How to transfer all data to the new Xiaomi: Full instructions

Buying a new smartphone from Xiaomi is always an exciting event, accompanied by the expectation of familiarity with new features and characteristics. However, before the first launch of the user often faces a serious technical task: how to transfer all the data to the new Xiaomi, keeping the structure of folders, correspondence history and logins from important services. The process of migration of information may seem difficult only at first glance, but modern tools of the company allow you to do this in just a few touches.

There are several proven ways to synchronize the memory contents of an old device with a new gadget, each with its own features: you can use the built-in Mi Mover app, Google cloud services or Xiaomi Cloud, as well as manual copying through a computer. The choice of the specific method depends on the operating system of your previous phone, the amount of accumulated files and the desired speed of execution of the operation.

In this guide, we will go into detail each step of preparation and direct transfer to eliminate the risk of losing important photos or contacts. Proper preparation of the device before the procedure is the key to successfully completing the process without errors and hangs. Let's consider what steps you need to take to seamlessly integrate into the MIUI or HyperOS ecosystem.

πŸ“Š What is your old phone now?
Android (not Xiaomi)
iPhone (iOS)
Another Xiaomi
Button phone

Preparatory stage before data migration

Before you start any manipulation of the file system, make sure that both devices are ready for active operation. Charge the old and new smartphones to a minimum of 60-70%, as the process of transferring a large amount of information can be energy intensive. If the battery dies during the operation, you risk getting damaged archives or interrupted synchronization.

Free up space on the receiving device if it's not new, and check for space on the old gadget to create temporary files. Remove unnecessary screenshots, duplicate photos and cache of heavy applications that you don't plan to install again. This will speed up the system and make the copying process more stable.

Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi enabled, as wireless data transfer requires a stable connection. It is also recommended to update system software to the latest available version to exclude transmission protocol compatibility. In the security settings, allow the installation of applications from unknown sources if you plan to use third-party backup utilities.

⚠️ Warning: Do not start the transfer process if one of the devices is in power saving mode. This can lead to a connection break and an incorrect completion of the procedure.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation of devices

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Use of the built-in Mi Mover application

The most effective and native tool for owners of Xiaomi equipment is the Mi Mover app. It is preinstalled on most modern models and allows you to transfer contacts, messages, call history, multimedia and even desktop settings. For Android users, this method is preferable, as it ensures maximum compatibility of file formats.

Launch the app on your new smartphone and select the β€œI am the recipient” role. On the old device, also open Mi Mover (you can download it from Google Play or GetApps if it’s missing) and click β€œI am the sender.” The new phone will create a Wi-Fi hotspot that you need to connect to from the old device by scanning it. QR-code.

Once the connection is established, the interface will suggest selecting data categories to transfer. You can tick only the desired sections, for example, leaving heavy video files and transferring only contacts and settings. The transfer speed depends on the amount of data and the quality of the wireless signal, but it is usually much higher than using Bluetooth.

  • πŸ“² Supports the transfer of system settings and desktop layouts.
  • πŸ”„ It works without internet, using direct Wi-Fi connection between devices.
  • πŸ“ Stores folder structure in gallery and file manager.
  • ⚑ Allows you to interrupt the process and resume it later without losing progress.

Importantly, some system applications may not migrate correctly due to differences in the versions of Android on the old and new device, in which case the system will suggest finding analogues in the app store or installing them again, and logins in banking applications and instant messengers will have to be entered manually for security reasons.

What if the Mi Mover can’t see the device?
Make sure both phones have GPS and LAN permissions on, sometimes by rebooting the Wi-Fi module or temporarily shutting down mobile data on an old smartphone.

Synchronization through Google account

Google’s ecosystem provides a reliable way to store your most important personal information: contacts, calendar events, and notes. This is ideal if you’re switching from any Android smartphone, as the data is linked to your account and automatically reappears after logging in. To activate the feature, go to settings and select Accounts and Sync.

On an old phone, make sure that the switches opposite the desired items (Contacts, Calendar, Tasks) are active and manually synchronized. On the new Xiaomi, just enter the same email address when you initially set up the system. All stored data will automatically be downloaded to the corresponding applications.

Google Photos, which allows you to save media files to the cloud, is a special feature, and if you have Autoupload and Sync enabled, all your photos are already in the cloud, all you have to do is install the app on your new phone and log in to your account to access the entire library.

Type of dataSynchronization methodInternet is requiredLimits
ContactsGoogle ContactsYes (for download)15,000 contacts
Photo/VideoGoogle PhotoYes.15GB free of charge
CalendarGoogle CalendarYes.No restrictions.
AnnexesGoogle PlayYes.Depends on the developer.

Google’s cloud services are particularly useful because data doesn’t take up space in the phone’s internal memory until it opens, allowing you to quickly configure a new gadget even if its built-in drive is small, but it will require a connection to a stable Wi-Fi network to fully load heavy files in their original quality.

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Syncing through Google is the best way to migrate contacts and calendars, but additional tools are needed to make a full copy of the system.

Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi

For iPhone owners who have decided to switch to Android, Xiaomi offers a special solution. Mi Mover is available on the App Store and allows you to transfer a basic set of data: contacts, photos, videos and calendar events.

To get started, install the app on both smartphones, and you'll need to give your iPhone access to contacts and photos, and allow your local network to be used. QR-The code will start transferring selected file categories. iMessage messages and iOS applications will not be able to transfer due to the closed operating system.

Multimedia files are particularly important because the formats may differ. HEIC or ProRes videos may require conversion or a dedicated player on a new device. Contacts are usually portable and integrated into the MIUI phone book immediately.

  • 🍎 Supports the transfer of contacts, photos, videos and calendar with iOS.
  • ❌ Does not tolerate applications, iMessage messages and system settings.
  • πŸ”’ Requires confirmation of access to data on the iPhone screen.
  • πŸ“Ά It works via direct Wi-Fi connection without using traffic.

⚠️ Note: When transferring from your iPhone, photos may be uploaded to a separate folder.Cert the gallery after the process is complete to make sure all albums are in place.

Backup to computer and local storage

For users who prefer full control over their data or do not have fast Internet, the method of manual copying is relevant. USB-cable, you can copy the contents of folders DCIM, Download and Documents to your hard drive. This is the most reliable way to keep your original file quality.

Use the original cable or high-quality analogue with support for high-speed data transfer. From the connection menu on the phone screen, select File Transfer or MTP. Once the device appears in My Computer, simply drag the desired directories to a safe place on your PC.

Once you buy a new phone, you do the reverse thing: plug in a new device and copy files back, and this method also allows you to clear space on your old phone before you sell it, ensuring that the data isn't shared. A local copy is your insurance against cloud failures.

Recommended folder structure for backup:


/Backup_2026/




β”œβ”€β”€ /Photos/ (copy DCIM)




β”œβ”€β”€ /Docs/ (copy of Documents)




β”œβ”€β”€ /Music/




└── /App_Data/ (if root access is available)

Remember that this way you can’t migrate your application settings or save games, but you still need to use cloud profiles or built-in backup features for specific programs, and local copying is ideal for archiving large amounts of media content.

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Use a USB 3.0 cable and a blue tongue port on your computer for maximum copy speed of large files.

Recovery of data from Mi Cloud

Xiaomi device owners have access to their own cloud storage, the Mi Cloud, a powerful tool that allows you to create complete copies of the system, including settings, icon layouts and system application data. If the old phone was enabled sync, recovery will take a minimum of time.

When you first set up a new smartphone, the system will prompt you to log in to your Mi Account. Once you log in, you will be prompted to restore data from the last available backup, and you will see the date the backup was created and its size, which will help you choose the desired restore point.

Unlike Google, Mi Cloud is more integrated into the MIUI and HyperOS shell, and can even recover alarm settings, themes, and some interface settings. However, the amount of free storage is limited, so full copies of the system often require additional space.

  • ☁️ Creates a full copy of the system and desktop settings.
  • πŸ” Data is encrypted and only available to the account holder.
  • πŸ“± Recovery occurs automatically when you log in to your account.
  • πŸ’Ύ It requires sufficient space in cloud storage.

It is important to regularly check sync status in cloud settings to make sure that new data is saved on time. Lack of a fresh copy can lead to loss of information obtained in the last days before buying a new phone. Regularity of backups is a key factor in data security.

How to Free Space in Mi Cloud for Free?
You can delete old backups of devices you no longer use through the i.mi.com web interface. The company also sometimes offers storage expansion campaigns for new users. Alternatively, you can use Google Photos for media files, leaving only settings in the Mi Cloud.
Can I interrupt the data transfer and continue later?
Mi Mover allows you to pause the process if the connection is unstable, but a complete interruption may require you to start the procedure again. When using cloud services (Google, Mi Cloud), the application and photo download process can be suspended and resumed at any time.
Is it safe to transfer passwords through Mi Mover?
The app uses a local encrypted connection, which makes interception extremely difficult, but passwords from banking applications and some secure services will still require re-entry for security reasons, as they are not directly copied.
What if the new Xiaomi phone doesn’t see the old one?
Check whether Wi-Fi and GPS are on both devices. Make sure your old phone doesn't have an ad blocker or VPN that can interfere with local networking. Try restarting the Mi Mover app on both devices.