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

Why Samsung and Xiaomi need a special approach

The transition from Samsung to Xiaomi Redmi is not just a brand change, but a transition between two fundamentally different ecosystems: One. UI from Samsung and MIUI These shells use different encryption algorithms, backup formats, and even data protocols. For example, Samsung Smart Switch is not software-level compatible with Mi Mover, and cloud services (Samsung Cloud vs Mi Cloud) store data in closed formats.

In 2026, the problem was complicated by the fact that Xiaomi completely refused to support the company. OTG-Direct data transfer cables in new Redmi models (starting with the Note 12 series), and Samsung blocked access to system folders through the new model. MTP This means that classic methods like copying files through a wire or a memory card now work with limitations. In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to transfer data, including workarounds for new restrictions.

It is also important to consider hardware differences: for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ supportive UFS 3.1 and the old models of the Samsung Galaxy A – only UFS 2.1 This affects the speed of transferring large files (video to the 4K, RAW-Also, not all Redmis have a microSD slot, which narrows the portability options.

Method 1: Official Mi Mover app (for Android 10–14)

Mi Mover is a proprietary tool from Xiaomi that installs on both phones and transmits data over Wi-Fi Direct. It supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, music and even some settings of system applications (for example, Mi Browser or Mi Music).

• 🚫 Does not work on Samsung with Android 15 (beta) and newer.
• 📱 Requires disabling ad blockers (e.g. Blokada or AdGuard) or the connection is broken.
• 🔌 Redmi should have a charge of at least 50% – at low battery level, the application blocks the transmission.
• 📁 Does not transfer applications and their data (cache, settings, accounts).

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi Redmi go to Settings → The phone. → Mi Mover (or download the app from Google Play).
2. On Samsung, install Mi Mover from the Galaxy Store or APKMirror (the official version may not appear in the Play Market).
3. On both phones, select “I’m a new user” (on Redmi) and “I’m an old user” (on Samsung).
4. Scan it. QR-Code from Redmi screen with Samsung camera.
5. Select data types to transfer (maximum 3 categories at the same time, otherwise the connection is terminated).
6. Confirm the transmission on both devices. the process will take from 10 minutes (for 5 GB) to 1 hour (for 50).+ GB).

Shut down. VPN both phones|Make sure that Samsung has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled|Close all background applications (especially messengers)|Check the space available on Redmi (should be 1.5 times the amount of data transferred)

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⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Mover is stuck in the Preparation phase, restart both phones and try again. If the error repeats, try turning off battery optimization for the app in Samsung's settings (Settings) → Caring for the device → Battery → Optimizing the operation of applications).

Method 2: Samsung Smart Switch + Manual export (for large volumes)

Samsung Smart Switch is the most reliable solution for backing up data with the Galaxy, but it is not directly compatible with Xiaomi. However, you can use it for intermediate export to the PC and then transfer files to Redmi.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect Samsung to your PC via USB-C Start Smart Switch (download from the official website).
2. Select "Backup" and tick the right categories. Importantly, if you choose "Applications", the copy will take up 3-5 times more space due to the inclusion of the box. APK-file.
3. After you complete the backup, find the backup folder on your PC (usually). C:\Users\User name\Documents\Samsung\SmartSwitch\backup).
4. Connect Xiaomi Redmi to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
5. Copy the folders you need (Photos, Videos, Music) into the respective directories on Redmi:

Internal memory \DCIM\Camera - for photos and videos


Internal Memory/Music for Music




Downloads – Internal Memory for Documents

The advantage of the method is that it has full control over the data being transferred and can be copied selectively, and disadvantage: it requires a PC and takes a long time (for example, copying 200 GB can take 3-4 hours).

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If Smart Switch doesn’t see your Samsung, update the drivers USB on PC via Samsung USB Driver for Mobile Phones (download official website) also try using the USB 2.0 port instead of port USB 3.0 – This solves the connection problem on some PCs.

Method 3: Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Samsung Cloud)

Cloud storage is the most versatile way, but it has limitations in terms of volume and speed. For example, Google Drive gives 15 GB for free, and Mi Cloud only 5 GB. In addition, downloading 50 GB of data on a slow Internet can take a day.

Option A: Google Drive (for contacts, photos, documents)

The most reliable way to transfer contacts, calendars and photos:

1. On Samsung, open Settings → Accounts and Archiving → Archiving and Recovery → Data Archiving.
2. Select Google Drive and log in to your account.
3. Tick the desired categories and click "Archive".
4. On Redmi, add the same Google account and enable sync in Settings → Accounts → Google.

Option B: Samsung Cloud → Mi Cloud (for notes and messages)

This method is suitable for carrying Samsung Notes and messages, but requires conversion:

• 📥 Export notes from Samsung Notes to.sbn (via Settings) → Exports).
• 🖥️ Convert.sbn to.pdf or.txt through online services (e.g., online services, SBN to PDF).
• 📤 Download files to Mi Cloud and download to Redmi.

Option C: Telegram as an intermediate storage

An unexpected but effective way to transfer documents, music and small videos:

1. Create a secret chat with yourself on Telegram on Samsung.
2. Send files to chat (maximum 2 GB per file).
3. Open the same chat on Redmi and save the files.

⚠️ Note: Do not use Mi Cloud for storage RAW-photo-in 4K/60fps — The service automatically compresses them to 1080p, For such files, it is better to use Google Photos in original quality (but this eats up the disk quota).

Method 4: Direct transmission via cable (OTG + adapter)

Xiaomi has officially dropped support. OTG If you want to move data into new models, the workaround still works:

• 🔌 USB-C OTG-cable USB-C → USB-A).
• 📱 Samsung with support USB OTG (Check in the settings → Functions → USB).
• 🔄 File Manager on both phones (e.g. Solid Explorer or Mi File Manager).

Instructions:

1. Connect Samsung to Redmi via the OTG-On Redmi, select "File Transfer" mode".
2. On Samsung, open My File (or other manager) and go to Inner Memory.
3. Select the folders (DCIM, Downloads, Music) and click "Copy".
4. Go back to the root directory and select "USB-"Drive" (this is the memory of Redmi).
5. Insert the files into the appropriate folders.

Limitations:

• 🐢 Transmission speed is limited USB 2.0 (even if the cable supports 3.0).
• 🔒 Some folders (e.g, Android\data) It may be hidden or blocked.
• 📵 On the Redmi Note. 12/13 plug-in OTG charger may be off.

Method 5: Transfer over a memory card (for older models)

If your Samsung and Redmi have a microSD slot, this is the easiest method to use.

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 11/12/13 Do not support memory cards (except Redmi) 10C and Redmi A-series).
• 🔄 ExFAT cards (over 32GB) may not be readable on older Samsungs with Android 8 and below.
• 🛡️ Data on the card is not encrypted – do not store personal information there without encryption.

Step-by-step:

1. Insert microSD in Samsung and format it in the FAT32 (If the volume is up to 32 GB or exFAT (if larger).
2. Copy the required files to the map through My file → Internal memory.
3. Remove the card and paste it into Redmi.
4. Open the file manager on Redmi and move the data to internal memory.

To transfer contacts and messages:

• 📇 Export contacts to.vcf via Contacts → Settings → Exports.
• 💬 Export messages through SMS Backup & Restore (Save the file to the map).

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If your Redmi does not support memory cards, use them. USB-adapter OTG. Format it in exFAT for files larger than 4GB (e.g. video in the video format) 4K).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when you follow instructions, users have problems. TOP-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

If none of these methods worked, try alternative solutions:

• 🔄 AirDroid – Wi-Fi transmission without volume restrictions (but requires registration).
• 📡 LocalSend – Open-source analogue of AirDrop for Android (without cloud).
• 🖥️ ADB-commands – for experienced users (transfer via adb) pull/adb push).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions