Changing your smartphone is always stressful, not so much about mastering a new device as it is about losing important data. When you move from the Samsung ecosystem to Xiaomi, you are faced with the task of migrating not just files, but the entire digital environment. Modern Android operating systems offer many tools, but the nuances of the One UI and MIUI (or HyperOS) shells require careful attention to the process of transfer.
In this article, we will take a look at all the migration options available, from embedded utilities to cloud services, how to keep folder structure, passwords and, most importantly, data inside apps, and the right preparation will allow you to start using your new gadget right away without spending hours reconfiguring.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before launching any port tool, a number of preparatory steps must be taken: Make sure both smartphones are at least 60-70% charged, as the process can be energy-intensive, and it is critical to connect to a stable Wi-Fi network if you plan to use cloud methods or wireless transmission over a local network.
On a Samsung device, check for system updates to avoid potential compatibility bugs when exporting data. On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on, the system will offer you to configure data transfers, but it is better to go through the initial setup to the desktop to have access to all the features.
⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the data transfer process or block smartphone screens during migration.This can lead to file corruption or incomplete copying of applications.
Back up your most important photos and documents to an external medium or to the cloud just in case. While current algorithms work reliably, backup is the gold standard for any data manipulation.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Use of the Mi Mover app
The most effective and native way to transition is to use the proprietary utility Mi Mover, which is designed specifically for migration from other Android and iOS platforms to Xiaomi devices, and allows you to transfer contacts, messages, call history, multimedia and, importantly, installed applications.
To get started, install the Mi Mover app on both devices, and on Samsung, it can be downloaded from Google Play or scanned. QR-code that will appear on the screen of the new Xiaomi when the feature is launched. After installation, launch the program and select the device role: on the old phone, specify “I send” and on the new one, “I receive».
The connection is established through the creation of a temporary Wi-Fi hotspot. Once paired, you will see a list of data categories. Select "Applications" as well as other types of files you want to transfer. The system will automatically filter out Samsung system applications that are incompatible with MIUI.
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Apps that have no analogues in Google Play can be ported as APK-files, but they may require additional Google services to work, which you need to install separately.
The transfer process depends on the amount of data and the speed of the wireless connection. Unlike standard Bluetooth, Mi Mover uses a high-speed protocol, which allows you to transfer gigabytes of information in minutes.
Transfer through Google Account
The Google ecosystem is the link between any Android device, and if you've used a Google account on Samsung, most of your data is already in the cloud, and if you sign in to the same account on Xiaomi, it will prompt you to restore your backup.
This method is ideal for transferring contacts, calendar, notes and list of installed applications. APK-The program files are not fully copied, but Google Play will automatically start downloading and installing all the apps that were on the old device.
However, it is worth considering that data inside applications (logins, game progress, settings) are not always stored, many modern applications use Google Drive for backup, but this feature had to be activated in advance on Samsung.
To check your sync settings, go to Settings → Accounts → Google. Make sure all the necessary items are ticked. On the new device, the same path will allow you to force sync immediately after you sign in.
Comparison of data transfer methods
The choice of migration method depends on your priorities: speed, completeness of copying or autonomy of the process. Below is a comparative table of the main methods available to users.
| Method | Speed. | Data within applications | Internet is required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | Partially. | No (locally) |
| Google Account | Medium | Depends on the app. | Yes. |
| Samsung Smart Switch | Tall. | Samsung only. | No. |
| Manual (PC) | Low. | No. | No. |
As you can see from the table, Mi Mover benefits in speed and lack of Internet use, but Google’s method is convenient because it doesn’t require you to install additional software on a new device if you’re willing to wait for downloads from the network.
Using Samsung Smart Switch on the Xiaomi side is only possible to create a backup, but it will not be possible to restore it to another brand device through this application.
Solving Application Compatibility Issues
When you switch from One UI to MIUI or HyperOS, you may find that some applications are not working properly, often due to differences in battery optimization and resolution management, and check the energy saving settings for important programs first.
Xiaomi has an aggressive background closure system, so that instant messengers and email clients are stable, you need to fix them in memory and allow auto-start, this is done through the Security menu or in the settings of a particular application.
⚠️ Note: Banking applications and services with a connection to the security of the device (Google Pay, Samsung Pay) will require re-assignment of the card. Samsung Pay does not work on devices of other brands, you need to configure Google Pay or Mi Pay.
What to do if the application does not open?
Also worth paying attention to is access rights: When you first run a portable application, MIUI will ask for permission to use the microphone, geolocation and files, and without explicit consent, many features may not be available.
Alternative methods and manual copying
If the automatic methods failed, you can use manual copying via your computer. Connect Samsung to your PC in file transfer mode and copy the DCIM, Download, Documents and WhatsApp folders (if you need to save media).
Then connect Xiaomi and move the files to the appropriate directories. APK-Application filers can be used by third-party file managers such as Send Anywhere or Xender, which operate on the principle of P2P-network.
This method is the most time-consuming, but it gives you complete control over which files are being sent to your new device, and it is especially useful for transferring heavy files that don’t fit into cloud limits or are being transferred over Wi-Fi for too long.
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Manual copying via PC is the most reliable way to transfer large volumes of media files without the risk of loss of quality or interruption of the connection.
Security settings after transfer
After successful data migration, you need to make sure that your new device is secure, check if the Find Device feature is activated in your Google and Mi Account, which will allow you to remotely lock your phone or erase data in the event of loss.
It is also recommended to set up biometric protection. Fingerprint and facial scanners on Xiaomi may work differently than on Samsung, so it is worthwhile to rescan the prints for maximum accuracy of recognition.
Don't forget to check for security updates. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press the Update Check button. Fresh patches close vulnerabilities that may have been exploited in data transfer.