Changing a smartphone, even within the same ecosystem, is often perceived as a stressful process that requires hours of manual adjustment. However, if you switch to a device from Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco, the data migration procedure is greatly simplified thanks to specialized tools. Modern shells MIUI and HyperOS provide powerful tools for cloning the system, allowing you to preserve the familiar interface and functionality.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can transition from the built-in Mi Mover app to Google One cloud services, and learn how to keep a message, password, or photo safe, and how to avoid the typical mistakes that can lead to data loss. Proper preparation of a donor device and a new gadget is the key to success.
Before you start, make sure that both devices are at least 60-70% charged, copying large amounts of data can be energy intensive, and a sudden power outage will interrupt the transmission, and check that there is free space on the receiving device to match the amount of information being transferred.
Preparing devices for data migration
The initial phase is critical, as it determines connection stability and file transfer speed, and the first step is to update the operating system on both smartphones to the latest available version, eliminating potential compatibility bugs and ensuring that the latest data protocols work.
Make sure both devices are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Even if you plan to use a cable, wireless modules are essential for initial handshakes and account synchronization, and it is also recommended to turn off power saving mode so that the system does not limit background transmission activity.
- 📲 Check that both smartphones have a Google account, which will be the main one.
- 🔋 Connect both devices to a power source or make sure the battery is high.
- 📶 Make sure both smartphones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or ready to create an access point.
Special attention should be paid to cleaning the storage of temporary files, unless you plan to transfer "garbage" to a new phone. Using built-in cleaning tools will help reduce migration time. If you use memory encryption, make sure you know the password to unlock the screen, as it may be required to access backups.
☑️ Checklist before moving
Use the Mi Mover app for a full copy
The most effective and preferred way for users of the Xiaomi ecosystem is to use the native Mi Mover application, which is designed specifically for deep integration with the MIUI shell and allows you to transfer not only media files, but also system settings, icon location and even passwords from Wi-Fi networks.
To get started, open the app on both devices. On the new phone, select Receiver and on the old phone, Sender. QR-code or suggest connecting over the Wi-Fi network you're creating. It's important not to switch between applications during the process so you don't break the connection.
⚠️ Note: Do not block smartphone screens while transmitting data via Mi Mover, as some power saving systems may interrupt the background copying process.
Once connected, you'll be asked to select data categories to migrate. You can choose to migrate contacts, messages, call logs, apps, and multimedia selectively. Mi Mover's algorithm is optimized to transmit system settings first and then user-generated content, allowing you to get your work phone back faster.
What to do if the Mi Mover is frozen?
One unique feature is the transfer of these applications, including cache and authorization, which means that once the process is complete, you will not have to re-enter logins into social networks or banking applications if they support such deep cloning, but security-related applications (banks, government services) may require re-verification for security reasons.
Migration through Google Account and Google One
An alternative and universal method is to use Google cloud services, ideal if you are switching from a device from another manufacturer or if the local connection is unstable. The main burden lies on the Internet channel, so having a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection is a must.
On an older device, you need to go to Google's settings and select the "Backup" section, where you can initiate a fresh copy of all data, including your app list, contacts, SMS and call history. Make sure that the Google Photo settings are synced so that all your pictures are saved to the cloud.
When you first turn on a new Xiaomi smartphone, the system will offer to restore data from the backup. Select your Google account and specify the restore point (the latest date), the phone will automatically start downloading and installing apps from the Google Play Market, as well as returning contacts and system settings.
| Parameter | Mi Mover | Google One | Manual copying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | High (locally) | Depends on the Internet. | Low. |
| System settings | Complete transfer | Basic transfer | Untolerated. |
| Application data | Partially or completely | Only if maintained. | Only files. |
| Requirements | Both phones are close. | Stable Wi-Fi | PC |
The advantage of the method through Google is that it is independent of the donor phone brand. You can move from any Android or even iOS (via the App “Move to iOS” and back, although the functionality is limited). Once the basic setup is completed, the system will continue to load photos and heavy files in the background.
Manual transfer of multimedia and documents
Despite automation, manual control of certain folders is sometimes required, especially if specific documents or files are not included in the standard categories, such as using File Manager Explorer built into the MIUI shell or connecting the phone to a computer.
When connecting to your PC, select the USB File Transfer (MTP) mode. Copy the DCIM (camera photos and videos), Pictures (screenshots and images from instant messengers), Download and Documents folder. Pay special attention to the Android/media folder, where instant messenger cache data is often stored if it is not synchronized through the cloud.
- 📂 Copy the entire WhatsApp or Telegram folder to save your correspondence history if cloud backup is not configured.
- 🎵 Don’t forget to check the Music and Voice Recorder folder to transfer dictaphone recordings and music.
- 📄 Check the root directory for disparate PDF or APK files you have previously downloaded.
⚠️ Note: When you manually copy through a PC, the folder structure must be saved. MIUI, So that apps on the new phone can correctly find their data.
If you use a microSD card, the process is simplified, such as moving the card to a new smartphone if it supports this format, or copying the contents of the card to the internal memory of the new device. In modern models Xiaomi often lacks a slot for cards, so the use of the USB-plug-in OTG It will be the best solution.
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Use a USB-C to USB-C cable to transfer files directly between phones without using Wi-Fi. Connect both devices and the new phone's file manager will see the old as external storage.
Specificity of data transfer messengers
Messengers require special attention because they store correspondence in secure databases. For WhatsApp and Viber, it is critical to back up inside the app itself before you switch. In WhatsApp settings, select Chats → Chat Backup and click Save, making sure the copy is uploaded to your Google Drive.
When you install WhatsApp on a new Xiaomi phone, the app will automatically detect a backup in the cloud and prompt you to restore it. This step should not be missed, otherwise the correspondence history will be lost. For Viber, the procedure is similar: back up in your account settings before logout on the old device.
Telegram and Signal are easier to handle, as they store their correspondence history on their servers (in the case of Telegram) or use their own encryption protocols. Simply log in to your phone number and all chats (except secret ones) will be automatically downloaded. However, files stored in local memory ("Favorites" or sent files) may require a separate upload to the "Favorites" cloud before switching.
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Always create a local and cloud backup of messengers before resetting your old phone. This is the only guaranteed way to save your correspondence history.
Completion of the setup and security check
Once all the data has been moved, don't rush to get rid of the old device. Do a thorough review of the new smartphone. Check all applications, especially banking ones, as they may require re-attachment of the device or confirmation via SMS. Make sure that the synchronization of contacts is successful and the numbers are displayed correctly.
An important step is to set up biometric protection. Re-scan your fingerprints and set up facial recognition, as this data is stored in the secure TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) module of each particular device and is not carried over during migration. Also set up Google Pay or Mi Pay for contactless payment.
If you plan to sell or give away an old phone, make sure to complete a full reset to factory settings (Wipe all data).Before doing so, delete your Google account from the device so that theft protection (FRP) that can lock the phone to the new owner does not work.