Buying a new smartphone is always a pleasant excitement, but the need to transfer the accumulated information over the years can cloud this moment. Migration of data from one device to another is a process that requires careful attention, especially if you move to the Xiaomi ecosystem from another operating system or an old version of Android. Modern technology allows you to do this almost without user intervention, but knowing the nuances will save you from losing important contacts or photos.
In this article, we’ll take a look at all the sync options available, from the Mi Mover app to Google’s cloud services, how to save folder structure, Wi-Fi passwords, and even the location of icons on your desktop. The full transfer takes 15 to 40 minutes depending on the internal memory of your old device. Don’t rush to throw away the package from your old gadget until you make sure that all the files are successfully downloaded.
Before you start, you need to make sure that both devices are charged at least 60-70%. Active data transfer, especially over Wi-Fi, can significantly consume energy. Also check the availability of space on the new device - it should exceed the amount of data occupied on the old phone.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most efficient and fastest way developed specifically for Xiaomi and Redmi devices is the Mi Mover utility, which is pre-installed on most new models in the Tools folder, but if it is not available, you can download it. APK-A file from the official GetApps store or Play Store, and the main advantage of the method is the ability to transfer data even without access to the Internet, since the application creates a local Wi-Fi network between devices.
The process starts with running the program on both smartphones, and on the new device you choose the Recipient role, and on the old one, the Sender. QR-A direct connection is established when you have a code or a manual password, and the transmission speed can reach a speed of 20-40 MB/s, which is much faster than standard Bluetooth.
The system will suggest selecting data categories to copy, you can only transfer contacts and messages, or you can do a full cloning of the system, including call history and installed applications. It is important to note that some system settings and passwords of banking applications may not be transferred for security reasons.
- 📱 Supports the transfer of contacts, SMS, Call history, system settings and notes.
- 📸 Automatically copies photos, videos and music files to the appropriate folders.
- 📂 Stores the structure of files in internal memory, which is convenient for working with documents.
- ⚡ It works without internet traffic using a direct Wi-Fi connection.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
Note that when you transfer applications, they will be loaded in the background, if they are not system programs. Heavy games and specific software may require additional authorization. If there is an error during the transfer, do not panic: just interrupt the process and start again, selecting only those categories that have not been copied.
Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services
A classic method that is relevant to any Android smartphone, including Xiaomi. If you have previously used Android, chances are your contacts, calendar events and photos are already saved in the Google cloud. When you first activate a new phone, you just need to enter a username and password to restore the basic information.
To work properly, you need to go to your Google account settings on your old device and make sure that all the right sync sliders are active, especially Google Photos, where media content is stored, and Google Drive, where you can back up your app settings. Backup in Google One allows you to save even the location of icons on your desktop and Wi-Fi passwords.
⚠️ Attention: Google's free storage is limited to 15GB. If you have a lot of photos and videos in original quality, there may not be enough space, in which case some of the data is not synchronized until you free up space or buy a subscription.
Once you have entered an account on the new Xiaomi, the system will suggest recovering data from the last available copy.This process can take time if there are many apps, as they will be downloaded from the Play Store sequentially.
What to do if the synchronization is suspended?
Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi
iOS owners who decide to switch to Xiaomi will need a special approach, since direct synchronization of system settings is impossible. Mi Mover has an iPhone version that allows you to transfer contacts, photos, videos and calendar events.
The process is similar to transferring between Android devices: select the “Sender” on the iPhone and scan the code from the new Xiaomi. However, it is worth remembering that the applications (.apk) with iOS are not compatible with Android. You will have to re-find and install the analogues of the desired programs from GetApps or Google Play.
WhatsApp or Viber correspondence history is not automatically transferred via Mi Mover from iOS to Android due to differences in file systems and encryption. WhatsApp has an official chat portability feature, but it requires a Lightning-to-USB-C cable and operator support or the use of special tools when you initially set up the phone.
- 🍎 Contacts and photos are transferred quickly and without loss of quality.
- 💬 WhatsApp Message History Requires Separate Migration Procedure.
- 🎵 Music and video are copied into standard media player folders.
- 🔒 iCloud keychain passwords won’t be available on Android without third-party password managers.
Users who actively use the Apple ecosystem are encouraged to export important notes and files in advance to universal formats or cloud storage, accessible from any device, such as Yandex.Disk or Dropbox.
Manual transfer of files via computer
If wireless methods are in doubt or huge amounts of data are required to be transmitted (e.g. 100)+ GB video, the most reliable option is to use a PC. Connect your old phone to your computer via a computer. USB-cable and select the "File Transfer" mode» (MTP). Copy the required folders (DCIM, Download, Documents on the hard drive.
Then, plug in the new Xiaomi and transfer the data to the appropriate directories, which ensures that no bytes are lost due to an unstable Wi-Fi signal, and you can audit your files and clear your smartphone of digital debris before transferring to your new device.
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Use USB 3.0 ports on your computer and original cables for maximum copy speed. Cheap cables can only support charging or run at USB 2.0 speeds, which will greatly increase transfer time.
When manually sorting, it is important to keep folder structure if you want a music player or gallery to see files right away. For example, music is better placed in the Music folder and ringtones in Ringtones. For system files like Android/data, manual portability can be difficult on new versions of Android due to access restrictions, so system settings are better still entrusted to the cloud or Mi Mover.
Comparison of data transfer methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a summary table comparing the main methods by key parameters, each method has its advantages depending on your situation and technical equipment.
| Method | Speed. | What's transferable | We need the Internet. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | Almost everything (except for bank passwords) | No. |
| Google Account | Medium | Contacts, photos, settings, applications | Yes. |
| USB + PC | Very high. | Files, photos, videos, documents | No. |
| Bluetooth | Low. | Only individual files | No. |
As you can see from the table, Mi Mover is the most versatile solution for Xiaomi users, but a combination of methods often gives the best result: for example, use Mi Mover for applications and settings, and throw heavy video files through the computer to avoid draining phones.
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may encounter various difficulties in migrating, and one of the most common is interrupting Wi-Fi Direct when using Mi Mover, which often happens when one device is power-saving or screen sleeper, and it is recommended to switch both phones to “Don’t Turn Off” mode in the developer’s settings or simply keep the screens on before starting the process.
Another problem is that some apps are not available after the transfer, which is normal for banking clients and high-security applications, which will have to be re-downloaded and logged in, and instant messenger notifications can also get lost, so check your autorun settings and permissions for WhatsApp or Telegram under Apps.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to interrupt the recording process or turn off the phone during the initial system setup, which may damage the file system and require a full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset).
If the new phone is slow after the transfer, give it time. In the background, the first hours are file indexing, database optimization, and application updates. Usually, after 30-60 minutes of active operation, the system stabilizes.
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The key to successful migration is to take your time, let the system complete all the background processes after the first switch on before actively using the phone.