Changing a mobile device is always stressful, with the risk of losing important contacts, photos or settings of familiar applications. When a user moves from the MIUI ecosystem to Samsung’s One UI shell, the process seems complicated due to differences in software, but modern technology makes this transition as painless and fast as possible.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways data migrates, from Google’s cloud services to customized utilities from manufacturers, and learn how to save folder structure, migrate call history, and not lose a single gigabyte of media when changing your smartphone.
The process of transferring data from Xiaomi to Samsung takes from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of information, the main thing is to prepare both devices correctly and choose the best transfer method that suits your situation and the availability of Wi-Fi connection.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before any manipulations, you need to make sure that both smartphones have sufficient battery power, and the optimal solution is to connect both devices to a power source, since the process of transferring a large amount of data can significantly consume energy.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the file transfer process even if the smartphone screens are out. Interrupting sync can damage archives with photos or contacts.
Be sure to check for free space on the new Samsung Galaxy device.The amount of free memory should exceed the size of the data you plan to transfer from the old Xiaomi. Also make sure that both devices are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, as they can be used to detect gadgets.
It is recommended to update the software on both smartphones to the latest available version. This minimizes the risk of compatibility errors when working with data protocols. Check the updates in the Settings menu → About the phone → System Update.
☑️ Preparation for transfer
Use Samsung Smart Switch Mobile
The most effective and official way to transfer information is the Samsung Smart Switch application, which is designed specifically for migrating data to the devices of the Korean brand and supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, music and even home screen layouts.
To get started, you need to install the app on both smartphones. On the new Samsung, it is often pre-installed in a Samsung pack or available on Google Play. On Xiaomi, the app is downloaded exclusively from the Google Play store, as GetApps may not have it.
Once installed, open the app on both devices. On the new phone, select "Get Data" and then specify the source "Android." The system will suggest whether you connect wirelessly or cable. The wireless method is more convenient, but the cable will provide a higher transfer rate.
- 📲 Select “Send Data” on the old Xiaomi and “Get Data” on the new Samsung.
- 🔗 Connect devices through QR-code USB-C to USB-C (Adapter often comes with a complete set).
- 📂 Tick the types of data you need to copy: contacts, messages, images, applications.
- 🚀 Click the “Transfer” button and wait until the process is completed without switching screens.
Importantly, some system settings and passwords from Wi-Fi networks may not be portable for Android security reasons, but the bulk of user information will be kept intact.
What if the Smart Switch can’t see the phone?
Synchronization through Google account
An alternative and often more reliable way is to use Google Drive cloud storage and account sync, which is ideal if you don't have a cable on hand or the wireless connection is unstable, all data is stored in the cloud and automatically uploaded to the new device.
On the old Xiaomi, go to settings and find the account section. Make sure your Google account is added and synced for all important items: contacts, calendar, notes. Use the Settings path → Accounts and sync → Google to do this.
Special attention is given to photo backup. Open the Google Photos app, click on the profile avatar and make sure that Autoupload and Sync is active. Wait until all photos are uploaded to the cloud.
| Type of data | Synchronization method | Where to find it on Samsung |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Google Contacts | Annex “Contacts” |
| Photos and videos | Google Photo | Gallery or Google Photos |
| Annexes | Google Play Store | Section “Application management” |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Backup copy of Google | Automatically at the entrance |
Once you have enabled the new Samsung, simply log in to the same Google account when you initially set up.The system will prompt you to recover data from a backup created on Xiaomi.
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Use the “Clean Storage” feature in Google Photos after a successful transfer to make room on an old Xiaomi if you plan to sell or give it away.
Transfer data via Mi Mover and local files
Xiaomi owners often use the built-in Mi Mover utility. Although it is sharpened to receive data from other Xiaomi, it can create local backups that can be manually flipped, but this method is less effective than Smart Switch for switching to Samsung.
A more versatile option is manually transfer media via computer or FTP. You can connect Xiaomi to your PC in file transfer mode (MTP) and copy the DCIM, Download, Documents folders to your computer, and then throw them into Samsung memory.
To wirelessly transfer large files without the Internet, you can use applications like Send Anywhere or Google’s Quick Share feature, which is now built into many Android smartphones, which allows you to quickly transfer videos weighing several gigabytes.
⚠️ Note: When you manually copy folders through a computer, the nesting structure may change. Carefully check the paths to the files after transfer so that the gallery indexes them correctly.
Don’t forget to export important conversations from messengers, too: WhatsApp and Telegram have their own built-in backup features tied to Google Drive that need to be activated separately from the shared system.
Migration of applications and their data
The hardest part of the transition is to migrate data within apps, and if you use standard Google apps (Maps, Mail, YouTube), when you log in, all data is automatically restored thanks to the sync feature.
Third-party apps, such as banking clients or games, will require re-authorization. Some games that don't use Google Play Games to save progress may not carry over your achievements, and in such cases, it's worth checking the in-game settings on your old device in advance.
For banking applications, security is a priority, so you will have to log in again, often with confirmation via SMS or biometrics. SIM-The card is installed in the new phone before the start of setting up banking programs.
Decision and possible errors
As users migrate, they may encounter a number of common problems, often because devices simply don't see each other when trying to connect wirelessly, and this is where rebooting the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules on both devices helps.
Sometimes the process hangs on a certain percentage. If waiting longer than 10-15 minutes does not work, it is better to interrupt the operation, restart both smartphones and try again, choosing a smaller amount of data for the first attempt.
- 🔄 Connection Error: Make sure both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or use a direct connection.
- 📉 Memory Lack: Check that there is more space available on Samsung than the backup weighs.
- 🔋 Communications break: Don't block phone screens during transmission, it can break the connection.
If neither of the software methods works, the option is left with a PC and Samsung Smart Switch for PC, which allows you to create a full backup of an old Android smartphone and deploy it on a new one.
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The most reliable way to avoid errors is the combined method: contacts and photos through Google, and applications and system settings through Smart Switch via cable.