Changing a smartphone is always an exciting process, often accompanied by fear of losing important data, especially when switching from one brand to another, such as Samsung to Xiaomi Redmi 9. Users fear that their contacts, photos and correspondence may become lost or unreadable, but modern technology makes this process as simple and fast as possible.
You don't need to be a tech person to migrate to a new gadget successfully. Android provides a lot of built-in tools and third-party solutions that automate the task, and the main thing is to follow the algorithm of actions clearly to avoid copying errors.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can migrate information, look at both standard Google tools and specialized tools from manufacturers, and learn how to keep folder structure and application settings.
Before you start to take action, you need to do some preparatory work, which will take a few minutes, but will save you a lot of problems in the future, make sure that both the old Samsung and the new Redmi 9 are charged at least 60-70%, interruption of the process due to battery drain can lead to file damage.
It is also critical to check for free space on the target device: If you plan to transfer large amounts of media, Redmi 9 memory should be empty or have sufficient storage, and it is recommended to delete unnecessary files in advance or move them to the computer.
Both smartphones must be connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Mobile internet use is undesirable due to high traffic consumption and possible connection instability. Make sure you know the passwords from your Google accounts, as they will be required for authorization.
⚠️ Warning: Do not start the transfer process if one of the devices is power-saving mode.This can limit the background operation of the system and interrupt the transfer of large files.
☑️ Preparation for migration
The most reliable and versatile way is to use the Google One cloud service. Since both smartphones are running Android, your data is already partially synced with the cloud. On an old Samsung, open the settings and find the Google section. Here you need to make sure that you have synchronized contacts, calendar and notes.
For a deeper backup, download the Google One app from the Play Market. Run it and create a full backup. It will include a list of installed apps, SMS-Messages and, most importantly, photos and videos if you have a place in the cloud.
Once you have completed your copy on Samsung, pick up the new Redmi 9. When you first turn on (or reset your settings), the system will prompt you to recover data from the cloud. Select your account and the phone will start downloading. This method is ideal for those who want a clean, litter-free system from the previous manufacturer.
What exactly is saved in Google One?
💡
Use the “Free Space” feature in Google Photos on your old phone after checking sync so you don’t duplicate files when you transfer.
Xiaomi has developed its own Mi Mover app, which makes it much easier to switch from other platforms, perhaps the fastest way to transfer heavy files like videos and document archives without using the Internet.
On Redmi 9, the app is already preinstalled in the Tools folder. On Samsung, you need to download it from the Play Store. Run it on both gadgets. On the new phone, select the Recipient role and on the old one, the Sender.
Devices will find each other through scanning QR-When you connect, select data categories to transfer. Mi Mover allows you to transfer not only media files, but also applications themselves, saving their layout on the desktop. 20-30 MB/s, which is much faster than Bluetooth.
⚠️ Warning: While Mi Mover is running, phone screens may go out. Don't lock the devices completely, keep them active so the connection doesn't break.
💡
Mi Mover is the best choice for fast wireless transmission of large amounts of data (photos, videos, APK) without the use of traffic.
If you prefer a wired connection or you don't have Wi-Fi, you can use a cable. However, a standard charging cable may not be suitable for transferring data between different brands without adapters. You may need a USB Type-C cable - USB Type-C or an OTG adapter.
Connect both phones to each other. Samsung will request connection mode. Select File Transfer or MTP. Redmi 9 will also confirm access to data. After that, you can use the built-in file manager to copy DCIM, Download, and Documents folders manually.
This method takes more time and manual intervention, but gives you complete control over which files will be copied. You can sort the data by folder immediately, avoiding duplicates. This is useful if the Redmi 9's internal memory is limited.
The transfer of messengers such as WhatsApp and Telegram deserves special attention. Telegram stores the entire history of correspondence on its servers, so it is enough to simply enter a phone number on a new device. WhatsApp is more complicated, since the chat history is stored locally or in the Google Drive cloud.
To properly port WhatsApp from Samsung to Redmi 9, make sure to back up on your old phone through the app settings. select Backup and click Create. Make sure the copy has downloaded to your Google Drive.
When you first install WhatsApp on the new Redmi 9, the app will detect the backup and prompt you to restore it. If you don't, make sure you're using the same phone number and the same Google account. In some cases, you may need the Move to iOS app (paradoxically, but sometimes helps with changing platforms) or specialized paid utilities if the standard method didn't work.
Once the data is transferred, the final security and optimization settings must be done. Samsung owners are used to the One UI shell, which is different from the MIUI on the Redmi 9. You will need time to get used to the new settings and control gestures.
Make sure to check biometric protection. Fingerprints and facial data will need to be re-registered, as they are stored in a secure module of each particular device and are not portable.
Remember to update all apps in the Play Market to the latest versions, which will ensure that the programs run on the new operating system and fix any compatibility bugs. Check the notification settings, as they can be more aggressive in terms of battery savings in MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: After transferring data, don't rush to reset the old Samsung to factory settings.Use the new Redmi 9 for a couple of days to make sure all important files and passwords are in place.
To make a visual comparison of data transfer methods, we will look at the key features in the table below, which will help you choose the best option depending on your situation and the availability of equipment.
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | What's transferable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Account | Medium | Yeah (Wi-Fi) | Contacts, photos, settings |
| Mi Mover | Tall. | No (my Wi-Fi) | All files, applications, SMS |
| USB Cable | Tall. | No. | Files and media |
| Bluetooth | Low. | No. | Only small files. |
Switching from Samsung to Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a great way to get a modern device with a good screen and battery. The right data port allows you to start using the new gadget immediately without being distracted by finding lost contacts or photos. Use a combination of methods for the best result.
For example, contacts and calendars are better synced through Google, and heavy videos and archives are transferred through Mi Mover, which will ensure data integrity and save time. Enjoy the new Android experience without unnecessary hassle.