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

Shifting data from one Xiaomi smartphone to another or backing up to a PC is a challenge that every user sooner or later faces, whether it’s switching to the new Redmi Note 13 Pro+ model, resetting to factory settings before selling the POCO X6, or simply wanting to save photos on a computer — there are plenty of implementation options, but not all of them are equally effective. In this article, we will examine all the current methods of copying, from standard MIUI tools to third-party solutions, taking into account the nuances for different versions of firmware and models.

Xiaomi phones are closely integrated with the brand ecosystem, which makes it easier to synchronize between devices of the same brand, but can cause difficulties when transferring data to devices of other manufacturers (for example, Samsung or iPhone). We will analyze the pros and cons of each method, and give recommendations on choosing the best option depending on your situation. Importantly, some methods require pre-configuration, so before starting the procedure, make sure that the phone has enough charge (at least 50%) and a stable Internet connection (for cloud services).

1. Copying through MIUI Backup: the official way from Xiaomi

The most reliable and recommended method by the manufacturer is the use of the built-in MIUI Backup tool, which allows you to create a full backup of the system, including:

• 📞 Contacts and call log
• 📸 Photos and videos (optional)
• 📝 Communications (SMS/MMS)
• 🎵 Music and uploaded files
• ⚙️ System and application settings

To use the feature, go to Settings → About → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. The system will prompt you to select data to save. Please note: MIUI backup is not compatible with devices on pure Android or iOS – it can only be restored on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phones. The file size depends on the amount of data, but usually does not exceed 5-10 GB (if you do not include media files).

Connect your phone to charge |Check the space available (needs at least 2 GB) |Disable battery optimization for Backup app |Make sure time synchronization is enabled

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The process takes 10 before 30 minutes depending on the amount of data. The finished file is saved in the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup It's on an internal drive, and you can copy it to a PC through USB-upload to the Mi Cloud (see the next section for this method).

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to restore a backup on another Xiaomi phone, make sure the version is backed up. MIUI It's not lower than the original device. MIUI 14 cannot be restored to POCO X3 s MIUI 12.5.

2.Mi Cloud Cloud Storage: Wireless Synchronization

Mi Cloud is a cloud storage service from Xiaomi that automatically synchronizes key data between devices of the same account.

• 🔄 Automatic updates (for example, contacts are synchronized in real time)
• 🌍 Access from any device via i.mi.com web version
• 🔒 Encryption of data during transmission
• 📱 Recovery support on new Xiaomi phones when first turned on

To enable synchronization, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and activate switches opposite the desired categories (contacts, notes, photos, etc.). The free tariff provides 5 GB of space, which is enough to back up contacts and some photos. The media library will require a subscription (from 100 rubles / month for 50 GB).

To copy data to another Xiaomi phone, you just need to log into the same Mi Cloud account and select the recovery option when you first set up. If you want to transfer data to an iPhone or Samsung, export it manually through the Mi Cloud web version (for example, contacts can be uploaded in.vcf format).

5GB (free) |50GB|200GB|No cloud use-->

3. Data transfer through USB-cable: the classical method

The most universal way is to connect your phone to your computer via a USB-Type C cable (or Micro-USB for older models), which is suitable for copying any files, including:

• 🎥 Video in resolution 4K (compressively)
• 🎶 Music in format FLAC or WAV
• 📁 Document folders (PDF, DOCX)
• 📱 Backups of applications (e.g..apk files)

Step instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC using the original cable (faulty cables can cause transmission errors).
2. On the phone, select the file transfer mode: in the notification "USB-Connection" click File Transfer (or MTP).
3. Open the conductor (Win + E) on your computer and the phone will appear as a removable disk.
4. Copy the necessary files from the DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads), MIUI (system data) folders to the PC hard drive.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi phones with MIUI 13+ When you first connect to a PC, you may need to unlock the screen to confirm a trusted device. If the phone is not identified, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0) or restart both devices.

The transfer speed depends on the USB version:

• USB 2.0: up to 480 Mbps (~60 MB/s)
• USB 3.0: Up to 5 Gbps (~600 MB/s)

To speed up the process, use a USB 3.1 cable (usually blue) and connect to a USB-C port on your PC.

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If you need to copy hidden system files (for example, for root access), turn on the display of hidden folders in Windows Explorer: View → Hidden elements.

4 Wireless Wi-Fi Transfer: Xiaomi Share and Alternatives

To copy data between two Xiaomi phones (or other devices with Wi-Fi Direct support), it is convenient to use the Xiaomi Share feature (formerly Mi Share), which is analogous to Apple's AirDrop, but with advanced features:

• 📶 Transfer speeds up to 20 MB/s (depending on model)
• 🔗 Support for files of any size (unlike Bluetooth)
• 🛡️ Encrypting traffic
• 📱 Works between Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and some devices Oppo/Realme

How to use:

1. On both phones, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
2. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Xiaomi Share.
3. On the original phone, select files (for example, in the gallery click Share → Xiaomi Share).
4. On the target phone, confirm the receipt of files.

If Xiaomi Share is not working, check out:

• 🔄 Is the firmware updated (function is stable on the MIUI 12+).
• 📱 Compatible models (e.g. Redmi) 9A Xiaomi 14 does not support sharing due to different protocol versions).
• 🔒 Is it off? VPN Firewalls that block the local network.

Third-party applications: when standard methods are insufficient

If the built-in MIUI tools don't fit (for example, you need to migrate data to your iPhone or save a backup to the Google Drive cloud), use third-party apps. We tested the best options for different tasks:

To transfer data to the iPhone, we recommend Move to iOS (the official app from Apple), which copies contacts, photos, bookmarks and even some applications (if there are analogues in the App Store).

• 🚫 The app only works when you first set up your iPhone.
• 📱 Xiaomi should be installed MIUI 10+ (Otherwise, mistakes are possible).
• 🔌 Both phones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

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To transfer data between Xiaomi and iPhone, use Move to iOS only during the initial setup of the iPhone. Once the initial configuration is complete, this method will no longer be available!

6. Copy data from damaged Xiaomi phone

If the phone screen crashes, or the device doesn’t turn on but is responding to a PC connection, try the following methods:

Method 1: Retrieving data via ADB (for advanced users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to access your phone’s file system even without a working screen.

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (If previously activated in the settings → For developers).

Data extraction commands (enter Command Prompt or Terminal):

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Photos


adb pull /sdcard/Downloads/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Downloads

Method 2: Using the Fastboot mode

If the phone does not boot, but is determined in Fastboot (checked by the team of fastboot devices), you can try flashing custom recovery (TWRP) and through it, copy the data to SD-This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is only suitable for models with official support. TWRP (for example, POCO F3, Redmi Note 10 Pro).

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to extract data from a damaged phone can result in complete loss of information if the drive is physically damaged. If the phone has Mi Cloud or Google Photos enabled, try to recover data through the cloud - it is safer.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When copying data from Xiaomi, users often face typical problems.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (at 15% or below, some functions are blocked).
• 📶 Internet connection stability (for cloud services).
• 🔒 Security settings (e.g. in the MIUI 14 has the option "Data Block" in Settings → Confidentiality).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions