Changing your smartphone is always stressful, especially when you need to save important data accumulated over the years using the previous device. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem often face difficulties when switching to Samsung devices, since preinstalled systems have different storage formats. The standard Mi Note uses a proprietary database that by default does not sync with a Google account as easily as notes on an iPhone or Google Keep.
But don't panic: modern technology allows you to migrate data in a number of efficient ways, you can use cloud services, local file export, or specialized software to clone your phone, and you need to choose a method that saves not only text, but also attachments, and folder structure.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at each method available, evaluate its pros and cons, and give you specific steps to perform the procedure. It is critical to understand that direct wireless transmission of Mi Note notes to Samsung Notes without an intermediate step is not possible in all versions of MIUI and One UI. So we will consider universal solutions that work consistently.
Google Keep as a universal bridge
The most reliable and secure way to migrate is to use Google Keep as an intermediate, pre-installed on most Android devices and delivers perfect cross-platform synchronization, and you don’t have to look for difficult export routes if you’re willing to spend a few minutes setting up the first setup.
The method is to first move all records from the native Mi Note app to Google Keep on the old phone, then log in to the same Google account on the new Samsung, and all records will appear automatically, ensuring that your data remains secure even in the event of loss or breakdown of any of the devices.
To implement this plan, you need to make sure that the Xiaomi device has installed and updated Google Keep. If the application is not available, it can be downloaded for free from the Play Market. After installation, open the Mi Note settings and check if there is a function “Export to Google Keep” or a similar import/export option.
- 📌 Open the Mi Note app and highlight all the necessary entries for the transfer.
- 📌 Select the option “Share” or “Export” in the Records Management menu.
- 📌 In the list of available apps, find and select the Google Keep logo.
- 📌 Wait for the sync to finish by checking for copies in the Keep app.
⚠️ Attention: When you export a lot of notes, the app can freeze temporarily. Don't force the process to close, let the system complete the operation.
Direct synchronization via Mi Cloud and web interface
The second popular method involves using cloud storage manufacturer Mi Cloud, which is convenient because it does not require the installation of additional intermediary applications, but it requires a stable Internet connection and a Mi Account account. If you have actively used synchronization before, your data may already be in the cloud.
To access your notes, you’ll need to access i.mi.com from any computer or your new Samsung phone directly via your browser. Once you log in to your Xiaomi account, you’ll have access to all your synchronized data, including contacts, a gallery, and most importantly, the Notes section.
The web interface allows you to view the contents of notes, copy text and download attachments. Although there is no automatic transfer in Samsung Notes, manual copypaste or save in TXT format is a reliable way of archiving, this is especially true if you need to transfer only text information without complex formatting.
For users who prefer to work with files, there is the option of exporting notes one at a time. When you open a specific entry in a web interface or app, you can find the "Export" or "Save as" button. Choose the.txt format for plain text or.html if it is important to keep bold and listings.
Export of notes in VNT and TXT format
The VNT file format is native to the Mi Note app, and contains not only text but also metadata such as creation time, tags and task status. However, Samsung devices cannot read the format natively without converting, so converting files to a universal view becomes a key step.
The process starts with exporting data on the Xiaomi phone itself, and you need to go to the Notes app settings and find the Notes Export option, and the system will suggest you choose a save path, usually an internal memory in a MIUI/notes folder or similar directory.
Once you have backup files, you have to transfer them to a new smartphone. USB-cable, connecting both phones to a computer, or sending the archive via messenger, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. On Samsung, these files will need to be opened using a special converter or text editor.
| File format | Compatibility | Keeps formatting | Recommended software |
|---|---|---|---|
| VNT | Only Xiaomi. | Yes (full) | Mi Note (original) |
| TXT | All devices. | No (text only) | Any text editor |
| HTML | Browsers, Samsung Notes | Yeah (basic) | Web browser, Word |
| All devices (reading) | Yes (as an image) | Adobe Reader, Gallery |
☑️ Preparation of files for transfer
Use of Samsung Smart Switch app
Samsung has developed a powerful migration solution called Smart Switch, an official app that allows you to transfer contacts, photos, music and, in some cases, notes from Android devices, and is the preferred tool for new Galaxy owners.
The process starts with installing the Smart Switch app on both devices, which is downloaded from the Play Market on Xiaomi, and is often pre-installed in the Samsung folder on Samsung, and then you have to choose the role of the device: Send data on the old phone and Receive data on the new phone.
The connection can be wirelessly established via Wi-Fi Direct or via a USB-C to USB-C cable (or adapter). The cable method is faster and more stable, especially if the amount of data being transmitted is large. In the content selection menu, make sure that the Notes or Memo option is (marked).
- 📲 Run Smart Switch on both smartphones and accept the terms of the agreement.
- 📲 Choose the type of connection: wireless or cable (cable is recommended).
- 📲 On the Xiaomi screen, allow data access and select the “Notes” category».
- 📲 Run the transfer and do not interrupt the connection until the success message appears.
⚠️ Note: Smart Switch may not recognize the proprietary Mi Note format, in which case the application will offer to save notes as text files or import them into Samsung Notes in a simplified form.
Third-party applications for data migration
If standard methods don't work, third-party developers come to the rescue. There are many tools in the Google Play store that specialize in converting and transferring data between different brands, and these programs often have more flexible settings than system tools.
One popular solution is to use converter apps that are specifically tailored to read the Mi Note database, which scans internal memory, finds.vnt files, and suggests converting them to a format that Samsung Notes or Google Keep understands.
When using third-party software, it is important to be careful and check the permissions that the program requests. Don't trust your personal records with applications with dubious reputations or a lot of advertising.
Once a third-party application is complete, it is recommended to manually check the sample notes for correctness of the display. Pay special attention to the attached images and audio recordings, as they are most often lost or damaged by automatic conversion.
Problem Solving and Frequent Errors
Even if all instructions are followed, users may encounter technical difficulties. The most common problem is time and date desynchronization. If Xiaomi and Samsung devices have different time zones or incorrect times, the order of notes may get confused, and some records may not update.
Another challenge is text encoding: When exporting to TXT, Russian-speaking users sometimes encounter "krakozyabr" instead of letters, this is solved by choosing to encode UTF-8 when saving or exporting files. If this is not the option, try using another method of porting.
Also worth mentioning is the problem of synchronization limits. Google Keep has a limit on the size of one note (about 20,000 characters). If you are used to keeping long diaries in Mi Note without breaking, when importing into Keep, text can be cropped, in which case it is better to break long entries into several parts manually before transferring.
In case none of the methods worked, the old-fashioned way is to take screenshots of important records, and while that won't allow you to edit the text, (at least) you'll save the visual information, take screenshots, send them through Fast Transfer, and save them to the new phone gallery.
Comparative analysis of transfer methods
To sum up, the choice of method depends on the number of notes and the importance of preserving their structure. For a few short records, manual input or Google Keep is suitable. For an archive of thousands of records, you should use Smart Switch or export files to your PC.
Remember that after a successful Samsung port, you should set up regular sync with Samsung Cloud or OneDrive, which will save you from having to repeat complex migration procedures in the future when you next change your device.
Now that your data is secure, you can fully enjoy the new smartphone.The Samsung ecosystem offers a wealth of tools to work productively, and your old notes will be a great starting point.