How to transfer all data from your old phone to the new Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven ways

Why migrating data to Xiaomi Redmi requires a special approach

The transition to a new smartphone is always exciting, but for Xiaomi Redmi owners, the process may be easier than it seems. The brand offers built-in migration tools that many users overlook, preferring manual transfer through the cloud or cable. However, it is Mi Mover and Xiaomi Cloud that are often more effective than third-party solutions – they take into account the features of the MIUI firmware and even save the settings of system applications.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current transfer methods, from automatic over wireless synchronization to manual copying of hidden files. We’ll focus on the nuances that arise when you switch from Samsung, Huawei or outdated versions of Android (below 8.0), learn how to avoid data loss when you change your Google account, why some applications are not restored from backup, and what to do if the new Redmi “can’t see” an old device over Wi-Fi Direct.

Before you start, check two key points: the version of MIUI on the new phone (relevant data in Settings → About phone) and free space on both devices. To seamlessly transfer through the cable or cloud, you will need at least 10-15% free space on internal memory.

Method 1: Mi Mover is the official tool from Xiaomi

The Mi Mover app (formerly Mi Migration) is the most reliable way to transfer data between Xiaomi devices, pre-installed on all smartphones with MIUI 9 and newer, but if it is not available, download it from Google Play or App Gallery (for Huawei), the main advantage of which is that it saves not only files, but also SMS, call histories, Wi-Fi settings and even data from some games.

How to use:

• 📱 Install Mi Mover on both phones (if it's not on the system). On the new Redmi, the app is usually already in the Tools folder.
• 🔗 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or use a direct connection (Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📤 On your old phone, select data to transfer: contacts, messages, photos, apps, etc. Please note that applications are protected. DRM (For example, banking or Netflix will not be transferred.
• ⚡ Wait until it's done. Time depends on the amount of data: 30 GB of photos can take up to 40 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If the new Redmi already has data (for example, you have started setting up without porting), Mi Mover will offer to reset the device to factory settings.This will delete all current files - make a backup before confirming!

Advantages of the method:

Method 2: Move over Xiaomi Cloud (cloud)

If you already have a Mi Account, cloud porting is the fastest solution. Xiaomi Cloud offers 5GB of free space (up to 100GB for a fee), which is enough for contacts, notes and some photos. Importantly, the cloud does not save installed applications - only their data (for example, game progress or settings).

Step-by-step:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Mi Account → Xiaomi Cloud.
2. Turn on synchronization for the desired categories: Contacts, Notes, Bookmarks, Photos (optional).
3. Wait until the download is complete (progress is displayed in the same menu).
4. On the new Redmi, log in to the same Mi Account and enable sync in Settings → Mi Account.

To transfer photos and videos, you should use a separate Mi Cloud Photos app (available on Google Play), which allows you to selectively download albums and maintains original quality (as opposed to compression in Google Photos).

⚠️ Note: If you used Google Photos to back up, turn off automatic download on your new phone to avoid duplicate files. → Backup and synchronization.

Turn off the power saving mode on both phones |

Check the free space in Xiaomi Cloud (Settings → Mi Account → Storage)|

Create a backup of SMS via the Messages (Export) app |

Make sure both phones have the same MIUI version (or no more than 1 version)

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Method 3: Cloning via OTG cable or adapter

For users who don’t have stable Wi-Fi or limited traffic, direct cable transfer is the best solution. Xiaomi Redmi supports USB OTG connectivity (older models may require a Type-C → MicroUSB adapter).This method copies files in original quality and works even with Android 5.0+ devices.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB OTG (Adapters, if the ports are different).
• 📁 File Manager (e.g., built-in Mi File Manager or Total Commander).
• ⚡ Charge not lower 50% on both phones (the transfer may take up to a maximum of two days) 1-2 hours).

Instructions:

1. Connect your old phone to your new one OTG-The new Redmi will have a notification on the screen. USB-Device is connected – click on it and select File Transfer.
2. Open Mi File Manager on your new phone, and the Devices section will show you an old smartphone folder (usually Internal Storage).
3. Copy the required data manually: 📞 Contacts: export to.vcf file via Contacts app. 📸 Photo/video: folders DCIM, Pictures, Movies. 🎵 Music: folder Music or Media. 📄 Documents: Downloads folders, Documents.

APK Extractor

Google Play

.apk

Application data (cache, settings) will not be transferred

Method 4: Backup through Google Account

If you prefer the Google ecosystem, the standard backup feature will handle basic data: contacts, calendar, some settings and a list of apps. However, there are nuances: photos and videos are not automatically backed up, but you need to set up Google Photos separately for them.

How to set up:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Enable Backup in Google Drive and select an account.
3. Click Create Backup Now (can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour).
4. On the new Redmi, when you first turn on, select Recover Data and sign in to the same Google account.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It's not. SMS and call history (use this for your own use) SMS Backup & Restore from Play Market).
• ❌ Applications are restored, but their data (for example, saved in games) is not.
• ❌ Takes up space in Google Drive (free only 15 GB).

💡

If you have a lot of apps, turn off automatic updates to Google Play before you restore (Settings → Auto Update Apps → Do not update automatically).

Method 5: Transfer from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi

The transition from iOS to Android is often accompanied by data loss, but Xiaomi offers a partial solution. Use the Move to iOS app (from Apple) in reverse order or specialized tools like iCareFone (paid).

Step-by-step:

1. Contacts and calendars: On iPhone, export contacts to iCloud → Contacts → Export vCard. Send the.vcf file to the mail or upload to Google Contacts.
2. Photos and videos: Use Google Photos (set up auto-boot on your iPhone). Or connect your iPhone to your PC, copy the files to a folder and transfer them to Redmi via cable.
3. Apps: The list of installed apps can be exported through the App Store (Buyed section), but you will have to install them manually on Redmi.

⚠️ Note: Music purchased on iTunes will not be transferred due to security DRM. To save tracks, use screen recording software (such as Audacity) or look for alternatives in Google Play Music.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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

If duplicate contacts appear on the new Redmi after the transfer, use the built-in merging tool:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press. ⋮ → Contact management → Combine duplicates.
3. Confirm the merger of the same records.

💡

Before perenosom data, always check for compatibility with MIUI versions. If the difference is greater than 2 versions (e.g. MIUI 12 → MIUI 14), use manual cable or cloud transfer to avoid crashes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions