Buying a new smartphone is always accompanied by a pleasant excitement, but the process of transferring accumulated gigabytes of photos, contacts and applications can turn joy into a routine. Redmi Note 8 is a popular model that requires the right approach to the initial setup so that the user immediately gets access to all their usual functions. Modern Xiaomi tools allow you to make this process as automated as possible, but it is important to know the technical nuances so as not to lose any important file.
There are several proven migration methods, each with its own advantages depending on the amount of information being transferred and the condition of the old device. MIUI, the shell installed on your device, offers built-in solutions that work faster than third-party counterparts. We will look at the most effective ways, including using the branded Mi Mover app, synchronizing through a Google account and manual copying through a computer.
Before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices have sufficient battery power, as active data transfer can consume a significant amount of energy.The process of migrating over Wi-Fi Direct does not consume Internet traffic, since the devices connect directly over the local network. This is especially important if you plan to carry several gigabytes of multimedia files or heavy games.
Preparing devices for data migration
The success of the transfer operation depends on the proper preparation of both smartphones, and do not ignore this stage, as even minor settings can interrupt the process or lead to errors in the operation of applications after migration.
Update the software on your old phone to the latest available version, ensuring that data formats are compatible and all the necessary security patches are available. The new Redmi Note 8 also recommends that you first set up before installing the apps so that the system is ready to receive information.
Clear the cache and delete unnecessary files on the old device.This will not only speed up the copying process, but also prevent the new smartphone from clogging up with digital debris that you may have planned to delete later. Also make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules on, as they are used to detect and connect gadgets.
It is important to understand that some banking and security-enhanced applications may require reauthorization or full reconfiguration of biometric data after transfer, which is a normal security response, and you need to be prepared to avoid panic when you see a password request.
Using the Mi Mover app for fast transfer
The most effective tool in the Xiaomi ecosystem is the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on all MIUI-enabled devices and allows you to transfer contacts, messages, call history, photos, music, videos, documents and even installed applications along with their data.
Run the app on both devices. On the new Redmi Note 8, select Receiver, and on the old phone, Sender. QR-This is a code that will appear on the screen of a new smartphone, and this action will create a secure connection between the gadgets.
⚠️ Warning: Do not break the connection or switch to other applications during the transfer of large amounts of data, as this may lead to failure and the need to start the process again.
Once you connect, you'll see a list of data categories that you can migrate, you can select all at once, or you can only select the items you need to do. The Mi Mover algorithm is optimized so that you can first communicate system settings and then user-generated content.
What if the Mi Mover can’t see the device?
Make sure that both phones have geolocation enabled (GPS) as Android requires it to run Wi-Fi Direct. Also try to turn off mobile internet on your old device, leaving only Wi-Fi. Sometimes it helps to reboot both smartphones before trying to connect again.> Particular attention should be paid to transferring apps. If the Android versions on the devices are very different, some old apps may not install automatically. In this case, the system will miss them and you will have to download current versions from the Google Play Store manually. Synchronizing through a Google account An alternative and often more reliable way is to use Google cloud services. This method is ideal for those who plan to switch to the future account in the smartphone as a universal brand. On your old device, go to settings and find the Accounts section. Make sure your Google account is active and synced for contacts, calendar, notes and app data. Press the sync button manually to make sure all recent changes are uploaded to the cloud. When you first activate Redmi Note 8 system will prompt to log into an existing Google account. After entering the login and password, the smartphone will automatically start downloading contacts, calendar events and a list of previously installed applications. Photos and videos will be uploaded through the Google Photos app if it's autoloaded. This method has one major advantage: it doesn't require the old device to be on hand when you set up a new one. You can buy a phone, you can paste it. SIM-card, enter account details and access your phone book and mail in minutes. However, it is worth remembering that this method does not tolerate the settings of system applications. MIUI, It's a method that's better to combine this method with Mi Mover to fully clone the system. For users working with large amounts of media or specific working documents, the most reliable method is the “old-fashioned” method of copying via a PC, which allows you to control each file and create backups before transferring. Connect your old phone to your computer through USB-cable and select file transfer mode (MTP) In the notifications, copy the folders. DCIM (Pictures, Download and Music to your computer's hard drive. Then connect Redmi Note 8 and transfer the data to the appropriate internal memory directories. Type of data Folder on Android Recommended method Speed Photos and Videos /DCIM, /Pictures USB / Mi Mover High Contacts Google Sync System / SIM Instant Documents /Download, /Documents USB / Cloud Medium Music /Music USB When copying through a computer, it is important to follow the folder structure, especially if you want the music players and galleries on the new device to display files correctly. Creating new folders with arbitrary names can cause the system’s media scanner to not detect content immediately. 💡Use the cable. USB 3.0 port USB 3.0 on a computer for maximum speed copying of large video files, this can speed up the process of 3-4 time-to-time USB 2.0. After copying is completed, it is recommended to check the integrity of files on the new device. Open a few photos and documents to make sure they don't get damaged during the transfer process. It's a simple procedure that will save you nerves in the future. Posting messages and call history The hardest part of migration for many users is saving the history of SMS and call logs. Standard Android tools often don't allow you to export this data in a convenient format, but Xiaomi tools do it great. When using Mi Mover, messages and calls are transferred automatically in the background. However, if you use other methods, you may need a third-party application, such as SMS Backup & Restore. It will create a backup file that you need to transfer to a new phone and restore it through the same application. It is important to note that multimedia messages (MMS) Mi Mover may not be transferred correctly through third-party applications, as they are often stored in a separate system storage. ⚠️ Note: When transferring through Google Account, call history and SMS It may not sync if the old device did not have the corresponding option enabled in Google settings or if the dialing application was used from a non-Google. These apps have their own built-in backup mechanisms. WhatsApp needs to go to chat settings, back up to Google Drive, and then agree to restore the copy on a new phone when you install the app. Problem solving and expert advice Despite the fact that processes are fine, sometimes errors occur. If the transmission is hanging on a certain percentage, try to turn off the screen lock on both devices, and also helps to switch flight mode, then turn on only Wi-Fi. Often users are faced with the problem of space shortage.Make sure that the amount of free memory on the Redmi Note 8 exceeds the amount of data transmitted by a minimum of 10-15%. The system needs space for temporary files and decompressing application archives. 💡The most reliable scenario is a combination of methods: Mi Mover for applications and system settings, Google Account for contacts and calendar, and USB-If some applications are not working properly after porting, don't rush to delete them. Try clearing the cache of a particular application through the settings. Sometimes you need to re-enter your account inside the app itself to activate a license or restore data. Is it safe to transfer banking data through Mi Mover? Bank applications typically do not transfer their cache and authorization data for security reasons. After the transfer, you will still have to re-enter pin codes, passwords and possibly confirm the login through the SMS. Card data stored in Google Pay (Wallet) will also require re-verification by the bank. What if the old phone is not on Android? If you are switching from iOS or a button phone, use cloud services. For iPhone, you can download the app "Mi Mover" from the AppStore, which allows you to transfer contacts and photos. Contacts from button phones are best saved on the AppStore. SIM-Map or Google Contacts via computer and then sync with the new Xiaomi.How long does it take to transfer 64GB of data? Time depends on the speed of Wi-Fi modules in both phones. On average, 64GB transfer takes 20 to 40 minutes. Using a USB-OTG cable (if supported by both devices via an adapter) can reduce this time, but the Mi Mover wireless method is more convenient and does not require the purchase of additional accessories.