand that the methods differ not only in speed, but also in the types of data that are transmitted. For example, Mi Mover is great at handling contacts and communication. SMS, but may miss settings of some applications, while manually transferring TWRP We tested each method on a pair of devices of different generations — from the Redmi Note 8 Pro (2019) to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra (2026) — so you can choose the best option for your tasks.

1.Official method: Mi Mover - fast, but with limitations

Mi Mover – a proprietary solution from Xiaomi for data migration, preinstalled on all smartphones with a mobile phone MIUI 9 and later.The tool uses direct Wi-Fi connection between devices, which allows for high transfer speeds (up to 20 MB/s on tests:

• 📱 It only works between devices. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (Does not support other brands)
• 🔄 Requires cleaning of the new smartphone before transfer (otherwise option is not available)
• 📁 Does not transfer data to certain applications (such as WhatsApp or banking programs)
• 🔒 On devices with MIUI 14+ You may request a link to your Xiaomi account

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

1. On your old smartphone, open Settings → The phone. → Data migration.
2. On the new smartphone, when you first turn on, select “Data Transfer” or find this item in the settings.
3. Click "I am the sender" on the old device and "I am the receiver" on the new one.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the new smartphone old (or connect via Wi-Fi Direct).
5. Select data types to transfer: contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, apps (without their data!).
6. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (can take 5 to 30 minutes depending on the volume).

Charging both smartphones >50%|Shut down. VPN both-device|Make sure that the new smartphone has enough memory|Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (optional)|Sign out of your Google account on your old smartphone (if you are transferring accounts)-->

A key nuance: if a new smartphone has already created a Mi Account, the system can block the transfer of some data (for example, notes or calendar records), in which case you have to reset the device to factory settings and repeat the procedure.

2. Transfer via cable OTG: maximum speed and control

Cable use OTG (USB-C → USB-C) — One of the most reliable ways, especially if you need to transfer large amounts of data (50+ Unlike wireless methods, there is no risk of connection breakdown and the transmission speed reaches 40-60 MB/s (when used) USB 3.0). However, it will be necessary:

• 🔌 Cable OTG supportive USB 3.0 (blue connector) for maximum speed
• 📱 On the old smartphone should be unlocked option "Debugging by" USB" (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then additionally → For developers)
• 🔋 Battery charge for both devices >30% (when transferring large volumes, the smartphone can discharge faster)

Instructions for transfer:

1. Connect the cable. OTG The new smartphone (it will be a host).
2. Connect your old smartphone to OTG-It'll show a notification on it"USB-Connection - select File Transfer" (MTP).
3. On your new smartphone, open Explorer (or any file manager, such as Solid Explorer).
4. In the section"USB-You'll see the file system of the old smartphone. Copy the folders you want (DCIM, Downloads, Pictures, etc.) to the internal memory of the new device.
5. To port applications and their data, use Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup (works on some firmware without root).

1. Reconnect the cable to another port (if the hub is used).

2. Enable the “Charge Only” mode on the old smartphone, then again select “File Transfer”.

3. Use a support cable USB-IF (The packaging must be marked appropriately).-->

Warning: When you copy the Android folder (where application data is stored) without root rights, many files may not be available.

⚠️ On devices with MIUI 13+ Android 12+ file-access /data/data/ blocked even though OTG. To circumvent the restriction, you need an unlocked bootloader and Magisk with the App Data Backup module.

3. Cloud services: universal, but not always secure

Using cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk) is convenient for transferring small amounts of data (up to the end of the day). 10-15 GB) or if the devices are in different locations, but there are significant disadvantages to this method:

• ☁️ Download/download speed limit (especially relevant for Mi Cloud in Russia)
• 🔒 Risk of data leakage when transferring through third-party servers
• 📦 Media compression (e.g. Google Photos defaults to High Quality instead of the original)
• ⏳ Long synchronization time with a large volume

Optimal algorithm for transferring through the cloud:

1. On an old smartphone, upload data to the cloud: Photo / video: Google Photos (settings) →"Backup) or Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Gallery) Contacts: sync with Google Account (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Contact synchronization) Notes: export through Mi Notes to PDF or TXT

new-phone

Google Play

Google Drive|Mi Cloud|Yandex Disk|iCloud|Other|Not using.-->

Critical error: if you used Mi Cloud to back up on an old smartphone with a MIUI Global and the new smartphone on MIUI China, you can't recover the data because of regional constraints:

1. Change the region of your Xiaomi account to settings.account.xiaomi.com.
2. Or transfer data through Google Account (if synced there).

4. Local area network (FTP/HTTP): for advanced users

If both smartphones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can arrange data transfer via a local server, which does not require cables or cloud storage, but requires the installation of additional applications.

Option 1: FTP-server (via Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer)

1. On an old smartphone, install Solid Explorer and open the side menu →"FTP-server".
2. Click "Start Server" and write down the address (for example, ftp://192.168.1.100:2221).
3. On the new smartphone in the same application, select "Connect" → FTP" And enter the address.
4. Copy the desired files (speed is limited by the bandwidth of the router).

Option 2: HTTP-server (through Simple) HTTP Server)

1. Install on your old Smartphone Simple HTTP Server from Google Play.
2. Select a folder for and click "Start Server".
3. On a new smartphone, open your browser and enter the address specified in the application (for example, http://192.168.1.100:8080).
4. Download files through the web interface.

Advantages of the method:

• 🌐 There are no limits on volume (unlike clouds)
• 🔒 Data does not leave the local network
• 📱 It works even if the new smartphone does not SIM-map

⚠️ If your router is using IPv6, some FTP/HTTP-The servers may not display addresses correctly, in which case force the router to switch to mode. IPv4 or use mDNS-enabled applications (e.g. Servers Ultimate Pro).

5. PC Transfer: Reliable but Long Term

Using a computer as an intermediary is relevant if:

• 🖥️ You need to filter the data before transferring (for example, leave only a photo of the last year)
• 🔄 Convert formats are required (e.g, HEIC into JPG)
• 🛡️ It is important to back up before transferring

Procedure:

1. Connect your old smartphone to your PC through USB (Select the File Transfer Mode).
2. Copy all the folders you need (DCIM, Documents, Music, etc.) on a hard drive.
3. For transfer SMS and use the calls SMS Backup & Restore (export to the UK) XML PC-only).
4. For apps: No root: export listings through App Backup & Restore (only) APK) Root: Backup with Titanium Backup or Adb Backup

smartphone

Professional advice: if you transfer data to a smartphone MIUI Android 13 based+, Before copying your Android folder, check for the.nomedia file in the root directory. its absence can lead to incorrect display of media in the gallery.

💡

Transferring over a PC is the only way to save folder structure when you move from Android to iOS (if your new smartphone is an iPhone).

6. Alternative methods: for specific tasks

If standard methods don’t work, consider these options:

🔧 Transfer through ADB (for technical users)

Using Android Debug Bridge allows you to copy data even from a locked smartphone (if debugging is enabled). USB). Major teams:

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM ~/Desktop/Xiaomi_Backup # Copy photos on PC


adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all # Full backup (requires confirmation on smartphone)




adb restore backup.ab # Restore backup on new device

🔄 Transfer through TWRP (requires an unlocked loader)

If both smartphones have custom recovery installed (TWRP), You can create a complete nandroid backup and restore it to a new device, and it works only between smartphones with the same processor architecture (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 1). → Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).

📱 Transfer via Nearby Share (Android 10)+)

Nearby Share (similar to AirDrop) allows you to transfer files without the Internet, but with a limited size (maximum 2 GB at a time).

1. Settings → Google → Devices and exchanges → Nearby Share
2. Select files in the Explorer →"Send" →"Nearby Share"
3. Take the file on the second device.

💡

To speed up the Nearby Share transfer, turn on both Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth smartphones. Also make sure that the visibility settings select "All Contacts" or "All Devices."

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of transfer method depends on the type of data, volume and technical capabilities of your devices, and below are the recommendations for scenarios:

Expert opinion: if you plan to sell an old smartphone, before transferring data, it is necessary to:

1. Untie all accounts (Google, Xiaomi, Samsung, etc.).
2. Delete all banking applications and card details.
3. Perform reset to factory settings (Settings) → Reset → Erase all data).
4. For Xiaomi, untie the device from your account at account.xiaomi.com.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer