Buying a new smartphone is always a thrill, but the data transfer process can become a real stress if you don’t know the right methods. Xiaomi ecosystem owners are in a good position, because the manufacturer has built-in tools for rapid migration. You don’t have to manually rewrite contacts or re-download each file — everything can be done in a few minutes.
Modern synchronization techniques allow you to transfer not only photos and videos, but also folder structure, call history and even the location of icons on the desktop. The key here is to choose the right mode of transmission, which depends on the amount of information and the state of the old device. In this article, we will analyze all the options available in detail so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.
Before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices have a sufficient battery charge, preferably at least 60%. Also check for free space on the new gadget, as the amount of internal memory should be greater than the weight of the data being transferred. The transfer speed depends on the version of Android and the type of connection, so it is better to use Wi-Fi Direct for large amounts of data.
Preparing devices for data migration
The success of the operation depends on 90% of the pre-prepared gadgets. The first thing you need to do is update the software on both smartphones to the latest available version. Older versions of MIUI or HyperOS firmware may contain bugs that will interrupt the copying process halfway. Go to the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version and check for updates.
The second important step is to clean the cache and delete temporary files that will only take too long to transfer. Although system utilities are good at filtering garbage, it's better not to risk it and do a manual revision, delete screenshots that you no longer need, and check the Downloads folder for old APK installation files.
☑️ Preparation for transfer
Also, be sure to check the stability of wireless modules. If you plan to use cloud services, make sure that the Wi-Fi connection is stable and has no traffic restrictions. For local transmission via Mi Mover, it is important that Bluetooth and geolocation work correctly, as they are used for the initial handshake of devices.
Using the Mi Mover app for fast transfer
The most effective and official way to migrate is to use the built-in Mi Mover app, which is designed specifically for Xiaomi and Redmi devices, providing maximum data transfer speed over a direct Wi-Fi channel without using Internet traffic.
The process of launching is as follows: on the new smartphone, select the role of "Receiver", and on the old one, select the role of "Sender". QR-If you code or enter a password, the devices will create a secure connection, and you'll see a list of data categories that are available for transfer, including images, music, documents, and system settings.
- 📱 Contacts and Messages: Complete copy of the phone book and history SMS/MMS message.
- 🖼️ Multimedia: Photos, video files and audio recordings are saved in their original quality.
- ⚙️ System settings: Wi-Fi passwords, alarm clocks, notes and even desktop wallpaper.
It is important to note that Mi Mover allows you to select specific applications for transfer, but the data inside some banking applications may not be saved for security reasons, in which case you will have to log in again. If the process is interrupted, do not panic: the application supports restarting downloads from the stop.
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If Mi Mover is stuck in the Connection phase, try turning off mobile internet on both devices and leave only Wi-Fi.
Sync with Mi Cloud and Google Account
Cloud technology offers an alternative path that does not require both devices to be physically present nearby.Mi Cloud is deeply integrated into the MIUI shell and allows you to store backups of contacts, gallery and voice recorder records. To activate, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and enable synchronization of the desired partitions.
In parallel with Xiaomi’s ecosystem, it is strongly recommended to use the capabilities of Google Account, which ensures that your contacts, calendar events and purchased apps will be available on any Android smartphone. When you first set up a new phone, you just need to enter the username and password of Google to download the main array of user data.
What to do if the cloud is out of place?
The main advantage of the cloud method is automation. You don't have to connect cables or search for a transfer application every time - the data is updated in the background. However, consider the speed of your Internet connection: downloading several gigabytes of photos can take a considerable time when using mobile 4G.
Data transfer through USB-cable
A classic method that does not lose relevance, especially when working with huge amounts of data, for example, video recordings in the Internet. 4K. For this you will need a high-quality USB-Connect your old smartphone to your PC in File Transfer mode» (MTP) and copy the contents of the folders DCIM, Download and Documents on the hard drive.
Then connect the new Xiaomi and transfer the saved files to the appropriate directories. This method is good because it allows you to audit the data: while the files are on the computer, you can sort the unnecessary, compress the archives or rename the folders for convenience. Direct connection via USB 3.0 cable provides high speeds that exceed the capabilities of most wireless protocols.
| Method of transmission | Average speed | We need the Internet. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover (Wi-Fi Direct) | High (up to 40 MB/s) | No. | Low. |
| Google Drive / Mi Cloud | Depends on the tariff. | Yes. | Low. |
| USB-cable + PC | Very high. | No. | Medium |
| Bluetooth | Low. | No. | Tall. |
Transfer of WhatsApp and messengers
The migration of messengers deserves special attention, as they store their correspondence history in their local databases. For WhatsApp, the standard procedure requires you to back up to Google Drive. On your old device, go to Settings → Chats → Backup Chats and click Backup.
On the new smartphone, when you first install the app, WhatsApp will offer to restore the message history from the detected copy on the disk. Make sure you use the same phone number and Google account. For Telegram and Viber, the process is simpler: phone number authorization is enough, since the history of correspondence is stored on the messenger servers, not in the phone memory.
⚠️ Note: Secret chats on Telegram are not stored in the cloud or transferred automatically. They are tied to a particular device, so their history will be empty on the new phone.
Decision and possible errors
Despite the fact that processes are fine, users may face difficulties. Often the problem lies in energy saving: MIUI aggressively kills background processes, which can break the connection when transferring large files. It is recommended that during the migration, turn off the energy saving mode and allow the Mi Mover application to work in the background.
Another common mistake is the incompatibility of Android versions: when migrating from a very old version (such as Android 6) to a new one (Android 13/14), some system settings may not apply correctly, in which case it is better to transfer only personal files (photos, videos, documents), and set the settings manually.
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If the transmission is interrupted by 99%, the most likely problem is a lack of space or a lock screen.
Also worth considering are the security limitations of current versions of Android, apps installed from unknown sources may not migrate with the data. APK-files or find them in the official GetApps store.
Final configuration and integrity check
Once you've finished copying, take your time to delete data from your old device. Do a thorough check on your new smartphone. Open the gallery and make sure all the albums are in place, flip through your contact list, check for notes and alarm clocks. Pay special attention to banking applications — they need to be reauthorized.
It is also recommended to check the work NFC-payment module if you used this feature. Sometimes card access keys require re-association in the bank application (2FA) Configured to not lose access to accounts when resetting an old phone.
⚠️ Note: Do not perform a full reset on an old device during the 2-3 It takes that time to make sure that all the important data is actually transferred and working correctly.
A competent approach to migration will allow you to start using a new gadget with the same degree of comfort you are used to.The Xiaomi ecosystem provides powerful tools for this, making the transition as invisible as possible to the user.