The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting: fresh firmware, powerful hardware and the promise of flawless performance. But the joy of the new product is often overshadowed by one problem: how to move all the applications from an old device without losing data and without wasting hours on manual installation? Especially if it is about dozens of programs with saved logins, progress in games or important settings.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to migrate applications to the new Xiaomi – from official tools (Mi Account, Mi Mover) to universal solutions through Google and physical media. You will learn which method is the fastest, which one saves 100% of data, and which one is suitable if you have only one at hand. USB-And also, how to avoid the common bugs that might make apps go wrong or not work properly.
Important: the transfer procedure depends on your Xiaomi model and the MIUI version. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14, the algorithm may differ from the Poco X5 to MIUI 13. We have taken these nuances into account and give current instructions for 2026.
1.Move over Mi Account: The Most Secure Way for Xiaomi Ecosystem
If both of your phones are Xiaomi (or at least one of them), synchronization through Mi Account is the best solution, which not only transfers applications, but also saves their data, system settings and even some files, the main condition is that both devices must be linked to the same Mi Account.
How it works:
- 🔄 Automatic synchronization: after logging into the account on the new phone, the system will offer to restore data from the old device.
- 📱 Support for most applications: not only is it portable APK-files, but also saved data (for example, progress in games or settings messengers).
- 🔒 Security: All data is transmitted over a secure Xiaomi Cloud channel.
Step-by-step:
- On your old phone, go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and enable the Application option.
- Wait until the sync is complete (it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on the number of applications).
- On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select Restore with Mi Account and log in.
- In the backup list, select data from your old phone and confirm your recovery.
Make sure both phones have the same MIUI version (or no more than version 1 difference)
Check out the free space in Mi Cloud (free available 5GB)
Connect both devices to Wi-Fi to speed up the process
Charge your phone at least 50%-->>
⚠️ Warning: If the old phone had a Root or custom firmware, sync via Mi Account may not work properly.
2. Mi Mover: Official application for wireless transfer
Mi Mover is a proprietary tool from Xiaomi that allows you to transfer data directly from one phone to another via Wi-Fi Direct. The advantage of the method is that you do not need to connect to the Internet or use cables. MIUI.
What Mi Mover is carrying:
- 📲 Annexes (including) APK piece).
- 📁 Files: photos, videos, music.
- 📞 Contacts, SMS, call-book.
- ⚙️ System settings (wallpaper, sound profiles, etc.).
How to use Mi Mover:
- Install the Mi Mover app on both phones (unless it's pre-installed) from Google Play or AppGallery.
- On the new phone, select I am a new user, on the old one, Send data.
- Scan it. QR-code from a new phone on an old phone or connect manually via Wi-Fi Direct.
- Select data categories for transfer (required to mark the Applications) and start the process.
| Xiaomi model | Support for Mi Mover | Max. transfer rate |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13, Poco X5 | Complete. | Up to 10MB/s |
| Xiaomi 13/14, Mix Fold 3 | Full + Optimization for Flagships | Up to 15MB/s |
| Redmi 10A, Poco M4 | Limited (without transferring some system data) | Up to 5MB/s |
Mi Account|Mi Mover|Google Account|Cable OTG/SD-map|Other-->
Important: On phones with MIUI 14 and later, Mi Mover supports data transfer even between devices of different brands (for example, from Samsung to Xiaomi), but the functionality may be limited.
3.Move over Google Account: a universal method for Android
If you can’t use Xiaomi tools (like an old phone, not Xiaomi), syncing through Google is a lifesaver.
- 📌 List of installed applications (but not their data!).
- 📇 Contacts, calendars, notes.
- 📎 Some system settings (Wi-Fi networks, screen brightness, etc.).
How to transfer applications through Google:
- On your old phone, go to Settings → Google → Backup and enable the option to Download to Google Drive.
- Wait for the backup to complete (it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours).
- On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select Copy Data and log in to the same Google account.
- In the backup list, select data from your old phone and confirm your recovery.
⚠️ Note: Google only transfers the list of apps, but not their data (for example, save in games or chats in instant messengers). For a full transfer, use additional tools like Helium or Swift Backup (requires Root).
💡
If some apps don’t install automatically after migrating through Google, check the “My Apps and Games” section of Google Play — there may be a list of programs waiting to be installed.
4.Cable transfer OTG or SD-Map: for users without the Internet
If you don’t have Wi-Fi or mobile internet access, physically transfer via cable OTG or SD-This is the only solution. This is the right method for phones that support the card. OTG (Most modern Xiaomi) or a memory card slot.
What you need:
- 🔌 Cable OTG (If you transfer from phone to phone).
- 📁 SD-card (if you use it as an intermediate medium).
- 🛠️ File Manager (e.g. Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
Instructions for transfer via OTG:
- Connect your old phone to your new one OTG-cable (type-c adaptor may be required) → Micro-USB for older models).
- On an old phone, allow access to files (a USB notification will appear to transfer files).
- Open the file manager on the new Xiaomi and go to the section USB-accumulator.
- Copy the folder. /data/app (stored APK-Application files for internal memory of the new phone.
- Install applications manually by opening APK-file.