Techniques, systems, and devices to support small data transfers are described. A first node, such as a gNodeB or an eNodeB, can perform operations that include receiving a resume request from a user equipment (UE) that is in an inactive state, the resume request including a small data indication, where context information for the UE resides at a second node; transmitting a retrieve UE context request to the second node, the retrieve UE context request including the small data indication; receiving a UE context response from the second node; transmitting, by the first node, a resume response to the UE to cause the UE to switch to a connected state; processing uplink data from the UE; and transmitting a release message to the UE to cause the UE to switch to the inactive state. The release message can be based on RRC release information received from the second node.