Buying a new device from Xiaomi is always an exciting moment, and one thought overshadows: Where will all the contacts, photos and correspondence accumulated over the years go? Fortunately, the Android ecosystem and the Chinese manufacturer's proprietary tools offer several effective solutions to this problem. You don't need to be a technician to cope with this task, you just need to follow the instructions carefully.
There are many ways to migrate, each with different features depending on the amount of information and the condition of the old phone, the fastest way is to use the built-in Mi Mover app, which works without an Internet connection and transmits data over Wi-Fi Direct. However, for those who are used to cloud storage, synchronization through a Google account or Mi Cloud will be suitable.
In this article, we will take a look at all the options available so you can choose the most suitable for your situation, we will look at the nuances of porting from iPhone and other Android devices, and also pay attention to data security during the copying process.
Preparing the old and new device for migration
Before you start any software tools, you need to do basic hardware training, make sure that both smartphones are charged at least 50-60%, because the process of transferring large amounts of data can be energy intensive. If the battery sits down at the most critical time, the procedure will stop, and you will have to start all over again.
Special attention should be paid to the state of memory on the new device, the amount of free space on the receiving smartphone should exceed the amount of data you plan to copy, and you can check this in the storage settings by opening the item "Memory".
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to transfer data if one of the devices is in power saving mode, this can cause connection breaks and file corruption.
It is also recommended to clear the cache of junk files on your old phone so as not to waste time transferring unnecessary digital "junk."Use the built-in Security utility or third-party antivirus to clean up the system.
If you use SD-Sometimes, damaged sectors on the memory card can cause the copying process to freeze, so you'd better copy the data from the card to your computer first, and then transfer it to your new phone.
Using the Mi Mover app for fast transfer
The most effective tool for Xiaomi owners is the proprietary Mi Mover app. It is preinstalled on all modern models of the brand, but if it is not available, it is easy to download from GetApps or Google Play. The main advantage of the method is a high transfer speed and the ability to copy not only files, but also system settings, desktop layouts and passwords from Wi-Fi.
To get started, run the app on both devices. On the new smartphone, select Receiver and Sender, and the old one will create a temporary secure Wi-Fi network that you need to connect to. The password is usually displayed on the screen of the new device.
Once the connection is established, you will be asked to select the data types to transfer.
- 📱 Applications and their data (including game cache)
- 📸 Photos, videos and music files
- 📞 Contacts, messages and call history
- ⚙️ System settings and alarm clocks
The copying process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of data you have, so don't turn off your device screens and keep them close to each other.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
Importantly, some system applications may not be portable due to Android version limitations or access rights, in which case they will have to be manually reconfigured.
Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services
If you don’t have both phones on hand at the same time or prefer cloud-based technologies, syncing through Google Account is the perfect solution, which is especially convenient when switching from any Android smartphone, since it does not require the installation of additional software.
On your old device, make sure sync is enabled. Go to settings, select Accounts, and click on your Google account. Make sure the checkmarks are ticked against Contacts, Calendar, Documents, and Photos (if you use Google Photos).
On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on, just enter your Google account login and password. The system automatically prompts you to restore data from the backup. You can choose which copy to restore if there are more than one.
What to do if your contacts are not synchronized?
For owners of Apple equipment, there is also the possibility of data portability, but it requires installing the Move to iOS app on the iPhone, which in the case of Xiaomi does not always work consistently.
Using the Mi Cloud is also relevant, especially if you have used Xiaomi before, which allows you to restore not only contacts, but also notes, voice recorders and even the location of icons on the desktop.
Comparison of data transfer methods
To make it easier for you to navigate your migration patterns, we have a comparative table that will help you understand which method is right for your situation, given the type of old phone and the availability of the Internet.
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | What's transferable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Very high. | No. | All (incl. settings) |
| Google Account | Medium | Yes. | Contacts, photos, applications |
| Bluetooth | Low. | No. | Only files and contacts |
| Computer (USB) | Tall. | No. | Files and media |
As you can see from the table, Mi Mover is the leader in functionality and speed, but if you just need to throw a couple of documents, it is easier to use Bluetooth or messenger.
For large volumes of video in 4K It is better to connect to the computer through USB-cable, as wireless methods can be unstable when transferring files over 10 GB.
Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi
The transition from the iOS ecosystem to Android is often challenging, but Xiaomi has developed tools to facilitate the process, and Mi Mover, which has an iOS version, is also a major contributor.
First, install the app on your iPhone from the App Store. On the new Xiaomi, start the reception mode, and on the iPhone, start the sending mode. QR-code that will appear on the screen of the new smartphone.
It will suggest you choose the data to copy. It is important to understand that the file system structure is different, so some files can be moved to other folders. For example, photos from iCloud may require additional downloads.
⚠️ Note: Apps purchased from the App Store won’t switch to Android.You’ll have to re-download their counterparts from the Google Play Store, often free, but progress in games may not last.
To transfer iMessage and WhatsApp messages, you will need a separate procedure inside the Mi Mover app, which may take extra time.
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Before switching from your iPhone, disable iMessage in the settings to avoid losing SMS from other iPhone users who may continue to come to the old number.
Manual copying via computer and USB
If wireless methods don’t work or seem too slow to you, the classic PC method remains the most reliable: connect your old phone to your computer in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
Copy the DCIM (photo and video), Download, Documents, and Music folders into a separate folder on your computer’s hard drive. Then plug in the new Xiaomi and copy that data to the appropriate directories.
The good thing about this method is that you can audit files without copying them, and it also allows you to bypass the file size restrictions that sometimes occur when you transfer over Wi-Fi.
For advanced users, there is a possibility of using ADB-commands to create a full system backup, but this requires enabled debugging USB Basic command line knowledge.
adb backup -apk -shared -all -systemHowever, for the average user, this method is redundant and can be risky without proper preparation.
Frequent mistakes and their solution
Users often face typical problems during migration, such as the “Data Preparation” phase, which is usually solved by restarting both smartphones and trying again.
Another common mistake is the lack of space, which we mentioned earlier. The system may not properly display free space, so always leave 10-15% of the total storage.
If notifications from applications do not work after the transfer, check the energy saving settings for these programs. MIUI aggressively unloads background processes, so you need to set the “No Limits” mode for messengers.
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The main mistake users make is interrupting the transmission process. Even if it seems that the phone is getting stuck, wait 10-15 minutes before restarting.
It’s also worth checking the operating system versions. If the old phone has a very old Android and the new phone has the latest, some file formats or settings may not be compatible.