Buying a new Xiaomi smartphone is always a joyous occasion, opening up access to a more powerful processor, better screen and more advanced camera capabilities. However, the euphoria of acquiring a new smartphone is often replaced by a slight panic when the question arises: how now to move all the information accumulated over the years to a new device? Modern technology has made this process as simple as possible, but knowing the nuances will help to avoid losing important files.
Unlike earlier versions of Android, where you had to manually copy files or use sophisticated computer utilities, the MiUI ecosystem offers several built-in and proven ways to migrate: you can use cloud services, local Wi-Fi connection or even a wired connection, the choice of a particular method depends on the amount of data, the version of the operating system on the old device and the personal preferences of the user.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of data transfer, paying special attention to the proprietary tool Mi Mover. We will look at how to save the folder structure, transfer the history of calls and messages, as well as how to properly prepare both smartphones for the procedure. Competent preparation is the guarantee that in a couple of hours you will use a new gadget without noticing the difference in settings and the usual environment.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before any copying process can be started, there are a number of preparatory steps that need to be taken: not just a formality, but a critical step that ensures connection stability and prevents failures in the middle of the procedure, and ignoring the preparation can cause the phone to run out at the wrong time or overflow memory.
First of all, make sure that both old and new devices have a battery charge of at least 50-60%.The process of transferring a lot of data, especially through Wi-Fi Direct, actively consumes energy.If you plan to carry more than 50 GB of information, it is better to connect both smartphones to power sources or make sure that charging is at hand.
You also need to make room on the new Xiaomi. Check if there's enough free memory to house all the files from the old device. If the new phone is already partially filled with system files or pre-installed apps, remove the unnecessary. Pay special attention to cleaning the cache on the old device so that you don't drag digital debris behind you.
⚠️ Warning: Before migrating, it is strongly recommended to back up your critical data to an external medium or to the cloud. Although failures are rare, human error or sudden communication disruption can lead to unpredictable results.
Don’t forget to check the operating system version. Both devices must have Android installed at least 4.4 for most portability tools to work correctly, and it’s also worth upgrading all system apps on both devices to the latest versions through the Google Play store or GetApps.
Using the Mi Mover app for fast transfer
The most effective and recommended way is to use the built-in Mi Mover application, which is designed specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem and allows you to transfer data without compression and loss of quality. The application works on the principle of creating a local wireless network, which provides high transfer speeds that significantly exceed the capabilities of Bluetooth.
To get started, open the app on both devices. On the new Xiaomi smartphone, select Receiver, and on the old one, Sender. If the old phone doesn't have an app preinstalled, it can be easily downloaded from the app store or scanned. QR-The code that will appear on the screen of the new device, the system will propose to install the necessary component.
Once the devices are connected, you will see a list of data categories available for portability. Here you can select contacts, messages, call history, photos, videos, music, documents and even installed apps. that some system settings and passwords from Wi-Fi can also be copied if the Android versions are compatible.
Starting the process initiates the creation of a secure communication channel. Transmission speeds can vary from 2 to 10 Mb/s depending on the load of the radio modules and interference in the air. Do not switch between applications and do not block device screens during the process, as this can break the connection.
☑️ Checklist before Mi Mover launch
Sync with your Mi and Google account
An alternative, and often more reliable, way is cloud sync. Xiaomi’s ecosystem is closely integrated with Google’s services, giving the user dual insurance. Google accounts automatically store contacts, calendar, notes and data of certain applications, while Mi Cloud specializes in system settings, design themes and system backups.
To activate sync on your old device, go to your Google account settings and make sure the switches opposite the right points (Contacts, Calendar, Drive) are active. Press Sync to make sure the latest changes are uploaded to Google servers. This is especially true if you are changing your phone in a hurry and there is no time for long local transfer.
On the new Xiaomi, you just need to enter the same username and password when you first set up or in the account menu, and the system will offer to restore data from the last backup, which is ideal for transferring contacts and calendar events, since they are associated with an account, not a specific device.
| Type of data | Google Account | Mi Cloud | Local (Mi Mover) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Yes (automatically) | Yes. | Yes. |
| Photos and videos | Yes (Google Photo) | Yes (5GB free) | Yeah (originals) |
| Annexes | List and data | No. | APK files |
| SMS messages | No. | Yes (backup) | Yes. |
| System settings | Partially. | Yes (fully) | Yes. |
It’s important to understand the difference in approaches: Google stores data in the cloud by taking up space on your drive, while Mi Cloud often offers more generous terms for owners of Xiaomi devices, but requires separate authorization.
Hand-over of multimedia and files
Sometimes automatic systems may not work properly or miss files in non-standard formats, and in such cases manual transfer through the file manager is helpful. MIUI The file conductor makes it easy to manage internal memory and SD-map.
Connect both phones to your computer via USB-Copy the folders. DCIM (Photos and video from the camera, Pictures (screenshots and images from messengers), Download and Music from the old device to the hard drive of the PC. Then connect the new Xiaomi and move these folders to the appropriate directories of internal memory.
If you don't have a computer, you can use the Remote Control feature or FTP transmission built into the Xiaomi file manager, which allows you to turn the phone into a network storage that is accessible from another device over Wi-Fi, but the speed of this method will be lower than that of the Mi Mover.
WhatsApp's portability nuances
Special attention should be paid to large files, such as movies or project archives, which are best transferred over a USB OTG cable if the old phone supports this technology, or using a cloud drive with enough space. The file system of the new phone must be formatted correctly, usually ext4 or f2fs, which provides fast recording.
Migration of applications and their data
The hardest part of moving is not the apps themselves, but the data inside them. Banking apps, social networks and games may require re-authorization. When using Mi Mover, applications are ported along with the data, but in some cases (especially for high-security applications), you will have to log in again.
For games, progress is often saved through Google Play Games or Xiaomi Account accounts. Make sure that sync is enabled on the old phone in the game settings. Once you install the game on the new device, just log in to the same account and your level will be restored.
⚠️ Note: Applications of the banking sector (Sberbank, Tinkoff, Alpha, etc.) for security reasons do not transfer their data and cache. You will have to reconfigure the biometrics (fingerprint, FaceID) and log in, having received the confirmation code by SMS.
If you’re switching from iOS to Android, use the Move to iOS app (although it’s from Apple, it works backwards through special utilities) or third-party solutions like Copy My Data. However, native Mi Mover can also work with an iPhone if it has a special partner app installed, a link to which will be shown during the setup process.
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Expert advice: After transferring applications, do not be lazy to check their work. Go to each important application to make sure that the authorization was successful and the data (for example, cache cards or offline playlists) is available.
Solving problems and errors during transfer
Despite the fact that the processes are fine, users may encounter difficulties. One of the most common problems is interruption of connection during transmission. This can occur because the screen of the old phone goes off and the energy saving system turns off the Wi-Fi module. To avoid this, set a time-out "Never" or maximum value for the duration of the procedure in the screen settings.
Another problem is the "Not enough space" error, even if there's a visual space, because the file system requires a buffer zone for temporary files. 10-15% It also helps to reboot both devices before trying again.
If Mi Mover is stuck on a certain percentage (e.g. 98%), don't rush to interrupt the process. Often the system completes the background indexing of files. Wait 10-15 minutes. If progress is not moving, try to transfer data in smaller portions: first only contacts and photos, then applications.
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The key to success: Use Mi Mover for bulk data (photo, video, APK), and for critical personal information (contacts, calendar) always have a fresh sync with your Google account as a backup.
In rare cases, you may need to reset your network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.This action will remove stored Wi-Fi passwords, but can eliminate software conflict that interferes with data transfer.
Completion of the setup and integrity check
Once the progress indicator is 100 percent, don't start operating immediately, give the new phone 15-20 minutes at rest, while the system optimizes the database, re-indexes the files for search, and completes the background installation of heavy applications, at which point the device can heat up — that's normal workflow.
Do a visual check: check if all the albums are in the gallery, open some random photos, make sure the contacts are displayed correctly rather than duplicated. Check alarm clocks, notes and voice assistants.
The final touch will be to set up biometrics and payment services. Add fingerprints and face to Settings → Passwords and security. Check NFC by adding a bank card to Google Pay or Mi Pay. Only after a successful test payment can the process of moving be considered complete.