How to Transfer Applications from Xiaomi to Xiaomi with All Settings and Data

Moving to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but migrating all apps, settings and personal data can turn into a nightmare if you don’t know the right tools. Some programs are not restored, settings are reset, and some files disappear altogether. In this article, we will discuss all working methods of migration - from standard functions to the basic ones. MIUI Advanced technical solutions that guarantee 100% lossless data transfer.

The Xiaomi ecosystem has a few built-in synchronization tools, but not all of them work perfectly. For example, cloud backup through Mi Account is limited in scope, and the function of Cloning applications in Settings. → We tested all the methods on models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra and found the only reliable way to transfer that works even when changing the version. MIUI or switching between different series (e.g., with Redmi on the POCO).

It's important to understand that just copying the application folder through the explorer is not enough, it's going to cause malfunctions in the software. APK-files, but also user data (/data/data/), cache, account settings, and even some system files, and below you'll find step-by-step instructions for each scenario, including manually porting through the system. ADB, Use of third-party utilities and circumvention of restrictions MIUI.

Preparation for the transfer: what to do before the migration begins

Before proceeding with the transfer, make sure both devices are ready for the procedure.Missing this stage can result in data loss or incomplete recovery.

On an old smartphone you need:

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50% (when using cable transfer, the discharge may interrupt the process).
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (for cloud backup) or use the original Wi-Fi network USB-cable (for direct cloning).
• 🔑 Sign in to the same Mi Account on both devices (critical for synchronizing purchases and app licenses).
• 📁 Release at least 2-3 GB of free space on both phones (temporary backup files take up a lot of space).

On the new smartphone:

• 📱 Complete the initial setup before the desktop appears (do not miss the step of entering the Mi Account).
• 🔄 Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → System update (different firmware versions may conflict during transfer).
• 🚫 Disable battery optimization for Mi Mover and Google Play Services apps in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, standard port methods may not work. TWRP (instruction).

2. Standard method: cloning through Mi Mover

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s official app for direct data transfer between devices, pre-installed on all smartphones with a mobile phone. MIUI 9 and newer. This method is suitable for most users, as it does not require technical skills and carries the necessary requirements:

• 📱 Annexes (including) APK user data).
• 📞 Contacts, messages, call log.
• 📸 Photos, videos and music (if stored in standard folders) DCIM, Pictures).
• ⚙️ The main settings of the system (wallpaper, sound schemes, screen brightness).

Step-by-step:

1. On the new smartphone, open the Mi Mover app (you will find it in the Tools folder or through search).
2. Select I get the data → Android.
3. On the old phone, run Mi Mover and select I send data → scan QR-code from the new device.
4. Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network or connect them via the same Wi-Fi network USB-OTG adapter (to accelerate the transfer).
5. Select data to transfer (we recommend marking all points) and click Start.
6. Wait until the process is complete (it can take 10 to 40 minutes depending on the amount of data).

⚠️ Warning: If during the transfer there is an error "Can not connect", check that both phones are enabled Developer Mode and disabled the option "Debugging by" USB Only when you connect charging" in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times).

Charge both phones up to 50%+

Connect to a single Wi-Fi network

Log in to one Mi Account account

Free up 3GB of space on a new phone

Disable battery optimization for Mi Mover-->

3. Cloud backup: pros and cons

If direct porting via Mi Mover is not available for some reason (for example, you do not have cable or phones of different brands), you can use cloud backup via Mi Account. This method is convenient because it does not require physical connection of devices, but has a number of limitations:

Advantages:

• 🌐 It works via the Internet (no cable required).
• 🔄 Data can be restored to multiple devices.
• 📅 Automatic backups (if configured in Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup).

Disadvantages:

• 📉 Volume limit: free only 5 GB (to increase you need to buy a subscription Mi Cloud)+).
• ⏳ Slow download/unload speed with a large amount of data.
• 🚫 Not all apps are restored with data (for example, WhatsApp or banking apps require a separate backup).

How to make a backup to the cloud:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Click Create a backup and select the data to save.
3. Wait for the process to be completed (may take several hours with a large volume).
4. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account and recover data from the cloud in the same menu.

For applications, the cloud backup does not work perfectly: only those programs that were installed through Google Play or Mi App Store are restored. APK, You'll have to carry it manually.

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If you don’t have much space in Mi Cloud, remove old backups from the Mi Cloud menu before backing up. → Backup → Control: You can also temporarily disable the reservation of unnecessary data (e.g., call records or notes).

4.Move over Google Account: an alternative way

If you don’t want to use Xiaomi services, you can use Google’s built-in backup feature, which is suitable for porting:

• 📱 List of installed applications (but not their data!).
• 📞 Contacts, calendars and notes (if synced with Google Account).
• 📍 Wi-Fi settings and some system settings.
• 🎮 Progress in games (if the games support Google Play Games).

How to enable backup in Google:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Enable the option to Backup in Google Drive and click Create Backup Now.
3. On the new phone, when you first set up, select Restore Data from a Google backup and log in to the same account.

It is important to understand that this method does not tolerate:

• 📁 Application data (for example, saves in games, settings of messengers).
• 📸 Photos and videos (should be synced separately via Google Photos).
• 🔊 Sound files and downloads.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with global firmware (MIUI Global, but bought apps from the Chinese store (Mi App Store) CN), They won't recover through Google Backup, and you'll have to use Mi Mover or manual portability.

5. Manual backup through TWRP (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, when switching from custom firmware or after resetting settings), you can use a full backup through the TWRP. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and installed recovery, but guarantees 100% transfer of all data, including:

• 📱 All installed applications with data (/data/app).
• ⚙️ All system settings (/data/data).
• 📁 Internal memory (/data/media/0).
• 📶 Network and module settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IMEI).

Step-by-step:

1. Install. TWRP Recovery on both phones (see instructions for your model) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
2. On your old phone, load into TWRP (clamp down on power. + Loudness up).
3. Go to Backup and select the backup partitions: Boot System Data Internal Storage (optional if you need to move files)
4. Connect. USB-drive or formatted microSD and save the backup to it.
5. On your new phone, load in. TWRP, Connect the drive with a backup and select Restore.
6. Restore the Data and Internal Storage partitions (Boot and System recovery is not required if the versions are not available). MIUI match).

Warnings:

• 🚨 Don’t restore the system to a new Xiaomi model – it will lead to bootloop.
• 🔐 After Data recovery, you may need to reset the pattern lock via adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key.
• 📱 If the new phone is on a newer version MIUI, Some applications may not be running (requires updates).

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Backup through TWRP — The only way to transfer all data without exception, including system settings and secure files, however, the method requires an unlocked bootloader and technical skills.

6. Transfer of specific data: messengers, games, passwords

Some applications require special attention because their data is not carried by standard methods.

📱 WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber:

• For WhatsApp, use the built-in backup in Settings → chat → Backup (save to Google Drive or locally).
• In Telegram, all chats and media files are synchronized automatically when you log in to your account.
• For Viber, make a backup in Settings → Account. → Backup.

🎮 Playing with progress:

• Games from Google Play (such as Clash of Clans) are synced through Google Play Games.
• For Chinese games (such as Genshin Impact), use the backup via Mi Account or manually copy the folder. /Android/obb.
• Emulators (e.g., emulators, PPSSPP) store data /Android/data/Org.ppsspp.ppsspp – transfer this folder manually.

🔐 Passwords and authorizations:

• Google Smart Lock passwords are automatically synced.
• If you used Xiaomi Password Manager, export passwords to the file via Settings → Passwords. → Exports.
• Banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) may require re-authorization by SMS.

7. Post-transfer problems and their solutions

Even after a successful transfer, problems can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

📱 Applications do not launch or fly out:

• Update apps through Google Play or Mi App Store.
• Clear the app's cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [name] → Clear the cache.
• If the problem persists, uninstall and install the app again.

⚙️ Settings do not apply:

• Restart the phone – some parameters apply only after the reboot.
• Check if permissions for applications have been reset in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits.

📶 Network problems (Wi-Fi, mobile Internet):

• Remove saved networks in Settings → Wi-Fi and connect again.
• Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• If the mobile internet is not working, check it out. APN-operator settings.

🔋 Fast battery discharge after transfer:

• It's normal first time. 2-3 The system indexes the transferred data.
• Check the activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Battery use.
• Turn off autosynchronization for unnecessary applications.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to warm or brake a lot after the transfer, check if the data recovery processes are running in the background. → The phone. → Status of the system → Processes and Forced Stop Unnecessary Tasks.

8. Alternative programs for data transfer

If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't suit, you can use third-party utilities. Here are the proven options:

📱 Titanum Backup (requires root):

• Creates full backups of data applications.
• Supports the automatic backup schedule.
• Can port system applications and settings.

🔹 Disadvantage: It only works on rooted devices.

📱 Clone App (for duplicate applications):

• Allows you to clone apps (e.g., have two WhatsApp accounts).
• It doesn't require root rights.
• Supports data transfer between clones.

🔹 Disadvantage: does not transfer data to another phone.

📱 Swift Backup (alternative to Titanium Backup):

• It works without root on Android 9+ (use ADB Backup).
• Supports cloud sync with Google Drive.
• It can retrieve data selectively.

🔹 Disadvantages: some applications (for example, banking) are not backed up.

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

This will allow the program to access backup.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability to Xiaomi