How to transfer data from Xiaomi phone to Xiaomi: all ways

Changing a mobile device always brings mixed feelings: on the one hand, the joy of a new gadget, and on the other, the fear of losing important contacts, photos or settings. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem are in a winning position, as developers have provided several effective ways to migrate. The transfer of information between devices of the same brand is faster and more stable than when changing manufacturers.

Today’s Redmi and Poco smartphones have powerful hardware that allows you to copy gigabytes of data in minutes. You don’t have to manually transfer every file or reprint numbers from an old notebook. There are both wired and wireless methods, each with its own advantages depending on the amount of information and the condition of the old phone.

In this article, we will look at all the latest synchronization methods, from the regular Mi Mover app to cloud services, learn how to avoid typical migration errors and what data requires special attention. Proper preparation ensures that your new smartphone will become a full copy of the old one, but with updated functionality.

Preparation of devices for data transfer

Before any copying procedure begins, both smartphones must be trained in basic ways, a critical step that can cause a connection to break or file loss, and make sure that both devices have at least 50% battery charge, as the process can be energy intensive.

It is also worth checking whether there is free space on the new device, the amount of memory available should exceed the size of the data transferred with a margin of 10-15%, and if you plan to transfer heavy video files and games libraries, it is better to clear the cache beforehand or remove unnecessary applications.

⚠️ Warning: Do not start the transfer process if one of the devices is connected to an unstable Wi-Fi network or is in a bad signal reception zone.

Pay particular attention to the versions of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system. Both phones should be updated with the latest updates, and the difference in firmware versions sometimes causes conflicts when transferring system settings and passwords from Wi-Fi networks.

Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration

The most effective and recommended way is to use the built-in Mi Mover tool, which is designed specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem and allows you to transfer almost all types of data without losing folder structure, and works on the principle of creating a local Wi-Fi hotspot, which ensures high speed transfer.

To start the process, open the application on both devices. On the new phone, select Receiver and on the old one, Sender. QR-code or connect to the network you created manually, and once you have established the connection, you'll see a list of data categories that you can copy.

• 📱 Contacts and call history – transfer instantly and without coding errors.
• 📸 Photos and videos – saved in original quality and with metadata.
• 📲 Applications and their data – the transfer of most installed programs is supported.
• ⚙️ System settings – including Wi-Fi passwords, alarm clocks and icon location.

Importantly, Mi Mover can even tolerate the installation of desktop icons, which makes it much easier to get used to the new interface, but some banking applications and secure programs may require re-authorization for security reasons.

💡

If the process is frozen at 99%, don't panic. Often, the final indexing of files takes place at that point. Just wait 5-10 minutes before the forced interruption.

Sync with Mi Cloud and Google account

Cloud technology offers an alternative approach that doesn't require both phones to be physically present next to each other.Mi Cloud service is deeply integrated into the MIUI shell and allows you to create full backups of the system. This is ideal if the old phone has already been sold or damaged, but the backup was made in advance.

To activate sync, go to your account settings and select backup options. You can set up automatic copy creation when you connect to Wi-Fi. This ensures that your data is always up to date. Similarly, Google One, which stores contacts, calendars and photos (via Google Photos), works.

Using the cloud is especially useful when you switch to a new model when the old phone is not set up or reset, just enter the username and password on the new device, and all data will load automatically in the background, the only drawback is that the speed depends on the Internet connection.

Wired method of transmission via USB cable

If wireless methods seem too slow or unstable, you can always use a proven wired connection. You will need a USB Type-C cable (or adapter if the connectors are different), this method provides maximum stability and does not depend on the quality of the radio signal.

Connect both smartphones with a cable. The screen may request file transfer mode (MTP), which you need to confirm on both devices, and then you can use the built-in file manager to copy the DCIM, Download, and Documents folders manually.

Although this method requires more manual work than the Mi Mover, it is indispensable for transferring huge amounts of data, for example, several hundred gigabytes of video. USB.

⚠️ Caution: When using a cable, make sure it supports data transfer, not just charging.Cheap cables often don't have the appropriate contacts inside the connector.

Transferring media and files via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct

You can use classic Bluetooth to transfer small amounts of data, such as multiple photos or contacts, and although it is slow, it is versatile and does not require additional software or complex network configurations.

A more advanced option is to use Wi-Fi Direct technology or third-party file sharing applications that create a temporary network between devices, which allows you to achieve speeds comparable to a wired connection, but without unnecessary wires.

In the MIUI shell, there's a built-in "Send" feature that combines the benefits of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You just pick a file, click Share, and select a nearby device. The smartphone will choose the optimal transfer protocol.

Solutions and recovery after failure

Sometimes the transfer process can be interrupted due to a software failure or memory shortage. If you encounter an error, the first thing to do is check the application logs or system notifications. Often the problem is solved by simply restarting both smartphones.

In case apps don't open after porting, try clearing their cache through settings. System errors may require resetting the new phone's settings and repeating the procedure from scratch. Don't be afraid to experiment, as your data is usually stored on the old device until it's done.

If only your contacts are missing, check if sync is enabled in your Google account, and it often happens that the numbers are not gone, but simply hidden from the display in the phone book.

💡

The most reliable method is a combination of methods: use Mi Mover for the bulk of data and Mi Cloud for critical contacts and notes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)