Changing a mobile device is always an exciting process, but it can become a real headache if you don’t prepare in advance. The owner of a new Xiaomi gadget often faces a dilemma: how to quickly and without loss transfer hundreds of contacts, photos, correspondence history and application settings from the old device. Fortunately, the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem offers powerful built-in tools that allow you to clone data in minutes.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available migration options, from using the Mi Mover app to classic recovery through Google cloud services. You will learn what nuances exist when you switch from other brands’ Android and even iOS, and how to avoid common mistakes that can interrupt the process halfway.
Before starting the procedure, make sure that both smartphones have a sufficient battery charge, preferably at least 60%. It is also recommended to free up space on the receiving device if there have already been any system files or presets. Ignoring this step can lead to the fact that the copying process will stop in the middle and you will have to start all over again.
Preparing the old and new device for migration
The first step is to carefully prepare both devices. On an old device, you need to check the availability of free space and the current version of the operating system. Often it is outdated software that causes conflicts when transferring data, especially if it is about specific system settings or Wi-Fi passwords. Update Android to the latest available version through system settings.
On the new Xiaomi smartphone you just pulled out of the box, the first time you run it, it will prompt you to do the initial setup. At the language selection and network connection stage, it's important to keep an eye on the moment when you get an offer to import data. If you've already passed this stage and ended up on your desktop, don't rush to install apps manually.
☑️ Checklist before transfer
Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. For most data transfer methods, especially wireless ones, a stable connection is critical. If you plan to use the cable, check its integrity and compatibility with both phones' connectors (USB-C, Micro-USB or Lightning).
Why is it important to update software?
Using the Mi Mover app for fast transfer
The most effective and preferred way for Xiaomi owners is to use the Mi Mover utility, which is designed specifically for migrating between devices running MIUI and HyperOS shells. It allows you to transfer contacts, messages, call logs, notes, voice recorders, applications, images, music, videos and documents.
The process starts with installing the app on both smartphones. On new Xiaomi models, it is often pre-installed in the Tools folder. On the old device, you need to download it from Google Play or the official website. Once you launch on the new phone, select the Recipient role, and on the old one, the Sender.
Then the devices will connect through a temporary Wi-Fi Direct hotspot. QR-This is a code that will appear on the screen of your new smartphone, which provides a secure connection that does not require an Internet connection. After you connect, select the categories of data you want to transfer.
The system will automatically analyze the data volume and transmission time, and it is important not to unlock the device screens and switch to other applications at this point, so as not to interrupt the data flow.--depending on the number of small files and the total mass of information.
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If the process is 99 percent frozen, don't panic. Often the system completes the archive of the last small settings files. Wait 5-10 minutes before the forced reboot.
Sync through Google Account and Cloud Services
An alternative and equally reliable method is to use Google cloud storage, which is ideal if you don’t have a cable on hand or you’re switching to Xiaomi from a different brand device where installing Mi Mover is impossible or inconvenient. The basic idea is that all data is stored on Google servers and automatically pulled up when you sign in.
On an old smartphone, make sure that you have your contacts, calendar, and app data synced. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google and check if the boxes are ticked against the right items. It’s also worth uploading photos and videos through the Google Photos app, enabling Autoboot and Sync.
When you first set up a new Xiaomi, just type in your Google login and password. The system will prompt you to restore a backup from the cloud. You can select a restore point by date. After that, contacts, calendar events and a list of installed applications will start loading automatically.
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Google Cloud Sync is the best way to save contacts and calendar as this data is tied to the acc--ONTO, not to a specific device.
It is worth noting that this method will not transfer files inside some applications (for example, progress in games if it is not saved in Google Play Games) and will not transfer files inside some applications.--It feasts on files from internal memory, such as downloaded documents or music, if they were not placed in sync folders. For media files, it is better to use Google Drive or Xiaomi Cloud.
Manual transfer of files via computer or cable
For users with huge archives of photos, high-resolution videos or heavy work documents, wireless methods may seem too slow, and in such cases, it is recommended to use a direct method of connecting via a computer or OTG cable.
Connect your old smartphone to your computer through USB-cable and select file transfer mode (MTP). Sco--Feed the necessary folders (DCIM, Download, Documents) to your PC hard drive. Then connect the new Xiaomi and transfer the files to the appropriate directories. Android folder structure is standardized, so there should be no problems with displaying media files.
If you don't have a computer, you can use a cable adapter (such as USB-C on USB-C). Connect both phones to each other. The new Xiaomi can recognize the connection as an external drive. Through a file manager (such as a standard Explorer or File Manager), you can copy data directly.
Pay special attention to hidden folders and configuration files. Some applications store data in root directories that are not visible during normal browsing. These may require you to enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings to access them.
| Method | Speed. | Difficulty | What's transferable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | Low. | Everything (including settings) |
| Google Account | Medium | Low. | Contacts, applications, photos |
| USB Cable (PC) | Very high. | Medium | Files, media |
| Bluetooth | Low. | Low. | Just contacts, files. |
Can I use Bluetooth?
Nuances of the transition from iPhone (iOS) to Xiaomi
The transition from Apple to Android requires a special approach, because file system structures differ. Mi Mover supports iOS, but functionality is limited. You can migrate contacts, photos, videos and calendar events. iMessage messages and iOS apps cannot be moved due to the closed Apple system.
First, you have to download the Mi Mover app from the App Store to your iPhone, and then you have to do the same thing, you have to create a hotspot on Xiaomi and connect your iPhone to it, and it's important to understand that the free apps you had on your iPhone will have to be downloaded from Google Play, and the paid ones will have to be bought again if the developer doesn't support a cross-platform license.
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You can also use sync via Google account to transfer contacts from your iPhone. Add a Google account to your iPhone settings and enable contact sync.
WhatsApp’s correspondence history on iOS is stored in iCloud and on Android in Google Drive. Direct transfer of chat history between different OSes is not officially supported by WhatsApp without the use of paid third-party snails or special adapter cables offered by some manufacturers.
⚠️ Note: When switching from iOS, be sure to untie the device from iMessage and FaceTime, otherwise you may stop receiving SMS To do this, turn off iMessage in the message settings on the old iPhone.
Completion of migration and data integrity verification
Once the progress indicator reaches 100%, don’t rush to start active operation.The new smartphone system must index the files so that they are correctly displayed in the gallery and media player, a process that can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data.
Check key sections: open contacts and make sure numbers are not duplicated and displayed correctly. Go to the gallery and check for all albums. Pay special attention to banking applications and two-factor authentication, which often have to be reconfigured for security reasons.
If you used Mi Mover to port your desktop layout, check if all widgets are working correctly. Sometimes weather or currency widgets require you to re-set the location or data source. It is also recommended to check the notification settings for messengers, as they can be more aggressive in MIUI than in stock Android.
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Full indexing of media files in the background can temporarily increase battery consumption and device heating in the first hours after moving.
In conclusion, delete the Mi Mover app and other temporary files if they are no longer needed to free up precious space.Now your new smartphone is fully ready to go, keeping all the history and habits of the old device intact.