Changing a smartphone is always stressful, not so much with getting used to a new interface, but with the risk of losing important files, contacts and correspondence history. Samsung device owners who decide to move to the Xiaomi ecosystem often face the question of how to transfer all the accumulated digital wealth on a new device as quickly and without errors. Fortunately, modern technology allows you to make this process almost invisible to the user, if you know the right tools.
There are several proven migration methods, each with its own advantages depending on the amount of information and the speed of the Internet connection. We will look at official utilities, cloud services and local transmission methods so that you can choose the most convenient option for your situation.
Before starting the procedure, you need to make sure that both devices are at least 50-60% charged. Backup is a critical step that should not be ignored, even if you use automatic transfer tools. If there is a failure in the transfer process, you should have a copy of the data on the old device or in the cloud.
Preparing devices for data migration
The first step is to basic setup both smartphones.The new Xiaomi needs to perform initial system setup, select a language and connect to a Wi-Fi network. On the old Samsung, you should clear the cache and delete unnecessary files to speed up the transfer process. Make sure that both devices are enabled Bluetooth and GPS, as some methods use them to detect gadgets.
It's important to check operating system versions. While current cross-platform algorithms are smart enough, working with current versions of Android or MIUI/HyperOS reduces the risk of compatibility errors. Also make room on the new phone: delete pre-installed apps that you don't use, or move them to a folder to avoid confusion.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not start data transfer if one of the devices is in power saving mode. This can cause the connection to break at the most inopportune time and damage the archive with the data.
For stable operation, it is recommended to close all background applications on both smartphones, this will free up RAM and CPU time for the migration task. If you plan to use cloud methods, check the amount of free space in your Google or Mi Cloud account.
โ๏ธ Preparation for transfer
Using the Mi Mover app for full cloning
The most effective and official way to transfer data is to use the proprietary Mi Mover app (Migration), which is designed specifically for users to move from other platforms to Xiaomi and Redmi devices. The application allows you to transfer contacts, messages, calls, notes, photos, videos, music, documents and even system settings.
The process starts with installing the app on both devices, and on the new Xiaomi, it's often preinstalled in the Tools folder. APK-You can find the file or the app in the Google Play Store, and when you start, you can choose the "I'm the recipient" role on the new phone, and the old one, you can choose the "I'm the sender" role on the new phone).
The devices are then connected either through scanning. QR-It's either by manually selecting the Wi-Fi network that one of the phones creates, and the speed of transmission through this method is much faster than through Bluetooth, because it uses a direct Wi-Fi channel. You can choose specific types of data to transfer or copy everything at once.
What if the Mi Mover canโt see the device?
Once the files are selected, the copying process will begin, during which time the screens of the devices should not go out, and the applications should close, and the latency depends on the amount of data: a few gigabytes of photos can be copied from 10 to 40 minutes.
Synchronization through Google account
The second most popular and reliable method is the use of Googleโs cloud infrastructure, which, since both operating systems are based on Android, synchronization through a Google account is a native feature, ideal for transferring contacts, calendar, notes and installed app lists.
On an old Samsung, you need to go to the settings, find the Accounts and Archiving section or the Users and Accounts section. Select your Google account and make sure that the checkmarks are in front of Contacts, Calendar, Notes and Photos (if you use Google Photos).
On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on or in settings, add the same Google account. The system will automatically prompt you to restore data from the cloud. Google Contacts will appear in the phone book instantly after you connect to the Internet. Apps will also start downloading automatically if you select the appropriate option when you set up.
| Type of data | Speed (Google) | Speed (Mi Mover) | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Instantly. | Tall. | Very high. |
| Photo/Video | Depends on the Internet. | Very high. | Tall. |
| Annexes | Medium | Tall. | Medium |
| SMS messages | Low (requires a backup) | Tall. | Tall. |
Transfer of multimedia and heavy files
The most voluminous data is usually photos and videos. If you don't want to wait for a long load through the cloud, you'd better use local methods. The Mi Mover app does a great job, but you can also use a file manager or USB connection.
To transfer over USB, you'll need a Type-C to Type-C cable or adapter. Connect Samsung to your computer, copy DCIM, Pictures, Download, and others to your hard drive. Then plug Xiaomi in and transfer files to the appropriate directories. This is the most reliable way for archives that are tens of gigabytes in size.
Alternatively, third-party Wi-Fi file managers such as Send Anywhere or File Commander create a temporary link between devices, but Xiaomiโs built-in tools are often more stable because they are optimized for the MIUI file system.
โ ๏ธ Warning: When transferring photos and videos, check the integrity of files after copying. Open a few random photos on your new phone to make sure they are undamaged and open correctly.
Don't forget the WhatsApp or Viber folder. Messengers often store media files in separate directories. In the settings of the messengers themselves on Samsung, back up chats in Google Drive to restore your correspondence history on Xiaomi.
Transfer applications and system settings
Apps are a little more complicated because of the differences in Android versions and the presence of proprietary shells, most apps from Google Play will install automatically when you sign in, but banking and two-factor authentication apps will have to be reconfigured.
System settings such as alarm clocks, Wi-Fi passwords and icon location can be moved over the Mi Mover. Settings Cloning tries to recreate the environment of the old phone on the new one as accurately as possible, especially for users who are used to a certain arrangement of interface elements.
Applications that are not automatically portable (e.g. due to version incompatibility) will require manual installation, and in some cases, data within applications (games saved, cache) will not be transferred unless the developer has provided cloud synchronization.
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Before removing your old Samsung, make sure you log out of all Samsung and Google accounts and perform a factory reset to protect your personal data.
Pay special attention to notification settings. On Xiaomi, an aggressive power saving system can block push notifications from certain applications. After transfer, go to the battery settings and allow auto-start for important instant messengers and email clients.
Possible problems and solutions
Unforeseen complications may occur during migration, such as a transfer being interrupted by 99% or some files being inaccessible, most often due to an unstable connection or a lack of memory on the receiving device.
If the process is stalled, try restarting both phones and starting over by selecting only data that hasnโt been copied, and check whether Samsungโs antivirus or built-in protection is blocking file transfers through unknown apps.
Sometimes users are faced with the problem of โbrokenโ links to files in the gallery. This is solved by clearing the cache of the media service on the new phone. Go to Settings โ Apps โ All applications, find Media Service or Gallery and click Clear Cache.
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The most reliable result is a combination of methods: contacts and applications through Google Account, and photos and videos through Mi Mover or the Internet. USB-cable.