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

Why Data Transfers Between Xiaomi Need a Special Approach

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always a joyful event, but the process of data transfer often turns into a headache. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi phones have a unique ecosystem with their own services (Mi Cloud, Mi Mover) and limitations of MIUI. For example, standard Bluetooth port works differently here than on Samsung or iPhone, and some models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro) require additional manipulation with the developer settings.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to copy data between Xiaomi devices – from official tools to workarounds for older models (like the Redmi 4X or Mi A1). Particular attention will be paid to porting applications with data storage (which does not always work through standard methods) and the nuances of migration between different versions of MIUI (for example, from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14).

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Battery charge on both devices is at least 50%. Some methods (for example, Mi Mover) are interrupted at a discharge below 30%.
• 🔌 Cable OTG (If you are planning to use it, it is the original Xiaomi or certified. USB-C to USB-C (new-model).
• 🌐 Stable Wi-Fi – For cloud or Mi Mover methods, download speeds must be at least 10 Mbps.

Method 1: Mi Mover is the official tool of Xiaomi

Mi Mover is an integrated data migration app available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 9 and later, and allows you to migrate contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio, apps (without data!), and even some system settings.

• 🚫 It does not work between devices with different versions. MIUI (For example, Redmi 9 on MIUI 12 and Xiaomi 13 on MIUI 14).
• 📱 Does not transfer application data (for example, save in games or chats in Telegram).
• 🔄 Requires a new phone to be reset to factory settings if the migration occurs when the first switch is turned on.

How to use Mi Mover:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → About Phone → Mi Mover (or find the app through search).
2. On the new phone, select I am a new user → Transfer data from another device.
3. Scan the new phone scanner QR-code that will appear on the old.
4. Select data types to transfer and wait until it is completed (may take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the new phone already has a Mi Account, Mi Mover may not offer data portability, in which case you will have to reset the device to the factory settings and repeat the procedure.

Make sure that both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.

Disable VPN or proxy servers

Close all background apps, especially instant messengers

Check the space available on your new phone (it should be 20% more data transferable)-->

Method 2: Mi Cloud – Cloud Transfer with Nuances

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s cloud storage that automatically syncs contacts, notes, photos and certain settings, but it’s often not enough to fully transfer data, such as apps and their data cannot be ported through the Mi Cloud, and free storage is limited to 5GB (which is only enough for contacts and a portion of photos).

Step-by-step:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on sync for all the necessary categories (contacts, photos, notes).
3. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and wait for automatic synchronization.
4. For photos and videos, open Gallery → Albums → Mi Cloud and download files manually.

⚠️ Note: If your old phone used a Google account to sync your contacts, you will have to export them separately (via Contacts). → Management → Mi Cloud does not automatically import contacts from Google.

Mi Mover

Mi Cloud

OTG cable

Computer

Another way.-->

Method 3: OTG Cable – Quick Transfer without Internet

Using an OTG cable (or USB-C to USB-C adapter) is one of the most reliable ways to transfer large amounts of data (photos, videos, music) between Xiaomi devices, the main advantage is that the Internet speed is not dependent on the speed of the Internet, and the files are copied in original quality.

• 🔌 Original cable required – cheap Chinese counterparts are often not recognized.
• 📁 Not all system application files (such as messages or calls) are available for copying.
• 🔄 On new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) You may need to enable Developer Mode and allow Debugging USB.

Instructions:

1. Connect your old phone to your new one OTG-On the screen of the old phone, select File Transfer (or MTP).
2. On the new phone, open Explorer (or Files) and find the connected device in the Devices section.
3. Copy the folders you want (DCIM for photos, Download for downloads, etc.) to the internal memory of your new phone.
4. To transfer contacts, export them to the.vcf file via Contacts → Management → Export and copy it to the new device.

💡

If the new phone doesn’t see the old device through OTG, try connecting them in reverse order (first cable to the new phone, then to the old one) and check if antivirus (e.g. Mi Security) is blocking access.

Method 4: Computer Transfer – for full control

Using a PC (Windows, Mac, or Linux) gives you the maximum flexibility when transferring data, especially if you need to copy hidden files (for example, save games or configure applications), this method is also indispensable if one of the Xiaomi devices has a damaged screen or does not turn on.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with USB-ports (preferably) USB 3.0 for speed).
• 🔌 Two USB Type C cables (or Micro USB cables for older models).
• 📂 Backup program (optional): Mi PC Suite, Syncios or Dr.Fone.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your old phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy all the folders you need (DCIM, Pictures, Music, etc.) onto your computer.
3. Turn off your old phone and connect a new one, also in MTP mode.
4. Transfer the copied files to the new device.
5. To transfer applications and their data, use programs like Syncios (instruction below).

To transfer SMS and call logs, use specialized programs:

• 📱 SMS Backup & Restore (Free App from Google Play).
• 🖥️ Dr.Fone – Phone Transfer (paid but supports all types of data).

Method 5: Bypasses for older Xiaomi models

If you have older models (Redmi 3S, Mi 5, Mi Max 2, etc.), standard methods (Mi Mover or Mi Cloud) may not work due to MIUI limitations or lack of support.

• 🔄 Manual copying through TWRP — If the phone has a custom recavery installed.
• 📡 Local area network (FTP-server - through applications such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
• 📦 Archiving through ADB — Power users (requires Google Platform Tools).

Example of transfer through FTP-server:

1. Install the FX File Explorer app on your old phone.
2. In the application settings, turn on FTP-server and write down the address (for example, ftp://192.168.1.10:2221).
3. On your new phone, open any file manager (such as Mi File Manager) and connect to the new phone. FTP-server-side.
4. Copy the required files to the new device.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 10 and older (Redmi Note 5, Mi 8) may need to disable Battery Optimization for FX File Explorer, otherwise FTP-The server will automatically close.

💡

For models older than 5 years (e.g. Redmi) 4A or Mi 4i) The only reliable way is to copy through a computer or SD-Cloud services and Mi Mover don't work on them.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when using official Xiaomi tools, users are faced with errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, check:

• 🔒 Security settings: on some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) you need to temporarily disable Data Protection in Settings → Password and security.
• 📶 Firmware region: if the phones are different regions (e.g. Global and China), Mi Mover may not work. ROM.
• 🔄 Network reset: If you have problems connecting over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, reset your network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions