Changing your smartphone is always accompanied by a desire to start using a new device faster, but often this process is overshadowed by the need to transfer a huge amount of information. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices have a number of unique tools that make data migration much easier than on many other platforms.
There are several proven synchronization methods, each suitable for different use cases and the amount of information. The choice of the specific method depends on the model of the old phone, the amount of memory and the speed of the Internet connection. Below we will discuss all the current options in detail so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.
Preparing devices for information migration
Before you start any manipulation, make sure that both smartphones are ready to go. Charge the new Xiaomi and the old device to a minimum of 60-70%, as the process of transferring large amounts of files can be energy intensive.
It is recommended to update the software on both devices to the latest available version of MIUI or HyperOS, which will ensure file format compatibility and stability of system utilities. Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network if you plan to use cloud services or local wireless transmission.
⚠️ Note: If you’re using an old iOS phone, make sure it’s running the Mi Mover app from the App Store, as standard Android tools may not be the right fit.
Use of the built-in Mi Mover application
The most efficient and quickest way to transfer is to use the proprietary utility Mi Mover.This tool is pre-installed on all Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, and for other brands, the application can be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store. The main advantage of the method is the ability to transfer data over a direct Wi-Fi connection, which provides high speed without using Internet traffic.
To get started, run the app on both devices. On the new phone, select Recipient and on the old phone, Sender. QR-code or enter a connection code, and then you have a direct connection between the devices, and you can choose the specific types of data to transfer: contacts, messages, call history, applications, music and photos.
- 📱 Supports data transfer between Android and iOS devices without losing folder structure.
- 🚀 The transmission speed can reach 20-40 MB/s depending on the quality of Wi-Fi modules.
- 🔒 Data is transmitted over a local channel, which guarantees the confidentiality of information.
While running, the app can temporarily interrupt background tasks on the phone to ensure connection stability. Do not switch to other apps or lock device screens until the progress bar reaches 100%. Once the process is complete, the system will automatically distribute files to the corresponding folders in the new shell.
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When you transfer applications through Mi Mover, the programs themselves will be installed automatically, but logging into accounts inside them (for example, in banks or social networks) will have to be performed again for security reasons.
Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services
A classic method that remains relevant for those who are already deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem, ideal for transferring contacts, calendar, notes and system settings, and when you first set up a new Redmi, just type in your Gmail address and the phone will prompt you to restore a backup.
For photos and videos, Google Photos is the best service to use. Make sure the old device has Autoboot and Sync enabled. After that, all images will appear in the gallery of the new phone immediately after installing the app and logging in, which frees up internal memory and creates a reliable backup in the cloud.
⚠️ Warning: Google's free account only provides 15GB of space. If you have a lot of high-resolution photos, there may not be enough space, and sync will stop.
In addition to Google, Xiaomi devices are actively using its own Mi Cloud service, which allows you to synchronize specific data such as voice recordings, design themes and system settings, and log into your Mi Account through the settings menu, where you can select points for synchronization.
What to do if your contacts are not synchronized?
Manual transfer of files via computer
For users who prefer complete control over their data or have a very large amount of media, a wired method is suitable. USB-cable and select file transfer mode (MTP). Copy the folders. DCIM (Pictures, Download and Music on PC hard drive.
Then, plug in the new Xiaomi Redmi and transfer the stored data to the appropriate directories, a technique that is particularly useful for transferring heavy 4K video files that are long to air, and allows you to audit files and remove unnecessary “digital debris” before installing on a new device.
The structure of Android folders is standardized, so there should be no problems with displaying files in the gallery. However, if you transfer hidden folders or files of system applications, they may not appear immediately after copying, in which case you may need to reboot the device or scan media files through special software.
☑️ Checklist for manual transfer
Comparison of data transfer methods
The best choice depends on your priorities: speed, data volume or convenience. The table below compares the main characteristics of each method to help you make an informed decision.
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | What's transferable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | No (locally) | Everything (photos, contacts, apps, settings) |
| Google Account | Medium | Yes. | Contacts, calendar, settings, photos (with limit) |
| USB Cable (PC) | Very high. | No. | Multimedia files, documents |
| Bluetooth | Low. | No. | Only small files and contacts |
As the comparison shows, Mi Mover is the most versatile solution for Xiaomi owners, as it covers the maximum number of data types and works autonomously. Google Account is a great addition to save contacts and settings, ensuring they are accessible from any device in the world.
Solving and eliminating errors
Users may experience a variety of difficulties migrating, and one of the common problems is interrupting Wi-Fi Direct when using Mi Mover, which may be due to energy-saving settings or interference from other networks, so try turning off mobile internet on both devices and leaving only Wi-Fi on.
If apps don’t open after porting, they may not be compatible with the Android version on the new Redmi, in which case you need to remove the problematic app and download the current version from Google Play. Older versions of programs may not work properly on newer versions of the MIUI shell.
- 🔄 When the process freezes, restart both smartphones and start transferring again.
- 📂 If some files are not visible, check the Explorer app's access permissions to memory.
- 🔋 Make sure that the phone screens do not go out during transmission by turning off the autolock.
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The most common mistake is trying to transfer data over Bluetooth, which is inefficient for large volumes and can take hours, whereas Wi-Fi methods can cope in minutes.