How to Transfer Data from the Old Xiaomi to the New: The Complete 2026 Guide

Moving to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but moving data from an old device can become a real headache if you don’t know the nuances. Many users lose hours manually copying photos, forget about backing up chats in instant messengers or encounter errors when syncing through the cloud. This article will help avoid typical mistakes and choose the best way to migrate depending on the volume of data, phone model and available tools.

Xiaomi

Mi Mover

OTG

Wi-Fi Direct

Google Account

MIUI 14

HyperOS

It is important to consider the firmware version: on new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), some Mi Mover functions work differently than on old ones (Redmi 9A or Poco X3). It is also worth checking the free space on the new device in advance - transferring 100+ GB of photos and videos can take several hours even when using a cable.

1. Official method: Mi Mover app

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for wireless data transfer between the brand’s devices. The app is pre-installed on all MIUI/HyperOS smartphones and supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, applications (including their data) and even some system settings. The main advantage is that there is no need for a computer or additional accessories.

To begin the transfer:

1. Install Mi Mover on both devices (if removed) from the Mi App Store or Google Play.
2. On the old phone, select Send, on the new phone, Receive.
3. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of a new phone or connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
4. Select the data types to copy and confirm the start of the process.

The speed of the transfer depends on the amount of data and the stability of the connection. For example, transferring 50 GB of photos and videos takes an average of 1.5-2 hours at a speed of ~7-10 MB / s. It is important that both devices are charged at least 50% – the process cannot be interrupted!

⚠️ Note: If the new phone is HyperOS installed, and the old one — MIUI 12 or lower, update the firmware of the old device before transferring. Otherwise, Mi Mover may not recognize some types of data (such as notes or call history).

• ✅ It supports almost all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO
• ✅ Stores folder structure and photo metadata (date of shooting, geotags)
• ❌ Does not transfer data from some third-party messengers (for example, Telegram or Viber)
• ❌ Can slow down when transferring large files (>2GB)

2.Move over the Xiaomi cloud

Xiaomi Cloud allows you to back up your data on your old phone and restore it to a new one, which is useful if the devices are in different places or you don't have physical access to them at the same time.

• 📁 The free rate only provides 5 GB of space (this is the case). ~1000 photos in high resolution).
• 🔄 For large volumes you will have to buy an extension (from 100 GB per ~300 rubles/year).
• ⏳ Download/download speed depends on your internet connection.

Step-by-step:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Select the data to save (contacts, SMS, applications, system settings) and click Start Backup.
3. On the new phone, log in to the same Xiaomi account and restore data from the cloud in the same menu.

An important nuance: the Xiaomi cloud does not reserve media files (photos, videos, music) automatically - they must be downloaded manually through the Gallery → Select → Upload to the cloud. Alternatively, use Google Photos, which offers 15 GB for free, but compress images.

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Before using Xiaomi Cloud, check if your account is linked to another region (e.g. China), in which case some cloud features may be limited. You can only change the region once every 30 days through account.xiaomi.com.

3. Copying via OTG cable or adapter

If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or the cloud, the most reliable way to do this is to physically connect your phones through the cloud. OTG-cable USB-C → USB-C. This method works even on devices with different versions. MIUI and guarantees the maximum transmission speed (up to 40-50 MB / s on modern models).

What you need:

• 🔌 OTG-plug-in USB-C (Micro-USB if your old phone has an outdated port).
• 📱 Both phones must be unlocked (without password/pattern lock for copy time).
• 🔋 Charge not less than 30% - long-term transmission drains the battery.

Instructions:

1. Connect the cable to your new phone (it will act as a host).
2. Connect your old phone to the cable, and it will show a notification. USB-Connection. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
3. On your new phone, open the File Manager (e.g. Files by Google or the standard Mi File Manager).
4. Copy the folders you need (DCIM for photos, Downloads for downloads, etc.) from the connected device to the internal memory of the new smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Not all OTG-The cables support data transfer between phones. Cheap cables often only work to connect flash drives or keyboards. Check compatibility in advance, the package must say "Host-to-Host" or "Phone-to-Phone".

Check the compatibility of the cable with both phones

Disable battery optimization for File Manager

Create a backup copy of contacts in VCF-file (in case of failure)

Close all background applications on both devices-->

4. Computer use (Windows/Mac)

Transferring data over a PC is a universal method that is suitable for any device, including Xiaomi with a damaged screen or idle Wi-Fi. USB-cable (preferably original) and 10-15 minutes of time.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect your old phone to your computer and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy the desired folders (DCIM, Pictures, Music, etc.) to the hard drive of the PC.
3. Disable the old phone, connect the new one and transfer the files back.

For the transfer of contacts and SMS, you can use specialized programs:

• 🖥️ Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi, but it doesn’t work well on Windows 11).
• 📲 Dr.Fone – Phone Transfer (paid but cross-platform).
• 📧 Google Contacts (free, but only for contacts).

The advantage of the method is that you can sort files before copying (e.g., delete duplicate photos or unnecessary videos) and it is the only way to transfer data if the new phone is not activated (e.g., when buying with a firmware).

5. Transfer of applications and their data

Standard methods (Mi Mover or cloud) are only copied. APK-Application files, but not their data (such as saves in games, Instagram cache or WhatsApp databases:

For messengers:

• 💬 WhatsApp: Backup your Settings → chat → Backup and restore it to your new phone after authorization.
• 📘 Telegram: Data is stored in the cloud, but media files must be downloaded manually through Settings → Data and memory.
• 🗣️ Viber: backup is created in Settings → Account. → Backup (required Google Drive).

For games and applications:

• 🎮 Use Google Play Games to sync saves (if the game supports the cloud).
• 📱 For local data (for example, in Spotify or Netflix), you will have to log in again – they are not portable.
• 🔧 Root-access applications (such as Titanium Backup) can copy data completely, but require an unlocked bootloader.

Mi Fit data transfer is only possible through a link to one Xiaomi account, and if you use another account on a new phone, your activity history will be lost.

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To transfer your application data, always check if it supports cloud sync. For example, WhatsApp and Viber require manual backup, and Telegram syncs automatically.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting to factory settings on the new phone and repeat the transfer. Sometimes conflicts arise from residual data from previous synchronization attempts.

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of transfer method depends on your priorities:

• ⚡ Maximum speed: cable OTG or computer (up to 50 MB/s).
• 🌐 Convenience: Mi Mover (no additional equipment required).
• ☁️ Remote portability: Xiaomi cloud or Google Drive (if devices are in different locations).
• 📦 Full copy: computer + manual copying (for full control of files).

For most users, a combined approach is optimal:

1. Move contacts, SMS and settings through Mi Mover.
2. Sync photos and videos through Google Photos (up to 15 GB free).
3. Copy music and documents via a computer or OTG.
4. Restore apps from Google Play (they will automatically install when you first log in to your account).

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If you have Xiaomi with global firmware (MIUI Global), avoid using Chinese services (for example, Mi Cloud China) - they may not support Russian and have restrictions for foreign accounts.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions