Buying a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, but it is often overshadowed by the need to transfer a huge amount of accumulated information. The owner of the device faces the task of saving contacts, correspondence history, photos and app settings so as not to lose a single byte of personal data. Fortunately, the Xiaomi ecosystem offers sophisticated tools for rapid migration.
The process of transferring files between devices of the same brand, as a rule, is most smooth due to the native integration of services. You do not have to search for third-party programs or manually copy gigabytes of files through the computer, the system itself will suggest the optimal scenario when you first start.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the synchronization options available, and we will look at both the standard Mi Mover methods and the alternatives using cloud storage, which will allow you to choose the most convenient path for your particular case.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most efficient and quickest way is to use the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on all of the brand's modern devices and is specifically designed to clone the system, and it works on Wi-Fi Direct, which allows for high speed transmission without the use of Internet traffic.
To get started, make sure that both smartphones are at least 50 percent charged and are in close proximity to each other. On an old device, run the app through the menu or find it in the Tools folder, and you’ll need to choose the device’s role: “I’m sending” or “I’m receiving.”
After selecting the role, the system will create an access point or ask to scan. QR-Wi-Fi Direct ensures a stable connection even without a router, and the entire process takes 10 to 40 minutes depending on the amount of data.
☑️ Preparation for transfer via Mi Mover
The interface is as simple as possible, so you can choose the specific types of data to copy: contacts, SMS, call log, multimedia, and even the layout of icons on the desktop, which allows you to recreate the familiar environment on a new gadget.
⚠️ Note: During the transfer process, do not leave the Mi Mover app or block device screens. Interrupting the connection may cause some files to be damaged or you need to start the procedure again.
Synchronization through Mi Account and Cloud Storage
An alternative to local porting is the Mi Cloud, which is ideal if you don’t have access to both phones at the same time or want to back up “just in case.” Data is stored on the company’s servers and accessible from any device after authorization.
To activate sync, go to your phone settings and log in to your profile, and you need to activate switches for the right categories: gallery, contacts, notes, voice recorder and calendar, and the system will automatically upload data to the cloud when you connect to Wi-Fi.
On the new smartphone, you just need to log into the same Mi Account, and when you first start up, the system will offer to restore data from the backup, you can select the date of creation of the backup and confirm the recovery.
Free cloud limits
It is important to note that Wi-Fi passwords and some system security settings are not transferred through the cloud, but for user data, this method is the most reliable in the long run.
Transferring data through Google Account
Google’s ecosystem remains the standard for Android, and even on the shell of MIUI or HyperOS, synchronization with a Google account allows you to save key data, especially if you plan to switch to a smartphone from another manufacturer in the future.
Under Accounts and Sync, make sure that your contacts, calendar and Chrome data sync is enabled. Photos can be saved through the Google Photos app by enabling Autoboot and Sync.
When you set up a new phone, just type in your Gmail address, and the system will prompt you to copy apps that were installed earlier, and the Play Market shopping list will also be saved, and you can re-download paid content.
It is worth considering that the recovery speed depends on the speed of your Internet connection. downloading a large number of applications can take considerable time if you use a 4G/5G mobile network.
Comparison of data transmission methods
The choice of the particular method depends on your priorities: speed, data volume or Internet availability. Local methods are faster, but require the physical presence of both devices. Cloud methods are more convenient for regular backup.
Below is a table that will help you determine the best option for your situation.
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | What's transferable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Very high. | No. | All (including settings) |
| Mi Cloud | Medium | Yes. | Contacts, photos, notes |
| Google One | Medium | Yes. | Applications, contacts, photos |
| Bluetooth | Low. | No. | Only files and contacts |
As you can see from the comparison, Mi Mover wins in versatility and speed, but a combination of methods (for example, Mi Mover for the system and Google Photos for the archive of images) gives the best result.
Subtleties of Multimedia Transfer and Large Files
Photos and videos make up the lion’s share of the memory of a modern smartphone, and when transferring thousands of high-resolution files, it’s important to ensure the integrity of metadata (EXIF) such as shooting date and geolocation.
When using a wired connection through OTG-cable (USB Type-C to Type-C can be directly copied DCIM. This is the most reliable way for archives over 100GB, as it eliminates the risks of network failures.
If you use wireless methods, make sure that the receiving device has enough free space.A shortage of even 1 GB can interrupt the copying process of the entire folder.
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Use the File Manager Explorer to check the integrity of folders after copying. Compare the number of files and their total weight on the old and new device.
4K or 8K video files may not be visible in the gallery immediately after the transfer, unless the system media index is updated, in which case a simple device restart or cleaning the cache of the Gallery application helps.
Solving problems in synchronization
Sometimes the process can run into difficulties, for example, older versions of MIUI may not be compatible with new encryption protocols, in which case it is recommended to update the Mi Mover app to the latest version through GetApps or Play Market.
If the transmission is 99% over, don't rush to interrupt the process. Often the system will finalize the recording of small configuration files. However, if the wait is longer than 15 minutes, restart both devices.
Contact issues are often solved by forced sync. Go to your account settings, select Google or Mi Account, and click Sync Now.
⚠️ Warning: Two-factor authentication can block account login on a new device if you don't have access to your phone number or recovery codes. SIM-The card is active before setting up.
Data security when changing devices
After successfully transferring information to a new phone, it is crucial to properly dispose of an old device, especially if you are planning to sell or give it away.
You must perform a full reset to factory settings (Wipe Data).Be sure to log out of all accounts (Mi Account, Google) before that, so that the activation blocking (FRP) for the new owner does not work.
The reset procedure is located in the Settings → About Phone → Reset. The system will warn you that all data will be destroyed without the possibility of recovery.
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Resetting your old phone completely is a must-have to protect your personal information.
Once reset, the device will look like a new one, just out of the box, ensuring that your instant messengers, banking apps and personal photos don’t fall into the wrong hands.
Final recommendations for setting up
The final step will be to test the performance of critical applications, and banking programs and government services often require re-authorization and device binding.
Be sure to check notification settings. After transferring, aggressive power saving modes can be activated on the new system, which blocks push notifications from messengers.
Now your new Xiaomi smartphone is fully ready to go, storing the entire history of your digital interactions.Proper data transfer saves hours of time and keeps peace of mind.