Switching to a new smartphone always causes a slight stress associated with the risk of losing important information. However, if you change an Android device to a Xiaomi model, the process of migrating data is as simple as possible for developers. Modern software shells MIUI and HyperOS have built-in tools that allow you to clone the contents of an old gadget in minutes.
There are several proven ways to do this, from using a proprietary application to cloud services, and the specific method depends on the version of the operating system on the old device, the amount of files transferred, and whether you have a stable Internet connection.
Regardless of the path chosen, backup is a critical step that should not be neglected. Even with automated systems, there is minimal risk of failure, so pre-preparation ensures that your digital assets are safe.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most effective and recommended way is to use a specialized tool Mi Mover. This application is developed by Xiaomi specifically for data transfer between devices and supports work not only with its brand phones, but also with any other Android smartphones. The utility allows you to transfer contacts, messages, call history, installed applications, photos, videos, music and even system settings.
The process starts with installing the app on both devices. On the new Xiaomi smartphone, it is often preinstalled in the Tools folder or available for download from the GetApps store. On the old phone, the program must be downloaded from Google Play. Once launched, an interface will appear on both screens that selects the role of the device: “I am the recipient” or “I am the sender”.
You need to create a connection to start the data transfer. The new phone generates the data. QR-A code or Wi-Fi hotspot that you need to scan or select from a list of networks on your old device, and it's important to ensure that you're stable and stay in the application until the process is complete. Transfer speeds vary depending on the amount of data, but are typically between 20 and 40MB/s, which is significantly faster than Bluetooth.
⚠️ Warning: Do not open other heavy applications while running Mi Mover, as this may reduce transfer speeds or break connection between devices.
Once the connection is established, the user sees a list of data categories to transfer, you can select a selective migration or copy everything at once, the system automatically adapts some settings to the new shell, if possible, and after the operation is completed, a report on the number of files and applications transferred will appear on the screen.
☑️ Preparation for transfer via Mi Mover
Sync through Google Account and Cloud Services
Google’s ecosystem provides a reliable way to store personal information in the cloud: If the old device was enabled sync, the first time you turn on a new Xiaomi smartphone, you just need to enter the same username and password. The system automatically prompts you to restore a backup, which includes contacts, calendar events, notes and a list of installed applications.
For photos and videos, Google Photos is the best service. With Autoupload and Sync enabled, all media files are saved in the cloud in original or compressed quality. On a new phone, just log in to your account, and the entire library will be available instantly, without taking up space in internal memory until a particular file is opened.
Special attention should be paid to the transfer of these applications. Many programs, such as WhatsApp or Viber, store the history of correspondence separately from the system backup. To restore them, you need to back up the chats in the settings of the messenger itself, choosing to save to Google Drive.
Nuances of password synchronization
It is important to consider that recovery from the cloud requires a stable and preferably fast connection to Wi-Fi. Mobile Internet may not cope with a large amount of data, and quickly exhaust your tariff limit.
Manual file transfer via USB and computer
For users who prefer full control of the process or do not have fast Internet, the best option is to use the computer as an intermediary, a method that is especially relevant for transferring heavy files: video to 4K, large archives of documents or game installation files.
First, connect your old smartphone to your PC through USB-cable and select the mode of operation "File transfer» (MTP) In the notifications, copy the necessary folders, such as: DCIM (Photos and videos, Download, Documents and Music, to your computer's hard drive. Then turn off your old device and plug in your new Xiaomi.
Copy the stored data into the internal memory of a new smartphone. Android folder structure is universal, so files will fall into place automatically. DCIM/Camera, They'll be in the gallery.
| Type of data | Location on Android | Where to copy on Xiaomi | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photos and videos | /DCIM/Camera | /DCIM/Camera | Automatically recognized by the gallery |
| Downloads. | /Download | /Download | Files from the browser |
| Documents | /Documents | /Documents | Office files and PDF |
| Music. | /Music | /Music | Tracks for built-in player |
When using this method, you should be careful about the file system format. If you use an external drive, it should be formatted in exFAT or FAT32 for compatibility with both devices without additional drivers.
Transfer of contacts through SIM-map and Bluetooth
If you need to transfer only the phone book, and the Internet is not available, you can use the classic method of exporting to the Internet. SIM-This is considered obsolete because of the limit on the number of characters in the contact name and the lack of ability to save additional numbers or email, but it works everywhere.
In the Contacts app on your old phone, select the control menu and click Import/Export. Select Export on the option SIM-After the procedure is completed, insert the SIM card into the new Xiaomi and import data into the phone’s memory via a similar menu.
An alternative for small individual files is Bluetooth, which is slow, but it's a good option for multiple business cards or documents, so turn on Bluetooth on both devices, pair and send files through the Share menu.
⚠️ Note: When exporting contacts to SIM-Long names can be cut off and contact photos lost. Use this method only as a backup.
A more modern alternative to Bluetooth is Google’s Bluetooth Sharing (formerly Nearby Share) feature, which uses Bluetooth to find the device, but transfers files over a high-speed Wi-Fi Direct channel, which greatly speeds up the process.
Features of data transfer messengers
The most sensitive part of migration is the history of correspondence in messengers. WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber use different approaches to data storage. Telegram stores the entire history on the server, so it is enough just to log in to a new device.
WhatsApp needs to do local or cloud backup on your old phone. In chat settings, select Backup and click Create. When you first run on your new phone, the app will prompt you to restore a history from a found copy.
In Viber, the process is similar: create a backup in settings (“Account” → “Viber Backup”). It is important that the new device has the same Google Drive account installed or a local copy used if the cloud is not involved.
💡
To migrate WhatsApp between different operating systems (for example, iOS to Android), the built-in tools may not work, in which case use the Chat Transfer feature when you initially set up Xiaomi, which supports cross-platform migration via cable.
Problem Solving and Post-Mobility Optimization
Once the migration is complete, users may find that some applications are not working properly or require re-authorization, a normal security check situation, and banking applications and Google Pay will require separate setup and linking again.
It's also worth checking the app permissions. When you move, you might reset your privacy settings. Go through the installed software list and make sure that cameras, microphones and geolocations are allowed where they're needed.
If you notice that the battery of a new smartphone discharges faster than usual in the early days, do not panic. the system conducts file indexing and optimization of background processes. Usually after 2-3 days of active use, the autonomy returns to normal values.
⚠️ Warning: If the data is lost after transfer, do not write new information to your phone. Try repeating the import procedure or check the Recycle Bin folder in the gallery and file manager.
Remember to remove duplicate apps. Sometimes Xiaomi system counterparts may conflict with previously installed programs from other manufacturers (for example, two browsers or two antiviruses).
💡
The full system optimization after data transfer takes up to 48 hours, during which time it is possible to increase the load on the processor and heat the case.