How to copy data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: the full guide 2026

Shifting data from an old Xiaomi smartphone to a new one is a challenge that every user faces when upgrading a device. Even if both are from the same manufacturer, the copying process can raise questions about what are the fastest methods, how to avoid file loss, and why some data is not automatically transferred. In this article, we will examine all the current ways of transferring information between Xiaomi devices, from official tools to alternative solutions.

The main problem when copying data between smartphones is the difference in MIUI versions or hardware limitations. For example, older models (such as the Redmi Note 4X) may not support wireless transmission via Mi Mover, and new flagships (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra) require password confirmation when connecting. We took into account all the nuances and collected instructions that work for any two Xiaomi devices on MIUI 12 and later, including models with custom firmware.

Important: If you plan to sell or transfer an old smartphone to another user, first perform a factory reset after copying the data, this will protect your personal information from leakage.

1. Official method: Mi Mover (wireless transmission)

Mi Mover is a built-in application from Xiaomi that is designed to migrate data between the brand’s devices. It supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio files, notes and even some of the system’s settings. The main advantage is that you do not need an Internet or a computer, the exchange takes place over a local Wi-Fi Direct network.

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

• 📱 On both smartphones, open the Mi Mover app (if not, download from Google Play or App Gallery).
• 🔄 On the old phone, select “I am the sender” and on the new one, “I am the receiver".
• 📶 Connect to the Wi-Fi network created by the new device (password will appear on the screen).
• 📁 Select the data types to transmit (you can mark all or only the desired categories).
• ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed (time depends on the amount of data).

Charge both phones at least 50 times%|Make sure there is enough memory on the new device|Shut down. VPN mobile data|Connect both smartphones to the same Wi-Fi network (unless the Mi Mover creates its own Wi-Fi connection)|Close background applications that consume traffic-->

The Mi Mover transmission speed is about 5-10 MB/s, which allows you to transfer 20 GB of data in about 30-40 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If the new smartphone already has a Mi Account other than the old one, Mi Mover may request proof of ownership, in which case temporarily log in under the same account as the old device, or use alternative transfer methods.

2.Move over the Xiaomi cloud (Mi Cloud)

The Mi Cloud cloud storage is another official way to sync data between Xiaomi devices, with the main advantage of having files available from any device, even if the old one has already been reset or failed, but there are also downsides: the limitation of free storage (5 GB) and the need for a stable Internet connection.

To copy data through Mi Cloud, follow the instructions:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on sync for the desired categories (contacts, notes, gallery, etc.).
3. Wait until the data is uploaded to the cloud (you can check the progress in the Synchronization section).
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and enable sync of the same categories.
5. Wait for the data to be downloaded to the new device.

If the data volume exceeds 5 GB, you can:

• 💰 Buy additional space in Mi Cloud (from 100 GB per ~100 ₽/month).
• 📁 Manually upload files to the cloud through the Gallery → Choose. → Download to Mi Cloud.
• 🔄 Use Mi Cloud only for critical data (contacts, notes) and transfer the rest in a different way.

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If sync is frozen, check your energy saving settings: add the Mi Cloud app to the “No Limits” list in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.

Important: Mi Cloud does not save call history and messages from messengers. Use third-party applications such as SMS Backup & Restore to back them up.

3. data transmission over cable (OTG or adapter)

If wireless methods are not suitable (for example, due to slow speed or lack of Wi-Fi), you can use a direct cable connection.

• 🔌 USB-OTG cable (to connect a flash drive or other phone).
• 🔄 adapter USB Type-C → USB Type-C (if both Type-C phones are in-house).
• 💻 Computer (alternatively, connect both phones to a PC).

Instructions for connection via adapter:

1. Connect your old phone to your new phone with an adapter (or OTG-cable if one of the phones supports the mode USB-host).
2. On your old phone, select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
3. On the new phone, open Explorer and find the connected device in the Devices section.
4. Copy the files you want manually (for example, the DCIM folder for photos or Download for downloads).

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models support the mode USB-If the adapter doesn't work, use the computer as an intermediary: connect both phones to the PC and transfer files through the explorer. Windows/macOS.

Advantages of the cable method:

• ⚡ Maximum speed (up to 40 MB/s when used) USB 3.0).
• 🔒 No dependence on the Internet or cloud services.
• 📂 You can selectively copy any files, including hidden ones.

Mi Mover (wireless) | Xiaomi Cloud | OTG/adapter | Computer |Bluetooth or NFC-->

4. Computer Transfer (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Using a computer as an intermediary is one of the most reliable ways, especially if you need to transfer a large amount of data (for example, video to video). 4K Or backups of applications. Any PC with a computer that's good for that. USB-Ports and Standard Drivers MTP (They are installed automatically when you first connect to Xiaomi).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your old phone to your computer through USB-cable and select the "File Transfer" mode".
2. Copy the desired folders (for example, DCIM, Pictures, Download) to the hard drive of the PC.
3. Turn off your old phone and connect a new one, also in MTP mode.
4. Transfer the previously copied files to the new device.

To speed up the process, archiving can be used:

• 🗄️ Compress the data folders in the archive ZIP or RAR PC-only.
• 📥 Transfer the archive to a new device and unpack with the help of RAR for Android or embedded archiver MIUI.

If the computer does not recognize the phone:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 🔧 Install Mi drivers PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).

5. Alternative methods: Bluetooth, NFC and third-party applications

If you don’t have a cable or Wi-Fi on hand, you can use alternative methods, although they are less convenient:

• 📶 Bluetooth: Suitable for transferring small files (up to 50 MB). Speed is about 1-2 MB/s. To send a file, select it in Explorer, click Share" → Bluetooth and select the target device.
• 📱 NFC: It only works for sending contacts or links (does not support files) and just attach the phones to each other and confirm the transfer.
• 🌐 Third-party apps: Popular options are SHAREit, Send Anywhere or LocalSend, which create a local network for sharing files without the Internet. The speed depends on the phone model and can reach 20 MB / s.

Warnings for the use of alternative methods:

• 🚫 SHAREit and similar applications often contain ads and request unnecessary permissions.
• 🔋 Bluetooth and NFC Battery discharges greatly during long-term transfer.
• 📡 When transmitting over a local network, make sure there are no extraneous devices nearby that can intercept data.

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For large files (video, backups) use a cable or cloud. Bluetooth and NFC are only suitable for emergencies or small data (contacts, documents).

6. Data transfer from accounts (Google, WhatsApp, Telegram)

Some data is easier to sync through third-party accounts than to copy manually, including:

• 📧 Mail and Contacts: If you use Gmail, contacts and emails are automatically synced when you add a Google account to your new phone.
• 💬 Messages in messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber are tied to the phone number – just install the application and confirm the number on the new device.
• 🎵 Music and podcasts: Services like Spotify, YouTube Music or Yandex Music save your playlists in your account.

For WhatsApp, there is a nuance: to transfer the history of chats, you need to:

1. On the old phone, back up to Settings → Chat → Backup.
2. Copy the backup file (located in /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases) to the new device.
3. Install WhatsApp on your new phone and restore chats from your local copy.

⚠️ Note: WhatsApp backups in Google Drive are not compatible between Android and iOS.If you are switching from Xiaomi to iPhone, use Apple's official Move to iOS tool.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When transferring data between Xiaomi smartphones, users often face problems, and we have collected the most common ways to eliminate them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Reset network settings on both phones (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Resetting the network).
• 📱 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (older versions may have data transmission bugs).
• 🛠️ Use Recovery Mode to Manually Copy Files Through ADB (power-user).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions