How to transfer data from Sony to Xiaomi: full instructions

Changing the smartphone manufacturer is always stressful for the user, because it becomes necessary to reconfigure the familiar environment and, most importantly, save all the accumulated data. The transition from the Sony ecosystem to the Xiaomi platform with a MIUI or HyperOS shell requires careful approach, because the file architecture and preinstalled utilities of these brands differ significantly. Fortunately, modern technologies allow you to make this process as painless and fast as possible, if you know the right sequence of actions.

You don't need to be a tech person to complete the migration, but you need to prepare both devices in advance, and the main tools will be the Mi Mover app, Google's cloud services, and in some cases, manual copying through a computer, and it's important to understand that each method has its own nuances: some are better for contacts, others are better for gigabytes of media.

Before you start active, you need to do basic training of both gadgets, make sure that the battery is charged at least 60-70%, as the process of transferring large amounts of information can be energy intensive, and check the availability of free space on the receiving Xiaomi device: it should exceed the amount of data you plan to transfer with Sony.

Device preparation and selection of migration method

The first step is to analyze what exactly to save: users usually want to migrate contacts, call history, SMS, photos, videos and installed apps. Sony owners often use specific features of the camera or audio system, the data of which may require special attention when switching to another brand’s Android smartphone.

There are three main ways to transfer: using the proprietary Mi Mover utility, synchronizing through a Google account, and manual copying via a PC. The first option is considered the most efficient and quick, since it allows you to transfer not only media files, but also the structure of folders, as well as the settings of some applications. However, to fully guarantee the safety of critical data, it is better to use a combined approach.

Remember to update the operating system on both devices to the latest available version. On Sony, this is done via the Settings menu → System → System Update, and on Xiaomi via Settings → About the phone. The fresh software ensures that data protocols are compatible and eliminates known bugs that can interrupt the migration process.

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Before you start the transfer, clear the gallery on Sony from unnecessary screenshots and takes – this will speed up the process and save space on the new Xiaomi.

Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration

The most popular tool to switch to Xiaomi devices is the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand, but it must be installed separately on a Sony phone. APK-The file can be accessed from the manufacturer’s official website or through the app store if it is available on your device.

The process starts with running an app on both smartphones. On the new Xiaomi, select Receiver, and on the old Sony, Sender, devices will connect either through creating a Wi-Fi hotspot or by scanning. QR-The good thing about this is that it doesn't require an Internet connection and works directly between gadgets.

Once connected, the interfaces sync up, and Sony will display a list of data categories to select from, you can tick contacts, messages, images, videos, audio, documents, and even installed applications, and the system will automatically filter out programs that are compatible with the processor architecture of your new Xiaomi.

It is important not to lock the screens of devices during transmission. The copy speed depends on the volume of data and the quality of the wireless module, but on average it is from 5 to 10 MB / s. If the process is interrupted, Mi Mover usually suggests to resume it from the stoppage, which is a great advantage over manual methods.

Synchronization through Google account and cloud services

An alternative and often more reliable way is to use Google’s cloud infrastructure, because both operating systems are Android-based, your account is the universal key to data, and on a Sony phone you need to go into your account settings and force sync.

To do this, go to Settings → Accounts → Google. Make sure that the sliders opposite Contacts, Calendar, Notes and App Data are active. Click on the menu (three dots) and select Sync. Once the process is complete, all data will be uploaded to the search giant's servers.

On the new Xiaomi, you just need to enter the same username and password when you first set up or in the account menu. The system will automatically prompt you to restore backups of applications and system settings. Photos and videos, if you have Autoupload in Google Photos enabled, will also appear in the gallery after authorization.

However, keep in mind the limits of Google’s free storage, which is 15GB. If your photo archive is large, full sync can take a long time or require you to buy extra space, in which case it is better to combine methods: contacts through the cloud and heavy files through Mi Mover.

Manual transfer of files via computer

If wireless methods are challenging, or the amount of data being transferred is hundreds of gigabytes, the classic way through the PC remains the most stable. USB-cable and select file transfer mode (MTP). Copy the folders. DCIM, Pictures, Download and Documents on hard drive.

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When manually copy, save the folder structure so that the new Xiaomi does not have problems with displaying photos in the gallery.

Then connect Xiaomi and transfer the data to the appropriate internal memory directories. Pay special attention to the folders of messengers such as WhatsApp or Telegram. For WhatsApp, it is critical to first back up the chats inside the app on Sony, so that when installed on Xiaomi you can recover your correspondence history from the cloud.

Don’t forget hidden folders and configuration files. Some apps store data in the root directories or Android/data folder. Access to these can be restricted in newer versions of Android, so copying through the file manager on a PC is sometimes the only way to save this data.

⚠️ Note: When copying through a computer, do not remove the cable abruptly. Always use the Safe Device Removal feature in the computer operating system to avoid damaging the file system or losing some data.

Transfer of specific data: browsers and passwords

Special attention should be paid to saved passwords and browser bookmarks. If you use Google Chrome or Firefox, just log in to your account on a new device, and all your visit history and saved access keys are synchronized instantly, as well as other browsers that support cloud sync.

The situation is more complicated with standalone password managers or notes built into Sony’s shell, in which case it is recommended to export data in.CSV or.TXT format inside the old application, save the file to the cloud (like Google Drive), and then import it to Xiaomi.

• 📂 For notes, use cross-platform apps like Evernote or Notion if the standard ones don’t support exports.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords can be transmitted via QR-code in the network settings on Sony, scanning it with the Xiaomi camera.
• 🎵 Music playlists from offline players will have to be transferred manually, copying files MP3/FLAC.

It’s also worth checking your two-factor authentication settings. If you’ve used Sony to receive confirmation codes, be sure to transfer the tokens to the authentication app on your new phone before resetting your old one, or access to your accounts may be lost.

Completion and initial setup of Xiaomi

Once all the data is on the new device, Xiaomi’s system may take some time to index files and optimize applications. During the first hours of operation, the phone can heat up and discharge faster – this is a normal process of background operation of the system.

Check the integrity of your contacts and all your photos. Often, apps are installed but require separate logins to your accounts. Go through the list of important programs (banks, social networks, instant messengers) and log in again. This is a necessary security step that can not be avoided.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete data from an old Sony phone until you have made sure everything is stable on Xiaomi for a period of time. 2-3 day-to-day.

Set up new gestures and shell features MIUI or HyperOS, which may differ from pure Android on Sony. for example, there is a handy One-Hand mode, advanced notification settings, and a second space to separate personal and work data.

In conclusion, switching from Sony to Xiaomi offers access to more flexible customization and rich functionality at an affordable price, and properly executed data porting will allow you to enjoy the new device immediately, without losing your digital history and important settings.