Changing a mobile device is always stressful, with the fear of losing important files, contacts or correspondence history. But the transition from the Samsung ecosystem to Xiaomi has become easier thanks to built-in migration tools. Modern smartphones allow you to copy almost all the contents of an old device in minutes without using a computer.
In this guide, we will discuss the most effective methods to ensure the safety of your digital life, learn how to use the native Mi Mover app, as well as how to properly configure cloud services for backup.
Preparation of devices for the migration procedure
Before you start directly transferring information, you need to make sure that both smartphones are ready to work. First of all, check the battery level on both devices. It is recommended that each of them have at least 60-70% of power, since active data transfer over Wi-Fi Direct can quickly consume battery life.
It is also important to free up space on the receiving device. Make sure that Xiaomi has enough free memory to accommodate all files from the old Samsung. If internal memory is scarce, it is better to insert a microSD card in advance if the model allows it, or clear the cache.
Both phones should be close to each other, and the distance between them should not exceed a couple of meters for a stable connection, make sure that both devices are enabled Bluetooth and GPS, as they are often used to detect neighboring gadgets.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the data transfer process. If you turn off the screen or switch to another application during the migration, the process may result in an error and some data will be lost.
Using the Mi Mover application for data transfer
The most reliable and quick way is to use the official tool from the manufacturer, Mi Mover. This app is pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones, but it can also be found in the Google Play store for Samsung devices. It creates a direct Wi-Fi connection between gadgets, which ensures high transfer speeds.
On the new Xiaomi phone, run the Services and Feedback app or search the Mi Mover option in the Tools menu. Select the Recipient (or I am the Recipient) role. On the old Samsung, install a similar app from the Play Market and select the Sender role.
After the launch of applications on both screens will appear QR-Search codes or buttons. Scan the code on the new phone with the old camera, or click on Device Search. Once the devices find each other, a request for permission to connect will appear on the Xiaomi screen — confirm it.
Then you'll be asked to select data categories to copy, you can migrate contacts, messages, call history, applications, images, music, and even system settings. After you select, click "Start Transfer" and wait for completion.
If you only need to transfer contacts and calendar events, the easiest way to do this is to sync through your Google account, which works automatically and doesn’t require you to install any additional programs. The main thing is that on the old Samsung contacts are saved in the Google profile, and not in the memory of the phone or in the phone. SIM-map.
You can check this by opening the Contacts app on Samsung, going to the settings and making sure that there is a tick opposite your Gmail account. If the contacts are in the device’s memory, export them to the.vcf file and import them to Google Contacts via your browser.
On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on or in settings, add the same Google account. The system automatically prompts you to sync the data. Once sync is complete, all numbers and events will appear in the corresponding applications.
What to do if your contacts are not synchronized?
If you don't have contacts after adding an account, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Click on your account and make sure the Contacts switch is activated. Then click three dots in the corner and select Sync.> Comparison of data porting methods There are several ways to migrate, and the choice depends on the amount of data and the type of information being transferred. Mi Mover is best for a full phone cloning, whereas cloud storage is more convenient for selective photo copying. The table below compares the basic methods so you can choose the best option for your situation. Method Speed Needs Internet What Does Mi Mover Need High No (locally) Everything (photos, apps, settings) Google Account Medium Yes Contacts, calendar, Google Photo Notes Depends on the network Yes Only Photos and Videos Bluetooth Very Low No Individual Small Files Use Bluetooth today is considered an outdated method for mass transfer. File transfer through this protocol is extremely low, and transferring a gigabyte of photos can take several hours. Use it only in extreme cases to transfer a couple of documents. Multimedia and Document Transfer Photos and Videos usually take up the most space. If you do not want to synchronize over the cloud, you have a long-based alternative to use the Mover connection. You can use the Google Photos app on Samsung to back up high quality (free) or in original quality (takes up space in the cloud). Then on Xiaomi, just log in to the same account and the entire media library will be available. To transfer heavy files such as movies or document archives, you can use a USB-C cable to USB-C if both phones support data transfer over Type-C. By connecting the devices with the cable, select File Transfer Mode in notifications and copy the DCIM and Download folders manually through the file manager. Don't forget to check the WhatsApp folder. Photos from the USB-Cash cable, you can often restore the old WhatsApp messenger on the phone's backup function on the old one, which is used on the old one. The list of installed applications is transferred automatically through Mi Mover or when you restore from a Google backup, but it is important to understand the difference between installing the application itself and transferring its data (logins, game progress, correspondence). Most modern applications store data in the cloud. Once you install and login on the new Xiaomi, you will see your profile. But some programs, especially banking or corporate, will require re-authorization and confirmation through the new Xiaomi. SMS. Games linked to Google Play Games or social media accounts (Facebook, VK), Make sure that on the old Samsung, the game was tied to the account before the transfer. ⚠️ Note: Banking applications (Sber, Tinkoff, Alpha, etc.) require separate configuration of biometrics and pin codes on the new device for security purposes. The data inside them is not automatically copied. If you use two-factor authentication, make sure you have access to your phone number or backup codes, as SIM-You'll need to move the card to a new device to get the confirmation codes, complete the setup and check the result, after all the transfer procedures are complete, you'll need to carefully check the new smartphone, go through the main sections: contacts, gallery, messages. Make sure that no important file is lost during the migration process. It is recommended to restart the Xiaomi device after transferring a large amount of data, which will help the system correctly index files and establish background synchronization processes. The reboot will also clear temporary files created during the migration. If you've used Mi Mover, the app may suggest removing installation files on your old phone to free up space. It's only safe to do this once you've made sure the new gadget is working properly. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Can I transfer data if you're running Android 8 on Samsung and Android 13 on Xiaomi? Yes, the operating system version is not critical. Mi Mover and Google services are compatible with a wide range of Android versions starting at 4.4 and up. What to do if Mi Mover doesn't see the old phone? Make sure both devices are enabled Bluetooth and GPS. Also check that both devices are connected to the second Wi-connected app, or if the Wi-connection point helps to both of both of the two devices. When using a full backup via Mi Account or Google Account, Wi-Fi passwords can be saved. However, if you set up your phone as new, passwords will have to be re-entered. Google often synchalizes them automatically if the appropriate option has been enabled. Should I take it out? SIM-Samsung map before the start, SIM-You can take out the card at any time, but to confirm ownership of the number (when you log in to Telegram, WhatsApp or banks), the card must be installed in the phone you are accessing the application right now. SIM Xiaomi before setting up accounts.