How to copy Xiaomi device to another Android: 5 working ways

Transferring data from Xiaomi's smartphone to another Android device is a challenge that millions of users face when changing gadgets. It would seem that it could be easier: connected accounts, synced - and ready, POCO Mi face nuances: not all settings are transferred through Google, but proprietary features MIUI (For example, the themes of the design or separate sound are completely gone, and worse, some applications refuse to recover from the backup, citing "version incompatibility".

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven copying methods, from standard (via Mi Cloud and Google Account) to advanced (using the use of the same method). ADB We will focus on the issues: why contacts are duplicated, how to move them. SMS So, lossless, what to do if the new smartphone doesn't see the backup, and for those of you who are afraid of losing data, we've prepared a training checklist and a method compatibility table for different versions of Android.

Spoiler: The Only Way to Move 100% of Settings MIUI (including battery modes and gestures – this is the use of the official Xiaomi backup via Mi PC Suite, but it only works when you switch to another Xiaomi device, and if you're new to a Samsung, a Realme or a Pixel, you'll have to combine several methods.

Preparation for transfer: what can be copied and what can not be copied

Before you start copying, it's important to understand that not all data is transferred equally easily, like contacts and calendars synced through Google Account with almost no problems, but Wi-Fi settings or game account data may require manual input, and this is what you can usually transfer without loss:

• 📱 Contacts – through Google Contacts or Mi Cloud (but not simultaneously!).
• 📷 Photos and videos – via Google Photos, Mi Cloud or local backup.
• 🎵 Music and documents – if stored in Download or Documents.
• 📱 Applications – list of installed programs (but not always their data!).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords – only if the new smartphone on Android 10+ Supports Google Backup.

What is usually lost or partially transferred:

• ⚙️ Settings MIUI: Themes, gestures, battery modes, separate sound – all this is tied to Xiaomi firmware and is not transferred to “pure” Android.
• 🎮 Game data: progress in games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile only transfers if linked to a developer account (not a device!).
• 📱 SMS Call log: Google doesn’t reserve them, you’ll have to use third-party tools.
• 🔒 Local Notes: If you’ve used Xiaomi’s standard Notes app, you’ll need to export them manually.

Warning: If you have used the dual apps feature on Xiaomi, their data will not be transferred in any way – this is a limitation of the architecture. MIUI. The same goes for hidden folders in a gallery (e.g.,.nomedia): they will have to be copied manually through a file manager.

Method 2: Transfer over Mi Cloud (only for Xiaomi devices)

If your new smartphone is also Xiaomi (or Xiaomi) POCO/Redmi), The most reliable way is to use the Mi Cloud, which is the company's own cloud, and it keeps the fullest backup, including the system settings, SMS And even some of the applications. Here's how it works:

Step 1. Create a backup on your old device:

1. Open your Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud
2. Make sure you are logged in (if not, register).
3. Select Backup of the Device → Create a backup copy.
4. Check all the necessary data (we recommend leaving everything except the Application if it takes up too much space).
5. Click Start Reservation and wait until it is completed.

Step 2: Restore data on the new device:

1. When you first enable a new Xiaomi, select Restore from a backup.
2. Sign in to the same Mi Account.
3. Select the latest backup and confirm the recovery.

Pros of the method:

• 🔹 Keeps the settings. MIUI (topics, gestures, battery modes).
• 🔹 Transferred SMS call-book.
• 🔹 It works even without a PC connection.

Cons of the method:

• ❌ Does not work when transferring to smartphones of other brands.
• ❌ It takes up a lot of space in the cloud (free only 5GB).
• ❌ Some apps (like WhatsApp) require a separate backup.

Is backup enabled in the Mi Account settings|

Is there enough space in the cloud (minimum)? 2-3 GB is free)|

Is the device connected to Wi-Fi (backup on the mobile network is prohibited)|

Is the device charged at least 50 times%-->

Method 3: Transfer through Google Account (universal method)

If the new smartphone is not Xiaomi, the only native portable device is Google Backup. It works on all Android 6.0 devices.+, But it has limitations: not all settings and data are ported correctly:

Step 1. Set up the backup on the old Xiaomi:

Step 2: Restore data on the new device:

What is carried over Google Backup:

⚠️ Note: If the old Xiaomi has disabled synchronization of Google Contacts, they will not transfer even with the backup on. → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of the account.

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If some apps (such as Telegram or Viber) do not show chat history after recovering through Google, try manually backing up the app itself (usually the “Data Export” option in the settings).

4. Method 3: Local backup via Mi PC Suite (for PC)

If you prefer full control over backups or want to transfer data to another brand’s smartphone with minimal losses, use the official Mi utility. PC It creates a complete image of the system, which can then be partially restored even on the off-the-shelf.-Xiaomi device.

Step 1. Install the Mi. PC Suite on the computer:

• Download the program from the official Xiaomi website.
• Set it up and run it.
• Connect Xiaomi to the USB (Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).

Step 2. Create a backup copy of:

• In Mi PC Suite select Backup.
• Check the necessary data (we recommend you to choose everything except the Application, if they occupy the necessary data). >10GB).
• Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.

Step 3: Transfer to the new device:

• Connect your new smartphone to your PC.
• In Mi PC Select Restore and point the way to the backup.
• Only select data that is compatible (e.g. Contacts, Photos, Notes).

⚠️ Warning: If the new smartphone is not Xiaomi, do not restore system settings from the backup! this can lead to Android malfunctions (for example, errors with the connection to the mobile network).

5. Method 4: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If standard methods are not suitable (for example, you need to transfer the SMS or data of a particular application, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This requires command line knowledge, but gives you maximum control.

Step 1. Set it up. ADB PC-only:

• Download the Google Platform Tools.
• Unpack the archive in the folder C:\adb.
• Open the Command Prompt in this folder (Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).

Step 2. Create a backup on Xiaomi:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup.ab

This team maintains:

• -apk — apps.
• -obb — play-off.
• -shared — file SD-map.
• -all — all settings and data.

Step 3: Restore the backup on the new device:

adb restore C:\backup.ab

⚠️ Attention: Backup through ADB It is not encrypted – if it has passwords or personal data, keep the file in a safe place, and some applications (such as WhatsApp) may block recovery due to security policies.

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ADB — london SMS and call logs on the-Xiaomi Debugging devices without third-party applications. USB and may not work on smartphones with a blocked bootloader.

Method 5: Third-party applications (for individual data types)

If you only need to transfer specific data (such as WhatsApp, SMS Or notes, it's easier to use specialized applications:

• 📱 SMS/call-up: SMS Backup & Restore (Saves in the XML, Restores on any Android).
• 💬 WhatsApp: built-in backup in Settings → chat → Backup copy (save in Google Drive).
• 📝 Notes: Mi Notes allows you to export to.zip via Settings → Exports.
• 🎮 Games: Helium (requires root) or built-in backup in Google Play Games.

Example: Moving WhatsApp from Xiaomi to Samsung:

1. On the old Xiaomi, open WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → Chat → Backup.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi and wait for the backup to be completed in Google Drive.
3. On the new smartphone, install WhatsApp, log in and restore chats from the backup.

Challenges and solutions:

• ❌ SMS Backup & Restore doesn't see the message? check if access rights are enabled SMS appliance.
• ❌ Does the game not restore progress? make sure the game is tied to Google Play Games or Facebook.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the right instructions, users have problems. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: If you transfer data to a smartphone with Android 12+, Some old backups (created on Android 9 and below) may not recover due to changes in the permissions system. ADB third-party.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions