How to transfer programs from Android to Xiaomi smartphone: the full guide 2026

Why migrating apps to Xiaomi requires a special approach

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI They have a unique storage architecture that's different from pure Android, even if you copy. APK-Application files from another device, they may not be installed due to:

MIUI Signatures: The system checks the integrity of installation packages through its own certificates.

Google Play Protect Restrictions: New devices block APK installation from unknown sources

Xiaomi Service Dependence: Some applications (such as Mi Fit or Mi Home) require prior authorization in the Xiaomi Account ecosystem.

In this article, 5 proven ways to port programs with MIUI 14/15 features, including bypassing restrictions for devices with a locked bootloader. All methods are tested on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F5 models.

Method 1: Mi Mover is the official tool of Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a built-in data migration application that automatically transfers not only programs, but also their settings, accounts and even game data (for example, progress in Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings). MIUI 9+.

How to use:

• 📱 Install Mi Mover on both devices (available from Google Play or App Gallery for older models).
• 🔗 Connect your smartphones to a single 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (5GHz!).
• 📲 On the old phone, select “I am the sender” and on the new Xiaomi, “I am the receiver".
• 🔄 Confirm the transfer of data through QR-code and select the category "Applications".

Shut down. VPN both-device|Battery charge >50%|Free space on Xiaomi ≥ data transferability|Access to the Internet only via Wi-Fi (disable mobile data)-->

⚠️ Note: Mi Mover does not port system applications (such as Google Chrome or YouTube) or programs with a DRM-Protection (Netflix, Disney)+). They will need a manual installation.

Method 2: Manual transfer APK-file

If the Mi Mover failed (for example, it did not move). VK Music or Tinkoff Bank, can be copied APK-- Manual files:

1. On your old phone, install APK Extractor (available on Google Play).
2. Select the desired applications and export them to the folder (for example, /Download/APK_Backup).
3. Transfer files to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct or cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).
4. On Xiaomi, enable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.

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Before installing the APK, check its hash amount through the Hash Droid app – this will protect against fake files with viruses.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 and some of the blocked loader APK (For example, modified versions of Spotify or YouTube Premium may not be installed due to verification of the signature of Mi Verify:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (risk of loss of warranty!).
• 🛠️ Installation through ADB with the team: adb install -r -t --fastdeploy path/folder/app.apk

Method 3: Transfer through Google Account (for apps from Play Market)

If the apps were installed from Google Play, they can be restored through your Google account:

1. On the new Xiaomi, log in to the same Google account as on your old phone.
2. Open Google Play → Library → Installed
3. Click "Install" next to the desired programs.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Automatic update of applications.
• 🔒 Safety: All APK Google-checked.
• 📱 Synchronize data (for example, bookmarks in Chrome or notes in Google Keep).

Limitations:

• ❌ Doesn't work for APK, installed outside of Google Play (for example, via APKPure or Aptoide).
• ❌ Application settings are not transferred (except those that are synced through the cloud).

Mi Mover|Manual transfer APK|Google Account|Other-->

Method 4: Using Titanum Backup (for root users)

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and root rights, Titanium Backup will allow you to transfer:

• 📦 Full app backups along with data (e.g., chat histories on Telegram or WhatsApp).
• 🔧 System application settings.
• 🎮 Game savers (including offline games like Minecraft or Brawl Stars).

Instructions:

1. Install Titanium Backup on both devices.
2. On your old phone, back up your desired applications (.tar.gz format).
3. Transfer files to Xiaomi (for example, via FX File Explorer with root support).
4. Restore data via Titanium Backup on your new device.

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Titanium Backup is the only way to migrate application data without cloud synchronization (e.g., local databases 1Password or Evernote).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14/15 After recovery through Titanium Backup, errors in the Google Services Framework may occur:

1. Before restoring, turn off Auto Sync in your Google account settings.
2. After recovery, restart the device in Safe Mode (press the power button → “Reboot in Safe Mode”).

Method 5: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to copy applications along with their data even without root rights.The method works on all Xiaomi devices, but requires a connection to a PC.

Steps:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer (download from the official website).
2. Enable USB Debugging on both phones: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your old phone to your PC and execute the command to create a backup: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab
4. Connect Xiaomi and recover data: adb restore backup.ab

ADB limitations:

• ❌ Not all apps support backup through ADB (For example, Snapchat or Fortnite).
• ❌ Data from certain games (e.g, PUBG Mobile may not recover due to DRM.

1. Update drivers via Mi PC Suite.

2. switch USB connection mode to File Manager (MTP).

3. Use the original Xiaomi cable (cheap cables often do not support data transfer).-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When migrating applications to Xiaomi, users face typical problems:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with regional firmware (e.g, MIUI Global vs MIUI China) some applications (e.g. Google Pay or Netflix) may not work even after a successful port:

• 🌍 Check the region in Settings → Additionally. → Region.
• 🔄 Switch to the switch. MIUI Global via Mi Flash Tool (requires unlocking the bootloader).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions