Changing your smartphone is always stressful, not only because you get used to a new interface, but also because you risk losing important data. Especially important is the issue of preserving your correspondence history, where you can store confirmation codes, business information or just cherished memories. Samsung device owners who move to the Xiaomi ecosystem often face non-obvious nuances, as the shells One UI and MIUI (or HyperOS) have different storage architectures.
Fortunately, modern technologies allow you to carry out the transfer of SMS almost without loss, using both built-in tools and proven third-party utilities. In this article, we will analyze in detail all available methods of migration of messages, assess their reliability and help avoid common errors that can lead to damage to the database of messages.
The process can take anywhere from minutes to an hour depending on the amount of information accumulated, and it’s important to understand that standard synchronization methods through a Google account often only save contacts, leaving only contacts. SMS-So we need specialized tools to go overboard, and we'll look at how they work in detail.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before you start directly copying files, you need to ensure a stable connection between gadgets. The best option is to use a Wi-Fi network, as the transfer of large amounts of data over the mobile Internet can be unstable or consume traffic. Make sure that both smartphones — and the old Samsung Galaxy and the new Xiaomi — charged at least 50-60%.
On a Samsung device, it is recommended to clear the cache of messengers and system services to speed up the database readout process, and it is also worth checking whether power saving mode is turned on, which may limit the background activity of file transfer applications.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the data transfer process even if the screen is gone.Forced closure of applications or the break of the Wi-Fi Direct connection can lead to the creation of broken backup files that cannot be restored.
Successful syncing will also require access to a Google account on both devices, and while messages themselves are not always synced through the cloud by default, having a single account makes it easier to install the apps and log in to services.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Using the Mi Mover application for direct transmission
The most native and preferred way for Xiaomi users is to use the proprietary utility Mi Mover.This application is designed specifically for migrating data from any Android devices and iOS to smartphones of the Chinese brand. It can transfer not only contacts and photos, but also history. SMS-This makes it a universal tool.
The process starts with installing the app on both devices, and on the new Xiaomi, it's often already built in and is in the Tools folder. On Samsung, you need to download it from Google Play or scan it. QR-code that will appear on the screen of the new phone when you start the program.
On the receiving device (Xiaomi), select the Receiver role, and on the sending device (Samsung) select the Sender. The application will create a temporary Wi-Fi network to connect to. Once the devices are paired, you will see a list of data categories to transfer.
- 📱 Select the category "Messages" or"SMS" data-list.
- 📸 At the same time, you can tick contacts, images, videos and installed applications.
- 🚀 Click the "Send" button to start the copying process.
The speed of the transfer depends on the number of messages. If you have tens of thousands of SMS accumulated, the process can take considerable time, during which time the screens of the devices should not go out, and the phones themselves should be in close proximity to each other.
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If Mi Mover is stuck in the Preparing data stage, try restarting both smartphones and clearing the Mi Mover app cache in your Android settings before trying again.
Backup method through SMS Backup & Restore
If the built-in tools for some reason do not work or you want to get a full copy of messages in a readable format, the best solution will be the application. SMS Backup & Restore by SyncTech, a developer that's the gold standard in the field of email preservation, allowing you to create a digital identity. XML-files that can be stored for years.
Install the app on Samsung from Play Market. After you start, click on the "Configure Backup" button. In the settings, make sure you select all the necessary SIM cards and message types (incoming, outgoing, drafts). It is also recommended to tick the "Enable MMS" box if you want to save media attachments.
Back up and save it to Google Drive or locally in your device memory. If you choose local storage, the file will have the.xml extension. This file will then need to be transferred to the new Xiaomi in any convenient way (via Telegram, mail or Bluetooth).
On the new phone, install the same app. When you first start it will automatically detect the backup file. If the file is in memory, specify the path to it. Click Restore and give the application the necessary permissions to read and send SMS.
Why can some messages not be restored?
Comparison of methods of carrying messages
The choice of migration method depends on your priorities: speed, reliability or the ability to manually control data. Below is a table that will help determine the best option for your situation.
| Method | Speed of operation | Preservation of MMS | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | Yes. | Low. |
| SMS Backup & Restore | Medium | Yes (full) | Medium |
| Google Drive (Synchronization) | Low/network dependent | Partially. | Low. |
| Manual export (XML) | Low. | Yes. | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, Mi Mover wins in convenience for the average user who just needs to move. However, the method with SMS Backup & Restore gives more control and creates a universal copy that can be opened on the computer.
It is worth noting that when using cloud methods, speed is directly dependent on the quality of the Internet connection. Local Wi-Fi Direct transmission, which is used by both applications, works much faster and more stable.
Solution: Duplication and omission of messages
During the migration process, users often face a situation where the new Xiaomi messages are duplicated or, conversely, some of them are lost.Duplication usually occurs if you previously tried to restore (backup) and interrupted the process, and then started it again.
To avoid messing up, it is best to clear the standard Messages app on the new phone before restoring through third-party apps, unless there is important new information there, ensuring that all messages have correct timestamps and order.
⚠️ Note: When you restore a huge archive (more than 10,000 messages), the Messages app on Xiaomi may temporarily freeze or not display new ones. SMS It's okay, it takes time for the system to index the SQLite database.
If messages are missing, check the filtering settings in the recovery application. Sometimes the default is to limit only certain contacts or time periods to restore, and make sure that you choose to restore the entire archive.
Features of the transfer depending on the version of Android
The architecture of SMS storage changed with the release of new versions of Android. On older versions (Android 9 and below), access to the messaging database was more direct, which made it easier to work with third-party programs. In modern versions of Android (12, 13, 14 and above), which are installed on the new Xiaomi and Samsung, security has become stricter.
Now, writing to an SMS database requires a special permission that is given to the application only for a short time during recovery, which is why it is so important not to switch to other applications or block the screen when SMS Backup & Restore or Mi Mover request permission to "Become an SMS application".
The HyperOS shell or the new MIUI can also display an aggressive security alert when an application tries to send or write an SMS. You must manually confirm the action, otherwise the process will stop.
- 🛡️ When requesting permissions, always choose "Allow" or "Always Allow".
- 🔄 If the system offers a selected application for SMS, Temporarily agree to the proposal of the recovery program.
- ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed before returning the standard app status to Xiaomi’s message.
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Modern versions of Android require active user involvement in SMS recovery due to enhanced security protocols, so automatic background portability without notification is not possible.