Changing your smartphone is always perceived as stressful, because with a new gadget comes the fear of losing important contacts, photos or settings of familiar applications. However, the MIUI ecosystem and modern versions of Android offer powerful tools that make the migration process almost invisible to the user. You do not need to manually carry hundreds of numbers or look for old backups, just choose the right method.
Today, we're going to take a look at all the current ways, from built-in system utilities to cloud storage, how to get data from an iPhone, an old Android, or even a broken device, and getting it right early will save you hours of time and headaches.
Preparation of devices for information transfer
Before you start any copying process, you need to make sure that both old and new devices are ready to work. The battery of each smartphone should be charged at least 50-60%, since active transfer of large amounts of data can significantly consume energy.
Make sure both devices are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. For some methods, especially when working over the cloud or LAN, a stable Internet connection is critical. If you plan to use a cable, make sure you have an adapter. USB-C on USB-C or OTG-Adapter if the old phone has a micro USB connector.
☑️ Checklist before migration
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most effective and native way for the Xiaomi ecosystem is the Mi Mover utility. This system application is preinstalled on all modern Redmi and Xiaomi models, and for other Android smartphones it can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play. The program works by creating a local Wi-Fi network, which provides high transfer speeds without using mobile traffic.
To start, run the app on both devices. On the new phone, select Recieve and on the old phone, Send. QR-If you have code or manually connected to the network you've created, you can select data categories to transfer.
What if the Mi Mover can’t see the device?
The list of data that Mi Mover supports is impressive in its breadth:
- 📞 Contacts, history of calls and SMS-message.
- 📸 Photos, video and audio files from the gallery.
- 📱 Applications and their data (for some system and user programs).
- ⚙️ System settings, alarm clocks and notes.
Transferring data through Google Account
If you are switching from another Android smartphone, the cleanest way is to sync through Google Account.This method is ideal because your data is tied to the cloud, not to a specific hardware. When you first set up a new Xiaomi, just enter your Gmail login and password, and the system will offer to restore the backup.
On your old device, go to Settings → Google → Backup and click “Start Copy.” Make sure that the items selected for saving are ticked against contacts, calendar and app data. After you complete on your new phone during the initial setup, select “Restore from the cloud.”
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Tip: Before buying a new phone, make a full backup in Google Photos in the “Original Quality” mode so that you do not take up space in Google Drive cloud storage, the limit of which is limited to 15 GB.
Migration from iPhone (iOS) to Xiaomi
iPhone owners who choose to switch to Android don't have to worry about data loss. Mi Mover has an iOS version available in the App Store. The process is slightly different from Android-to-Android, since iOS has a more closed file system, but basic data can be transferred.
Install Mi Mover on your iPhone and run it. Select the data type to transfer. It's important to understand that paid apps from the App Store don't migrate directly, because iOS and Android have different stores. You'll have to re-download their free counterparts or full versions from Google Play if they're available.
| Type of data | Moved from iOS | nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Yes. | Save in Google Contacts |
| Photos and videos | Yes. | It might take a long time. |
| Messages (iMessage) | No. | Apple's Technical Limitation |
| Calendar | Yes. | When synchronizing the account |
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Switching from iOS to Android requires manual application installation, as.ipa files are not compatible with Android.apk, but all personal data is stored.
Working with cloud services and PC
Sometimes wireless methods are unstable, or you need to move archives of huge size, and in these cases, Mi Cloud or good old computer comes to the rescue. USB-cable is the most reliable way to transfer heavy video files and documents.
Connect your old phone to your computer in File Transfer (MTP) mode. Copy DCIM, Pictures, Download and Music folders to your hard drive. Then connect the new Xiaomi and copy the data to the appropriate directories. Contacts can use the export.vcf file, which is easily imported through the Contacts app on the new device.
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may experience various difficulties migrating, often due to operating system versions or lack of access rights, and if the process is stuck on a certain percentage, try turning off the lock screen on both devices or restarting the portable application.
Another common mistake is “Not enough space.” The system may be asking for more space than it actually is because of the file system, so free up 10-15% of the memory on the receiving device over the estimated amount, and make sure that antivirus programs do not block the network connection between the gadgets.
⚠️ Note: When transferring data through third-party applications, do not interrupt the extraction process. SIM-Disconnect the screen for a long time, as some systems may perceive this as a loss of connection and stop the transmission.
⚠️ Note: Two-factor authentication (2FA) In banks and instant messengers, you may need to re-enter.Make sure you have access to your phone number or recovery codes before cleaning your old device.