Changing your smartphone is always an exciting process, especially when you move from one popular ecosystem to another, like Samsung to Xiaomi. Many users fear losing important contacts, photos or app settings when changing devices. However, modern technology allows you to make this process as fast and painless as possible, requiring only minimal preparation on your part.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to migrate data, from the use of proprietary utilities to cloud services, how to properly prepare both devices so that the information transfer goes without errors and freezes.
It’s worth noting that the transition from Android to Android, even between different brands, is much smoother than the change of the operating system. The One UI shell from Samsung and MIUI (or HyperOS) from Xiaomi have many similarities, but also their unique features. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid typical mistakes and immediately start enjoying a new gadget.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before any manipulations, make sure that both smartphones are ready to work.The battery charge on both devices should be at least 50-60%, as the transfer process can take considerable time and require energy. It is also recommended to check the availability of free space on the receiving Xiaomi device, so that all files fit without problems.
The second important step is to ensure a stable connection. It is best to use a Wi-Fi network to which both phones are connected, or to distribute an access point from one of them. Mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G) is not recommended due to possible traffic restriction and connection instability.
☑️ Checklist before start
Remember to also update the system software on both devices to the latest available version, which ensures that the transfer protocols are compatible and that the latest security patches are available, while on Samsung this is done through settings, and on Xiaomi, through the About Phone menu.
Using the Mi Mover application for portability
The most efficient and quick way (migration) is to use the specialized Mi Mover tool, which is designed specifically for owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO equipment and allows you to transfer contacts, messages, call history, applications, music, photos and videos.
The process starts with installing the app on both smartphones. On the new Xiaomi, it is often already built into the system and is in the Tools folder. On the old Samsung, you need to download it from Google Play. After launching, select the role of the device: “I am the recipient” on the new one and “I am the sender” on the old one.
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If Mi Mover can’t see the device, try temporarily disabling the VPN or antivirus on both smartphones, as they can block the local connection.
The devices are then connected through QR-Once you've selected the types of data to copy, you'll start the transfer process, and the speed depends on the amount of information, but it's usually a few megabytes per second, which is much faster than the cloud.
⚠️ Warning: Do not open other apps or block phone screens while running Mi Mover so as not to interrupt Wi-Fi Direct connection.
Synchronization through Google Account
A classic and reliable method that works on any Android smartphone: If you’ve used Google services on Samsung, most of your data is already in the cloud. When you first set up Xiaomi, just log in to the same account and the system will prompt you to restore the data.
This method is ideal for saving your contact book, calendar events, notes, and list of installed apps. Photos and videos are synced through Google Photos if the appropriate backup option on your old device has been enabled.
But it’s worth remembering that this method doesn’t tolerate app settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and some system preferences, and is more a way to bring a user’s digital identity to life than to create an exact replica of an old phone.
| Type of data | Mi Mover | Google Account | Manual method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Photo/Video | Yes. | Yes (via Photo) | Yes. |
| Annexes | Yeah (with data) | Only a list. | No. |
| SMS messages | Yes. | No. | No. |
| System settings | Partially. | No. | No. |
Transferring multimedia via USB and PC
If you have a huge archive of photos and videos that weigh tens of gigabytes, wireless methods can take too long, and the quickest solution is to use a computer as an intermediary.
Connect Samsung to your PC via cable, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) and copy the DCIM, Pictures, Download and Music folders to your hard drive. Then connect Xiaomi and move the files to the appropriate directories.
This method also allows you to audit files, remove duplicates, sort photos into folders, and clear the gallery of debris before downloading to a new device, which is a great opportunity to clean up the digital space.
The path to photo on Android: /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera/Use of the USB-The cable guarantees a stable transmission speed, independent of the quality of the Wi-Fi router. In addition, you do not spend the battery of smartphones on the operation of radio modules, but only on reading / writing data.
Working with messages and call log
One of the most important parts for many users is the history of correspondence and calls. Standard Android tools often limit the transfer of SMS and MMS between different brands, but the Mi Mover app successfully copes with this task.
When you transfer messages, they are stored in the same form as they were on Samsung. However, multimedia messaging attachments (MMS) can sometimes be misrepresented or require re-uploading. Call logs are usually carried over completely, saving dates and duration of conversations.
What should I do if the SMS did not arrive?
For instant messengers like WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, the procedure is different. Telegram stores history in the cloud, so just log in to your account. WhatsApp requires you to back up your Google Drive on your old phone and restore it when you first start on a new one.
Application Solutions and Compatibility
After you migrate the data, you may find that some apps are not working properly or are missing, because One UI and MIUI manage permissions and background processes differently. Some Samsung system applications (such as S Health or Bixby) simply won’t install on Xiaomi.
High-security banking applications and programs may require re-authorization or reconfiguring biometrics, which is a normal security measure and you have to be prepared for it, and make sure you have access to your phone number to get confirmation codes.
⚠️ Note: Apps modified for Exynos processors (often found in Samsung) may not work or run unstable on Snapdragon or MediaTek processors used in Xiaomi.
If you find an app crashing all the time, try clearing its cache or reinstalling it directly from Google Play rather than relying on the ported version.This often solves library compatibility issues.
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Full data porting is a process that takes time to adapt applications, so give the system 10-15 minutes after switching on for background optimization.
Completion of customization and optimization
Once all the data has been moved, don't rush to delete the information from your old phone. Go with the new device for a couple of days, check if all the contacts are in place, if alarms and notifications are working. Only when you make sure that you're fully functional can you start cleaning Samsung.
On the new Xiaomi, you should go into battery settings and adjust energy saving modes for important applications so that they do not “kill” the system in the background. The MIUI shell is known for its aggressive energy savings, which can interfere with the work of instant messengers.
It is also recommended to set up the Xiaomi Cloud or continue using Google One for regular backup in the future, which will save you from losing data in the event of a breakage or loss of the device in the future.