How to Transfer All Information from Xiaomi Redmi Phone to Another Android: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving to a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to saving all the data from the old device. Xiaomi Redmi owners often face the question: how to transfer contacts, photos, messages and even app settings to another Android phone without loss? The methods depend on your Redmi model (whether it is the Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C or older series), the version of MIUI, and also on whether the new device has a brand – the same Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme or another.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for data transfer, from standard MIUI tools to universal solutions for any Android device. You will learn how to avoid typical errors (for example, loss of call history or incorrect WhatsApp synchronization), which applications will help automate the process, and what to do if the new phone does not support Mi Account. And at the end, you will find an FAQ with answers to the most common questions - for example, can you transfer data without the Internet or how to restore accidentally deleted files after moving.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

Before you start the transfer, make sure both phones are ready for the procedure, which will save you from crashes in the middle of the process and data loss.

On the old Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50% – transfer can take from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (if you use cloud services) Mobile Internet may not be able to handle large files.
• 🧹 Clear unnecessary files: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clean up and remove the app cache, which will speed up the process.
• 🔐 Make sure the phone has a screen lock disabled (PIN, pattern lock – some transfer methods require unlocked device.

On the new phone:

• 📱 If the device is new, perform the initial setup prior to the account login stage. Don't skip this step, or the recovery function may not work.
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version: Settings → The phone. → System updates. This is especially important for Redmi on the MIUI 14/15, where there may be bugs in the transfer tools.
• 📌 Install apps you’ll need to port (like Mi Mover or Google Drive) if they’re not preinstalled.

⚠️ Note: If old Redmi has data encryption enabled (Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption, some transfer methods (e.g. via cable) OTG) In this case, use cloud services.

2. Method 1: Built-in Mi Mover tool (for Xiaomi phones)

Mi Mover is the official Xiaomi app that allows you to transfer almost all data from the old Redmi to the new Xiaomi, POCO or Black Shark. It is pre-installed on most devices with MIUI 9 and newer. The main advantage is the preservation of system settings (wallpaper, sounds, shortcuts) and data from some applications (for example, Mi Fit or Mi Home).

How to use:

1. Open Mi Mover on both phones. If you don't have the app, download it from Google Play or App Gallery.
2. On the old phone, select “I am the sender” and on the new one, “I am the receiver.”
3. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or create an access point on an old Redmi.
4. Scan on your old phone. QR-code that will appear on the new.
5. Select data to transfer: contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio, applications (without APK, data only) and settings.
6. Press "Transfer" and wait until it's done.

⚠️ Note: If you have a new phone MIUI Global, and old — MIUI China (or vice versa), Mi Mover may not move some system settings.

Both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

The new phone has enough free memory

Power saving mode is disabled on the old phone

Mi Mover app updated to latest version-->

Method 3: Transfer through a Google Account (universal method)

If the new phone is not Xiaomi (like the Samsung Galaxy or Realme Narzo), the most reliable way is sync through a Google account.This method works on all Android devices and saves basic data: contacts, calendar, some application settings and even Wi-Fi passwords (on Android 10+ phones).

Instructions:

1. On old Redmi, open Settings → Accounts → Google and select your account.
2. Make sure that the synchronization is enabled for: 📇 Contacts 📅 calendar 📁 Disc (if you want to transfer photos) 🔑 Passwords (via Google Smart Lock)

"Sync Now"

"Recover data"

Google account

Follow the instructions of the setup wizard by selecting a backup from the old device.

What is not carried over through Google:

• 📸 Photos and videos (only if they are uploaded separately to Google Photos).
• 💬 Communications SMS/MMS (You need to use Google Messages with backup).
• 🎮 Game data (separate synchronization is required via Google Play Games).
• 🔊 Sound and vibration settings.

💡

If you have a lot of photos, turn on autoload in Google Photos in advance: Settings → Backup and Sync. Select High (unlimited storage) or Original (takes up space in the cloud).

Method 3: Transfer via OTG cable or adapter

If you don't have Wi-Fi or prefer direct transmission without clouds, you can use an OTG cable (or a USB-C to USB-C adapter if both phones are modern), a method that is suitable for carrying large files (video, music, archives) and works even without the Internet.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable OTG (for older Redmi with Micro-USB or adapter USB-C to USB-C.
• 📱 File transfer application, for example: Files by Google (there is a function "Shared access near") Send Anywhere (works over a local network) Xender (supports large files)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect both phones with a cable. On the old Redmi screen, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. On your new phone, open Explorer (or Files by Google) and find the folder of the old device.
3. Copy the files you need manually: Photos: DCIM → Camera Downloads: Download Contacts: export to.vcf file via Contacts → Settings → Export

applications

APK Extractor

⚠️ Note: When manually copied, it is not carried over: 📱 Application settings (for example, save in games). 💬 History of messages in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram). 🔔 Notifications and system application data: Use specialized tools to do this (see Section 5).

5. Method 4: Transfer of data messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

Messages from messengers are not carried by standard methods, so they need separate solutions.

WhatsApp

To transfer chats and media files:

1. On your old phone, back up: Open WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup. Click "Create a copy" (preferably via Google Drive).

WhatsApp

When requested, restore the chats from the backup.

Telegram

Telegram syncs messages automatically through the cloud, but to transfer local files (downloaded media) you need to:

• 📁 Copy the folder. Telegram/Telegram Images and Telegram/Telegram Video from internal memory to new phone.
• 🔄 After logging into the account on the new device, files will be automatically downloaded.

Viber

Viber does not have built-in cloud backup, so:

1. On your old phone, export history: Settings → Account → Backup → Export history.
2. Transfer the backup file to a new phone (e.g., via Google Drive).
3. On the new device, import the history through the same settings section.

💡

For instant messengers, always use official backup tools. Manual transfer of databases (.db files) can cause app malfunctions!

Method 5: Transfer over a computer (for full control)

If you need a full backup or transfer to a phone of another brand (for example, from Xiaomi Redmi to iPhone), the most convenient way to use a computer is more time-consuming, but gives you maximum control over data.

Tools required:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Mac.
• 🔌 Cables. USB for both phones.
• 📂 Programs: Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi), Android File Transfer (for Mac), Dr.Fone or MobileTrans (paid, but support cross-platform portability)

Step-by-step instructions with Mi PC Suite:

1. Install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect the old Redmi to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
3. In the program, click "Backup" and select the data to save (contacts, messages, applications, etc.).
4. After you create a backup, connect a new phone and click "Restore".
5. Select a backup file and wait until it is completed.

To transfer to your iPhone or other platforms, use Dr.Fone:

• 📱 Connect both phones to your computer.
• 🔄 In the program, select "Phone Transfer" → "Phone to Phone".
• 📋 Mark the data for transfer (contacts, photos, music, etc.).
• 🚀 Click "Start Transfer" and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Note: When you migrate from Android to iPhone, some data (such as call history or app settings) may not be ported due to iOS restrictions.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, there may be difficulties.

Critical information: If contacts are lost on the new phone after transfer, check if sync with another account (e.g. Mi Account instead of Google) is enabled. Go to Settings → Accounts and disable unnecessary sources.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions