Replacing an old smartphone with a new model is always an exciting process, often overshadowed by the fear of losing important data. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices can breathe a sigh of peace, as the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem offers powerful tools for migration.
There are several proven ways to do this, each with its own nuances: you can use the built-in Mi Mover app, Google cloud services, or local backup, and the specific method you choose depends on the condition of the old device and the amount of information you need to save.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the transition steps to eliminate the risk of data loss, look at both standard scenarios and complex cases where phones are in different conditions, and follow the instructions will allow you to start using the new gadget immediately after it is turned on.
Preparation of devices for the migration procedure
Before you start copying directly, you need to do a number of preparatory steps: make sure that both devices are charged at least 60%, as the process can take a considerable time and require energy, and check the availability of free space on the new phone, so that all files fit without errors.
It is important to update the operating system on both devices to the latest available version, which minimizes the risks of data format incompatibility and ensures that synchronization services work smoothly. This is especially true for older Redmi models, as new data protocols may not be supported in outdated firmware.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to interrupt the data transfer process after it has started.Forced shutdown or closure of the application can damage system files and malfunction of the new smartphone.
If you plan to use cloud services, check the stability of the Internet connection. For large amounts of data, it is recommended to use a Wi-Fi network with high bandwidth. Mobile Internet is best avoided to avoid unforeseen traffic costs.
Special attention should be paid to cleaning the old device from junk files, removing temporary files and app cache will speed up the backup process, and this will also save space in the cloud if you choose to use this method.
Using the Mi Mover application for wireless transfer
The most efficient and quickest way to migrate data between Xiaomi devices is the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed in the default system and does not require additional software from third-party sources.
To get started, open the app on both devices. On the new phone, select Reciever and on the old phone, Sender. QR-code or find the device in the list of available networks.
Once you have established the connection, you will be asked to select data types to transfer. You can copy contacts, messages, call history, photos, videos, music, and even installed applications. The program interface allows you to flexibly configure parameters, eliminating unnecessary files.
The copying process is in the background, but the screens of the devices must not go out. If the transfer stops, check whether the phone switched to the mobile network or turned on power saving mode. In some cases, you need to reconfirm permissions to access files.
What if the Mi Mover can’t see the device?
Make sure both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Try temporarily disabling VPN or antivirus software that can block local connection. Also, rebooting both devices and trying again. Synchronizing through Google Account and cloud services The classic method that is relevant for all Android users is to use a Google account. This method is ideal for transferring contacts, notes, calendar and system settings. Data is automatically stored in the cloud and downloaded when you first log in to the new device. To activate synchronization, go to the old device, synchronize to the new one, and make sure that you switch to the important points after you complete. Data Type Synchronization Recovery Speed Requires Internet Contacts Google Contacts Instantly Yes Photos and Videos Google Photos / Mi Cloud Depends on the volume Yes Google Play App Store Background Download Yes Google Account Wi-Fi Passwords Automatic Yes Xiaomi appliance owners also have their own Mi Cloud service available. It allows you to create full backups of the system, including the location of icons on the desktop and alarm settings. Signing into Mi Account on a new device will automatically pull up this data. However, you should consider the limitations of the free cloud storage tariff. If the amount of your data exceeds the available, you can additionally use the combined space. An alternative to cloud-based methods is to create a local backup, which is preferred for users who want to keep a full copy of the system without transferring data over the Internet. A copy is created in the internal memory of the phone or on the connected SD-To create a backup, go to the Settings menu. → The phone. → Backup and restore. Here you can choose the system components to save. It takes longer than cloud sync, but gives you full control of the data. Once you create a backup file, you need to transfer it to a new phone. It can be done through USB-cable, connected to a computer, or through a file manager over a network. MIUI/backup/AllBackup. 💡Keep backups not only on your phone, but also on external media. Internal memory can fail, and you lose a single copy of important data. On a new device, the procedure is performed in reverse. Find the backup file, select it from the recovery menu, and start the process. The system will reboot and apply all the saved settings, returning the phone to the same state as the old one. It is important to note that the versions of the operating system on both devices should be similar. Attempting to restore a backup from a newer version of Android to an older one can lead to errors or a cyclical reboot.Moving data from messengers and banking applications requires messengers such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber. These applications store the history of correspondence in their databases, which are not always copied by standard system tools. WhatsApp requires you to use the built-in backup function in chat settings. In the messenger settings, select the Chats section. → Backup chats and click "Create a backup." Make sure the copy is uploaded to Google Drive. When you install the app on a new phone and log in to the same account, the system will prompt you to restore your message history. ⚠️ Note: Banking applications and security systems (Google Pay, Mi Pay) require re-authorization and device binding, and you can't just copy login data for security reasons. For banking applications, Xiaomi and other financial institutions will need to re-verify. SIM-map SMS-Prepare your passport information in advance if you need proof of identity. Some applications may block entry when root rights or firmware is detected. In such cases, standard port methods may not work and you will need to configure again. Always check the operation of critical applications immediately after migration. Problem solving and frequent errors During the transfer process, users may encounter various difficulties. One of the frequent problems is the Mi Account authorization error. This may be due to the locking of the security account or incorrect password entry. Check the account status through the browser on the computer. Another common problem is the lack of memory on the new device. If the amount of copied data exceeds the free space, the process is interrupted. 💡The surest way to avoid errors is to transfer in stages: first contacts and messages, then media files, and then heavy applications, and Wi-Fi failures can also interrupt transmission. If the connection is constantly broken, try to bring the phones closer together or eliminate the presence of powerful sources of interference nearby. OTG, If you see a fast battery discharge or heat after transfer, reset the partition cache. Dalvik/ART Cache via Recovery mode, which will help the system re-optimize the installed applications for the new hardware. Do you have to delete your Google account from your old phone before selling? Yes, you do. Before selling or transferring an old device, you must perform a full setup reset (Factory Reset). But before that, it is critical to remove Google’s account from the list of devices in the security settings to avoid blocking the activation (FRP Lock) for the new owner. What to do if you forget the password from Mi Account? Restoring access through the official website id.mi.com. You will need access to the associated phone number or email. If the data is lost, the recovery procedure can take a long time and require the provision of checks for the purchase of the device. Will passwords from Wi-Fi networks be transferred? Yes, when using full backup through Mi Cloud or Mi Mover, passwords from stored Wi-nets are transferred automatically. With a clean installation, the system synchronization can also be restored in Google passwords.