How to copy Xiaomi phone to another: step-by-step instructions

Transferring data from an old Xiaomi phone to a new one is a challenge that every user faces when upgrading a gadget. Even if you buy a model of the same series (like the Redmi Note 12 to the Note 13), manually reinstalling apps and recovering files can take hours. Fortunately, Xiaomi has built-in tools to automate the process, as well as versatile solutions from Google and third-party developers.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to copy data, from the official Mi Mover to backup via Google Drive, SMS, Photos, applications and even system settings, as well as how to avoid typical errors (for example, data loss when interrupting the process). MIUI 14 and later, where the interface of some functions has changed.

If you’re planning to sell or transfer an old Xiaomi after copying, there’s a checklist at the end of this article for safe cleaning of your device, and for those who prefer visual instructions, we’ve prepared a method comparison table with speed, data volume, and compatibility.

1. Official method: Mi Mover (without computer)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary application for data migration between devices on MIUI, preinstalled on all modern models (starting with the Mi 8 and Redmi 6) and supports the transfer of almost all types of data, including:

• 📱 Applications and their data (for example, saves in games, settings of messengers)
• 📞 Contacts, call log and SMS/MMS (including media files in messages)
• 📷 Photos and videos (including Google Photos albums, if synced)
• 🎵 Music and documents (from Download, Music, etc.)
• ⚙️ System settings (wallpaper, sound schemes, network parameters)

The main advantage of Mi Mover is direct transmission over Wi-Fi without intermediaries (cloud or computer), which speeds up the process and preserves privacy.

• ❌ Does not work between Xiaomi and other brands (e.g. Samsung or iPhone).
• ❌ Requires a minimum of 20% charge on both devices.
• ❌ On devices with MIUI 13+ may request permission to debug USB (included in the settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI, tap).

Instructions for use:

1. On the old phone, open Mi Mover (you can find it through a search system or in the Tools folder).
2. Choose I'm the sender. → Next.
3. On the new phone, launch Mi Mover and select I am the recipient.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of a new phone with an old device.
5. Select the data types to transfer (we recommend leaving all ticks except for unnecessary files).
6. Confirm the transmission. It takes 5 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data.

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

Battery charge >20% on both devices

Make room on your new phone (at least 1.5 free)× volume of data transmitted)

Turn off VPN and energy saving modes

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⚠️ Warning: If you see a "Disconnected" error during transmission, check that both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (even if you use a direct channel.

2.Move over Mi Account (Xiaomi Cloud)

If you have a Mi Account (the same as Mi Cloud), you can sync your data over the cloud, which is convenient if:

• 🔄 You can’t use both phones at the same time (for example, the old one has already been given to another person).
• 🌐 Want to have a backup in case of losing your phone.
• 📱 The new phone is not Xiaomi (but in this case, only contacts, notes and some settings will be transferred).

Limitations of the method:

• 📌 Free available only 5 GB of cloud storage (for photos and videos this is not enough).
• 📌 Not all apps support backup in Mi Cloud (e.g., some game data won’t be saved).
• 📌 Download/download speed depends on the internet connection.

How to copy data through Mi Account:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on synchronization for the desired categories (required: Contacts, Notes, Call Log).
3. To back up applications and settings, click Backup → Create a backup.
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and restore data from the cloud (Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore).

Mi Mover (direct transmission)

Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)

Google Account

Cable OTG/computer

Another way.-->

3. Copying through Google Account (universal method)

If you use Google services (such as Gmail, Google Photos or Google Drive), this method will allow you to transfer data not only to another Xiaomi, but also to devices of other brands, the main advantage is cross-platform and automatic synchronization of contacts, mail and calendar.

What can be transferred:

• 📇 Contacts (synchronized with Google Contacts).
• 📅 Calendar and events.
• 📎 Notes (if you use Google Keep).
• 📷 Photos and Videos (via Google Photos with unlimited storage for compressed files).
• 📁 Files and documents (via Google Drive, 15GB free).

How to set up synchronization:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account and enable sync for the right categories.
3. To back up applications and system data, click Settings → System → Backup → Backup Google Drive.
4. On a new phone, when you first turn on, select recovery from Google Account or do it manually in the settings.

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Photos in High Quality mode (with unlimited storage), the photos will be compressed to a resolution of 16 MP. To maintain the original quality, you will need to pay for additional space on Google Drive.

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Before transferring, check if the storage limit in Google Drive is exceeded. Delete old backups or unnecessary files in the Drive → Storage section.

4. Transfer via OTG cable or computer (for large volumes)

If you have tens of gigabytes of photos/video or slow internet, the most reliable way is to physically copy through the Internet. USB-cable OTG-This is also a good way to do this, if you have an adapter:

• 🔌 Both phones support both OTG (Most Xiaomi models since Redmi 4).
• 💻 You have a computer with USB-port (for intermediate copying).
• 📂 You need to transfer hidden files or folders with non-standard permissions.

Instructions for copying via computer:

1. Connect your old phone to your PC via USB-cable.
2. Select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification on your phone.
3. Copy the folders you need (DCIM for photos, Download for downloads, etc.) to your computer.
4. Connect the new phone and transfer the files back.

Instructions for copying through OTG-adapter:

1. Buy it. OTG-adapter (stands) ~200-500 rubles) or use a cable from the kit (if it supports OTG).
2. Connect a flash drive or external drive to your old phone via an adapter.
3. Copy files to a flash drive (use Explorer or Files).
4. Connect the flash drive to the new phone and transfer the data.

Third-party copying applications (alternatives)

If the built-in tools of Xiaomi or Google don't fit, you can use third-party apps, and we tested some popular solutions and selected the most reliable ones:

• 📲 Clone Phone (from Huawei) – works between different brands, supports WhatsApp and Viber portability.
• 📲 Samsung Smart Switch – despite the name, compatible with Xiaomi (but requires installation on both phones).
• 📲 Send Anywhere – transfers files over Wi-Fi Direct without limiting the scope (generates 6-digit code for connection).
• 📲 Xender is an analogue of Mi Mover, but cross-platform (there are versions for iOS and Windows).

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ Often support data transfer messengers (for example, WhatsApp chat history).
• ✅ Work between Android and iOS (for example, with Xiaomi on iPhone).
• ✅ Some offer data compression to speed up transfer.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ You may need to turn off battery optimization for the application (otherwise the transfer will be interrupted).
• ❌ Some apps show ads (e.g. Xender).
• ❌ Risk of data leakage when using little-known programs.

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When using third-party apps, always check reviews and rankings on Google Play. Avoid programs that request unnecessary permissions (such as accessing SMS or geolocation).

6.Perfections of transfer for different models Xiaomi

Depending on the model and version of MIUI, the copying process may vary, and we have collected key nuances for popular series:

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, Mi Mover may have an error called "Unable to connect to the device." Solution: On both phones, turn on Developer Mode (Tap 7 times on MIUI in About Phone), then activate "Debugging on USB" and "Install on USB" in the developer settings.

7.What to do after copying: checking and cleaning the old phone

After transferring the data, make sure that everything is copied correctly:

• 📞 Open Contacts and make sure all numbers are in place (check groups and linked photos).
• 📷 Go to the Gallery and check the albums (especially hidden folders like.thumbnails).
• 🎮 Run save games (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) and make sure that progress is maintained.
• ⚙️ Check system settings: wallpaper, sound profiles, connected Bluetooth devices.

If something has not moved, use manual copying (see section 4). After a successful check, you can reset the old phone to the factory settings:

1. Make a final backup (for example, copy the DCIM folder to your computer).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose Delete all data and confirm.
4. If you are selling your phone, log out of Mi Account (Settings → Mi Account → Sign out).

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 12+ After a reset, you may still be linked to your Mi Account (anti-theft protection). To enable the new owner to activate the device, be sure to untie the phone from your account before the reset: Settings → Mi Account → Devices → Remove this device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer