How to quickly and safely transfer applications from Android to Xiaomi: the complete guide

Why Standard Techniques Don’t Always Work With Xiaomi

Transferring apps between Android devices seems like a simple task — until you encounter Xiaomi. The manufacturer is actively modifying standard MIUI firmware, adding its own restrictions on APK installation, root rights, and even data sharing via Bluetooth. For example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro smartphones block the installation of applications from unknown sources by default, and the Mi Mover feature (analogue to Samsung Smart Switch) works only when the device is first turned on.

Security policy creates additional complexity MIUI: The system automatically scans the transmitted APK-In addition, many users experience the error "Can not install the application" due to a conflict of Android versions (for example, when transferring from Samsung Galaxy). S22 Xiaomi 13 Ultra with different API). In this article, we will analyze all the current ways - from official tools to workarounds for experienced users.

Before you start, check out two key points:

• 📱 Version. MIUI on the target device (up-to-date builds support Mi Mover only in initial configuration mode).
• 🔒 Security settings: Enable Installation from unknown sources in Settings → Annexes → Special rights.

Method 1: Official Mi Mover Tool (newer devices only)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for data migration, including apps, but it works with serious limitations.

• ⚠️ Available only when you first turn on the smartphone (after setting up the Mi Mover section disappears from the menu).
• 📲 Supports transmission between devices on MIUI 10+ (on POCO F5 or Redmi K60 There are no problems, and on older models like the Mi 8 may not work).
• 🔄 It does not transfer all applications – system utilities (for example, Mi Remote) are restored automatically, and third-party ones (for example, Telegram or Telegram) VK) — just their data, no APK.

If your device fits the conditions, follow the instructions:

1. On the target Xiaomi, select Data Transfer when you first enable it.
2. On an old Android device, download Mi Mover from Google Play.
3. Connect both smartphones to the same Wi-Fi network and scan QR-Xiaomi screen code.
4. Select the Application category and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Note: If the process is interrupted during the “Data Check” phase, check if the antivirus is blocking the system. MIUI transmission APK. Turn it off in Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Security.

Charge both devices at least 50 times%|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (5GHz is preferred)|Turn it off. VPN and proxy on both smartphones|Make sure that your target Xiaomi has enough memory (minimum 2GB free)-->

Method 2: Transfer through Google Account (partial synchronization)

Syncing through Google Account is the most universal method, but with reservations:

• ☁️ Only app data (such as WhatsApp chats or game progress) is restored, but not the app itself. APK-file.
• 📥 Apps will be downloaded from Google Play again, which will take time and traffic.
• ❌ Does not work for applications installed from third-party sources (e.g, APK APKMirror).

How to set up:

1. On your old device, go to Settings → Accounts → Google and enable sync for the App and App Data.
2. On Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select Recover Data and log in to the same Google account.
3. In the backup list, select the last one and wait for the download to complete.

Important: Xiaomi with MIUI Global firmware has disabled some system applications sync by default (e.g. Mi Browser or Mi Video). To enable it, go to Settings → Memory → Backup and activate Sync with MI Cloud.

Method 3: Transfer APK via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct (without the Internet)

If you do not have access to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet, you can transfer it to the Internet. APK-This method is suitable for small applications (up to 500 MB), as Xiaomi limits the speed of data exchange via Bluetooth.

Instructions:

1. On the old device, download ES Explorer or any other file manager.
2. Go to /data/app/ (root permissions required) or use the Root Explorer app to extract APK.
3. Select the right ones. APK-files, press Send → Bluetooth and select your target Xiaomi.
4. On Xiaomi, confirm the file acceptance and install them manually after transfer.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ default lock-in APK Bluetooth. To unlock, go to Settings. → Annexes → Special rights → Install unknown applications and allow installation for Bluetooth.

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If Bluetooth is permanently interrupted, try using Wi-Fi Direct. On both devices, turn on Wi-Fi Direct in your Wi-Fi settings, connect to another smartphone’s network, and use any file manager to transmit APK over the local network.

Method 4: Third-party services (SHAREit, Xender, Send Anywhere)

Quick file sharing applications are a popular solution, but with pitfalls, such as SHAREit and Xender are often blocked by MIUI as potentially dangerous.

• 📊 Collect user data (including a list of installed applications).
• 🛑 Can interrupt the transfer of large files (more than 1 GB).
• 🔄 Requires a connection to a single Wi-Fi network or a direct connection.

Step-by-step instructions for Send Anywhere (the most reliable option):

1. Install Send Anywhere on both devices.
2. On an old smartphone, select APK files (can be archived in ZIP) and click Send.
3. Create a 6-digit code or QR-code.
4. On Xiaomi, enter the code in the Receive and wait for the download.
5. Install APK through any file manager (e.g., Google Files).

Method 5: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If you need to migrate all applications along with data (such as saving games or setting up instant messengers), use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a PC and enabled USB debugging, but guarantees 100% portability.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on both devices (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).

Transfer commands:

Connect the old device and perform backup


adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all




Disable the old device, connect Xiaomi and restore data



adb restore backup.ab

⚠️ Attention: MIUI by default, the possibility of recovery through ADB. To enable it, before connecting to the PC, execute the command: adb shell settings put global. adb_restore_enabled 1

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ADB is the only method that transfers applications completely along with their data (e.g., game cache or instant messenger databases).However, it requires technical skills and may not work on devices with a locked bootloader (e.g., Xiaomi for the European market).

Solving common errors in transfer

Even if you follow instructions correctly, Xiaomi users often face problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔧 Availability of updates MIUI (In some assemblies, transfer errors have been corrected).
• 🛡️ Does not block antivirus (for example, Avast or built-in) MIUI Security) file transfer.
• 📡 Wi-Fi network stability (switch to 5GHz or use mobile hotspot).

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving apps to Xiaomi