How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: video review and guide

Changing your smartphone is always stressful, because you fear losing important contacts, photos or settings on your apps. However, Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers a smart solution that makes the migration process almost invisible to the user. Owners of this brand’s devices are more fortunate than others, since the built-in Mi Mover tool works more stable and faster than third-party counterparts.

In this article, we will discuss how to transfer data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi using both standard methods and video instructions for visual control. You will learn about the nuances of connection, transmission speeds and possible errors that can occur in the process. Transfer speeds through Mi Mover can reach 40 MB / s, which is much faster than cloud services or Bluetooth connections.

⚠️ Before starting the process, make sure that both smartphones are at least 50% charged, as active operation of the Wi-Fi module and the processor can quickly drain the battery.

Preparing devices for data migration

The first step is to properly prepare both devices for the transfer procedure, and you need to make sure that both devices have the latest version of the MIUI or HyperOS shell installed, which ensures that data formats are compatible and that there are no critical errors in the operation of the system application for migration.

Usually, Mi Mover is already preinstalled in the Tools folder or available in system settings. If you don't find it, check for system updates or download the utility from the official GetApps store. The new device should also free up space, at least temporarily, if the internal memory is filled with garbage.

It is important to turn off the power saving mode on both devices before synchronizing. Aggressive energy saving algorithms can interrupt the background file transfer process, which will damage the archive or stop migration halfway, and it is also recommended to close all heavy applications running in the background.

  • 📱 Charge both smartphones to a level of at least 60-70%.
  • 📶 Turn off the mobile internet while leaving only the Wi-Fi module active.
  • 🔒 Unlock the screens of both devices and allow all permissions requested.
  • 📂 Free up space on the new phone that exceeds the amount of data transmitted.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to transmit data over public Wi-Fi networks in cafes or subways, use a direct device connection or home network.

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If you have the opportunity, restart both smartphones before starting the procedure – this will clear the cache of system services and speed up the process of finding devices.

Use of the built-in Mi Mover application

The main tool for the task is the native Mi Mover application, which is as simple as possible and devoid of unnecessary settings, which allows even inexperienced users to cope with the transfer of information in a few minutes, run the application on both devices through a menu or search system.

On the old phone, you need to select the role of “Sender” (Old phone), and on the new one, the role of “Receiver” (New phone) and the system automatically prompts you to create an access point or connect to an existing network. In the case of transfer between Xiaomi, devices often use Wi-Fi Direct technology, creating a secure communication channel without the help of the router.

After the scan. QR-And when you start to analyze the content, you'll see a list of categories: contacts, messages, calls, applications, system settings, and media, and selectively transfer it to eliminate unnecessary garbage that has been accumulating on the old device for years.

☑️ Checklist for Mi Mover launch

Done: 0 / 1
Type of dataTransmission speedRisks of lossRequirements
Contacts and SMSInstantly.MinimumBasic connection
Annexes (APK)Tall.Medium (to enter)Enough room enough.
Photos and videosDepends on the volume.Low.Stable channel
System settingsInstantly.High (version conflicts)Same MIUI.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting devices

The connection process requires attention, especially if you're doing it for the first time. QR-code that you need to scan with the camera of the old device through the Mi Mover interface. If the camera is not focused, wipe the lens or bring the phone closer, but not close.

An alternative method of connecting involves manually searching for a device in a list of available Wi-Fi networks.The old phone will find the network created by the new one (commonly called the "new" one). Xiaomi_XXXX), And it will ask for a password that will be displayed on the recipient's screen, and enter it carefully, observing the character register.

Once you have a handshake, you'll start the analysis phase, which can take anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes depending on the number of files, and don't turn off the app or the screen at that point, because the system might see this as a failure to do something and interrupt the connection.

📊 How much data do you normally transfer when changing your phone?
Less than 10 GB (contacts and photos only):50-100 GB (main applications and media): More than 200 GB (full copy of the system): Only important documents

⚠️ Warning: If the process is stuck in the Connection phase for more than 2 minutes, restart the Wi-Fi module on both devices and try again.

What exactly can and should be transferred

Not all data is equally useful when migrating, and experienced users recommend only migrating personal content and settings and installing apps again, avoiding the transfer of system debris and cache that may have accumulated over the years of using an old smartphone.

The category of mandatory data transfer includes: contacts, call log, SMS-archive (if important), photos, videos, documents and notes, and it is also worth resetting alarm clocks and calendar settings so as not to adjust them manually, system settings such as wallpaper and icon layout can be moved to preserve the familiar environment.

Apps are ported as installation files (APKs), which means that on the new device they will look like they have just been installed, with no passwords saved inside (unless they are synced through a Google or Mi Account account), and banking apps and instant messengers will require re-authorization for security reasons.

  • 📸 Gallery: All folders, including hidden and system albums.
  • 📞 Communication: Blacklist, fast calls, message templates.
  • ⚙️ System: Wi-Fi password settings, alarm clocks, voice recordings.
  • 📱 Applications: list of installed programs (data inside may not be transferred).
Why do some apps not open after the transfer?
Some applications, especially banking and enterprise, are tied to a specific device ID (Device ID).When you change your phone, the hash amount changes and the application requires re-verification or full reinstallation to update the security tokens.

Solving synchronization problems and errors

Even Xiaomi’s well-functioning system can cause crashes, and one of the common problems is the “failed to connect” error or the endless waiting for the transfer to start, most often due to conflicting versions of the Mi Mover app or active flight mode, which the user forgot to turn off after turning on Wi-Fi.

If the transmission is interrupted in the middle, don't panic. Modern firmware versions can resume the process or tag files already transferred so as not to duplicate them. However, in case of a serious failure, it is better to clear the cache of the Mi Mover application through the application settings and start the process again, selecting only those categories that did not have time to spread.

Another problem is the lack of space, and the system may not be able to properly assess the available space. 10-15% If you're in critically small space, you can move the data in parts: first the photo, then the app, then the settings.

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The main rule for errors: if the process has stalled twice in a row, perform a full reboot of both smartphones before the third attempt.

Alternative methods of information transfer

If the built-in tool doesn't work for some reason, you can use cloud services, Mi Cloud or Google Photos allows you to synchronize your media library and contacts without connecting devices directly, which is slower, but more reliable with a stable Internet.

You can also use local backup. Create a backup on your old phone through the Advanced Settings menu» → «Reset and restore, save the file to your computer or SD-And then restore it to a new device, and the good thing about this is that it even saves open browser tabs and some logins.

Advanced users can transfer via ADB or third-party utilities like Send Anywhere, but they take longer to set up and do not guarantee the transfer of system settings. In most cases, the regular Mi Mover remains the leader in efficiency.

Can I transfer data if one phone is not Xiaomi?
Yes, the Mi Mover app is available for Android of other brands and even for iOS. However, the functionality will be limited: with the iPhone you can only transfer contacts, photos and videos, the system settings of iOS are not compatible with Android.
How long does it take to transfer 50 GB of data?
With 5GHz Wi-Fi and modern processors, the process takes 10 to 20 minutes. On older Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) standards, the time can increase to 40-50 minutes.
Will WhatsApp messages be saved after the transfer?
The apps themselves will be transferred, but the history of correspondence is stored separately. WhatsApp needs to make a backup copy inside the messenger itself (to Google Drive) and restore it when it first starts on the new phone.
Do you need the internet to run Mi Mover?
No, you don't need the Internet. Devices create a local network between them. You should even turn off the mobile Internet so that it doesn't interfere with the traffic routing process.