How to quickly and safely transfer applications from one Xiaomi to another

Shifting apps between Xiaomi smartphones may seem like a trivial task, but in practice, users face nuances ranging from MIUI limitations to intergenerational compatibility issues. If you upgraded the Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14, or just want to sync software between your work and personal device, it’s important to choose a method that will save not only the programs themselves, but also their settings, login data and game progress.

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to transfer applications – from built-in tools MIUI It is a universal solution such as Google Account or APK-Special attention will be paid to the problem of porting applications with connection to the device (for example, banking or with the help of the Internet). DRM-protection, which is often overlooked in standard instructions, and you'll also find a comparative chart of methods on speed, reliability, and Internet connection requirements.

1. Transfer via Mi Account (official method)

Xiaomi’s most obvious and recommended method is to use cloud backup through a Mi Account. It is suitable for transferring not only applications, but also their data (where it is allowed by the developer’s policy), but there are limitations to the method: for example, not all applications support recovery through the Mi Cloud, and the amount of free storage is only 5 GB.

To move the applications:

• 📱 On an old smartphone: go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup and select Applications. Click Create Backup.
• ☁️ Wait for the process to be completed (time depends on the number of applications and Internet speed).
• 🆕 On a new device: When you first enable, select Restore from backup or do it later through Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore.

⚠️ Note: If a new smartphone has already backed up, the data may be overwritten. Before restoring, check which apps will be ported - some (such as WhatsApp or Viber) require separate authorization.

2. Transfer via Google Account (universal method)

If you prefer the Google ecosystem, you can use the built-in app sync feature through Google Play, which works on any Android device, but has its own features:

• 🔄 Only installed applications are synchronized (without their data, unless the developer has provided cloud storage).
• 📥 On the new device, apps will download automatically from Google Play, which requires a stable Internet connection.
• 🚫 Some applications (such as banking or geo-restricted) may not recover.

Instructions:

1. On an old smartphone: open Settings → Google → Backup and enable Downloading of app data.
2. On a new device: When you set up, log in to the same Google account and confirm the application recovery.

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If the app didn’t automatically recover, check it on Google Play → Library → Previously installed. It may have been removed from your account or blocked for regional reasons.

3. Local Wi-Fi transmission (Wi-Fi Direct or Mi Share)

Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi Quick Share) or standard Wi-Fi Direct are faster than cloud-based solutions, but require both devices to support the technology, such as the Redmi 9A will not be able to transfer data to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra via Mi Share unless the old smartphone has updated firmware.

How to move:

• 📶 On both smartphones, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, then activate Mi Share in the notification curtain.
• 📲 On the old device, select Send Files → Appendices and mark the required.
• 🔗 On the new smartphone, confirm receipt. Applications will be transmitted in the form of APK-files that need to be installed manually.

4. Use of third-party applications (ShareIt, Xender, Send Anywhere)

Popular services like ShareIt or Xender allow you to transfer APK-There are applications between devices without an Internet connection, and the advantage is that they're fast and they don't have a volume limit:

• 🛡️ Some applications (e.g, APK Extractors require superuser rights (root), which is not secure.
• 📦 Only transmitted APK-files without data (for example, saving games or settings messengers).
• 🚨 Built-in advertising and suggestions to install unnecessary software.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install ShareIt or analogue on both devices.
2. On an old smartphone, select Send → Applications and mark the right ones.
3. Connect to the access point created by the application and confirm the transfer on the new device.
4. After the transfer, install APK-Manual files (permission to install from unknown sources may be required).

⚠️ Note: Apps downloaded from Google Play may not be installed on a new device if it is linked to another account or region. APK manually on verified resources like APKMirror.

5. Manual transfer with APK Extractor

For advanced users who want to have full control over the process, the extraction method is suitable. APK-It's the only way to migrate applications that:

• 🔒 Removed from Google Play (e.g. older versions of software).
• 🌍 Limited by region.
• 📱 Linked to a particular device (e.g., some banking applications).

Step-by-step:

1. Install an old smartphone APK Extractor (for example, App Extractor from UberApps).
2. Launch the application, select the desired programs and extract APK-file.
3. Transfer files to your new smartphone (via cable, cloud, or Mi Share).
4. On the new device, enable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications) and install APK.

Backup of application data (if possible)

Check the compatibility of APK with the new version of Android

Disable the antivirus (can block the installation)

Download the original APK (non-modified)-->

6. Transfer of application data (saves, settings, accounts)

The hardest part is not the apps themselves, but the data they're carrying: messaging, game progress, login passwords. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are proven approaches for popular categories:

• 💬 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber):
• 🎮 Games:
• 🏦 Banking applications:

For Xiaomi system applications (such as the Theme Store or Mi Fit), the data is synchronized via Mi Account. If synchronization is not working, try:

1. Remove and reinstall the application on the new device.
2. Sign in to the same Mi Account and wait for automatic sync (can take up to 24 hours).

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For critical data (such as WhatsApp messages or game saves), always back up manually – cloud services may not keep everything correct.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving apps to Xiaomi