Changing a smartphone is always accompanied by a certain stress, not so much the fact of buying a new device, but the need to transfer all the accumulated information to it. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem are in a better position, as the company has developed powerful built-in tools for migration.
There are many transfer scenarios, from switching from Android to Android, to migrating from iPhone or even from push-button phones. The key is to choose the right method that will save you time and preserve the structure of the file system. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available methods so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.
Whether you’re using a budget Redmi or Xiaomi’s flagship series, the basics of how system gates work are the same, and it’s important to make sure that both devices are charged and in close proximity to each other.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most efficient and preferred way is to use the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on most modern Xiaomi devices and allows data to be transmitted over a direct Wi-Fi connection without using Internet traffic, and can reach speeds of 20-40 MB/s, which is much faster than Bluetooth.
To get started, you need to run the app on both devices, and if you don't have the utility on your old phone, you can download it from Google Play or scan it. QR-The code that will appear on the screen of the new smartphone, and after launch, the system will suggest that you choose the role of the device: sender or receiver.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the screens of both phones don't go out during the process.Setting up the power saving on some models may interrupt the Wi-Fi connection if the device locks.
The synchronization process takes place in several steps: first, the devices are connected to each other, then the user selects the categories of data to transfer, and the application automatically determines the amount of information being transmitted and the approximate latency.
Sync through Google Account and Cloud Services
The classic method that is relevant for any Android operating system is binding to a Google account. When you first set up a new Xiaomi phone, you just need to enter the username and password from your Google account to automatically upload contacts, calendar events and notes.
For photos and videos, Google Photos is the best option. If your old device has Autoboot and Sync enabled, all your media files are already in the cloud, and you just have to install the app on your new phone and wait for the download to complete.
This method is especially handy if the old device is unavailable or damaged, but the data has previously been synchronized, but it is worth remembering the limits of free storage Google, which is 15 GB.
- 📲 Contacts and calendar are synced instantly after logging in to your account.
- 📸 Photos require a stable Wi-Fi connection for fast download.
- 📝 Google Keep Notes are available immediately after installing the app.
- 🔒 Passwords saved in Google’s password manager will also be available.
Transferring data from iPhone (iOS) to Xiaomi
iPhone owners are often afraid to switch to Android because of the complexity of data porting, but Xiaomi has a solution for them.The Mi Mover app has an iOS version that can be downloaded from the App Store.
With iOS, you can migrate contacts, photos, videos and calendar events. Unfortunately, the App Store's system apps and some file types can't be migrated because of the closed Apple ecosystem. You'll have to re-download social media and instant messengers from GetApps or Google Play.
When transferring from an iPhone, it is important to monitor the permissions to access the local Wi-Fi network. iOS may request permission to use the local network for the Mi Mover application – it must be confirmed, otherwise the data transfer will not begin.
| Type of data | Android | With iPhone (iOS) | From the button phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Yes. | Yes. | Yes (via SIM) |
| Photos and videos | Yes. | Yes. | No. |
| Annexes | Yes (APK) | No. | No. |
| SMS messages | Yes. | No. | No. |
| Call history | Yes. | No. | No. |
Using Bluetooth to transfer small files
While this method is considered obsolete due to its low speed, it remains indispensable when you need to quickly throw a couple of photos or one contact, and there is no Internet or cable at hand. Bluetooth is built into every Xiaomi smartphone and does not require the installation of additional software.
To transfer, you need to turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair, and then the desired file is selected in the gallery or contacts, and Bluetooth is selected from the Share menu, the receiver must confirm the request for the file.
Bluetooth transmission speeds rarely exceed 1-2 MB/s, so it can take several hours to transfer a gigabyte of photos, which is only suitable for emergencies or single document transfers.
Manual copying through a computer
The most controlled method is to use a PC as an intermediary, by connecting an old phone to a computer through a computer. USB-cable, you can copy folders DCIM, Download and others to hard drive.A similar operation is then performed with the new Xiaomi phone.
This is ideal for backing up before resetting or for transferring specific files that aren’t always handled correctly by automated utilities, and you can sort through the garbage at the back of the PC copying stage.
It is important to use quality cables. Cheap wires often only support charging and do not transmit data, which will lead to a connection error in the file manager.
Transfer of Message History and Call Logs
The transfer of information deserves special attention. SMS And call history, because standard Android tools don't always make it easy. SMS-Messages, but only between Xiaomi phones or from some Android devices.
If you are switching from another Android smartphone, you can use third-party utilities such as: SMS Backup and Restore. They're creating. XML-A backup file that is then restored to a new device, which allows you to save even correspondence from the old days.
⚠️ Note: When transferring messages, make sure that the new phone is installed SIM-card with the same number if you want some banking applications or messengers to correctly recognize the device.
Call logs are usually copied along with contacts if they are saved to a Google account, but incoming/outgoing details may be lost when you change platforms (e.g., iOS).