How to Download Data from One Xiaomi to Another: All the Techniques

Transferring data between Xiaomi devices is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new smartphone or tablet brand. Unlike other devices, there are both universal solutions (cloud services, cables) and exclusive tools like Mi Mover, which automatically determines models and offers the optimal copy algorithm. However, not all methods are equally effective: some work only on new versions of MIUI 14+, others require additional accessories or a stable Internet.

The main problem with data transfer is file fragmentation, such as photos can be stored in both gallery and messenger folders (Telegram, WhatsApp), and contacts can be duplicated in Google and Mi Account accounts. Without proper preparation, you risk losing some information or getting chaos in a new device. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of transfer, from official to alternative, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

Before you start, make sure both devices have enough battery power (at least 50%). interrupting the process due to discharge can damage the transferred files, especially if you use an OTG or Type-C cable. Also check the free space on the new Xiaomi - it can take up to 10-15 GB to fully back up.

1. Official method: Mi Mover (without computer)

Mi Mover is a built-in app from Xiaomi that automatically installs on all devices with MIUI 9 and later. It allows you to transfer almost all data: contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, applications (including their settings), and even call history. The main advantage is that you do not need Internet (transfer is over a local Wi-Fi Direct network), and speeds reach 10-15 MB / s.

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

1. On the old Xiaomi, open Settings → About Phone → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
2. On the new device, run the same app and select “I’m a new user.”
3. Scan the scanner on your new phone QR-code that will appear on the old.
4. Select data types to transfer (you can mark everything or select selectively).
5. Confirm the start of transmission on both devices.

The process can take anywhere from 5 minutes (for contacts and messages) to 1-2 hours (if tens of gigabytes of photos and videos are transferred), while transferring, do not lock the screen or switch to other applications - this can interrupt the connection.

Charge both devices >50%|Shut down. VPN and energy-saving regimes|Make sure there is enough space on the new Xiaomi|Do not interrupt the connection until completion-->

⚠️ Note: If the new Xiaomi already has data (for example, you restored a backup from Google Drive), it can overwrite information from the old phone.

2. Transfer via OTG or Type-C cable

If you don’t have Wi-Fi access or Mi Mover doesn’t work (for example, because of different versions of MIUI), you can use a physical connection via cable.

• 🔌 Cable OTG (If the old Micro-USB phone has a new Type-C).
• 🔄 Type-C adapter → Type-C (if both devices are USB-C, without support OTG).
• 📁 File Manager (e.g., built-in Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Connect the cable to both devices. On the old Xiaomi screen, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. On a new phone, open the file manager – the old device will appear as an external drive.
3. Copy the folders you want (DCIM for photos, Downloads for downloads, etc.) to your new device.

This method does not tolerate applications and their data, as well as system settings (for example, APN for mobile Internet), but it is reliable for large amounts of data (up to 128 GB per session) and works even on devices with damaged Wi-Fi module.

Mi Mover|Cable OTG/Type-C|Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)|Other-->

3. Cloud services: Mi Cloud vs Google Drive

If you prefer to store data in the cloud, Xiaomi has two main options: its own Mi Cloud and Google Drive. The former is integrated into the MIUI ecosystem and automatically syncs contacts, notes, photos (in the Mi Cloud album) and even SMS. The latter is versatile and suitable if you use Google services (such as Gmail or Google Photos).

Comparison:

• 📱 Mi Cloud: ✅ Automatic synchronization of contacts and SMS. ✅ 5GB free (can be expanded to 200GB for a fee). ❌ Does not save installed applications (only their list).
• ☁️ Google Drive: ✅ 15 GB free (shared storage for mail, photos and files). ✅ The ability to create a full backup phone (Settings) → Google → Backup). ❌ Slowly restores data to a new device.

To transfer data through Mi Cloud:

1. On the old Xiaomi, enable synchronization: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
2. Wait until the data loading is completed.
3. On the new device, log in to the same Mi Account and enable synchronization.

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If you have a slow Internet connection, archive your photo folders in ZIP before uploading to Mi Cloud, which will reduce data by 20 to 30 percent.

4. Transfer via computer (for large volumes)

If you need to copy more than 50GB of data (e.g., a video collection in resolution) 4K or RAW-The most reliable way to do this is to use your computer as an intermediary, which is also useful if you want to sort files before you transfer them or back them up on your hard drive.

Procedure:

1. Connect your old device to your PC via a USB cable and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy all the necessary folders (DCIM, Pictures, Music, etc.) to your computer.
3. Turn off the old device and plug in the new one. Move the files back.

To speed up the process, you can use programs like Teracopy (it copies files faster than standard Windows Explorer) or FastCopy (for example, for the first time). macOS/Linux). If you are working with a Mac, install Android File Transfer – without it, the system will not see the connected Xiaomi.

5. Alternative methods: Bluetooth and NFC

If you don't have a cable and your Wi-Fi is off, you can use Bluetooth or NFC, which is only suitable for transferring small files (up to 50 MB), for example:

• 📇 Contacts (one by one or a group).
• 📄 Documents (PDF, DOCX).
• 📷 A few photos (but not albums!).

How to transfer via Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
2. On your old phone, select the file → “Send” → “Bluetooth”.
3. Confirm acceptance on the new device.

For NFC (available on chip models such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12):

1. Enable NFC in Settings → Connections → NFC.
2. Apply the devices with the back covers to each other.
3. Select the file to transfer (only photos and contacts are supported).

⚠️ Note: When transferring via Bluetooth files can be compressed, which worsens the quality of photos. Also, some Xiaomi models limit the transfer speed to 1-2 MB / s, so you need 10 photos ~1 minute.

6. Transfer of applications and their data

Conventional methods (such as Mi Mover or cable) do not store application data, such as game progress, messaging settings or chat history, and require specialized tools to:

• 🎮 Google Play Games: Save progress in games if they support cloud-based saves.
• 💬 Built-in messenger backups: WhatsApp: Settings → chat → Backup (saves to Google Drive). Telegram: Export of chats to JSON (Settings → Additionally. → Export of data).
• 📱 Titanium Backup (root): Complete backup of data applications but requires root rights.

For most users, synchronization through developer accounts is the best option.

• On Instagram or TikTok, simply log in to the same account on the new device.
• In Spotify or YouTube Music, restore playlists through Settings → Restore.

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Without root rights, it is impossible to transfer data from certain applications (e.g., banking or locally-encrypted applications), in which case only manual data entry remains.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the official methods, users are faced with problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If duplicate contacts appear on the new device after transfer, delete them through the Contacts app:

1. Open Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Combine duplicates.
2. Select accounts to verify (Google, Mi Account, SIM).
3. Confirm the merger of the same records.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions