How to copy information from one Xiaomi to another: the full guide 2026

Shifting data from an old Xiaomi smartphone to a new one can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never experienced such operations before. However, the manufacturer has provided several convenient ways to migrate, from the built-in Mi Mover tool to cloud services and physical cable connectivity. The main advantage of the Xiaomi ecosystem is deep integration between devices, which greatly simplifies the process.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of copying information, from contacts and messages to multimedia files and application settings. Whether you need to use Wi-Fi Direct for fast transmission or just download everything to the Mi Cloud in advance, we will also look at the nuances of working with different versions. MIUI (12 to 14) and provide recommendations for process optimization for memory-limited devices.

It is important to note that some methods require prior preparation, such as syncing your Mi Account account or freeing up space on both devices. OTG — This is the fastest way to transfer up to 100 GB of data in 15-20 minutes without losing quality.

1. Preparation of devices for data transfer

Before you start migrating, you need to follow several critical steps to avoid errors and data loss. MIUI on both smartphones: if the difference between them is more than 2 major updates (for example, MIUI 12 and MIUI 14), some Mi Mover features may not work properly. Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Second, free up enough space on the target device.

• 📱 Remove unnecessary applications in Settings → Annexes → Application management
• 🗑️ Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Cleaning (select "Deep Cleaning")
• 📁 Transfer heavy files (video, games) to a memory card or cloud
• 🔄 Reboot both devices to reset temporary data

Step three is sync your Mi Account. Without linking to one account, you won't be able to use Mi Cloud or Mi Mover to its fullest. Check that both phones sign in with the same account: Settings → Xiaomi account. If you don't have an account, register it in advance.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the built-in portability tools may not work. ADB Apps like Send Anywhere.

2. Method 1: Using Mi Mover (Official Xiaomi Tool)

Mi Mover is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi for wireless data transfer between devices on the Internet. MIUI. The tool supports the transfer:

• 📞 Contacts, call logs and SMS/MMS
• 📸 Photos and videos (including Google Photos albums)
• 🎵 Music and audio files
• 📄 Documents (PDF, DOC, XLS etc.)
• 📱 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, brightness)
• 🎮 Data from certain games (if supported)

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Additional → Mi Mover (or search by settings).
2. Select the role "I am the sender" and confirm permission to access the files.
3. On the new phone, run the same tool and select “I am the recipient.”
4. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of the new device or connect via Wi-Fi Direct (make sure both phones are connected to the same network).
5. Select data categories for transfer and confirm the start of the process.

The transmission speed depends on the data volume and the version of MIUI:

⚠️ Note: If the process is interrupted during the transfer phase, do not try to resume it through Mi Mover - this may duplicate data.

Charge both devices > 50%|Released. ≥ 20% of the memory on the new phone|Both phones are connected to Wi-Fi|Disabled. VPN and energy-saving regimes|Version compatibility checked MIUI-->

Method 2: Transfer over Mi Cloud (cloud storage)

If you don’t have the ability to connect devices directly, Mi Cloud is a great alternative, especially for backups before selling an old phone or when you buy a new device in advance. Xiaomi Cloud Provides 5GB for Free, but You’ll Have to Buy More Space for Large Data Volumes (Prices From 99) ₽/month).

Instructions for transfer via Mi Cloud:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the desired categories: 📇 Contacts 📅 Calendar and notes 📸 Gallery (photo and video) 🔖 Browser bookmarks 📱 System settings

Wait until the download is complete (time depends on the speed of the Internet).

new

Mi Account

Mi Cloud

Recover data

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need to physically connect devices
• ✅ Data is available from any device
• ✅ Automatic update of backup copies

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Volume limit (5 GB free)
• ❌ Slow loading with weak internet
• ❌ Not all applications support redundancy

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If you plan to use Mi Cloud for permanent backup, set up automatic sync over Wi-Fi. To do this, in the Mi Cloud settings, turn on the auto sync option and select networks that allow data to download.

4. Method 3: Data transmission via cable OTG/USB

For users who want to transfer large amounts of data (from 50 GB) without dependence on the Internet, a physical connection via a cable is ideal. OTG USB-Type-C. This method works 3-5 times faster than wireless alternatives and guarantees 100% file security without compression or loss of quality.

You'll need:

• 🔌 Cable USB OTG (adapter USB-C to USB-C new-model)
• 📱 Two Xiaomi smartphones (one of them should support) OTG)
• 🔋 Charging at least 30% on both devices

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your old phone to your new phone via cable OTG. On the screen of the new device will appear notification"USB-plug-in".
2. Click on the notification and select File Transfer (or File Manager).
3. Open Explorer on a new phone and a folder with an old device will appear (usually under the model name, such as the Redmi Note 11).
4. Copy the required files manually or highlight folders: DCIM — Photos and videos Downloads - Pictures downloads - images from Music messengers - audio files

contact SMS

.vcf

.xml

Contacts

Transmission speed through OTG:

• 🚀 USB 2.0: ~20-30 MB/s (standard for older models)
• ⚡ USB 3.0/3.1: ~50–80 MB/s (for Xiaomi) 12/13/14 series)

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi 9A) may not support OTG Check compatibility in the device specifications or through a test USB connection.

5. Method 4: Using third-party applications (SHAREit, Xender, Send Anywhere)

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t work for some reason, third-party file transfer apps will come to the rescue.

• 📲 SHAREit – supports transmission at speeds up to 20 MB / s, there is a cloning function of the phone
• ⚡ Xender – does not require Internet, works through a Wi-Fi hotspot
• 🌐 Send Anywhere – 6-digit code generation for fast connection
• 🔗 LocalSend – open source, no advertising (recommended for sensitive data)

General algorithm of operation:

1. Install the selected app on both phones (download from Google Play or APKMirror).
2. On the old phone, select files to transfer and click "Send".
3. On the new phone, select “Get” and connect to the old device’s access point (or scan). QR-code).
4. Confirm the transmission and wait for completion.

Comparison of annexes:

Warning: Avoid using little-known data applications - some of which may contain malicious code or collect personal information. Check reviews and rankings on Google Play before installing (optimum 4.5)+ star >1M loading).

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The side of the application is convenient for one-time transfer of small files, but does not replace full backup. For contacts and messages, it is better to use Mi Cloud or manual export.

6. Method 5: Computer-assisted transfer (Windows/Mac)

If you have access to a PC or laptop, you can use it as a middleman to copy data, a method that is suitable for users who want to sort files before a penos or create an additional backup on their hard drive.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your old phone to your PC via USB-Cable and select "File Transfer" mode" (MTP).
2. Open This Computer – Your phone will appear as a removable drive (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro (E:)).
3. Copy the right folders (DCIM, Downloads, etc.) to a PC hard drive.
4. Turn off the old phone and connect the new one.
5. Transfer files from your PC to your new device.

To transfer contacts and SMS via PC:

• 📇 Contacts: Export to.vcf via Google Contacts or the Contacts app on your phone.
• 💬 Messages: Use SMS Backup & Restore (saves to.xml).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Full control of files (can be edited before penos)
• ✅ Additional backup on the PC
• ✅ It works even with damaged phones (if defined as a drive)

⚠️ Note: When connecting to a Mac, you may need to install Android File Transfer (the official software from Google). Also make sure the cable supports data transfer - some cheap cables are only for charging.

7. Transfer specific data (applications, games, settings)

Not all data can be transferred by standard methods, such as saving games, setting up apps or passwords from Wi-Fi require a separate approach.

Transfer methods for different types of data:

• 🎮 Save Games: Use Google Play Games (for cloud-based games) For Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, link your account to your mail for Games without a cloud (for example, Minecraft) – copy the folder /games/com.mojang/ through OTG
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords: Copy the File wpa_supplicant.conf from /data/misc/wifi/ (Root rights required) Or use the WiFi Password Viewer app (no root, but not all firmware)
• ⚙️ App settings: For WhatsApp: Backup in Google Drive (Settings) → chat → Backup) For Telegram: data is synchronized automatically when you log in to your account For Spotify or YouTube Music: link your account - playlists will download themselves

For transfer SMS Call history without clouds:

1. Install Backup & Restore SMS on your old phone.
2. Create a backup (.xml file) and save it to a memory card or the cloud.
3. Transfer the file to a new phone and restore it through the same app.

8. Frequent errors and their solution

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, including errors and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices
• 📱 Check the developer settings: turn on Debugging by USB and Unlock. OEM (for OTG)
• 🔌 Try another cable or port. USB
• 📡 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (e.g., a mobile access point)

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If you get a “Not enough memory” error when you move through Mi Mover, try copying only contacts and messages first, and then copying multimedia files.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions