How to transfer data to the new Xiaomi phone from the old

Buying a new smartphone is always a joyous event, but often overshadowed by the prospect of long hours of customization and transferring accumulated information. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices are in a good position, as the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem offers built-in tools that greatly simplify migration.

Modern methods allow you to save not only contacts and photos, but also desktop structure, Wi-Fi passwords and even alarm settings. The fastest and most reliable way to migrate on Xiaomi devices is using the regular Mi Mover app, which works without access to the Internet over a local Wi-Fi channel. However, there are alternative ways that can be useful in specific situations, for example, when switching from an iPhone or a very old Android model.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of transfer so that you can choose the best for your pair of devices, we will look at the nuances of working with cloud services, features of transferring messengers and answer the questions that most often arise from users when you first set up.

Preparing devices for the migration process

Before you start any transfer tool, you need to make sure that both devices are ready for active operation. Battery charge on both smartphones should be at least 50-60%, since the process of active data transmission over Wi-Fi can significantly consume energy. If one of the devices runs out at a critical moment, the transmission can be interrupted and you have to start again.

It is also recommended to check for free space on the receiving device. If you plan to transfer all the data from the old phone, make sure that the new device allows you to do this. In some cases, it makes sense to clean the old smartphone in advance of unnecessary video files or duplicate photos.

Don't forget to check for system updates on both devices. Often, manufacturers release patches that improve the stability of communication modules and transmission protocols. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press the Update Check button. This action minimizes the risk of software conflicts during synchronization.

It is also important to decide on the method of connection. For wireless transmission, make sure that the Wi-Fi modules are on. If you plan to use a cable (which is true for some USB-C models), prepare a quality wire that supports data transfer, not just charging.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to interrupt the transmission process by turning off the screen or closing the migrator application. Although the system has recovery mechanisms, forced shutdown can damage the database files of contacts or messages.

Using the Mi Mover application for wireless transfer

The Mi Mover app is the gold standard for Xiaomi app owners, and it’s preinstalled on the system, but if it’s not on an older device (like another brand’s device), it can be downloaded from Google Play or retrieved via Google Play. QR-code from the new phone.

The process starts with running the application on both devices. On the new smartphone that will receive the data, you need to select the Receiver role. The system will create a Wi-Fi hotspot. On the old device, you select the Sender role, and then you scan it. QR-This is a code that's displayed on a new phone screen, and it's an action that connects the gadgets to a local network.

Once connected, the system will suggest selecting data categories to transfer, and you can flexibly adjust this list, excluding, for example, system debris or application cache that does not make sense to transfer, and the process is fast, as data is transmitted directly between devices, bypassing external servers.

It’s worth noting that Mi Mover can port not only media files, but also apps. However, some banking programs and secure services (Google Pay, bank customers) will require re-authorization for security reasons. Messenger data (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) can also be transferred, but WhatsApp is better off using the built-in backup function inside the application itself to ensure the integrity of the correspondence history.

⚠️ Note: When migrating from iPhone to Xiaomi via Mi Mover, only contacts, photos and videos are available.

Sync through Google Account and Cloud Services

An alternative and frequently used method is synchronization through a Google account, which is ideal if you are switching from any Android smartphone. When you first set up a new Xiaomi, just enter the username and password from your Google account, and the system will prompt you to restore data from the last backup.

For this method to work, the old phone needs to have sync enabled. Check this in Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Make sure the checkmarks are in front of Contacts, Calendar, Notes and other important data. Photos and videos are usually synced through Google Photos if the appropriate download option is enabled.

The advantage of the cloud method is that it doesn’t require both devices to be on hand at the same time, and you can set up a new phone even if the old one is already sold or lost (assuming the backup was made in advance). In addition, this method automatically sorts the contacts, preventing the appearance of duplicates that often occur when manually imported through the scalp. SIM-map.

In addition to Google, Xiaomi ecosystem users can use Mi Cloud. If the old device was enabled sync with Mi Account, then when you log into this account on the new phone, all the data (contacts, messages, voice recordings, system settings) will be automatically tightened, which is especially convenient for owners of several devices of the brand.

Manual transfer through USB-cable

In cases where wireless transmission is unstable or you need to move a huge amount of data (for example, more than 100 GB of video archive), the most reliable method is the “old-fashioned” method through the PC, USB-cable and a little more time, but gives you full control of the file system.

Connect your old phone to your computer, select file transfer mode (MTP) in notifications. Copy DCIM (camera photos and videos), Pictures (screenshots and images from messengers), Download and Music to your computer's hard drive. Then connect the new Xiaomi and copy these folders to the corresponding internal memory directories of the new device.

You can use the export file to manually transfer contacts. On the old phone in the Contacts app, select Import/Export» → «Export to storage. You get a file with the.vcf extension. You flip this file to a new phone and open it, and the system will suggest importing all the records into the phone book or into the phone book. SIM-map.

This method works even if the screen of one of the phones is broken, but the sensor is partially functional, or if the devices are on different operating systems that are not friendly with each other through the air.

Comparison of data transfer methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method depending on your situation and the type of data being transferred.

As you can see from the table, for a comprehensive move, Mi Mover remains the leader without alternative: it saves not only files, but also the “soul” of your old phone — the location of icons, wallpaper and familiar settings. Using a Google account is a great addition to ensure the safety of contacts even in the event of loss of the phone.

Combining methods often yields the best results, such as using Mi Mover for apps and settings, and throwing heavy video archives over the cable to keep you from waiting long and taking up air.

Transfer of data messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber

Telegram is the most convenient in this regard: it is completely cloud-based, you just need to install the app on a new phone, enter the number and code from SMS, and all chats (except secret ones) will appear automatically. No additional backup action is required.

WhatsApp is more complicated. Mi Mover can be a drag, but your correspondence history is sometimes lost if you don't back up inside WhatsApp itself. Before transferring, go to WhatsApp Settings → Chats → Backup Chats and click "Create a Backup" in Google Drive. When you first install WhatsApp on your new phone, agree to restore it from a copy.

For Viber, it is also recommended to back up before you switch. In Viber settings, select Account → Backup Viber. After installing the application on the new device and entering the number, the system will prompt you to restore the message history from the created backup.

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Tip: Secret chats on Telegram and some secure dialogues in other messengers are not automatically transferred for security reasons, but will have to be recreated or manually transferred, taking screenshots of important information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The main result: Xiaomi owners do not need to search for third-party complex programs. the built-in Mi Mover tool in conjunction with the Google account covers 99% of data transfer needs, ensuring a fast and safe migration to the new device.