How to transfer data from Xiaomi to OnePlus: Effective methods

The transition to a new smartphone is always accompanied by a desire to get the most out of the device, but this process is overshadowed by the need to transfer a huge amount of personal information. When a user changes the MIUI ecosystem to a pure OxygenOS or ColorOS, there are questions of compatibility and data loss. Fortunately, modern technology allows this process to be as transparent and fast as possible, preserving the folder structure and access to applications.

Xiaomi owners are used to deep customization of the interface, while OnePlus offers a more minimalist approach to system management. It is important to understand that when transferring contacts, photos and messages, problems usually do not arise, but application settings can be reset. The Wi-Fi Direct data transfer protocol used by the regular utilities of both brands provides speeds up to 40 MB / s, which is much faster than Bluetooth. This allows you to copy 100 GB of information in less than an hour.

In this article, we will take a look at all the migration options available, from official developer tools to cloud services, how to avoid common mistakes, such as duplicate contacts or loss of messaging history, and how to prepare devices well before starting a procedure is key to successfully completing the process without stress and time wasted.

Preparing devices before data migration

Before any technical operation, you need to make sure that both smartphones are stable: charge both devices to at least 60%, as active data transmission over a wireless channel significantly consumes battery power. If the process is interrupted due to discharge, there is a risk of damage to file tables or corruption of the contact database.

Both smartphones should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, preferably in the 5 GHz band if the router supports dual-band operation.This will ensure maximum channel bandwidth. It is also recommended to make room on the new OnePlus by removing temporary files or unnecessary pre-installed applications if the amount of internal memory is limited.

Check the current versions of the operating systems on both devices. On Xiaomi, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and check for updates. On OnePlus, the similar path looks like Settings → About Device → System Update. Newer versions of the software often contain bug fixes in data transfer modules.

Remember to back up your critical data to an external medium or to the cloud just in case. Although the risk of loss is minimal, no one has canceled the human factor or software failure. Copy important documents and photos to your computer or services like Google Drive before you start acting.

Using the Clone Phone app from OnePlus

The most effective and recommended way by the manufacturer is to use the proprietary utility Clone Phone. This application is preinstalled on all OnePlus smartphones and is available for installation on Xiaomi devices through the Google Play store or official website. It creates a secure local network between devices, bypassing the provider’s Internet channel.

The process starts with launching an app on a new OnePlus smartphone, and you have to choose the role of the device: "This is a new phone." QR-On the old Xiaomi, run the same app, select "This is an old phone" and scan the code with the camera.

• 📱 Select data types to transfer: contacts, messages, call log, photos, videos, music and documents.
• 📲 Check the "Applications" section to copy installed programs (system applications will not be portable).
• 🔒 Make sure the screens of both devices are on and the app is not rolled up during transmission.
• ⚙️ After the process is complete, the system will suggest configuring biometric protection on the new device.

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When you migrate apps over Clone Phone, some banking programs may require you to re-authorize or re-configure FaceID/TouchID for security reasons.

It's important to note that Clone Phone doesn't tolerate Wi-Fi passwords and some system design settings, because MIUI and OxygenOS file structures are different. However, it does a great job of handling the bulk of user content. The latency depends on the amount of data, but the progress bar always shows the real state of the process.

Alternative method through Mi Mover

If for some reason, OnePlus’s proprietary solution is unstable or you’re used to Xiaomi’s interface, you can use the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand and optimized to work with their file system, but the host (OnePlus) will need to install a similar application or use compatibility mode.

Run Mi Mover on Xiaomi and select “I send.” On OnePlus, install the app from APK-file (as Google Play may not have it for third-party brands) and select "I get it." QR-Start the process of creating an access point.

The main advantage of this method is the ability to selectively transfer MIUI system settings that may still be useful, such as alarm clocks or notes in a standard application. However, once installed on OnePlus, this data may not display correctly or require the installation of additional plugins.

Be prepared for the fact that the folder structure in the gallery may change. OnePlus uses a standard Android structure, while Xiaomi often creates its own directories for screenshots and downloads. After transfer, you may need to manually sort files in the file manager.

Sync with Google Account and Cloud

The most reliable, though not the fastest, way is sync through Google’s cloud services, a method that ensures your data is secure and accessible from any device, regardless of brand.

Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Make sure the switches opposite Contacts, Calendar, Notes and Photos are active. Click the Sync button right now to make sure the latest changes are uploaded to the server. On the new OnePlus, just type in the same Google account when you first set up.

For photos and videos, Google Photos is the best option. Turn on Autoboot and Sync on your old phone and wait until the process is over. On the new device, all media files will appear in the gallery automatically as soon as you log in to your account, eliminating the need to physically transfer gigabytes of data over cable or Wi-Fi.

Transfer of WhatsApp and Telegram correspondence

Messengers store their correspondence history locally or in their clouds, ignoring standard synchronization of Android. WhatsApp is critical to back up on Google Drive on the old device. Go to Settings → Chats → Backup Chats and click “Create”.

When you first run WhatsApp on OnePlus, the app will find the backup in Google Drive and prompt you to restore it.Warning: the phone number must be the same, and the Google account on which the backup lies must be added to the system.