How to transfer information from one phone to another Xiaomi

Changing a smartphone, especially within the same ecosystem, is always an exciting process, involving the expectation of new experiences and the fear of losing important data. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices are in a favorable position, as the Chinese giant has provided several built-in tools for migration.

There are three main scenarios, each with its own characteristics and suits different situations: you can use the specialized Mi Mover application for fast wireless transmission, sync Mi Cloud or use the classic method of backup via computer, the choice of the specific method depends on the condition of your old device and the availability of additional equipment.

In this article, we will discuss each method in detail, paying attention to the nuances that are often overlooked: you will learn how to save passwords from Wi-Fi, application layout and even call history. Proper preparation for the migration procedure is the guarantee that the new gadget will meet you with the usual desktop environment and all the necessary files.

Preparation of devices for the transfer procedure

Before you run any software tools, you need to do basic training on both devices, a critical step that can cause the process to be interrupted or files to be damaged, and make sure that both smartphones have at least 50-60% battery life, and ideally connect them to power supplies for the duration of the operation.

Check for free space on the receiving device. The amount of memory available should exceed the size of the data you plan to transfer. If you move from a 64 GB model to a 128 GB model, there will be no problems, but if you move to a device with less storage, you will have to pre-clean the gallery or remove unnecessary applications.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to start the transfer process if one of the devices is in power saving mode.This may limit the operation of the Wi-Fi module and lead to connection errors.

You should also update the system software on both phones to the latest version available. From the Settings menu → About the phone, check for updates. Different versions of the MIUI shell or HyperOS can interpret the backup structure differently, so the relevance of the software minimizes the risk of conflicts.

Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account. This is a key element of the ecosystem that will be required to authorize and unlock some features after the transfer. If you forget the password, restore access in advance through the web interface so that you do not get stuck in the activation phase of the new device.

Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration

The most efficient and modern way to transfer information is the regular Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on most Xiaomi devices, but if it is not available, it can be downloaded for free from GetApps or Google Play, the main advantage of this method is the high speed of data transfer over a direct Wi-Fi connection without using Internet traffic.

Run the app on both devices. On the old phone, select the role of "Sender" (Old phone), and on the new one - "Receiver" (New phone), the system will suggest choosing the type of network you create, and it is recommended to use the mode where the new phone creates an access point, as this provides a more stable connection in the face of possible interference.

After the scan. QR-If you code or enter a password on an old device, you open a data selection interface, and you can flexibly configure what you want to move:

• 📱 System data: contacts, messages, call history, notes, alarm clocks and Wi-Fi settings.
• 🖼️ Multimedia: Photos, Videos, Audio Files and Documents from Internal Memory.
• 📲 Annexes: themselves APK-Program files (data within apps may not be transferred everywhere due to Android limitations).
• ⚙️ System settings: the location of icons on the desktop, wallpaper, calls and some interface parameters.

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If the process is stuck in the Preparation phase, try restarting both phones and disabling VPNs or third-party antiviruses that may block the local network.

After selecting categories, click the "Send" button. Transfer speeds can range from 5 to 20 MB/s depending on the quality of the Wi-Fi modules. During the process, do not turn off the device screens and keep them close to each other. Upon completion, the new phone will automatically start installing applications and integrating data.

Sync with Mi Cloud and Google Account

Cloud technology not only allows you to transfer data, but also create a reliable insurance in case of loss of the device. Xiaomi ecosystem is deeply integrated with its own cloud, which perfectly synchronizes contacts, messages, voice recordings and gallery. → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud.

Turn on the synchronization of the required items on the old device and wait for the download to be completed. On the new phone, just log in to the same account, and the data is drained automatically. This is especially convenient for contacts and calendar, as it is updated in real time. However, free storage is limited to 5 GB, which may not be enough for photos and videos.

Google Account is also a powerful tool. When you first set up a new Xiaomi, just enter your Gmail details. The system will suggest restoring a backup created on an old device. This will save Play Market purchases, email settings and some app data. Combining methods (Mi Cloud for system + Google for apps) gives the best result.

Local backup and port over PC

For users who don’t trust the cloud or have a very large amount of data, the local backup method is ideal. Built-in backup allows you to save almost the entire state of the phone in one file. To create it, go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Restore.

Select “Mobile Backup” and specify what to save. Once the process is complete, the backup file (usually weighing a lot of gigabytes) will be in the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup. This file must be copied to your computer or directly to your new phone. USB-cable.

⚠️ Attention: Local backup files are not protected by cloud encryption. Do not transfer them through open file sharing and store them on a secure medium.

On the new device, place the backup file in the same MIUI/backup/AllBackup directory. Then, in the recovery menu, click Restore from File (or find the copy you created in the list if it is determined automatically). The system will unpack the data and restore the settings. This method is especially good for saving desktop layout and passwords from applications.

Manual transfer of multimedia and documents

Sometimes automatic systems can work incorrectly with heavy files or specific formats, and in such cases, the good old manual method remains the most reliable: connect your old phone to your computer in file transfer mode (MTP) and copy the DCIM folders (camera photos and videos), Pictures (screenshots and images from social networks) and Download.

When migrating to a new phone, the folder structure may be different, for example, some messengers save media files to their own directories, and to avoid losing correspondence on WhatsApp or Telegram, use the built-in export functions inside the apps themselves before resetting the old phone.

For documents and working files, it is convenient to use cloud storage like Google Drive or Yandex.Disk. Upload important PDF, DOCX and XLSX files to the old device, and on the new one, simply install the cloud application. This will save time and eliminate the need to search for files in the depths of the file system.

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Manual copying via PC is the only guaranteed way to transfer files larger than 4GB without the risk of connection breakdown typical of wireless methods.

Don't forget to check the hidden folders. Turn on the hidden files (the point at the beginning of the folder name) in the Explorer, which may contain configuration files of some games or customizations of specialized software.

Frequently encountered problems and their solution

Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties, and one of the most common problems is the Mi Mover “Disconnected” error, which is usually solved by turning off the mobile Internet on both devices and leaving only Wi-Fi on, and rebooting the Wi-Fi module also helps.

Another common situation is broken apps after portability: If the program doesn't start on a new phone, delete it and download it again from the store. When migrating, only installation files are transferred, but libraries may not be compatible with the new version of Android or the processor.

• 📉 Low speed: Make sure the devices aren't too far apart.metal obstacles between phones can shield the signal.
• 🔋 Battery discharge: If phones warm and discharge quickly, lower the screen brightness and turn off Bluetooth during transmission.
• ❌ Format error: Some file formats may not be supported by the new version MIUI. In this case, use third-party players or converters.

If nothing works, try resetting the network settings on both devices (Settings → Connection & Sharing → Wi-Fi Reset...).This will clear the network settings cache and often eliminate software conflicts.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)