How to copy data from Android to Xiaomi Redmi Note: the complete guide

Introduction: Why migrating data to Xiaomi Redmi Note requires a special approach

Switching to a new Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphone is always an exciting moment, but transferring data from a previous Android device can turn into a real headache. Unlike the iPhone, where Apple's ecosystem allows for smooth migration, Android phones from different brands often use their own backup solutions. There is a proprietary Mi Mover tool, but it does not work with all models, and standard methods like Google Account may not carry some settings. MIUI.

Feature of the line Redmi Note (be it Note 12 Pro)+, Note 11S or older models – in hybrid firmware MIUI, This is a system that imposes restrictions on data exchange, such as when you connect to a USB Xiaomi may not display folders with files without additional settings to another Android device. SMS Google Drive is not supported for devices with MIUI 14 and newer - this feature the manufacturer does not advertise.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to transfer data, from universal (all Android) to Xiaomi’s exclusive chips, how to avoid losing contacts, why photos can “lose” the date of the shoot when copying, and what to do if the Redmi Note can’t see the old device via Bluetooth.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before copying

Before you rush to throw files, follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to data loss — especially if you’re using a Redmi Note with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware.

First, check the version. MIUI on the target device. To do this, go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If the version is newer 14.0.5, Some methods (such as transferring via Mi Account) may require additional authorization. Second, make sure both devices have enough charge – Redmi Note with a dead battery (<20%) may interrupt the copying process by USB.

• 🔋 Charging both smartphones ≥50% (optimum 80%+)
• 📶 A stable Internet connection (for cloud-based methods)
• 🔐 Screen unlock disabled (PIN/The pattern lock can be reset during transfer)
• 📁 Release me. ≥10GB on the target Redmi Note (system files take up space)
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (fixes bugs with Mi Mover)

Pay special attention to the developer settings. If you have previously activated Debugging by USB, Turn it off before using Mi Mover, the permission conflict may cause an "unconnected" error. To deactivate debugging, go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and move the slider to the position "Off.".

⚠️ Warning: If the old device has Root access or modified recovery installed (TWRP), Transfer through official Xiaomi tools can cause resets.In this case, use only manual methods (USB-cable SD-map).

Method 1: Mi Mover is a Xiaomi proprietary tool

Mi Mover is built into the MIUI It's a device-to-device migration application that supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, apps, even some of the system's settings:

• ✅ It works without the Internet (data is transmitted via Wi-Fi Direct)
• ❌ Does not transfer Wi-Fi passwords and data from certain applications (for example, WhatsApp)
• ⚠️ The old device must have an Android version ≥5.0

To take advantage of the Mi Mover:

1. On Redmi Note, go to Settings → The phone. → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
2. Select “I am a new user” and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. On your old device, download Mi Mover from Google Play (if it is not on the system).
4. Scan it. QR-code from the Redmi Note screen with an old smartphone.
5. Select the data to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

The speed of the transfer depends on the amount of data. For example, 30 GB of photos and videos are copied for about 40 to 60 minutes. If the process is stalled during the Preparation stage, try:

• 🔄 Restart both devices
• 📡 Switch to another Wi-Fi network (if you use an access point)
• 🔌 Connect both phones to charge (Mi Mover can pause the process at low charge)

⚠️ Note: If the old device is installed Android 12+, Before using Mi Mover, disable the “Data Protection” function in the Wi-Fi settings. Otherwise, the connection will break every 2-3 minutes.

Debugging is offline. USB|Download Mi Mover to an old device|Charge. ≥50%|Wi-Fi Direct enabled|Freed up space on Redmi Note-->

Method 2: Transfer through USB-cable (OTG adapter)

If Mi Mover is not working or you only need to transfer specific files (such as documents or archives), use a direct connection to the site. USB. It's gonna take a while:

• 🔌 USB-C/USB-C cable (for the new Redmi Note) or USB-A/USB-C adapter (for older models)
• 📱 Developer Mode must be unlocked on the old device (if Android is available) ≥8.0)

Instructions:

1. Connect both smartphones with a cable. On the Redmi Note screen, select "File Transfer" (MTP).
2. On an old device in the notification line tap "USB-Connection and select "File Transfer".
3. Open Explorer on Redmi Note and go to the section "USB-device".
4. Copy the necessary files to the memory of Redmi Note (we recommend the Download folder or MIUI).

Important points:

• 📁 Folders. DCIM (Pictures, Music copy the whole - it will preserve the structure of the albums.
• 🚫 Don’t carry the Android folder – it contains app data that may conflict with the Android folder. MIUI.
• ⚡ Use it to accelerate. USB 3.0 (blue connector) and cable with support USB-C 2.0 (speed up to 480 Mbps).

If the Redmi Note can't see the old device:

1. Check if the mode is on. MTP both phones.
2. Reconnect the cable by selecting a different port USB (if you use an adapter).
3. On the old device in Settings → System system → For developers, include "Debugging by USB" (temporary).

💡

If you copy photos from Google Photos, pre-disable the function "Memory Optimization" in the application settings. Otherwise, the Redmi Note files will be low resolution.

Method 3: Wireless transmission over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct

If you don’t have a cable or you’re carrying a small amount of data (<5 GB), you can use wireless protocols. But there are limitations to this method:

• 🐢 Bluetooth speed: ~2-3 MB/s (1 GBB) = ~10 minutes)
• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct Speed: ~10–15 MB/s (1 GBB) = ~2 minutes)
• 🚫 Folders are not supported – only individual files

Bluetooth portability:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On an old smartphone, select files → "Send" → Bluetooth.
3. Confirm acceptance on Redmi Note.

Transfer over Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On Redmi Note, go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On your old device, activate Wi-Fi Direct and connect to the Redmi Note.
3. Use Explorer or ES File Explorer to transfer files.

To speed up the process, we recommend file managers with support FTP-server:

• 📱 Solid Explorer (paid but supported batch shipping)
• 📱 FX File Explorer (free, built-in) FTP-server)
• 📱 Mi File Manager (pre-installed on Xiaomi, but slower than its counterparts)

⚠️ Warning: When transmitting over Wi-Fi Direct, turn off mobile internet on both devices. 4G Wi-Fi Direct can cause conflict. IP-addresses that will cause the connection to break.

Method 4: Cloud Services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Drive)

Cloud portability is convenient because it doesn't require physical device connectivity, but there are limitations to every service.

Transfer via Google Drive:

1. On the old device, open Google Photos or Google Drive.
2. Upload files to the cloud (wait for sync to complete).
3. On Redmi Note, log in to the same Google account and download files.

Transfer via Mi Cloud:

1. On your old device, install Mi Cloud from Google Play.
2. Log in to Xiaomi account and enable synchronization of the necessary data.
3. On Redmi Note, go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and download the data.

The advantages of the cloud method:

• 🌐 Data is available from any device
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization (for example, photos in Google Photos)
• 🛡️ Backup in case of loss of phone

Disadvantages:

• ⏳ Long loading with slow internet
• 📡 Traffic restriction (relevant to mobile internet)
• 🔒 Some data (such as Wi-Fi passwords) are not synced.

💡

Use the application to move through the cloud APK Extractor on the old device and APK Installer on Redmi Note, however, note that many programs (such as banking) require re-authorization.

Method 5: Transfer over a memory card (microSD)

If your Redmi Note supports memory cards (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G With a microSDXC slot, this is going to be the most reliable method:

• Class 10 (U1): ~10–20 MB/s
• UHS-I (U3): ~30-50 MB/s
• A2: ~4000 IOPS (Optimized for small files)

Instructions:

1. Insert the memory card into the old device.
2. Copy files to the map (use folders) DCIM, Downloads, etc.).
3. Remove the card and paste it into the Redmi Note.
4. In the Conductor, select "SD-Map and transfer files to internal memory.

Important nuances:

• 📌 Format the card in exFAT (if the volume is >32 GB) or FAT32 (compatiblely).
• 🔄 If the Redmi Note doesn’t see the card, restart the device or check the slot for dust.
• 📂 For apps, use App Cloner or Titanium Backup (Root required).

⚠️ Note: Do not remove the memory card while copying - this can damage the file system "SD-Map damaged, format it through Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Format.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users encounter errors, and let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them.

1.Mi Mover doesn't see old device

• 🔄 Reboot the Mi Mover on both phones.
• 📡 Turn it off. VPN Firewall (they block Wi-Fi Direct).
• 📱 Make sure that the old device has Visibility Mode on for other devices.

2.Photos moved forward without a shooting date

This is a common problem when copying through USB Or Bluetooth, to recover the metadata:

1. Install the Exif Viewer app on Redmi Note.
2. Open the photo and check the DateTimeOriginal field.
3. If the date is lost, use ExifTool (PC) for a batch fix.

3. Annexes shall not be installed after transfer

• 📌 Check the processor architecture: if the old device is on ARMv7, A Redmi Note on the ARMv8, some APK never start.
• 🔒 Turn off Google Play Protect in Google Play settings (temporarily).
• 🔄 Install the latest version of the app from Google Play.

4. There's not enough space on the Redmi Note.

Even if you free up your memory, the system can show an error.

• 📁 Transfer files to a memory card (if supported).
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Turn off the "Secure Storage" function in Settings → Confidentiality.

5. SMS And the call history didn't move.

For SMS transfer:

1. Install it on the old device. SMS Backup & Restore.
2. Create a backup and save the file to Google Drive.
3. Restore on the Redmi Note SMS file-based.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions