Buying a new smartphone is always accompanied by mixed feelings: the joy of having modern technology and the slight panic of having to move. Transfer all the data to a new Xiaomi phone is a task that used to require hours of manual adjustment, but today is solved in minutes thanks to built-in tools. Modern Android devices and shells MIUI or HyperOS offer several migration scenarios, each of which is suitable for different situations.
The choice of method depends on which operating system your previous device used and how deeply you want to integrate into the ecosystem of the Chinese manufacturer. You can use standard tools from Google, specialized application Mi Mover or cloud storage. It is important to understand that WhatsApp saves the history of correspondence only when using Google Drive or local backup, standard transfer contacts will not affect them. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances so that you do not lose a single photo or important number.
Preparing the old and new device for migration
Before you start any copying processes, you need to do basic training on both devices, a critical step that can lead to interruption of data transmission or errors in the operation of applications, and make sure that both smartphones are charged at least 60% of the battery, as active Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules quickly consume energy.
Check for free space on the new Xiaomi. The amount of memory available should exceed the size of the data you plan to transfer, and it is also recommended to clear the cache on the old device so as not to copy “junk” files that can slow down the new system.
- 🔋 Charge both smartphones to the level 60-80% Or connect them to power supplies.
- 📶 Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
- 🗑️ Check the free space on your new phone through Settings → The phone. → Memory.
- 🔄 Update apps on your old phone to the latest versions to avoid format conflicts.
⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the preparation process. If you start to connect during a system update on one of your phones, the data transfer may result in an error.
Special attention should be paid to unlocking screens. Both devices should have a simple password or pin code, and the ability to detect each other's devices is enabled. Some versions of MIUI require permission to install applications from unknown sources if you use third-party methods, but this is not usually required when working with system tools.
Using the Mi Mover app for fast transfer
The most effective and native way is to use the utility Mi Mover. This application is pre-installed on all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones, and for other Android devices it can be downloaded from Google Play. The algorithm of the program is optimized for high-speed transmission of large amounts of data over a local Wi-Fi channel.
Run the app on both devices. On the new phone, select I'm a recipient and on the old phone, I'm a sender, and the system will suggest creating an access point or connecting to an existing network. QR-The code will start synchronizing file lists.
You can selectively point out what you want to copy, and you can have contacts, messages, call history, photos, videos, music, even a home screen layout, and it goes faster than it does through the cloud, because it's not compressed to communicate with the Internet, it's flowing directly between devices.
- 📲 Run Mi Mover through the App Menu or Settings → Additionally. → Mi Mover.
- 🔗 Confirm the connection on both screens by checking the security code.
- 📂 Check the data categories for transfer.
- 🚀 Click the “Send” button and wait for the process to be completed.
⚠️ Warning: While Mi Mover is running, phone screens may go out, but don’t block devices entirely with the power button, otherwise the Wi-Fi Direct connection may break.
What if the Mi Mover can’t see the device?
If the search for devices is not working, try temporarily disabling mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G) on both smartphones. Sometimes the system prioritizes the mobile network over the local connection. Also helps to restart the Wi-Fi module or restart both phones before trying again. Synchronizing through Google account and cloud services A classic method that remains relevant for those who often change devices. Google account allows you to save contacts, notes, calendar and list of installed applications. When the new Xiaomi system is first activated, the system will prompt you to log into your profile, after which the background data load begins. However, photos and videos are better synchronized through Google Photos, even when you lose your media. Turn on sync on the old device in advance so that by the time you buy a new one, all data is already in the cloud. Service that syncs Free Space Limit Google Account Speed Contacts, Calendar, Applications 15 GB (general) Depends on the Internet Mi Cloud Gallery, Recorder, Settings 5 GB High (Asia/Europe servers) Google Drive Documents, Backups 15 GB (total) Medium Telegram/WhatsApp Chats, Media Files Unlimited (Telegram) High To activate full sync go to Settings → Accounts and syncs: You need to make sure that all sliders in front of the services you care about are activated, and on a new phone, this process will happen automatically after you enter your login and password. Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi from iOS to Android often seems tricky, but Xiaomi has provided a handy tool for migrants. The Mi Mover app also has a data transfer feature on the iPhone, and you'll need to install an app from the App Store on an Apple device, which is similar to transferring between Android smartphones: create a hotspot on the new Xiaomi, connect your iPhone to that network, and start the transfer. Contacts, photos, videos and calendar events will be copied, and applications will have to be re-installed because the formats are not available. APK and IPA Pay-for apps and subscriptions deserve special attention. They don't automatically migrate. You'll have to re-subscribe on Google Play if the developer supports cross-platform. Free analogues can be found through a search in the app store. 🍎 Download Mi Mover from the App Store on iPhone. 🔌 Connect your iPhone to the Wi-Fi network created by Xiaomi phone. 📸 Allow access to photos and contacts on iPhone upon request. ⏳ Wait for the transfer to end without turning off the iPhone screen. ⚠️ Note: iMessage and FaceTime messages won't work on Android.Be sure to turn off iMessage on Apple's website to avoid losing it SMS from other iPhone users. 💡Before you switch to Android, make sure to back up WhatsApp on iCloud and then restore it to your new phone through the official chat migration feature WhatsApp offers when you first launch on Android. After transferring the basic data, it is recommended to register or log into Mi Account. This is a key element of the ecosystem that allows you to use the Find Device functions, synchronize notes, voice recorders and themes. Without this account, some system features may be limited.Mi Account login is also required for the cloud gallery to operate. If you turn on gallery sync, all photos taken will automatically be uploaded to the cloud, freeing up space on your phone, which is especially useful when using models with a small amount of internal memory. → Mi Account. Enter your details or create a new profile. The system will suggest configuring security settings, including linking your phone number and backup email. 💡Mi Account is not just a profile, it is your digital passport in Xiaomi devices, allowing you to lock your lost phone remotely and store important data safely. Frequent problems and their solution when transferring Even if you follow all the instructions, there can be technical difficulties. Most often, users are faced with a slow transmission rate or a sudden connection break. This is often due to interference in the Wi-Fi range or energy-saving system settings. If the process is stuck at a certain percentage, try restarting both devices and starting over by selecting only the problematic data category. Sometimes it helps to disable Bluetooth once you establish a connection, as it can interfere with the Wi-Fi Direct signal. In case of Google authorization errors on a new device, make sure that the old phone has two-factor authentication and a confirmation code. New versions of Android require confirmation of login from a trusted device. Why are apps not portable from Google Play? Some applications have copy protection or are not compatible with the new Android device, also can be removed from the store. They'll have to be looked for. APK-file or alternatives. What to do if they're missing SMS Check out the Messages app. The new Xiaomi may have Google Messages by default, while the backup is made for the system app MIUI. Try changing the app. SMS By default, in settings, or import the backup file manually through the app menu. Is it safe to transfer passwords through Mi Mover? Yes, the transfer takes place over a secure local Wi-Fi Direct channel. Data does not pass through Xiaomi or third-party servers. However, the passwords of banking applications for security purposes will still have to be re-entered due to the security requirements of the banks themselves.