How to transfer applications from Xiaomi to Samsung Galaxy: 5 proven ways

Introduction

The transition from Xiaomi to Samsung Galaxy is not just a brand change, it's a complete migration of the digital ecosystem. Even if you keep the same apps, their settings, account data and personal files rarely move automatically, many users face the problem that there are installed programs, but the progress in games, chat history or saved passwords have disappeared.

In this article, we will analyze 5 working methods for porting applications - from official tools (Samsung Smart Switch) to manual methods using cloud services and ADB. Particular attention will be paid to saving data inside applications (for example, game achievements or messenger settings), since they are most often lost when switching between Android devices from different manufacturers.

Important: the porting process depends on the version of MIUI on Xiaomi and One UI on Samsung. If your Galaxy runs Android 12 and later, some features (such as app cloning) may be limited by Google policies. Check the OS version in the Settings menu → About Phone → Android version.

1.Official method: Samsung Smart Switch

Samsung Smart Switch is a proprietary data migration solution that supports porting not only contacts and photos, but also some applications. However, there is a nuance: the program does not copy all installed APKs, but only those that are available on Google Play on a new device.

To move applications through Smart Switch:

• 📱 Install Smart Switch on both smartphones (available for Xiaomi via Google Play).
• 🔌 Connect the devices via cable (original recommended) USB-C from Samsung or via Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📋 On Xiaomi, select the category "Apps" in the list of data to transfer.
• ⚙️ Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 30 minutes depending on the number of programs).

The limitations of Smart Switch:

• ❌ Does not transfer data of Xiaomi system applications (for example, Mi Fit, Mi Home).
• ❌ Does not save settings for some games (e.g. progress in Genshin Impact or Clash of Clans).
• ❌ Can skip apps installed from.apk (outside Google Play).

💡

If Smart Switch doesn’t see your Xiaomi, try to turn on Debugging by USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times on the line "Version" MIUI", Then go back to the settings. → Additionally. → For developers).

2. Backup through Google Account

Syncing with Google Account is a universal way to migrate, but it doesn't work with all apps. Google saves by default:

• 📱 List of installed applications (will be asked to install them again on Samsung).
• 🔑 Data of some programs (if the developer supports Android Backup Service).
• 📝 System settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, language preferences).

How to enable backup on Xiaomi:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Activate the switch "Backup to Google Drive".
3. Click on "Create a backup now."

On Samsung Galaxy, after logging into the same Google account:

1. When you first start up, the system will offer to restore data.
2. If you missed this step, go to Settings → Accounts and Archiving → Data Recovery.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi has disabled access to Google Play Services (for example, on custom firmware), backup will not work. → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Services.

3. Transfer through APK-extractor and manual installation

If you need to migrate all applications without exception (including those installed from.apk), you can manually extract them. APK-files from Xiaomi and install them on Samsung:

• 📲 Annex APK Extractor (or analogues: App Backup & Restore).
• 💾 Memory on Samsung for storage APK (cloud-storage).
• ⚙️ Permission to install from unknown sources (Settings) → Security → Install unknown applications).

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi, open an APK Extractor and select the export apps.
2. Save it. APK-file-to-folder (e.g, Download/APK_Backup).
3. Transfer files to Samsung via cable, Bluetooth, or cloud.
4. On Galaxy, open each APK through the file manager and install.

Make sure that the Android version on Samsung is compatible with the app|Check hash sums APK Viruses (via VirusTotal)|Do not install system APK from Xiaomi, for example, MiuiHome.apk)|Create a recovery point on Samsung before mass installation-->

Important: Some applications (such as banking) are tied to a unique device identifier (IMEI), and once installed manually on a new smartphone, they may require re-authorization or block access altogether.

4. data transfer within applications (games, messengers, social networks)

Many programs store data on their servers, not locally, so as not to lose progress:

For locally saved games like Minecraft or Stardew Valley, you'll have to manually copy your save files, which are usually in folders:

• 📁 /Android/data/[play-off]/files
• 📁 /Android/obb/[play-off]

⚠️ Note: If the game uses cheating protection (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile, manual copying of saves can lead to a ban of the account.

5. ADB portability (for power users)

If you need to migrate all applications along with their data and settings, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires command line skills, but allows you to copy even system applications.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer installed ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB both-device.
• 🔌 Cables. USB (preferably original).

Transfer commands:

Connect Xiaomi and do:


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




Disable Xiaomi, connect Samsung and restore:



adb restore xiaomi_backup.ab

ADB limitations:

• ❌ Not all applications support backup through ADB (It depends on the android:allowBackup flag in the manifesto).
• ❌ On Samsung with One UI 4.0+ You may need to disable Knox (this will void the warranty!).
• ❌ Data from some system applications (such as Samsung Pay) is not restored.

💡

ADB is the most powerful tool for full porting, but requires technical knowledge. For most users, a combination of Smart Switch + Google backup is enough.

6.Alternative methods: cloud services and third-party utilities

If the standard methods are not suitable, you can use third-party solutions:

• 🌥️ Cloud services: 📁 Google Drive + Titanium Backup (requires root). 📁 Dropbox or OneDrive for manual transfer APK data.
• 🔄 Third-party utilities: 📱 Clone App (Cloned Apps, but Not Always Powered by Samsung). 📱 Helium (formerly Carbon) is a rootless Titanium Backup alternative.
• 🔧 For corporate users: 📱 VMware Workspace ONE Microsoft Intune (if the device is operated by the company).

When using third-party utilities, pay attention to:

• 🔒 Security: Some programs require root access, which can disrupt the Samsung Knox.
• 💰 Paid Features: For example, Titanium Backup only offers full functionality in the Pro version.
• 📱 Compatibility: Check if the utility supports your Samsung model (especially for flagships with One) UI 5.0+).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When migrating apps from Xiaomi to Samsung, users face typical problems:

1. Applications are not installed on Samsung: 🔹 Check the processor architecture (some of which are APK collected only for arm64 or x86). 🔹 Make sure there is enough room in the Galaxy section /data. 🔹 Turn off Play Protect in Google Play (temporarily) if it blocks installation.
2. Application data has not recovered: 🔹 For games, check your account binding (e.g., in Google Play Games). 🔹 For instant messengers, use the built-in export/import (for example, WhatsApp: Settings) → chat → Backup copy).

Smart Switch doesn't see Xiaomi:

• 🔹 Update your Smart Switch to the latest version.
• 🔹 Try another cable or port. USB PC-only.
• 🔹 Enable File Transfer Mode (MTP) Xiaomi.

If applications are unstable after transfer (for example, they fly out or do not open), try:

• 🔄 Clear the application cache (Settings) → Annexes → [name] → Memory. → Clear the cache).
• 🔄 Reinstall the app from Google Play (even if it’s already installed).
• 🔄 Reset permission settings for the application (Settings) → Annexes → [name] → Permits → Drop it).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions