Transferring data between smartphones is a task that every user faces when purchasing a new device. This issue is especially relevant for owners of Xiaomiwhere standard synchronization tools via Mi Account do not always work stably or are suitable for large volumes of information. Using a computer as an intermediary allows you to avoid the limitations of wireless protocols, speed up the process and minimize the risk of losing files.

In this article we will examine 5 reliable methods transferring data from old Android devices to new Xiaomi via a PC: from classic copying files through Explorer to using proprietary software Mi PC Suite and specialized utilities like MobileTrans. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with different versions MIUI, storage formats (internal memory vs SD card) and compatibility problems that may arise when switching from devices of other brands (for example, Samsung or Huawei).

If you are afraid of losing important data or have encountered errors when trying to synchronize via the cloud, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and complete the transfer as quickly as possible. All methods have been tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 i Android 13/14, but are also suitable for older models (provided they support the MTPprotocol).

📊 How much data do you need to transfer?
Up to 5 GB
5–20 GB
20–50 GB
More than 50 GB
I don’t know

1. Preparing devices for data transfer

Before you start copying files, you need to properly prepare both your smartphone and your computer. This step is often missed, which leads to errors like “device not recognized” or inability to access internal memory. Here's what you need to do:

  • 📱 On an old Android device: check that the mode is enabled File transfer (MTP) in the USB connection settings. Path: Settings → System → For developers → USB configuration (if there is no item, activate Developer modeby clicking 7 times on Build number on About phone).
  • 🖥️ On the computer: install the latest drivers for both smartphones Xiaomi download Mi USB Driver from the official website. Devices of other brands (for example, Samsungmay require proprietary drivers.
  • 🔋 Battery charge: make sure that both devices have at least 50% charge. (for example, 4K video) may take several hours.
  • 📁 Clearing garbage: on your old phone, delete unnecessary files (application cache, duplicate photos) using File manager or utilities CCleaner. This will reduce copying time.

Pay special attention OEM Unlocking on the new Xiaomi (path: Settings → Advanced → For Developers → OEM Unlocking). Without this, some transfer methods (for example, via ADB) may not work. Also disable USB Debugging after the process is completed - this will increase the security of the device.

⚠️ Attention: If you are transferring data from a device that is Android 12+ encrypted file system (FBE), some files (such as screenshots or downloads) may not be able to be copied without unlocking the screen. In this case, use the method with Mi PC Suite or cloud backup.

2. Method 1: Classic transfer via Windows Explorer

The simplest and most universal method is manual copying of files via Windows Explorer. It is suitable for transferring photos, videos, music, documents and APK files of applications (but not their data!). The advantage of this method is that there is no need to install additional software.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect old Android to the PC via a USB cable (preferably original). In the phone's notification shade, select the mode File transfer (MTP).
  2. Open This computer in Explorer. Your smartphone will appear as a removable disk (for example, Redmi Note 12).
  3. Go to the folders DCIM (photo/video), Download (downloads), Pictures or Music and copy the necessary files to your PC hard drive.
  4. Disconnect the old phone, connect the new one Xiaomi and repeat step 2.
  5. Paste the copied files into the appropriate folders on the new device. For photos/videos, use DCIM/Cameraso that they are displayed correctly in the gallery.

To speed up the process, you can use hot keys:

  • Ctrl + A —select all files in the folder.
  • Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V — copy/paste.
  • Alt + Tab —quickly switch between Explorer windows.

Data type Folder on Android Notes
Photos and videos DCIM/Camera Files with the extension .jpg, .png, .mp4. For Google Photos check the folder Pictures.
Music Music or Download Formats .mp3, .flac, .m4a. For playlists, use export from the application (for example, Poweramp).
Documents Documents or Download .pdf, .docx, .xlsx. For notes from Google Keep you need a separate export.
APK files Download or APK Install manually only from trusted sources! Xiaomi may require permission to install from unknown sources.
⚠️ Attention: Do not copy the entire folder - it contains application data that will not work on the new device without the correct one. backup. To transfer game saves or messenger settings, use specialized methods (see section 4). Android entirely - it contains application data that will not work on a new device without a correct backup. To transfer game saves or messenger settings, use specialized methods (see section 4).

Free space on the PC (at least 2x the amount of transferred data)

No viruses on both devices (check with an antivirus)

Correct display of file names (Cyrillic may not be supported)

Disabling the "Battery Saver" mode on phones-->

3. Method 2: Using Mi PC Suite for a full backup

Mi PC Suite is the official software from Xiaomithat allows you to backup data and restore it on new devices. This method is suitable for transferring contacts, messages, call logs, notes and even some system settings (for example, wallpapers or themes). However, it does not support transferring installed applications or their data.

How to use Mi PC Suite:

  1. Download and install Mi PC Suite s the official website is available (Windows version). For macOS a stripped-down version of Mi Phone Manager.
  2. Connect old Android to a PC via USB. In the app, select the device and click Backup.
  3. Tick the data types for backup (for example, Contact, Messages, Gallery). To save time, you can exclude unnecessary categories.
  4. Specify the path to save the backup (by default it is C:\Users\Username\MiPhoneBackup). Click Start.
  5. After completion, disconnect the old phone, connect the new one Xiaomi and select Restore from backup.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔄 Preserves the data structure (for example, folders in the gallery or contact tags).
  • 📱 Supports recovery to devices with different versions MIUI (but no lower MIUI 10).
  • 🔒 Encrypts the backup with a password (optional).

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Does not transfer applications and their data (for example, saves in games or chats in Telegram).
  • ❌ May not work correctly with non-Xiaomi devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy).
  • ❌ Large backups (over 30 GB) are sometimes restored with errors.

1. Reinstall the drivers via Device Manager (select "Update driver" → "Search on this computer").

2. (preferably USB 3.0 blue).

3. Disable the antivirus (for example, Avast or Kaspersky may block the connection).-->

4. Method 3: Transferring applications and their data via ADB

For advanced users who need to transfer installed applications along with their data (for example, game saves, settings WhatsApp or Viber), the method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)is suitable. This method requires enabling Developer mode and working with the command line, but allows you to transfer even data that is not copied using standard methods.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB Tools (you can download it as part of Android SDK Platform Tools).
  • 📱 Both smartphones with included USB debugging.
  • 🔌 A high-quality USB cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect old Android to the PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
  2. Check the connection command: 
    adb devices

    If the device is displayed, move on. If not, check the drivers and permissions on your phone.

  3. Create a backup of applications and their data: 
    adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup.ab

    Here:

    • -apk - includes APK files of applications.
    • -obb - adds additional data (for example, game cache).
    • -shared - saves data to SD card.
    • -f C:\backup.ab — path to the backup file.
  • The phone will ask you to confirm the backup - enter the password (if required) and click Create backup.
  • Once completed, disconnect the old phone, connect new Xiaomi and restore data: 
    adb restore C:\backup.ab

    • Important: This method does not transfer system applications or data associated with your Google account (for example, mail or calendar). Also, some applications (for example, banking) may block the recovery of their data for security reasons.

    What to do if ADB displays a "device unauthorized" error?

    This error means that the computer does not have permission to debug. Solution:

    1. Disconnect the phone from the PC.

    2. On your phone, go to Settings → System → For Developers and remove all previously allowed devices for debugging.

    3. Reconnect your phone and confirm the request to trust your computer (will appear in the notification shade).

    5. Method 4: apps for data transfer (MobileTrans, Syncios)

    If standard methods are not suitable (for example, due to incompatibility of devices or a large amount of data), you can use specialized apps. The most popular:

    • 📱 MobileTrans (from Wondershare) - supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, music and even WhatsApp-chats.
    • 📱 Syncios - a free alternative with a backup and recovery function.
    • 📱 Dr.Fone - paid software with advanced options (including transferring data from iPhone to Android).

    How to transfer data via MobileTrans:

    1. Download and install MobileTrans from official website.
    2. Connect both smartphones to the PC via USB. In the app, select the mode Phone Transfer.
    3. Specify source (old Android) and destination (new Xiaomi). If devices are identified incorrectly, click Flip.
    4. Select data types to transfer (for example, Contact, Messages, Applications).
    5. Click Start Transfer and wait for completion. Do not disconnect devices during the process!

    Advantages of the apps:

    • 🔄 Cross-platform (work with Samsung, Huawei, Oppo etc.).
    • 📊 Visual interface with data preview.
    • 🔒 Possibility of selective transfer (for example, only WhatsApp-chats).

    ⚠️ Attention: Free versions of apps (for example, Syncios) often limit the transfer speed or data volume. For large backups (over 10 GB), you may need to purchase a license. Before paying, check whether your model is supported Xiaomi on the developer's website.

    6. Cloud transfer with a computer as an intermediary

    If direct transfer via cable is not possible (for example, due to a damaged USB port), you can use cloud services with a computer as an intermediate link. This method is suitable for transferring photos, videos, documents and contacts, but not applications.

    Action algorithm:

    1. To old Android upload files to the cloud:
      • 📁 For photos/videos: Google Photos (unlimited storage for compressed files).
      • 📄 For documents: Google Drive or Yandex Drive.
      • 📞 For contacts: export them to a file .vcf via Contacts Google.
    2. On computer download files from the cloud:
  • Connect new Xiaomi to your PC and copy the downloaded files to the appropriate folders (see section 2).

    • To speed up the process you can use Google Takeout —a service for bulk export of data from a Google account. It allows you to download an archive with contacts, mail, calendar and even search history at once.

    💡

    Cloud transfer takes longer due to upload/download speed limitations, but is reliable in case of hardware problems (for example, a broken USB port).

    7. Solving common problems when transferring data

    Even when following the instructions, users often encounter errors. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The computer does not see the smartphone Missing drivers or incorrect mode USB Install Mi USB Driver, select MTP in the phone's notification shade
    Files are not copied ("Access denied" error) File system FBE (encryption) on Android 10+ Use Mi PC Suite or unlock your phone screen during copying
    Applications are not restored after transfer Incompatibility of Android versions or processor architecture Download APK files again from Google Play or APKMirror
    Photos in the gallery are not displayed Incorrect copy folder Move files to DCIM/Camera and restart your phone
    Slow copy speed USB 2.0 or fragmented disk is used Connect to the port USB 3.0 (blue connector) and defragment the HDD

    If none of the methods worked, try alternative options:

    • 🔄 OTG adapter: connect the old phone to the new one Xiaomi via an OTG cable and copy the files directly (without a PC).
    • 📡 Local network: use applications like Send Anywhere or Xender for data transfer via Wi-Fi.
    • 🔧 Custom recovery: for advanced users - backup via TWRP and restoration on a new device.

    ⚠️ Attention: When using custom firmware or root access to transfer data, you risk losing your warranty Xiaomi. Before such manipulations, create a full backup via Mi PC Suite.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring data to Xiaomi

    Is it possible to transfer data from iPhone to Xiaomi via a computer?

    Yes, but this will require specialized apps like MobileTrans or Dr.Fone. They support transferring contacts, photos, videos, and even iMessages. Standard methods (via Explorer or Mi PC Suite) do not work with iOS.

    The alternative is to use Move to iOS in the reverse order: first transfer data from iPhone to temporary Android, and then to Xiaomi.

    Why, after transfer, photos in the Xiaomi gallery are not displayed in chronological order OK?

    This is due to the fact that MIUI sorts photos by the shooting date specified in the metadata (EXIF). If the date is missing or incorrect, the files may appear in random order.

    Solution:

    1. Use a app ExifTool to correct the metadata.
    2. Or sort the photos manually in the folder DCIM/Camera.

    How transfer game saves from one Android to Xiaomi?

    The method depends on the game:

    • 🎮 Games with cloud saving: log in to the same account Google Play Games or a social network (for example, Facebook) on a new device - progress will be updated automatically.
    • 📱 Local saving: copy the folder Android/obb/game_package_name or Android/data/game_package_name via Explorer (see section 2).
    • 🔧 root access: Some games (for example Genshin Impact) will require access to system folders. Use Root Explorer.

    For games with protection (for example, PUBG Mobile), the transfer of saves may be blocked. In this case, all that remains is synchronization through the account.

    Is it possible to transfer SMS and call history without root access?

    Yes, the following are suitable for this:

    • Mi PC Suite (see section 3).
    • Applications like SMS Backup & Restore (exports SMS to an XML file).
    • MobileTrans (transfers both SMS and call logs).

    Without root access, you will not be able to transfer read status messages or MMS attachments (they will be saved as separate files).

    How transfer data if the screen on your old phone is broken?

    Solution options:

    • 🖥️ Connect the phone to the PC via USB and use ADB to create a backup (if it was previously enabled Debugging by USB).
    • 🔄 If the screen responds to touches, connect OTG adapter with a mouse and control the phone through it.
    • 📡 Use Google Find My Device for remote unlocking (if the phone is connected to the Internet).

    If all else fails, contact a service center to retrieve data via JTAG or Chip-off (expensive, but effective).