Xiaomi to Xiaomi: Full Guide 2026

Porting apps between Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter MIUI limitations, compatibility issues, or sudden errors in the process. Even if both devices are from the same manufacturer, differences in firmware versions, processor architecture (ARM64 vs ARMv7) or security settings can turn a routine operation into a multi-hour battle with the system.

This article will not just list the portability options, but it will take a look at the pros and cons of each method, explain why Mi Mover sometimes refuses to work, and show you how to get around the limitations of MIUI without rooting. We have tested all the options described below on devices from Redmi Note 12 Pro+ to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, so the instructions are relevant for modern models. If you are planning to change your smartphone in the Xiaomi ecosystem, save this page for bookmarks.

1.Official method: Mi Mover (plusses and pitfalls)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary data migration tool, which is set by default on all devices with MIUI 9 and later, and promises to port not only apps, but also SMS, photos, contacts and even system settings.

• 🔄 Not all applications are portable – some (e.g. banking or with a bank account) DRM-protection will have to be installed manually.
• 📱 Restriction by version MIUI — if on an old smartphone MIUI 12, and on the new one. MIUI 14, compatibility errors may occur.
• 🔌 Connection requirements – both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or connected by cable OTG.
• 🛑 Blocking on some models, for example, on POCO F5 Mi Mover may not see the old device with global firmware.

To avoid common mistakes, follow this algorithm:

1. On both smartphones, open Settings → About Phone → Mi Mover (or find the app through search).
2. Select a role: on the old device - "Sender", on the new - "Receiver".
3. Connect to a single Wi-Fi network or connect devices with a cable (the original USB-C from Xiaomi is recommended).
4. On an old smartphone, tick the data for transfer (including “Apps”) and click “Send”.

Make sure that the new device has enough memory (at least 20% more than the old one)

Turn off VPNs and firewalls on both smartphones

Charge both devices to at least 50%

Check that the new smartphone has the latest version of the Mi Mover (update via Google Play if needed)-->

Critical feature: Mi Mover does not transfer application data (for example, save in games or configure messengers).This will require a separate backup through Google Account or third-party tools.

2.Move through Google Account (for apps from Play Market)

If you use apps from Google Play, the most reliable way to port them is to sync them through your Google account, which works even if one of the devices is not from Xiaomi, but has limitations:

• 📱 Only apps from Play Market — APK-Manually installed files (e.g., via.apk) are not synced.
• 🔄 Not all settings will be saved – for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp you will have to manually restore chats from the backup.
• 🛑 Android version restriction – if the new Android 14 smartphone and the old Android 10, some applications may not recover.

Instructions for transfer:

1. On an old smartphone, open Settings → Google → Backup and enable “Google Drive Backup”.
2. Make sure that the Application Data section includes backup for the desired programs.
3. On the new device, when you first turn on, select “Recover Data” and log in to the same Google account.
4. If your smartphone is already set up, go to Settings → Google → Backup → Restore data.

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Before you restore, check if there is enough space on the new device. If the backup weighs 15 GB and only 10 GB is free, the process will stop in the middle.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (without Google services), this method will not work. APK.

Manual transfer APK-Files (for experienced users)

If Mi Mover refuses to work and Google Account is not suitable (for example, due to the lack of Play Market), you can transfer applications manually through the Internet. APK-This is a way that takes longer, but gives you complete control of the process.

You'll need:

• 📱 Two Xiaomi smartphones (old and new).
• 🔌 USB-cable OTG-adapter.
• 💻 Computer (optional, but convenient for mass transfer).
• 📂 File Manager (e.g. Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).

Step-by-step:

1. Export APK from your old smartphone: Install the APK Extractor app (available on the Play Market). Open it, select the apps you want, and click Export. Files will be saved to /SDCard/ExtractedApks/.
2. Transfer files to a new smartphone: Copy the APK folder to your computer (via USB) or directly to your new smartphone (via OTG/Bluetooth). On the new device, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Install unknown applications.

Installation of applications:

• Open the file manager, find the APK folder, and install each application manually.
• For mass installation, use APK Installer (available in the Play Market).

This method is only suitable for keeping the application list – the actual portability of APK and data will require additional actions (see sections above).

5. ADB portability (for advanced users)

If you are ready to work with the command line, ADB (Android Debug Bridge allows you to move apps along with their data. USB-Debugging and basic command line knowledge, but gives maximum control.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Transfer applications with data (for example, save in games).
• 📱 It works on all versions. MIUI Android.
• 🛠️ Only the necessary applications can be selectively transferred.
• Export of the list of applications from an old smartphone: adb shell pm list packages -f | grep "/data/app" | sed 's/package://g' | awk '{print $2}' > apps.txt This command stores a list of all user applications in the application.txt file.
• Portage of APK and data: adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all On the screen of the smartphone will be a request to create a backup - confirm and set a password (optional).
• Recovery on the new smartphone: adb restore backup.ab

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ADB-The backup doesn't just carry APK, But also application data (e.g. save in games or set up instant messengers), but some applications (e.g. banking) may block the recovery of their data through the use of a mobile app. ADB.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Viber) store data in secure folders that are not portable through the app. ADB. They will need a separate backup inside the app itself.

6. Transfer applications from Chinese firmware (without Google)

If your Xiaomi is running on Chinese firmware (without Google services), standard portability techniques may not work.

• 📱 Mi Mover (works on Chinese firmware, but with restrictions).
• 🔄 Manual transfer APK (see section 3).
• 🌐 Third-party launchers (such as APKPure or Aptoide) to restore the application list.

Features of Chinese firmware:

• There is no Google Play Market – all apps are installed through the Mi App Store or manually.
• There is no backup in Google Drive – use Mi Cloud or local backup.
• Some apps (such as Gmail or YouTube) will have to be installed via APK.

If you plan to switch from Chinese firmware to global (or vice versa), first do a full backup via TWRP (if there are root rights) or Mi Mover. After changing the firmware, restore data from the backup.

7. Solving typical transfer problems

Even if you follow the instructions, you may encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting your new device and repeat the transfer. In extreme cases, you can use Titanium Backup (root rights required) or contact the Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app portability