How to transfer all data from Samsung to Xiaomi: expert guide

Switching to a smartphone from another manufacturer is always a technical challenge, especially when it comes to migrating user base. Samsung owners who choose to switch to Xiaomi face the challenge of moving not only contacts, but also the complex structure of accounts, passwords and media. The process seems daunting, but modern tools allow this operation to be performed almost automatically.

The key is to choose the right software to ensure the integrity of the information being transferred. Standard methods of synchronization through cloud storage work well, but specialized utilities from Xiaomi offer a deeper level of integration. You do not need to be an IT expert to successfully complete the migration, just follow a proven algorithm of actions.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available data transfer methods, compare their effectiveness and point out the potential risks. Backup before any manipulation is the golden rule that will prevent the loss of important files. We will look at both wired and wireless methods so that you can choose the most convenient for your situation.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting the process, make sure that both devices are at least 60% charged.Data interruption due to battery discharge can cause file damage or operating system failure.

Preparing devices for data migration

The first step should always be to carefully prepare both gadgets. On a Samsung device, you need to free up space in RAM by closing the background applications, which will speed up the system. On the Xiaomi side, you need to make sure that the latest version of the MIUI or HyperOS shell is installed, since older versions may contain bugs in the transmission module.

Both smartphones must be connected to a stable Wi-Fi network if you plan to use the wireless method. The speed of transferring large amounts of data, such as 4K video or photo libraries, depends on the channel bandwidth. Using a 4G/5G mobile network is possible, but is not recommended due to high traffic consumption and unstable connection.

It is also worth checking if there is free space on the target device. If the amount of data on Samsung exceeds the free space on Xiaomi, the process will end in error, delete unnecessary files or transfer them to an external drive in advance.

• 📱 Charge both smartphones to a level of at least 70-80% guaranteeing uninterrupted work.
• 📶 Connect devices to the same 5GHz Wi-Fi network for maximum speed.
• 🧹 Clear the app cache on your old device so you don’t carry digital junk.
• 🔒 Unlock the screens of both phones and keep them on during the process.

Using the Mi Mover app for full cloning

The most effective tool for Xiaomi app owners is the native Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on most of the brand’s devices and available for download in Google Play for other Android smartphones, including Samsung. The main advantage of this method is the ability to transfer not only media files, but also system settings, desktop layout and even passwords from Wi-Fi.

The process starts with running the app on both devices, and on the new Xiaomi, you choose the role of the recipient ("I'm a recipient") and on Samsung, you choose the role of the sender ("I'm the old phone"). The app will create a local Wi-Fi hotspot that you need to connect to the old device, which works faster than standard Bluetooth and does not require an Internet connection.

Once the connection is established, the system will analyze the contents of the old phone and suggest that you select data categories to transfer. You can flexibly manage this process, eliminating, for example, heavy video files or system debris. SMS-Communications that are critical to maintaining the communication context.

⚠️ Warning: While Mi Mover is running, do not switch to other apps or block the smartphone screen.This can break the connection and interrupt the transmission of data packets.

Sync through Google Account and Cloud Services

An alternative and often more reliable way is to use the Google ecosystem, which, since both operating systems are Android-based, synchronization through a Google account seamlessly transfers contacts, calendars, notes and photos, a method that is especially useful if you are already actively using the search giant’s services.

First, make sure Samsung has full sync enabled. Go to settings, find Accounts and Archiving and select your Google account. Make sure the sliders opposite contacts, calendar and other important data are active. After that, click the sync button to make sure all data is uploaded to the cloud.

On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on or through settings, add the same Google account. The system automatically prompts you to restore data from the backup. This process can take some time depending on the amount of data and Internet speed. Photos and videos, if the Google Photos feature is enabled, will appear in the gallery automatically.

• ☁️ Google Contacts: Instantly Transfer Phone Books and Email Addresses.
• 📅 Google Calendar: Keeping all scheduled meetings and events.
• 📸 Google Photos: Automatic download of high quality media archive.
• 🔐 Google Password Manager: Recover saved passwords in the browser and applications.

Transferring media and files via USB and PC

For users with a huge archive of photos, videos and documents, wireless methods may be too slow, and the most rational solution is to use the personal computer as an intermediate buffer, which gives full control over the folder structure and allows you to filter out unnecessary content.

Connect Samsung to your computer via USB-cable and select file transfer mode (MTP) In the notifications, copy the folders. DCIM, Pictures, Download and Documents on your PC hard drive. Then plug Xiaomi in and copy the data to the appropriate directories. It's important to keep the folder structure in place so that gallery apps and file managers index files correctly.

Using a USB-C to USB-C cable (if your PC supports such a port) or a quality OTG adapter allows you to connect two phones directly without a computer. In this case, the Xiaomi file manager will see Samsung's internal memory as an external drive. You can simply drag files with your mouse or through the copy menu.

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Use the original USB cables when connecting to a PC. Cheap charging cables often don't support data transfer, leading to a device connection error.

Message transfer nuances and call history

One of the most delicate tasks is to transfer SMS and call history. Standard file copying methods don't work here, because this data is stored in secure databases of the system. To solve this problem, you can go back to the Mi Mover application or specialized utilities like SMS Backup & Restore.

Annex SMS Backup & Restore Creates a New Business XML-A file with all messages and call logs that can be saved to the cloud or transferred via Wi-Fi Direct. Once the app is installed on the new Xiaomi and restored from that backup, all dialogs will appear in the standard messaging app. This is especially important for those who are waiting for confirmation codes from banks or store important correspondence.

It’s worth noting that some proprietary messages from Samsung can be displayed on Xiaomi with minor formatting changes. However, text and sending times are saved completely. For instant messengers like WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, you need to use their built-in backup features, usually tied to Google Drive.

• 💬 WhatsApp: Requires a separate backup on Google Drive before installing on a new phone.
• 📞 Call log: fully copied through Mi Mover or third-party utilities.
• 📩 MMS-Messages: may be moved, but investments are sometimes lost when changing platforms.
• 🔒 Two-factor authentication: make sure that SIM-The card is active to receive codes.

⚠️ Note: When transferring WhatsApp, make sure that the phone number is on the new one. SIM-The card matches the number to which the backup was made, otherwise it will be impossible to restore the history of correspondence.

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For a complete migration of messengers is not enough just to copy APK-file; be sure to use built-in backup features within each specific application.

Solving and completing the setup

After the main transfer process is completed, additional setup may be required. Some applications may request re-entry for security reasons. This is the normal Android security response when changing devices. NFC-contactless payment module, as card binding may require re-verification by the bank.

If you find that some apps with Samsung are not installed or are not working correctly, remove them and download them again from Google Play. versions of apps optimized for One UI (Samsung shell) may conflict with MIUI. Updating to the latest version from the store guarantees compatibility.

Finally, it is recommended to reboot the new smartphone, allowing the system to re-index all files, contacts and media, which will positively affect the speed and search, and now your Xiaomi is fully ready to work with the usual data set.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions