Buying a new Xiaomi smartphone is always a pleasant event, but it is often overshadowed by the prospect of a long and tedious setup: You will not just turn on the gadget, but recreate the usual digital environment, returning all important contacts, photos, correspondence and installed programs. Fortunately, modern technology allows you to avoid manually copying files one at a time.
The migration of data has become much easier in recent years thanks to the built-in tools of the MIUI ecosystem and the capabilities of the Android operating system. Now you do not need to be a technician to quickly move from your old device to a new one, we will look at the most effective and proven methods that ensure the safety of your information.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the work with the Mi Mover brand tool, which is the standard for transferring data between brand devices, and also touch on the capabilities of the Google account and discuss the nuances that can arise when working with different versions of operating systems.
Preparing devices for data migration
Both smartphones must be properly prepared before you start the copying process, a critical step, as an unstable connection or low battery charge can interrupt file transfers halfway, causing archives to be damaged. Make sure that both devices are charged at least 60-70% or connected to a power source.
The second key is connecting to a single Wi-Fi network. While some methods use a direct Wi-Fi connection between phones, having a stable router nearby will help avoid communication disruptions if you choose to use cloud-based methods or account sync.
Also, free up space on a new smartphone if it's already been used. Remove unnecessary apps or temporary files so that the target drive has enough space to receive all the data from the old gadget, which is especially true if you're moving from a model with more memory to a more compact version.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to interrupt the data transfer process by turning off the screen or running heavy games.This can lead to the fact that some applications will not install, and the system settings will go wrong, requiring a complete reset.
The final step is to check for system updates. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and make sure both devices have the latest available security patches installed, which minimizes the risk of data format incompatibility.
☑️ Preparation for transfer
Using the Mi Mover app for full cloning
The most effective and quickest way to migrate is to use the native Mi Mover application. This tool is pre-installed on all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones, and for older devices it can be downloaded from the GetApps store or Google Play. The main advantage of the utility is the ability to transfer not only media files, but also the structure of folders, system settings and even the placement of icons on the desktop.
Starting the process starts with opening the app on both devices, and on the new phone you choose the "I'm a recipient" role, and on the old phone you choose the "I'm a sender" role, and then the system will prompt you to scan. QR-code or use device search. Creating an access point allows direct data transfer without loading on your home router.
Once connected, the interface will suggest selecting data categories to transfer. You can tick contacts, messages, call history, images, videos, music, documents and, most importantly, installed applications. APK-files and, in many cases, stores data within applications (caches, logins), if this is allowed by the security policy of a particular program.
The speed of transmission depends on the amount of data and the quality of Wi-Fi modules. When transferring large video files in 4K resolution, the process can take from 15 to 40 minutes. Do not block phone screens during the active copying phase, so that the system does not go into power saving mode and break the connection.
Transfer via Google Account and Cloud Services
An alternative and often more reliable way is to sync through the cloud. If your old phone was running Android, chances are your contacts, calendar, and notes are already stored in your Google account. When you first set up a new Xiaomi, just type in the same email address and password.
The system will automatically prompt you to restore a backup of applications and their data, which is especially convenient for restoring call history and SMS-Google Drive also stores photos if you have enabled the Google Photos feature».
For users of the Xiaomi ecosystem, Mi Cloud is also relevant. If you used the manufacturer’s cloud on your previous device, log into your Mi Account in the settings menu. This will instantly synchronize the themes, Wi-Fi passwords and system settings, making the new phone familiar from the first minutes of use.
| Method of transmission | Speed. | What's transferable | Internet dependency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | All (including APK and settings) | No (local Wi-Fi) |
| Google Account | Medium | Contacts, calendar, applications | Required. |
| Mi Cloud | Medium | System settings, themes, photos | Required. |
| Bluetooth | Low. | Only small files. | No. |
⚠️ Note: When recovering from the Google cloud, some banking apps may require re-authorization or additional security checks due to a device change.
Nuances of WhatsApp and messengers transfer
The migration of messenger data deserves special attention, as they often store the history of correspondence in closed containers. For WhatsApp, a standard transfer through Mi Mover can copy the application itself, but not the history of messages.
On your old phone, open WhatsApp, go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup and click on “Backup.” Make sure the copy is created in Google Drive. On the new device, when it first starts, the messenger will find the cloud copy and prompt you to restore the dialogues.
With Telegram, things are simpler: the entire story is stored on servers, and you just need to log in to your phone number. All secret chats (Secret Chats) are not portable, since they are tied to a specific device and encryption keys.
What to do if a WhatsApp backup is not found?
Transfer of photos and multimedia manually
Despite automation, sometimes you need to manually transfer heavy files, like video source to 4K or archives from work, you can use a file manager or connect your phone to your computer. The Explorer app in MIUI allows you to quickly sort files by type.
If you use a computer, connect both phones to the USB-Copy the folders. DCIM (Photos and video from the camera, Pictures (screenshots and images from social networks) and Download to the hard drive, and then transfer them to a new device. This method guarantees 100% file integrity, as it eliminates possible compression or error in network transmission.
Another quick way is to use ShareMe technology (formerly Mi Drop), which allows you to transfer files of any size between any Android device and even an iPhone at high speed without consuming Internet traffic. Just select files, click "Send" and scan. QR-receiver.
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When manually copying a DCIM folder, check for hidden.thumbnails folders, which can take up several gigabytes of space and carry no payload, and can be safely deleted before transferring.
Completion of setup and data verification
Once all the data has been moved, don't rush to reset your old phone. Do a thorough review of your new device. Go through the contact book, check if all the photos are in the gallery and make sure the apps open correctly. Pay special attention to banking applications and two-factor authentication.
Often, the desktop app icons get lost or duplicates appear. Take time to clean up the interface: remove the extra widgets, sort the programs by folder. It will take time, but it will make using the smartphone comfortable.
The final step is to clean the old device, and if you make sure all the data is in place, do a complete reset (Settings → Phone → Reset) before selling or transferring the old gadget to another person, which ensures that your personal information is protected from outsiders.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete your Google or Mi Account from your old phone until you have completed the new phone. In some cases, you may need a confirmation code that will be sent to your old number or device.
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Full check of the health of all applications and the availability of files is a mandatory step before cleaning the old smartphone.