Transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or sharing large files. Unlike the iPhone, where sync is standardized through iCloud, the Android ecosystem offers dozens of options, from proprietary solutions to universal protocols. But how to choose the best method so that you donโt lose hours of customization and run into errors?
In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to transfer information between Xiaomi phones (including the Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), given their speed, reliability and limitations. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden features of MIUI 14/15, which speed up transfer by 2-3 times compared to standard methods, you will learn how to circumvent file size restrictions, avoid loss of photo quality and even transfer data from a locked screen.
1.Mi Mover branded tool: fast transfer without loss
Mi Mover is the official Xiaomi app pre-installed on all devices with MIUI 9+. It uses direct Wi-Fi Direct to transmit data at up to 10 MB/s (in theory), which is 5 times faster than Bluetooth. The main advantage is support for all types of files, including:
- ๐ฑ Contacts, SMS Call log (even from a locked phone)
- ๐ธ Photos and videos in original quality (without compression)
- ๐ต Music, documents and APK-file
- ๐ Calendars and notes (including Mi Notes)
To use Mi Mover, follow the steps:
- On your old phone, open Settings โ About Phone โ Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
- On the new device, select This is a new phone and scan. QR-screencode.
- Confirm Wi-Fi Direct connection (password will appear on both screens).
- Select data types to transfer and wait until completed (on Xiaomi 13 Pro 64 GB data transfer ~40 minutes).
Charge of both phones > 50% | Disable VPN and power saving modes | Connect to the same Wi-Fi network (optional) | Close background applications
-->
Limitations of Mi Mover:
- โ ๏ธ Does not work between Xiaomi and other brands (e.g. Samsung or Huawei).
- โ ๏ธ On devices with MIUI 12+ You may need to update the application via Google Play.
- โ ๏ธ Transferring >30 GB of data possible connection breaks โ it is recommended to break the process into parts.
๐ก
If Mi Mover is 99% frozen, don't interrupt the process! Wait 10-15 minutes - the system can finish the cache of applications.
2. Transfer via Xiaomi Cloud: Reliable but limited
Xiaomi Cloud is a cloud storage integrated into MIUI, which allows you to synchronize data between devices over the Internet, but with important nuances:
| Type of data | Max. Volume. | Storage period | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Unlimitedly | Constantly. | Synchronize with your Mi Account |
| Photo/video | 5GB (free) | 30 days without activity | Compression to 12 MP for photo |
| Notes | 200 MB | Constantly. | Text only, no attachments |
| Log of calls | 10,000 records. | 90 days | No SMS history. |
Synchronization instructions:
- On both phones, sign in to one Mi Account (Settings โ Accounts โ Xiaomi).
- Turn on synchronization of the desired data: Settings โ Synchronization.
- On the new phone, wait for the download to be completed (may take up to a day with a large volume).
What if the cloud doesnโt sync the photos?
Important warnings:
โ ๏ธ Note: When you delete files from your phone, they are automatically deleted from Xiaomi Cloud (if you have the option to Delete everywhere enabled). โ Basket.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Free 5GB fills up in 2-3 months with active use. Pay for the extension only through the official website cloud.mi.com โ Google Play often see fraudulent offers.
3. Using a Google Account: A Universal Method
If you use Google services (Gmail, Google Photos, Contacts), data transfer is simplified to a few clicks.
- ๐ Contacts and calendars (synchronization through Google Contacts)
- ๐ท Photo/video (via Google Photos with High Quality or Original)
- ๐ Documents (Google Drive with 15 GB of free space)
- ๐ฎ Application data (if they support Google Play Games)
Step-by-step:
- On your old phone, check the sync enabled: Settings โ Accounts โ Google โ Account Sync.
- On the new device, add the same Google account and wait for the automatic download.
- For photos/video, open Google Photos and select Backup.
Speed and limitations:
- ๐น Google Photos compresses video >1080p free-rate.
- ๐น Contacts are synced instantly, but notes (Google Keep) can be downloaded up to 24 hours.
- ๐น Use Wi-Fi to speed up โ mobile network transmission is limited to 5 GB/day.
Mi Mover|Xiaomi Cloud|Google Account|OTG|Other
-->
4. Direct transmission via OTG cable: for large volumes
If you need to transfer tens of gigabytes (for example, movies in the future) 4K or backups of applications), OTG-cable remains the most reliable method, speeds up to 40-60 MB/s (depending on version). USB), Most importantly, there is no risk of loss due to communication.
What you need:
- ๐ OTG-adapter (Type-C) โ Type-C or Micro-USB โ Type-C, depending on the model).
- ๐ฑ Both phones with support OTG (checks in the settings โ Additionally. โ Regime. OTG).
- ๐ Charge. >30% (Share large files drains the battery).
Instructions:
- Connect your old phone to the OTG adapter and a new phone to it.
- A notification will appear on the new device USB-Drive is connected. Press Open.
- In Explorer (Files), select folders to copy (for example, DCIM for photo or Download for downloads).
- Copy files to the right place on your new phone (Internal Storage folder is recommended).
๐ก
When copying via OTG, avoid Android and MIUI folders โ this can disrupt the system.
Common mistakes:
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the phone doesn't recognize the connection, check the settings for developers โ Configuration USB (File transfer must be selected).
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ When you first connect, you may need to unlock the screen on both devices.
5. Wireless transmission via Nearby Share (formerly Android Beam)
Nearby Share is an analogue of AirDrop for Android, working on all Android 6.0+ devices. It uses a combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (on new models) to transfer files at speeds up to 15 MB / s.
- ๐ Works between Xiaomi and other brands (Samsung, OnePlus, etc.).
- ๐ Encryption of data during transmission.
- ๐ถ Automatic switching between Wi-Fi and mobile internet.
How to use:
- Turn on Nearby Share on both phones: Settings โ Connected devices โ Nearby Share.
- On the original phone, select files in Explorer and click Send โ Nearby Share.
- Select the target phone from the list and confirm reception on it.
Limitations:
- ๐น Maximum size of one file is 2 GB (for packages โ 10 GB).
- ๐น On Xiaomi MIUI 13 and below may require an update to Google Play Services.
- ๐น Transferring >500 files can be frozen - divide into batches of 100-200 pieces.
6.Alternative applications: SHAREit, Xender, Send Anywhere
If standard methods donโt work (for example, when transferring between Xiaomi and iPhone), itโs worth considering third-party apps.-3 Speed and stability solutions:
| Annex | Speed. | Max. File size. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHAREit | up to 20 MB/s | Unlimitedly | Advertising but stable work |
| Xender | up to 15 MB/s | 4GB | Support for iOS and PC |
| Send Anywhere | up to 10MB/s | 50GB | Transfer by 6-digit code |
Instructions for SHAREit (by example):
- Install the app on both phones from Google Play.
- On the sending device, select Send and Files.
- On the receiving press Get and scan QR-code.
- Confirm the transfer (at the first connection, access to storage may be required).
How to speed up the transfer to Sharet?
Warnings:
โ ๏ธ Note: Apps like SHAREit often collect user data. Check permissions in Google Play before installing (only Warehouse and Wi-Fi should be available).
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ SHAREit may conflict with Mi Mover โ disable auto-run one of the applications.
7.Transfer data from a locked Xiaomi phone
If the screen of the old Xiaomi is locked (forgot the password or the sensor is not working), but the phone turns on, there are 3 ways to save data:
- Through Mi Account (if tied): Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in. Under Devices, select a locked phone and click Find Device. Use Backup to save contacts and photos to the cloud.
ADB
If USB debugging is enabled (Settings โ For developers), you can copy files through the command:
adb pull /sdcard/ C:\XiaomiBackup\To do this, you need ADB Tools and Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
Removal of the memory card:
If the data is stored on a microSD, extract it and paste it into a new phone or card reader.
Important:
- ๐น Method ADB Does not work on Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader (Bootloader).
- ๐น Recovery (Volume Up) + Power) all data will be deleted!
- ๐น If the phone does not turn on, contact the service center - self-repair deprives of warranty.