How to transfer apps from one Xiaomi phone to another: all the ways of 2026

Migrating apps between Xiaomi smartphones is often a headache for users, especially when it comes to storing data inside programs. Unlike the iPhone, which has a single iCloud ecosystem, devices on MIUI or HyperOS offer several alternative paths, from embedded tools to third-party solutions. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including nuances for different versions of firmware and models (from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

The main problem with rolling apps is not just the.apk file itself, but the data that goes along with it: saves in games, settings for messengers, cache of cards in navigators. The official methods (for example, through Mi Account) don't work all the way, so sometimes you have to combine approaches. We tested each method on real devices and identified pros/cons so you can choose the best option for your task.

1. Transfer via Mi Account (official method)

The easiest and most secure method is to use the built-in sync function through the Xiaomi account, which is suitable for most applications (except system and some games), but has data limitations, works on all devices with MIUI 12+ and HyperOS.

To take advantage of this method:

• 📱 On your old phone: Open Settings → Mi Account → Synchronize and switch on the Application and Data Switch. Wait for the process to be completed (may take up to 10 minutes depending on the number of programs).
• 🔄 On a new phone: log in to the same Xiaomi account and go to Settings → Mi Account → Data recovery. Select backup from your old device.
• ⚡ Apps will appear on the home screen automatically, but some (like WhatsApp or Telegram) will require re-authorization.

⚠️ Note: This method does not carry game data protected by DRM (Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings, as well as system applications like Mi Home or Mi Fit, will require alternative solutions.

2. transmission via Bluetooth (for individual APK-file)

If you only need to migrate a few applications (such as rare third-party software), you can use Bluetooth, which is slow but does not require internet, and works even on older models like the Redmi 5A.

Instructions:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Applications → Application Management, select what you want and click Share (or APK Export in some firmware). The file will be saved in the Download folder.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and send the.apk file as a regular media file.
3. On the new phone, after receiving the file, open it through the File Manager and install it, allowing installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.

⚠️ Note: Note that the application data (saves, settings) are not transmitted via Bluetooth, only the installer itself. To transfer them, you will need additional software like Swift Backup (more about this below).

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If Bluetooth refuses to send APK-Rename the file extension from.apk to.zip, and then return it back after transfer. MIUI.

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

For fast transfer of a large number of applications (including their data), Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi Share) or standard Wi-Fi Direct is suitable. This method works 3-5 times faster than Bluetooth and does not require an Internet connection.

Step-by-step:

• 🌐 On both phones, turn on Wi-Fi and Mi Share (in the notification panel or via Settings). → Connections → Mi Share).
• 📲 On your old phone, select the apps to transfer: go to Security → Application Clone (or use File Manager) → Send for APK-file).
• 🔗 Click Send via Mi Share and select the target device. Confirm reception on the new phone.
• 📥 After transfer, install the received files through the File Manager, following the system prompts.

This method has the advantage of supporting batch transmission (you can send up to 10 applications at a time), however, some system utilities (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music) may not be portable due to the limitations of MIUI.

Enable Wi-Fi on both devices|Turn off the power saving mode|Charge your phones at least 30 times%|Make sure there is enough memory on your new phone|Allow installation from unknown sources-->

4. Use of third-party software (Swift Backup, Titanium Backup)

For advanced users who need to migrate all application data (including settings, cache and saves), specialized utilities are suitable.

• 🛠️ Swift Backup (requires root rights for full backup, but works without them for some data).
• 🔧 Titanium Backup (Old, but Supports Old Android 8-10 Models).
• 📦 App Backup & Restore (Simple Interface but Limited Functionality).

Example of Swift Backup:

1. Install the program on an old phone from Google Play or.apk file.
2. Run backup: Select apps → press Backup → wait for completion.
3. Transfer the archive to your new phone (via USB, cloud, or Mi Share).
4. Install Swift Backup on your new device and recover data via Restore.

⚠️ Note: Without root rights, some apps (such as WhatsApp or banking programs) may not recover data due to Android restrictions, in which case only manual backup through chat export or cloud sync will help.

5. Transfer over PC (ADB or file manager)

For users who prefer to work through a computer, there are two reliable methods: using ADB (for advanced users) or simple copypaste through the File Manager.

Method 1: Through a file manager (without root)

• 🖥️ Connect your old phone to your PC via USB (Select the File Transfer Mode).
• 📂 Go to the folder. /data/app (You may need to enable the display of hidden files. Copy folders with the names of the desired applications (format: com.example.app-1).
• 📲 Connect the new phone and paste the files into the same folder. Reboot the device.

Method 2: ADB (requires USB debugging)

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


adb restore backup.ab

This team creates a full backup of all the apps and their data on the PC, and then restores them to a new phone. Read more about setting up ADB in the FAQ.

⚠️ Note: When copying through /data/app Some system applications may fail due to signature mismatch MIUI. In this case, only a clean installation through Google Play will help.

6. Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

If you have a stable Internet, you can use cloud storage, which is universal, but it depends on download/download speed.

Algorithm of action:

1. Archive on your old phone. APK-Files and application data (e.g., via Swift Backup or manually via File Manager).
2. Upload the archive to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk.
3. On the new phone, download the archive and unpack it, then install the applications through the File Manager.

Send Anywhere, which generates a temporary link to transfer files without registration, is suitable for automating the process, the main advantage is the absence of size restrictions (unlike Mi Cloud, where only 5 GB is available for free).

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving apps to Xiaomi

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For the fullest possible portability, combine methods: use Mi Account for core applications, Swift Backup for data, and ADB for system utilities.