How to transfer information from one phone to another Xiaomi Android

Changing your smartphone, especially the new Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, is always accompanied by a desire to start using the device faster without spending time on setup. The most critical point in this process is to save all the accumulated information: photos, contacts, correspondence and application settings. Fortunately, the Android ecosystem and the Chinese manufacturer’s proprietary tools offer several effective ways to migrate data, which avoid losing important information.

There are many nuances that depend on the operating system version and the old device model. Some methods work faster, others allow you to copy more file types. In this article, we will examine all the current options, from using cloud services to direct cable connection, so you can choose the most suitable for your situation.

Before you start any manipulations, make sure that both devices are at least 50-60% charged, as the process of transferring a large amount of data can significantly consume energy, and check the availability of free space on the new phone to avoid copying errors.

Preparing devices for data migration

Successful transfer of information depends on proper pre-preparedness of both gadgets. First of all, you need to check the version of the operating system on the old phone. While Mi Mover and other tools support Android 4.4 and higher, for stable operation, it is better that both devices have the latest available security updates installed.

The second important step is to free up RAM and close the background applications, which is especially true for older models that can start to “hang” when data is being transmitted actively, and it is also worth turning off the power saving mode on both devices, since it can limit the operation of the Wi-Fi module through which file sharing is most often performed.

⚠️ Note: If you use two-factor authentication on important services (banks, mail), make sure you have access to a backup number or recovery codes, as when you change your device, some applications may require re-authorization.

Be sure to check the stability of the Wi-Fi connection if you plan to use cloud methods or wireless transmission. The network should not only be accessible, but also fast enough that it does not take several hours to transfer gigabytes of photos. The cable method will require appropriate adapters, which we will talk about below.

Using the Mi Mover application for wireless transfer

The most convenient and tailored way for Xiaomi ecosystem is to use the built-in Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on all devices with the MIUI and HyperOS shell, and for older Android phones, it can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, the main advantage of the method is the ability to transfer not only media files, but also system settings, alarm clocks and even the location of icons on the desktop.

The process starts with running the app on both devices. On the new Xiaomi phone, you need to select the Receiver role, and on the old one, you need to select the Sender role. The app will create a Wi-Fi hotspot that the old device will need to connect to, and once you establish the connection, you will see a detailed menu where you can choose what you want to copy.

Note that the transmission speed depends on the amount of data and the distance between the devices. During the process, the phone screens may turn off, but it is not recommended to interrupt the connection. If the transmission is interrupted, Mi Mover usually allows you to continue from the stop rather than start all over again.

• 📱 Supports the transfer of contacts, messages, call log and notes.
• 🖼️ Copy photos, videos and music in original quality without compression.
• ⚙️ Transfers system settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and alarm clock configuration.
• 📲 Allows you to transfer lists of installed applications, although you yourself APK-Files may require a relay.

Sync through Google Account and Cloud Services

The classic method that works seamlessly on any Android device is that all your data (contacts, calendar, notes) is tied to your Google account. When you first turn on the new Xiaomi, just enter your username and password, and the phone automatically pulls all the information from the cloud.

For photos and videos, Google Photos is the best option. If your old phone has Autoboot and Sync enabled, all your photos are already in the cloud. On the new device, you just need to install the Google Photos app and log in to access the entire media library without taking up the phone's internal memory.

But there are limitations to this method: Google's free storage is limited to 15GB, and if you have a lot of high-resolution video, the space may run out, so you either have to buy a Google One subscription or use alternative clouds like Yandex.Disk or Mi Cloud.

Wired connection and use of OTG

If wireless methods seem too slow or unstable, you can always use a proven wired connection, which is ideal for transferring very heavy files, such as video archives of 50-100 GB. For this you will need a USB Type-C to Type-C cable (if both phones are modern) or an OTG adapter (USB Type-C on one end and USB-A on the other).

Connect the cables to both phones.The new Xiaomi should have a connection notification on the screen. USB-Select the "File Transfer" mode» (MTP). After that, in the file manager of the new phone in the section «USB» or “External Drive” will display the file system of the old device.

Now you can manually copy the folders you want, which are usually DCIM folders, Pictures, Download, and Music folders, just highlight them, select Copy, and paste them into the internal memory of your new smartphone.

• ⚡ Maximum transfer speed, not dependent on the quality of the Wi-Fi router.
• 🔒 Complete data security as information is not transmitted over the Internet.
• 🔋 No need to connect to the grid, phones can charge each other (albeit slowly).
• 🛠 No need to install additional software.

⚠️ Note: When using cheap adapters OTG Copying speeds can be extremely slow, and it is recommended to use original cables or certified accessories with support. USB 3.0 to achieve maximum performance.

Backup through computer (PC Suite and Explorer)

Sometimes it's not possible for any phone to work as a host, or you want to create a full backup before you sell an old device, and then a computer comes to the rescue. Connect the old phone to your PC through a computer. USB-cable, select file transfer mode and copy all important data to your computer hard drive.

For Xiaomi users, there is also Mi PC Suite (or its counterparts, since official support for Windows varies), which allows you to make full backups of the system. However, for the average user, the standard Windows Explorer is often enough. After copying files to your computer, connect a new phone and transfer the data in reverse order.

The good thing about this method is that it creates a rollback point, and if something goes wrong in the process of setting up a new phone, you'll have a copy of all the data on your computer, and it's also easier to sort files on your PC, remove junk, and organize folder structure before you download it to your new device.

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When you copy photo folders to your computer, look for hidden folders that start with a dot (e.g.,.thumbnails) that don't need to be copied, take up space and are recreated by the system.

Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi

The transition from iOS to Android used to seem complicated, but now Xiaomi offers great tools for migrating from the iPhone.The Mi Mover app has an iOS version that you can download from the App Store. QR-code and select data.

It's important to understand that it won't work all the time. Contacts, photos, videos, calendar events and notes are easily copied. However, apps bought from the App Store won't work on Android, they'll have to be searched for free analogues again on Google Play, and health data from Apple Health and some specific iOS settings won't be portable.

For contacts and calendars, you can use a universal method: on your iPhone, go to Settings → Mail, addresses, calendars, select your Google account and enable contact and calendar sync. After that, on the new Xiaomi, just add the same account.

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When switching from iPhone to Xiaomi, use the Mi Mover combination for media files and synchronizing your Google account for contacts and calendar – this will ensure maximum data security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)