How to transfer data from Samsung to Xiaomi: a step-by-step algorithm

Changing your smartphone is always an exciting process, especially when you move from one popular ecosystem to another. Samsung users who choose Xiaomi devices are often afraid of losing important contacts, photos or customizations of familiar applications. Fortunately, modern technology allows you to migrate data as quickly and painlessly as possible, preserving the structure of your digital life.

The process of transferring information can vary depending on the file size and version of the Android operating system on both devices. There are several proven ways, each of which has its own advantages for different use cases. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to transfer data from Samsung to Xiaomi using built-in tools and third-party utilities.

Preparing devices for data migration

Before starting any file copying procedure, make sure both smartphones are fully ready to work. Charge the battery of both devices to a minimum of 60-70%, as the process of transferring large amounts of data can be energy-intensive and time-consuming.

Also check for free space on Xiaomi’s new phone.If you plan to move the entire archive of photos and videos, make sure that internal memory or SD-It is recommended to remove unnecessary debris on the old device in advance to speed up the process.

Both smartphones must be connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. While some methods allow for a direct connection, having the Internet is necessary to synchronize accounts and check for updates to system components responsible for transferring.

⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the data transfer process or block smartphone screens during the active copying phase.This may cause file damage or synchronization error.

Make sure that both devices are Bluetooth enabled and geolocated if you plan to use methods that require finding devices in the neighborhood, settings that are often mandatory for handshake between gadgets from different manufacturers.

Using the Mi Mover app for full portability

The most effective and official way to switch from any Android smartphone to Xiaomi is to use the proprietary Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on most MIUI and HyperOS devices, but it can also be downloaded from Google Play to your old Samsung.

Once you install the app on both devices, launch it and select the role of each phone. On the new Xiaomi, specify it as a “New Device” and on Samsung, “Old Device.” The system automatically prompts you to create an access point or connect to an existing Wi-Fi network to organize a communication channel.

When the communication between the gadgets is established, you will see a list of data categories available for transfer. You can choose contacts, messages, call logs, applications, system settings, as well as multimedia files.

Mi Mover will try to find similar apps from Google Play for your new system, but some specific programs may require manual installation after the migration is completed.

After selecting all the necessary items, click either Send or Start, and the speed of transfer will depend on the number of files and the quality of the wireless connection, and you will receive a report on the number of successfully transferred objects.

Synchronization through Google Account

Google’s ecosystem is a universal bridge between any Android device, and if you’ve used Samsung before, most of your data is probably already stored in the search giant’s cloud.

When you first set up the new Xiaomi system will prompt you to log into your existing Google account, and after authorization, you will automatically synchronize contacts, calendar events, notes and passwords saved in Google Password Manager.

Google Photos is used for photos and videos. Make sure your old phone has Autoboot and Sync enabled. On the new device, just log in with the same username and your entire library will appear in the cloud.

It’s important to note that synchronization via Google doesn’t carry interface settings, widget layouts, and data inside some games unless they use cloud-based saves, but this method is often enough for basic phone functionality.

Transfer of multimedia through USB-cable

If your photos and videos are tens of gigabytes in size, wireless methods can take too long, and then the most reliable option is to use your computer as an intermediate storage device.

Connect your Samsung to your computer via USB-cable and select file transfer mode MTP In the notifications, copy the folders. DCIM, Pictures, Download and Music on PC hard drive.

Then connect Xiaomi to the same computer. Create a similar folder structure, or simply drag and drop the copied files into the corresponding directories of the new device. This method guarantees maximum speed and no loss of quality.

⚠️ Note: When copying files via PC, do not remove abruptly cables (sharply).Always use the Safe Device Removal feature in your computer operating system to avoid file system corruption.

For users who prefer the command line, there is an option to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), but for most cases, a standard Windows or macOS file manager will be a more convenient and quick solution.

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Use the cable. USB 3.0 or higher and connect it directly to motherboard ports (back of PC) rather than via USB-hub to ensure maximum data transfer speed.

Transfer of SMS messages and call logs

One of the most difficult tasks when changing a brand is to transfer the history of SMS correspondence and call logs, since standard Google sync tools do not always store this data in an accessible form for the user.

Here comes the Mi Mover app, which specializes in deep migration of system data, which can read the database of messages from an old phone and correctly embed it into Xiaomi's system.

If you use third-party messaging apps like Textra or Google Messages, check their backup settings. Often these programs have their own cloud storage to help you recover your correspondence history after you install the app on your new phone.

In some cases, especially when switching between widely different versions of Android, some messages may be displayed without attachments (MMS), in which case it is recommended to manually save important media files from messages before moving.

Problem Solving and Application Compatibility

While the Android platform is highly compatible, there may be nuances when switching from One UI (Samsung’s shell) to MIUI or HyperOS. Some Samsung system apps, such as S Health or S Voice, won’t work on Xiaomi devices.

To replace S Health, you can use Google Fit or Mi Fitness, which syncs successfully with most fitness bracelets and watches. Health data can be tried exporting through the standard CSV or TCX format if the Samsung app allows export.

Bank applications and enterprise services may require re-authorization or additional biometric adjustments on a new device, a normal security response when changing hardware.

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Key Samsung apps are not portable to Xiaomi, you need to find their functional counterparts in the Google Play Store in advance.

If you find an application that doesn’t open or doesn’t work properly, try clearing the cache in your settings or removing and installing it again. Sometimes you need to update the Android System WebView components to make the interfaces work properly.

Completion of setup and optimization of the new smartphone

After successfully transferring all the data, don’t be in a hurry to immediately delete information from the old Samsung.Spend at least a couple of days on the new Xiaomi to make sure all contacts are in place, photos open and notifications arrive correctly.

The MIUI or HyperOS shell has its own energy-saving management features. Go to the battery settings and make sure that important applications are allowed to work in the background, otherwise you may miss messages from messengers.

You can also adjust the theme and controls to get used to the new ergonomics, and the system will offer you several options for navigation: classic three buttons or modern swipes that can be adapted to your habits.

⚠️ Warning: Before selling or disposing of an old Samsung, make sure to complete a full reset (Wipe) Data/Factory Reset and extract SIM-card and memory card so that your personal data does not fall into the wrong hands.

Now your new smartphone is fully ready to go, it stores all your history and is customized to your preferences, and the right data transfer is the key to comfortable use of the equipment without unnecessary stress.