How to transfer SMS from one Xiaomi to another: all working ways of 2026

Transfer SMS-Messages between Xiaomi smartphones are a challenge that users face when changing their device or resetting settings. Unlike contacts or photos, text messages are not automatically synced through Google Account, and standard tools are used to do so. MIUI This article covers all current methods of copying SMS, from built-in functions to professional utilities, taking into account the features of HyperOS firmware and the features of the software. MIUI 14/15.

We tested each method on the latest Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T models, and we focused on the nuances of why MI Cloud sometimes doesn’t save messages older than 3 months, how to bypass export restrictions via Settings → Additionally, and why apps like SMS Backup & Restore may not see SMS from banks. If you need to move not only texts but also attachments (photo, video from MMS), a separate section will tell you how to do this without loss.

1. backup through MIUI (built-in tools)

The most obvious way is to use the regular backup function in MIUI. It is available on all Xiaomi devices, but works with reservations: not all firmware versions support exporting only SMS (often copied and other data), and you can only restore messages to another Xiaomi device.

To create a backup copy:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backups.
• ⚙️ Click on “Create Backup” and select “Messages” (uncheck the boxes from unnecessary data to reduce the file size).
• 💾 Specify the location of the save (internal memory or MicroSD). the file will have the extension.mbk.
• 📤 Transfer the file to your new smartphone (via Bluetooth, Xiaomi Share or the cloud) and restore it through the same settings section.

⚠️ Note: If the new device is HyperOS, and the old — MIUI 12 or lower, the backup may not recover due to changes in the data structure.

Advantage: it does not require third-party applications and works without the Internet. Disadvantages: the backup file takes up a lot of space (even for 1000 messages - up to 50 MB), and when you restore, the dates of sending SMS are sometimes confused.

Sync through MI Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)

MI Cloud is a cloud service from Xiaomi that should theoretically synchronize SMS between devices. In practice, the feature works unstable: messages older than 3 months may not be displayed, and MMS (multimedia messages) are often lost.

Algorithm of action:

1. On your old phone: Settings → Xiaomi Account → MI Cloud → Sync → Messages (turn on the slider).
2. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes depending on the number of SMS messages).
3. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and enable Message Sync in MI Cloud.
4. Open the Messages app – SMS should appear within 5-15 minutes.

Important: If you use two-factor authentication (2FA) for Mi Account, turn it off for 10 minutes before syncing, eliminating the “Inadequate Rights” error 80% of the time.

3. export SMS via applications (SMS Backup & Restore, Super Backup)

Third-party apps are a universal solution if Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t work, the most reliable being SMS Backup & Restore (from SyncTech) and Super Backup, which allow you to export messages in.xml or.json format and then import them to a new device, including Xiaomi, Samsung or even an iPhone.

The following is a step-by-step guide for SMS Backup & Restore:

• 📲 Install the app on both phones (link: Google Play).
• 🔄 On your old phone, click “Create a Backup”, select “Messages” and specify the save location (e.g. Google Drive).
• 📥 On the new phone, open the app, select “Restore” and specify the backup file.
• ✅ Confirm the recovery – messages will appear in the standard application “Messages».

Install Backup & Restore SMS on both phones

Check the space available (minimum 100 MB)

Disable battery optimization for the application

Synchronize time on both devices-->

⚠️ Note: Apps do not copy messages from banks and services (e.g. SMS with confirmation codes) if they are protected. SMS Retriever API. To get around this, turn off Autofill in security settings before exporting MIUI.

Advantages of the method: works on any Android-devices, supports the selection of individual dialogs for export, saves investments (MMS). Disadvantage: Free version SMS Backup & Restore limits backup size to 500 messages.

4. Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If you need to migrate all SMS without exception (including system and secure), including metadata (delivery time, read status), use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a computer and basic command-line knowledge, but guarantees 100% copy.

Instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools (such as the official Google package) and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.
2. On your phone, turn on Developer Mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – press 7 times) and activate “Debugging by USB” in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the adb folder and execute: adb backup -f sms.ab -app com.android.providers.telephony On the phone, confirm the creation of a backup (do not set a password!).
4. Copy the sms.ab file to a new phone and restore it using the same command: adb restore sms.ab

ADB — monstrous SMS 100% accurate, including service messages from the operator, but there are risks: if you restore them incorrectly, you may lose existing messages on your new phone. ADB!

5. Transfer of SMS with attachments (MMS)

Multimedia messaging (MMS) — Photos, video, audio - stored separately from text SMS They're often lost in transfer. To save them, use a combination of techniques:

• 📎 For MIUI: In backup (section 1) include the item «MMS» (if it is available, in MI Cloud MMS It is synchronized only when connected to Wi-Fi.
• 📁 For third-party applications: in SMS Backup & Restore select the option “Enable” MMS» The investment will be saved in the folder. SMSBackupRestore/MMS.
• 🖥️ For ADB: MMS They are stored in the database mmssms.db. To copy them, use the command: adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db Then transfer the file to the new device to the same folder (root rights required).

If MMS Not displayed after transfer, check the settings APN (access points) on a new phone: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). For MTS, Beeline or MegaFon parameters can be downloaded automatically or entered manually (the data is on the operators’ websites).

Alternative methods: SIM-Map and Google Messages

If none of the above methods are suitable, consider these options:

• 📶 Transfer through SIM-Map: Old Xiaomi phones (like Redmi) 4A) copy-support SMS on SIM. However, modern models (beginning with the MIUI 10) this function was removed due to memory limitations SIM.
• 💬 Google Messages: Install Google Messages on both phones, enable sync via Google Account and wait for messages to load. minus: not all carriers are working (for example, Tele2 can block syncs).
• 🔗 Manual forwarding: For a small number of messages, you can use the “Send” function in the standard Messages app (hold your finger on the message). SMS → «Send it over» → Choose a contact on your new phone).

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If you use Google Messages, turn on the “Web version” (Settings → Messages for the Web version). This will allow you to download the archive of messages in.csv format through the browser and then import it to the new phone.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

For most users, the best choice is SMS Backup & Restore (if you need to transfer messages to non-Xiaomi) or local backup (if both phones are Xiaomi). MI Cloud is suitable only for temporary synchronization, and ADB is suitable for experienced users who care about completeness of data.

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If you plan to reset your phone to factory settings, export SMS first with any of the methods described. Once reset, it will be impossible to recover messages without a backup!

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting SMS to Xiaomi