How to transfer WhatsApp to Xiaomi smartphone: all ways 2026

Transferring WhatsApp to Xiaomi’s new smartphone is a challenge that every user faces when changing devices. Even if you’re switching from another Android gadget or iPhone, the process requires attention to detail, from backing up to properly restoring data. In this article, we’ll look at all the current portability methods, including official methods from Meta and alternative solutions for MIUI 14/15.

Xiaomi’s customized MIUI shell is a feature that sometimes makes adjustments to standard procedures. For example, some models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) may require additional permissions to access backup files.

Importantly, if you move from iOS to Xiaomi, the process will be different from porting between Android devices, and we’ve set up a separate section for iPhone users, where we’ve detailed all the steps, including bypassing Apple’s data export restrictions.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

Before proceeding with the transfer, make sure that the key conditions are met:

• 📱 Update WhatsApp on old and new devices to the latest version (check in Google Play or App Store).
• 🔋 The battery charge of both smartphones should be at least 50% – the process can take up to 30 minutes.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi) as backups can weigh several gigabytes.
• 🔐 Password from Apple ID (If you are transferring from an iPhone or Google account (for Android).

On Xiaomi devices, it is also recommended to:

• 🛠️ Disable battery optimization for WhatsApp in Settings → Annexes → Battery management → Choice of applications.
• 📁 Allow access to files for Google Drive (if you use cloud redundancy) in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits → Permit management.

⚠️ Note: If the new Xiaomi already has WhatsApp installed and you were logged in to your account, be sure to delete the app and clear its data through Settings → Annexes → WhatsApp → Warehouse → Clear the data. Otherwise, the backup recovery may result in an error.

2. port WhatsApp between Android devices (including Xiaomi)

The most reliable way is to use Google Drive, but it has limitations, such as backups that are created only when you connect to Wi-Fi and do not include media files if they weigh more than 15 MB. The alternative is local backup to a memory card or internal memory.

Method 1: Through Google Drive (recommended)

1. Backup on your old phone: Open WhatsApp → ⋮ (menu) → Settings → chat → Backup.Click Create a copy and wait until it is completed (may take up to 10 minutes).

Install WhatsApp on Xiaomi:

• Download the app from Google Play.
• When you first start, enter the same phone number as on the old device.
• When a recovery request appears, select Restore from Google Drive.

Alternative method (for all devices)

If the official method doesn’t work, use third-party tools like Backuptrans or Dr.Fone:

• 🖥️ Install the program on your computer and connect both phones.
• 📤 Export data from your iPhone to a backup file.
• 📥 Import data to Xiaomi by following the program instructions.

⚠️ Note: Third-party programs may request access to personal data, use only proven tools (for example, Backuptrans from the official website) and disconnect the Internet during the transfer to avoid leakage of information.

4. Solving common errors in transfer

Even if you follow the instructions, Xiaomi users may encounter problems, and the following are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If the error is not listed in the table, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📶 Change your Wi-Fi network to mobile internet (or vice versa).
• 📋 Check date and time on Xiaomi – incorrect settings can block recovery.