How to download data from an old smartphone to a new Xiaomi: the complete guide

Moving to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but moving data from an old device can become a real headache if you don’t know the proven ways. Especially difficult for those who change not only the model, but also the operating system (for example, from iOS to MIUI) or are faced with outdated transmission protocols. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods – from cloud backup to direct cable connection – so you can choose the best option depending on the amount of data, Internet speed and available tools.

It’s important to consider that Xiaomi is actively developing its own sync services, such as Mi Cloud and Mi Mover, but they don’t always work perfectly with devices from other brands. If your old phone is Samsung, Huawei or iPhone, additional steps will be required. We will also look at the hidden nuances of data transfer between Android devices of different versions, which are often missed even in official instructions.

1. Preparing an old smartphone for data transfer

Before you start the transfer, you need to make sure that the old device is ready for the procedure, which will eliminate errors such as interrupted transfer or loss of files.

First, check the battery power on both phones, which should be at least 50%. If the transfer takes several hours (for example, with a large amount of high-resolution photos), connect both devices to charging. Second, make room for the new Xiaomi: remove unnecessary applications or transfer them to the memory card if the model supports microSD. To check the free space, go to Settings → Storage.

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 50% on both devices
• 📱 Free space: not less 10-15% from the amount of data transferred
• 🔄 Update: Install the latest versions MIUI New Xiaomi and firmware on the old phone
• 🔒 Turn off the screen lock (PIN, pattern lock) for the time of transmission, if you use a cable connection

Pay special attention to network settings. If you plan to use cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive), connect to a stable Wi-Fi network with high download speeds. OTG-Adapter (if the ports on the devices are incompatible) or original cable USB Xiaomi’s Type-C – Cheap Comparisons Often Don’t Support Data Transfer.

2. Transfer data via Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s proprietary cloud storage that allows you to sync contacts, notes, photos, and even some system settings, a method that works if you already have a Mi Account account and a stable Internet connection, and the main advantage is the ability to transfer data remotely, without physically connecting devices.

To use Mi Cloud, follow the following steps:

1. On an old smartphone, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Cloud.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (if not registered, create one).
3. Enable synchronization for the desired categories: Contacts, Gallery, Notes, etc.
4. Wait until the data is uploaded to the cloud (time depends on the volume and speed of the Internet).
5. On the new Xiaomi, do the same thing by logging into the same account, and the data will start to load automatically.

Note that the free Mi Cloud plan only provides 5GB of storage, and if your data exceeds this limit, you will either have to clear the cloud of unnecessary files or purchase a paid subscription, and not all types of data are synchronized, such as SMS and call history may not be transferred.

3.Using Mi Mover for Direct Transfer

Mi Mover is a built-in application from Xiaomi designed to quickly transfer data between devices to MIUI. It works on the principle of point-to-point over Wi-Fi Direct, which eliminates the need for the Internet or computer. This method is ideal if both phones are from Xiaomi, but can work with other brands (for example, Redmi or POCO).

Instructions for using Mi Mover:

• 📲 Install the Mi Mover app on both phones (if it’s not in the standard set).
• 🔗 On the new Xiaomi, select I receive data, on the old one I send data.
• 📡 Connect devices via Wi-Fi Direct (follow the on-screen prompts).
• 📋 Select data categories for transfer: contacts, messages, photos, video, audio, applications.
• ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed (may take 10 minutes to several hours).

Important: Mi Mover does not transfer data from some applications (such as WhatsApp or Viber), as well as files protected by DRM (such as purchases on Google Play Music).

• Restart the application on both devices.
• Turn off the energy-saving mode.
• Use a different type of connection (e.g. Hotspot instead of Wi-Fi Direct).

4. Cable transfer (OTG or USB)

If you don't have access to the Internet, or if you have more data than the limits of cloud storage, direct cable is the most reliable solution. USB-C — USB-C (or micro-USB — USB-C with an adapter, and, OTG-adapter if the ports of the devices are incompatible.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect your old smartphone to the new Xiaomi with a cable.
2. On the new device, the option to Transfer Files will appear in the notification bar - select it.
3. On an old phone, allow access to data (you may need to select MTP or File System mode).
4. Open Explorer on the new Xiaomi and copy the files you want from the memory of the old device.

The advantages of the method are: high transfer speed (up to 480 Mbps with USB 3.0) and no volume restrictions.

To transfer applications and their data (for example, save in games), cable connection is not suitable – you will need backup through Google Drive or specialized utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root rights).

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If the cable does not fit tightly into the connector, do not force - this can damage the port. Try to clean the connector from dust with a wooden toothpick (metal objects can not be used!).

5. Data transfer from iPhone to Xiaomi

The transition from iOS to Android is a separate challenge, as Apple restricts the export of data from its ecosystem. However, Xiaomi offers a partial solution through the Move to iOS app (yes, it works the other way!) and third-party tools.

Ways to transfer from the iPhone:

• 📱 iCloud → Google Account: Export your contacts and calendars from iCloud in.vcf format, then import them to Google Contacts. Photos can be downloaded via iCloud.com and uploaded to Google Photos.
• 💻 iTunes + PC: Connect your iPhone to your computer, copy media files via iTunes or Explorer, then transfer them to Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Copy My Data or SHAREit allows you to transfer files directly over Wi-Fi, but may not support some formats.

The main difficulty is to transfer messages from iMessage.

1. Disable iMessage in the iPhone settings.
2. Use paid utilities like iMazing or Backuptrans to export SMS to.xml format.
3. Import a file to Xiaomi via Google Messages or SMS Backup & Restore.

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Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi always requires an intermediate device (PC or cloud), direct transfer “over the air” is possible only for a limited set of files (photos, videos, contacts).

6.Alternative methods: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct and PC

If none of these methods work, you can use alternatives, which are less convenient, but sometimes the only solution.

Bluetooth is suitable for transferring small files (up to 50 MB), such as individual photos or documents, and the speed is extremely low (about 1-2 MB / s), but no additional devices are required.

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones.
2. Make the devices visible for search.
3. On your old phone, select a file → Send via Bluetooth → select a new Xiaomi.
4. Confirm acceptance on the new device.

Wi-Fi Direct is faster (10-20 MB/s), but requires both devices to support the technology.

• Activate Wi-Fi Direct in the Wi-Fi settings on both smartphones.
• Connect devices to each other (may require input) PIN-code).
• Use any file manager that supports Wi-Fi Direct transmission (e.g. ES Explorer).

Computer mediation is a universal method if other methods don't work: connect both phones to a PC, copy the data from the old one to the hard drive, then transfer it to the new Xiaomi. To speed up the process, you can use USB 3.0 ports and a card reader for microSD.

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If Wi-Fi Direct transmission is permanently interrupted, try reducing the distance between devices to 1-2 meters and disabling other wireless devices (earphones, smart watches) that can cause interference.

7.What to do if the data is not transferred or damaged

Even with all the instructions, sometimes there are failures: files don't open, contacts are duplicated, and photos lose quality.

• 📂 Damaged files: Try opening them on your PC with universal software like VLC (For video) or IrfanView (for images). If the file is not restored, check its checksum (MD5) — It may have been damaged on an old device.
• 👥 Duplicate Contacts: Use the Google Contacts app to merge duplicates or export all contacts to.vcf, edit the file in a text editor and import back.
• 📱 Apps haven't recovered: Check if your Google account is linked to the new Xiaomi.Look to Google Play → Library → Installed and click Update All.
• 🔒 Blocked files: If files are protected DRM (For example, music from Apple Music, they will have to be downloaded again through official applications.

If the data is critical but not transferred, contact the service center, and specialists can extract information directly from the internal memory of the old phone using professional equipment (for example, professional equipment, UFI box or JTAG). The cost of this service starts from 1500-3000 ₽.

8.Optimize the new Xiaomi after data transfer

After successful data transfer, the new smartphone can run slower due to fragmented files or conflicts between old and new settings.

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This will delete temporary files that may have been transferred from the old device.
• 🔄 Reboot: Turn off and turn on your phone – this will help the system correctly index new data.
• 📦 Storage optimization: Use built-in utility Optimization in Settings → Special facilities → Optimization.
• 🔒 Permissions setting: Check access rights for ported applications in Settings → Annexes → Permits.

If the new Xiaomi has any extra files (such as duplicate photos or unnecessary APKs), use Files by Google to find and delete them.

For advanced users, it is recommended to reset the Wipe Cache Partition via Recovery Mode. This will not delete personal data, but will help get rid of system conflicts. To get into Recovery, turn off the phone, then press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.

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After transferring data, always check the battery settings. Some applications from the old phone may have aggressive background processes, which will lead to quick discharge. Open Settings → Battery → Battery Use and limit the activity of unnecessary programs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability to Xiaomi