Changing a smartphone is always stressful, not so much with getting used to a new interface, but with the need to transfer all digital life to a new device. Samsung ecosystem owners who decide to switch to Xiaomi devices often face the question of how to transfer accumulated gigabytes of information as efficiently and quickly as possible. Using wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi Direct or cloud storage does not always guarantee stable speeds, especially with data volumes of 100 GB or more.
That's why wired connectivity remains the most reliable way to migrate. USB-The cable provides a stable bit stream transmission without loss of speed due to interference in the air. In this guide, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of how to use the adapter. USB Type-C — OTG Directly connect two smartphones, and consider the software tools that make this process automated and secure for your files.
It's important to understand that the file system architecture on both devices is Android-based, which makes it a lot easier. However, there are nuances to how Samsung's One UI shell works and Xiaomi's MIUI (or HyperOS) shells work. We'll look at the regular utilities that are already built into the system, and manual copying techniques for those who prefer complete control of the process. Procedure readiness and having the right cable is 90% of the operation's success.
Equipment and preparation of devices required
Before you start the active phase of the transfer, you need to make sure that both gadgets are physically ready. The most common mistake is using cheap cables that are only for charging and do not support data transfer. You will need a quality USB Type-C cable on both sides or a standard cable paired with an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter if you plan to use an old cable from the charger.
Both devices must be charged at least 60-70%. The process of copying large amounts of data, especially if it is a 4K video or heavy games, can last from 30 minutes to several hours. Interrupting the process due to battery discharge can cause file damage or a malfunction of the file system of the new smartphone. It is also recommended to make room on Xiaomi if it has already been used to avoid file name conflicts.
☑️ Pre-testing
The Mi Mover app prefers to create a Wi-Fi hotspot, but it has a cable mode that activates automatically when you connect. If you plan to use a file manager, make sure that both devices are debugging over USB or that file transfer (MTP) mode is selected in notifications after you connect.
Using the Mi Mover app for migration
The most civilized and preferred way for most users is to use specialized software. Xiaomi smartphones preinstalled the Mi Mover app, which is optimized for working with Android devices of any brand. Although the main scenario of the utility is tied to wireless connection, modern versions of the firmware MIUI and HyperOS are able to recognize direct cable connection and switch to it to speed up the process.
To get started, run the app on the new Xiaomi smartphone and select the role "New Device." On the old Samsung, you need to install a similar app from Google Play or through the built-in scanner. QR-And then, when you pair the devices, you can actually suggest the optimal transmission path, and if you connect the cable, you can see a high-speed notification in the interface.
⚠️ Note: When using Mi Mover via cable, do not turn off device screens or switch to other applications, as Samsung’s power saving system may break the background connection.
The software interface allows you to flexibly configure which data to copy. You can select only contacts, messages and call history, leaving media files for manual transmission, or make a full cloning of the system. The application algorithm minimizes the risks of duplicate files by checking the hash sums of already existing data on the target device.
💡
If Mi Mover is stuck in the Preparation phase, try disabling VPN and antivirus on both devices, and temporarily shut down mobile internet, leaving only the Wi-Fi module active for local communication.
Direct copying via file manager and USB-OTG
For users who prefer manual control or encounter software errors in automatic utilities, there is a direct copying method. This method requires a USB-C to USB-C cable or an OTG adapter. The essence of the method is that one phone sees the file system of another as an external drive, similar to a flash drive.
Connect both smartphones with a cable. Samsung will display a system notification “Charge via USB” or “USB settings.” Click on it and select File Transfer/Android Auto mode. Xiaomi device may also require confirmation of access to the connected device data. After that, a standard MIUI Explorer or a third-party file manager (such as Total Commander or Solid Explorer) will have a new drive in the “USB” section.
Navigating the Samsung file system from a Xiaomi phone is done using standard methods, and you need to find DCIM (photo and video), Download (download), Music and other directories that contain important data, and copy it using the Copy-Epaste method to the desired internal memory directory of the new device.
- 📂 folder DCIM/Camera It contains all the photos and videos taken with the main camera.
- 📂 Directory Android/data It may contain cache of some applications, but it is not recommended to copy it manually due to differences in access rights.
- 📂 Messenger files are often in separate folders, for example WhatsApp/Media or Telegram, the root of memory.
- 📂 Contacts should be exported to.vcf via the Contacts app on Samsung and imported to Xiaomi, as direct copying of the contact database may not work.
Why can’t the computer see the phone in file transfer mode?
Transfer of contacts, calendar and messages
Multimedia files are only part of a user's digital identity: contacts, correspondence history and calendar events are critical; simply copying folders is not helpful, because this information is stored in secure databases; VCF (vCard) remains the most universal standard for contacts.
On a Samsung device, open the Contacts app, go to the control menu (three bars or dots) and select Contact Management → Import/Export Contacts. Choose Export to internal memory. Send the contacts.vcf file to Xiaomi in any convenient way (albeit via the same cable, Bluetooth) and open it. The system will suggest importing all entries into a phone book or Google account.
SMS and MMS messages are more difficult. With regular Android tools, it is almost impossible to transfer them directly over the cable to the native Messages app on Xiaomi because of the differences in the database structure. Here specialized utilities come to the rescue, such as SMS Backup & Restore. Create a backup on Samsung, save the file to your computer or to the cloud, then restore it to Xiaomi.
| Type of data | Transfer method | Difficulty | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photos and videos | Copying folders DCIM, Pictures | Low. | Minimum |
| Contacts | VCF file or synchronization of Google | Low. | Absence of numbers in case of export error |
| Messages (SMS) | Special Applications (Backup) | Medium | Loss of correspondence |
| Annexes | Google Play / Mi GetApps | Low. | Need for re-authorization |
| Wi-Fi passwords | QR-code | Medium | Can't be moved over the cable. |
Solving problems when connecting via cable
Even if all instructions are followed, there can be technical difficulties: Often users are faced with a situation where the phone is charging from another phone, but the data is not transmitted. This may be due to the fact that the USB Type-C port on one of the devices is damaged or contaminated. Careful cleaning of the connector with compressed air or a neat wooden toothpick often solves the contact problem.
Another common problem is file system conflict or access rights. Android, starting with version 11, severely restricts access to files in the Android/obb and Android/data folder for third-party applications and even for the Explorer when connecting via MTP. If you can’t see these folders when connecting via cable, this is not a bug, but system protection.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to force a root change to your system folders for data portability unless you are an experienced user.This may result in loss of warranty and instability for Xiaomi.
If the transfer speed drops to a few kilobytes per second, check if Samsung has power saving mode on, which can limit the workload. USB-Also make sure you don't use the port. USB-A low-quality hub or adapter that does not support the required data protocols.
Completion of the transfer and initial setup Xiaomi
Once the files are copied, take the time to delete data from the old Samsung. First, audit the new device. Check the openability of photos, all contacts and applications. Some applications, especially banking and enterprise, will require re-authorization and biometrics configuration, as they are tied to specific hardware and its identifiers.
The MIUI or HyperOS shell has its own permission management features. When you first run portable applications, the system will request access to the camera, microphone and files. Read these queries carefully. You should also go to the Mi Account settings and make sure that sync is enabled for contacts and notes, so that in the future the transition between devices is even easier.
💡
The full data transfer over the cable takes less time and is independent of the speed of the Internet, which makes it preferable for migration of large amounts of information (more than 50 GB).
In conclusion, the transition from one Android ecosystem to another is as simple as possible today, with quality cables and proven software tools, and if you encounter a unique problem that cannot be solved by standard methods, there is always the option of creating a full backup to your computer via ADB, although this requires more technical knowledge.