Transferring apps between Android devices seems like a simple task — until you encounter the features of Xiaomi’s MIUI firmware. Unlike “pure” Android, Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones often block APK installation from unknown sources, restrict background processes and use their own backup mechanisms. This article will help avoid typical mistakes, from losing data to not being able to run migrated programs.
We’ll look at all the current ways, from the official Mi Mover tool to manual transfer via ADB, taking into account the nuances of MIUI 14 and later. Particular attention will be paid to saving these applications (for example, progress in games or setting up messengers), since standard methods of synchronization through Google Account often ignore them. If you move from a smartphone of another brand (Samsung, Huawei, OnePlus), here you will find solutions to circumvent the restrictions of Xiaomi.
We warn you right away: the transfer of some system applications (for example, branded launchers or services from the manufacturer) can lead to conflicts with MIUI and unstable operation of the device.
1.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi
Mi Mover is a built-in data migration solution that Xiaomi has positioned as universal, which supports porting not only apps, but also contacts, messages, photos. However, there are nuances: the tool does not work with all Android models and may miss data from some applications (such as WhatsApp or banking programs).
To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:
- 📱 On an old smartphone: download Mi Mover from Google Play (if it is not in the firmware.
- 🔗 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. Open Mi Mover on both phones.
- 📲 On the old phone, select "I am the sender," on the new phone, "I am the receiver." Scan. QR-screen code from the new Xiaomi.
- 📋 Select data to transfer (required to mark "Applications.
Important: Mi Mover only tolerates APK-Application files, but not always save their data. For example, game cache or messenger settings may not be transmitted. For critical applications (for example, Telegram or Viber), it is better to use their built-in backup functions.
⚠️ Note: If your old phone has custom firmware installed (like LineageOS), Mi Mover may not recognize it as a compatible device.
2. Transfer through Google Account: Pros and Limitations
Syncing through Google Account is the most universal way, but with serious limitations for Xiaomi.
- On your old phone: go to Settings → Google → Backup and enable “Google Drive Backup”.
- On the new Xiaomi: When you first turn on, select “Recover Data” and log in to the same Google account.
- Wait until the recovery is complete. Apps will start installing automatically from Google Play.
Problems with this method:
- 🚫 Not tolerated. APK-files – only those apps that are available on Google Play are installed (for example, if you had an app from APKMirror, it won’t recover).
- 📱 Application data (such as saving in games) is only restored if the developer supports Android Backup Service. Many programs (including Instagram or TikTok) ignore this feature.
- ⚙️ On Xiaomi MIUI You may need to manually allow the installation of apps from Google Play in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Store → Permits.
| Mode of transfer | Move APK. | Stores application data | It works without the internet. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | ✅ Yes. | ❌ Partially. | ✅ Yes (on Wi-Fi Direct) |
| Google Account | ❌ No (only from Play Store) | ❌ Depends on the app. | ❌ No. |
| Handheld APK transfer | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No, only. APK) | ✅ Yes. |
| Titanium Backup (root) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
Manual transfer APK-file-box
If Mi Mover and Google Account are not suitable, you can manually copy it. APK-Application files and install them on Xiaomi:
- On an old phone: download APK Extractor (like App Backup & Restore from Google Play).
- Select Export Applications and Save Them APK-file-to-folder (e.g, Download/APK_Backup).
- Transfer files to the new Xiaomi via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct or cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
- On Xiaomi: Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special permissions → Install unknown applications (select the file manager you will install through).
- Open up, everyone. APK-file and install.
Advantages of the method: it works without the Internet and does not depend on firmware compatibility.
- 🔄 Apps will not be updated (they will have to be manually updated through Google Play).
- 📁 Application data (such as logins or game progress) is not portable.
- ⚠️ Some of them APK They may not be allowed due to restrictions. MIUI third-party.
Download APK Extractor to an old phone
Export APKs of all required applications
Transfer files to Xiaomi (via cloud or cable)
Allow installation from unknown sources in MIUI
Install APK via file manager-->
⚠️ Attention: If during installation APK Error "Application not installed", check: version compatibility APK firmware MIUI (for example, APK Android 12 may not work on Android 13. App duplicate (remove it before installing) File Manager permissions (in MIUI Some managers, such as Files by Google, are blocked by default).
4.Save-of-data transfer: Titanium Backup (root required)
If both phones have root rights, Titanium Backup is the most powerful tool for porting apps with their data, and it copies not only APKs, but also:
- 📁 App settings (such as WhatsApp themes or game accounts).
- 💾 Cash and temporary files.
- 🔑 Licenses and authorization data (for example, for paid applications).
Instructions:
- Install Titanium Backup on both phones (root required).
- On your old phone: back up your desired apps (select “Backup all user apps + data”).
- Transfer the backup file (Titanium Backup folder) to the new Xiaomi.
- On a new phone: Recover data via Titanium Backup.
Important: MIUI can block Titanium Backup due to built-in limitations on background processes.
- 🛡️ Disable "Battery Optimization" for the application in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Titanium Backup → Battery.
- 🔧 Allow all permissions manually (including "Changing System Settings").
What if Titanium Backup doesn’t see root?
5. ADB Transfer: For Power Users
If root is not available, but you need to migrate application data, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a PC and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI.
Steps:
- On both phones, turn on "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
- Connect your old phone to your PC and execute the command to create a backup: adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all (enter a password for encryption if required).
- Connect the new Xiaomi and recover the data: adb restore backup.ab
Limitations of the method:
- 🔌 Not all apps support backup through ADB (Facebook or Snapseed can block data recovery).
- 📡 The process may be interrupted due to restrictions MIUI on background activity (turn off "Optimization" MIUI" developer-setting).
- 🔐 If the backup is encrypted and you forgot the password, it will be impossible to restore the data.
💡
If ADB does not recognize Xiaomi device, install official Mi PC Suite drivers or manually update the driver through Windows Device Manager (select "Update drivers → Search on this computer → Install from the list → Android ADB Interface").
6.Alternative methods: cloud services and third-party tools
If standard methods do not work, consider alternatives:
- 🌥️ Cloud app backups: Some programs (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Photos) have built-in backup features. Use them before transferring to a new phone.
- 📱 Third-party launchers: If you’re interested in desktop settings, export them through Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher (they save icon and widget layouts).
- 🔄 Cloning via PC: Programs like CloneApp or AppCloner allow you to duplicate applications with data, but require root or root. ADB.
For Xiaomi, it is especially useful:
- 📲 Mi Cloud: Xiaomi’s built-in cloud can save some app settings (such as themes or notes) but can’t handle it APK.
- 🔗 Send Anywhere: a convenient application for transferring large files (including: APK) between PC-free devices.
💡
For maximum compatibility, use a combination of methods: Mi Mover for basic applications + cloud backups for critical data (messengers, games) + manual installation of APK for rare programs.
7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
When migrating applications to Xiaomi, users often face the following problems:
- 🚫 "Application not installed: arises from version incompatibility APK firmware MIUI. Solution: Download the current version APK APKMirror.
- 🔒 Locking the installation: MIUI By default, you can't install from unknown sources.
- 📱 Loss of application data: if you do not use Titanium Backup or ADB, Data (e.g. saved in games) will not be migrated.Solution: check if the Google Drive Backup app supports.
- 🔄 System Application Conflicts: Shifting proprietary software from other vendors (such as Samsung Health) can cause errors in the software. MIUI. Solution: install analogues from Google Play.
Pay special attention to banking applications and messengers:
- 💳 SberBank Online, Tinkoff and other financial programs can block work on root devices or when transferring through the Internet. ADB. It is better to reinstall them through Google Play and log in again.
- 💬 For WhatsApp or Viber, use a built-in backup in Google Drive or a local backup (file) msgstore.db.crypt14).