Buying a new Xiaomi smartphone is always a joyous occasion, with access to a more powerful processor, an improved camera and a bright display. But the euphoria of buying a new one can quickly turn into anxiety when you think of the thousands of contacts, photos and apps that need to be moved from your old device.
Regardless of which operating system your previous device is equipped with, Android or iOS, the company’s algorithms allow you to synchronize information with almost no losses. It is important to choose the most suitable method that will ensure the safety of confidential data and folder structure. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, including proprietary utilities and cloud solutions.
Before you start the active phase of the transfer, make sure that both devices have sufficient battery power, the optimal solution is to connect both gadgets to power sources or have a charge of at least 50-60%, this will prevent sudden shutdown at a critical time of recording memory sectors.
Preparing devices for information migration
The success of the operation depends on the pre-preparation, and this stage should not be ignored, as it avoids most common errors and failures in the transmission process.
Make sure the internal memory of the new device exceeds the amount of data you plan to copy. If you move from a 64GB device to a 128GB model, there should be no problems, but when switching to low-cost models with low storage, it is worthwhile to clear the gallery of unnecessary videos in advance.
⚠️ Note: If your old phone has a microSD card installed, remove it before you start wireless transfer so that the system doesn’t try to copy system files from an external medium, which can cause errors.
It is also recommended to update the operating system on both devices to the latest available version, ensuring that the transmission protocols are compatible and that all current security patches are available. You can check for updates in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
☑️ Preparation for transfer
Connection stability is another key factor. Wireless methods require a quality Wi-Fi module. If you plan to use the cable method, make sure the adapter is in good working order. USB-C to USB-C or OTG-adapter, which may be needed to connect different types of connectors.
Using the Mi Mover app for Android
The most efficient and quickest way for Android users is the Mi Mover utility, which is built into the MIUI and HyperOS shell, but is also available for installation from Google Play to devices from other manufacturers, which allows data to be transmitted at high speeds using direct Wi-Fi connection between devices.
Run the app on both smartphones. Select Reciever on the new device and Sender on the old one. The system automatically creates a secure access point that you need to connect to. QR-The code takes a few seconds.
Once you've established the connection, you'll see a detailed data selection menu, you can migrate contacts, messages, call history, system settings, and of course multimedia files, and the program's algorithm allows you to save folder structure, which is especially important for those who are used to a certain file order.
- 📱 Contacts and messages: The phone book is instantly copied and SMS-archives, including attachments MMS.
- 🖼️ Multimedia: Photos, videos and music tracks are transferred in original quality without compression.
- ⚙️ System settings: Wi-Fi passwords, alarm clocks and interface display preferences are saved.
- 📲 Annexes: Installation APK-files, although data within some banking applications may require separate login.
What to do if the Mi Mover is frozen?
The speed of transfer depends on the number of files and their size. Large video files can be copied longer, so be patient. Interruption at this stage is usually safe - you can continue from the stop or restart the transfer of selected file categories.
Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi
Apple owners don't have to worry: Xiaomi's ecosystem is completely iOS friendly. Mi Mover is also used to migrate from the iPhone, which you need to download from the App Store. The logic here is similar, but there are nuances in the data available for copying.
Run the app on your iPhone and select "Sender." On the new Xiaomi, run "Receiver" and scan. QR-Note that iOS has stricter security restrictions, so access to some system data may be restricted by Apple policies.
However, basic user data will be saved. Gallery photos and videos, contacts and calendar events will go smoothly. Apps that are available in both the App Store and Google Play will be offered for installation if they are available in the GetApps store or Google Play.
| Type of data | Transfer from Android | Delay from iOS |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Complete. | Complete. |
| Photos and videos | Complete. | Complete. |
| Messages (SMS) | Complete. | Not supported |
| Annexes | APK files | References to installation |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Yes. | No. |
It is important to note that iMessage messages and iPhone call history cannot be transferred to Android due to the closedness of Apple protocols. To restore the call history, you will have to rely on the data of the carrier, if such a service is provided.
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When porting from an iPhone, make sure the device allows local network access for the Mi Mover app in iOS privacy settings, otherwise the phones won’t see each other.
Synchronization through Google account
The classic method, which remains one of the most reliable, is to use Google’s cloud services, which will prompt you to sign in to your Google account when you first turn on a new Xiaomi smartphone, not just a formality, but the key to restoring your digital profile.
If the old device was enabled sync, then after entering the login and password on the new phone automatically download contacts, notes, calendar events and even passwords saved in the Chrome browser. Photos are restored through the Google Photos app, if the function “Upload” was enabled.
This method is ideal for those who want to get a clean system without junk files and cache of old applications, you access your data, but install the applications again, which often has a positive effect on the performance of the system.
To activate sync, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Make sure the switches opposite the right services are active. On the new device, just log in and the process will go in the background.
⚠️ Attention: Google Photos compresses images in Save Place mode. If you care about the original quality of each shot, check the download quality settings or use Mi Mover to transfer the originals.
It also allows you to recover your purchased apps, music, and books, and just open Google Play, go to your profile, and select App and Device Management to see a list of previously installed programs.
Working with Xiaomi Cloud Services
The Mi Cloud ecosystem offers an alternative to Google’s solutions, providing deep integration with the MIUI shell. This is especially true for users who are already actively using the brand’s services.
To create a backup on an old device (if it’s also Xiaomi), go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Here you can choose what to save: contacts, messages, voice recorder, notes and even desktop layout.
On a new smartphone, when you log in to the same Mi Account, the system will offer to restore data from the cloud, which allows you to recreate an exact copy of the interface, including the location of the icons and widgets that you are used to, and the speed of recovery depends on the speed of the Internet connection.
- 📂 Local backup: You can create a backup for internal memory or SD-map, and then just copy the backup file to the new phone.
- 🔄 Autosynchronization: Contacts and notes are updated in real time with a network.
- 🔒 Security: Data is encrypted when transferred and stored on the company’s servers.
Free storage in Mi Cloud is limited (usually 5GB), so full backups of the system with photos and videos may require space expansion or selective downloading of only important settings.
Manual copying through a computer
For those who prefer complete control of the process or have a very large amount of data, a PC copying method is suitable, USB-cables and a little more time, but it guarantees the transfer of files in the original form.
Connect your old phone to your computer and select File Transfer (MTP) mode. Copy the DCIM (photo and video), Pictures, Download and Music folders to your hard drive. Then connect the new Xiaomi and transfer the data to the appropriate directories.
For contacts and calendars, you can use export to.vcf. On the old phone in the Contacts app, select Export, save the file, and transfer it to a new device where you can do Import. This is a versatile method that works even between phones from different eras.
Use this method if wireless transmission is unstable or interrupted. The cable connection provides maximum reliability, although it tethers you to the place while copying gigabytes of information.
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Combining methods (Mi Mover for applications and settings + manually copying heavy video via PC) often yields the best results when migrating large amounts of data.