Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often have to port programs when they change devices or after a system reset. Standard installation methods from the Play Market store take a long time, especially if you need to restore a dozen specific utilities. Fortunately, the MIUI and HyperOS shell offers powerful built-in tools for cloning software without losing settings.
There are several proven ways to do this, from using cloud services to manually copying installation files. The choice of the specific method depends on whether the original phone is working, whether there is access to the computer, and how much data is being transferred. In this article, we will discuss each option in detail so that you can choose the best one for your situation.
Some system applications may not be copyable due to Android security limitations, but for most user programs, there are workarounds that allow you to save folder structure and cache. APK-File and complete migration of user data.
Use of the built-in Mi Mover application
The most efficient and safest way to transfer is to use the Mi Mover utility, which is pre-installed on all modern smartphones of the brand and allows you to transfer not only the applications themselves, but also their data, including logins and progress in games.
To start, you need to run the program on both devices, and on the new phone, select the role "Receiver" and on the old one, "Sender." QR-If you have a code or a connection to the network you've created, you'll have to select categories of data, and you can only mark "Applications" here, so you don't overload your memory with unnecessary photos or contacts.
The speed of transfer depends on the number and weight of the programs selected. Unlike standard recovery through a Google account, Mi Mover copies even versions of programs that may not be available in your Play Market region, which is especially true for banking applications or local services.
- 📱 Wireless transmission: no cables and computer needed, everything works via Wi-Fi Direct.
- 💾 Data storage: not only installers are transferred, but also cache, and settings within programs.
- ⚡ High speed: Direct communication channel allows the transfer of large amounts of data in minutes.
⚠️ Note: When transferring banking applications via Mi Mover, they may require re-authorization or device binding for security reasons.
If the old device does not have an embedded application, it can be downloaded from GetApps or installed via APK-After the process is completed on the new smartphone, the icons will appear on the desktop, and in the background, heavy resources can continue to pump.
Manual copying through APK-file
If automatic tools are not available, you can use the manual method, which consists of extracting the installation file (APK) from the system and then installing it on the target device, which is ideal for transferring modified versions of programs or software removed from official stores.
To extract files, you will need a file manager with the function of exporting applications or specialized software, such as APK Extractor. Once you create a copy of the file, it can be transferred via Bluetooth, messenger or saved to an SD memory card. On the new phone, you will need to allow installation from unknown sources in the security menu.
The main disadvantage of this method is that it does not transfer user data, you get a "clean" application that needs to be configured again, but for system utilities or simple games, this is often the only working option.
💡
When manually copying, look out for the Android version.The app assembled for Android 10 may not work properly on Android 14 due to changes in security policies.
Some modern applications use the Split APK format (file set) that can’t be simply copied as a single file. In such cases, standard extractors may not be able to cope, and you will need to use ADB or specialized store clients.
Transferring data through Google Account
Google's ecosystem offers its own backup mechanism that is deeply integrated into the operating system. When you first set up a new Xiaomi or Redmi, the system will offer to restore data from the cloud, which is convenient because it does not require an old phone at hand at the time of setting up.
In the settings of the old device, make sure that the Google → Backup section ticks the box opposite the item “App Data.” The system automatically creates a cast of the list of installed programs. When you log in to the same account on the new device, Play Market will automatically download the entire list.
The downside is the dependence on Internet connection speed and the presence of the application in the Google Play store. If the program was installed from a third-party source, Google may not be aware of its existence or will not be able to find its current version.
| Method | Data portability | We need the Internet. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Complete. | No (locally) | Low. |
| APK Files | Only the app. | No. | Medium |
| Google Account | Partial | Yes (required) | Low. |
| ADB (Computer) | Full (with rights) | No. | Tall. |
💡
Google Account is the best choice for basic synchronization of the list of programs, but does not guarantee the transfer of settings within them.
Use of the computer and command line ADB
For advanced users who need full control of the process, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is an indispensable tool, which allows you to copy the application along with data even between different versions of Android, if you have root rights or appropriate permissions.
First, activate USB debugging mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the build number seven times to unlock the developer menu. Then, in the Developer menu that appears, turn on USB debugging.
Connect your phone to your computer and use the backup command. The syntax of the command is as follows:
adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.abThis command will create a complete backup file of all applications and data. To restore a new device, use the command adb restore backup.ab. This is a powerful tool, but it requires care, since some modern applications block backups through ADB for data protection purposes.
⚠️ Attention: When working with ADB The backup command can request confirmation on the phone screen. Do not disconnect the cable until the process is complete, otherwise the backup file may be damaged.
Cloning of applications within the MIUI system
The app cloning feature built into the MIUI shell, which allows you to run a second copy of a program (like a second WhatsApp or Telegram) on one device, is not exactly a transfer to another phone, but solves the adjacent task of separating accounts.
This feature is located along the Settings → Applications → Cloning of applications. The system will show a list of supported programs. Once activated, a copy of the application with a yellow icon will appear on the desktop, which works as an independent instance with its data and authorization.
This is useful if you need to copy the state of one account into an isolated environment, but it is worth remembering that cloned applications take up additional memory space and can consume more battery power.
Why can't some apps be cloned?
Decisions and errors in transfer
During the copying process, users may experience installation errors or process freezes. Often the problem lies in the incompatibility of Android versions or lack of free memory. If the Mi Mover gives an error, try restarting both devices and disabling the VPN.
When you're manually copied APK-A common error is the message "Package not installed." This can mean a version conflict (attempting to install an older version on top of a new one) or the lack of necessary permissions.
If neither of these methods works, check the date and time on the device. Incorrect system clocks can violate security certificates, blocking installation or update of programs.
- 🔄 Reboot: A banal but effective way to reset the hanging installation services.
- 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Clear the data of the service "Google Play Market" and "Download Manager" in the application settings.
- 🔐 Permissions: Make sure that the file or installer is authorized to install from unknown sources.
☑️ Checklist before transfer
It’s also important to consider that some apps are tied to a specific device ID (Device ID) when ported to a new phone, they may require re-association or even be blocked by security services (such as Google Pay or bank keys).