Changing your mobile device is always stressful, associated with the fear of losing important contacts, memorable photos or settings of working applications. However, modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are equipped with powerful tools that make the migration process quick and almost painless for the user.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to transition to a new gadget, from built-in system utilities to cloud services. You will learn how to save folder structure, Wi-Fi passwords and even place icons on the desktop. Careful preparation before starting the procedure ensures that no bytes of information are lost during the synchronization process.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before any manipulations, you need to make sure that both the old and the new devices are ready to work. Battery charge on both devices should be at least 60%, since the process of transferring large amounts of data can significantly consume energy, and it is also recommended to free up space on the new device by removing unnecessary system plug applications if they are preinstalled.
It is important to check the operating system version. Although current methods are cross-platform, having current MIUI or HyperOS updates minimizes the risk of compatibility errors. Go to Settings → About the phone and check for available updates.
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Use a stable Wi-Fi connection for both devices if you plan to transfer data over the cloud to avoid wasting mobile traffic.
For successful synchronization, follow the following steps:
* 📱 Make sure that the screens of both smartphones are unlocked and are in wake mode.
* 🔌 Connect both devices to a power source or make sure the batteries are high.
* 📶 Enable Wi-Fi modules on both devices to create a local transmission network.
* 🧹 Clean up the cache of junk apps on your old phone so you don’t carry the digital junk.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick transfer
The most efficient and native way for Xiaomi ecosystem is the Mi Mover app, which is built into the default system and allows you to transfer data directly over Wi-Fi Direct without consuming Internet traffic, while transferring speeds can reach 20-40 MB / s, which is much faster than Bluetooth.
To start the process on your new phone, open the app and select the "I'm the recipient" role. On the old device, run a similar app and specify "I'm the sender." Scan QR-code, which will appear on the screen of the new smartphone, will automatically create a secure connection between the gadgets.
Select data categories to transfer. The system will suggest moving:
* 📞 Contacts, messages SMS call history.
* 📷 Photos, video and audio files from internal memory.
* 📱 Applications and their data (some programs require re-entry).
* ⚙️ System settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and alarm clocks.
⚠️ Note: When transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi via Mi Mover, some file formats may not be compatible.
Sync with your Mi and Google account
An alternative and more reliable method in the long run is using cloud services. Google account is the standard for Android and allows you to restore contacts, calendar and app list at any time. To do this, on the old device, go to Settings → Google → Sync and click Sync.
Xiaomi device owners also have access to Mi Cloud, which allows you to create full backups of your system, including desktop icons and alarm settings. To create a backup, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
What if there is not enough space in the cloud?
The comparison of synchronization methods is presented in the table below:
| Parameter | Google Services | Mi Cloud | Mi Mover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of data | Contacts, photos, applications | Complete copy of the system, gallery | All data types are locally |
| Speed. | Depends on the Internet. | Depends on the Internet. | High (locally) |
| Network dependency | Internet is required | Internet is required | Not required |
| Recovery | First inclusion | Through the Mi settings | Only on a new device. |
Transfer of messengers: WhatsApp and Telegram
Messengers store their correspondence history separately from the general system, so they require an individual approach. Telegram is simple: just log in from a new device, and the entire history of correspondence (except secret chats) will be downloaded automatically from the servers.
With WhatsApp, the situation is more complicated, as the story is stored locally or in the Google Drive/iCloud cloud. Before you switch to the new Xiaomi, open WhatsApp on your old phone, go to Settings → Chats → Backup Chats and click “Create a Backup.” Make sure it’s downloaded to Google Drive.
☑️ Checklist of WhatsApp transfer
When you first start WhatsApp on a new device, the system will automatically detect a backup in the cloud.
* 💬 Click Restore to return all chats and media files.
* 🔐 Confirm the phone number, it must match the previous one.
* 📸 Wait until the media loading is over, it may take time.
⚠️ Note: WhatsApp backup is tied to a specific Google account.If you change your Google account, first do a local backup and transfer the database file manually.
Working with file system and multimedia
If automatic methods don't work or you need to transfer files of specific formats, use the manual method through the computer. Connect the old phone to the PC in file transfer mode (MTP). Copy the DCIM (photo and video), Download and Music folders to the hard drive.
Then connect the new Xiaomi and copy the data to the appropriate directories, a method that allows you to audit the files: delete duplicates, blurry photos and unnecessary screenshots before downloading to the new device.
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Manual copying via PC is the only way to guarantee the original quality of the photo without compression, which is sometimes used by cloud services.
To organize files on the new device, use the built-in Explorer.
* 📂 Create a logical folder structure for documents and work.
* 🎵 Music files are better placed in the Music folder for correct display in the player.
* 📄 Scan and sort documents by date or project.
Solutions and adjustments after transfer
Once the migration is complete, additional configuration may be required, and applications often require re-authorization for security reasons, which is a normal Android security response to a device change.
Check NFC and contactless payment. If you used Google Pay (now Google Wallet), the cards may require re-verification by the bank. Go to your bank's app and confirm the device.
Why don’t you get notifications after the transfer?
Here is the list of actions for the final check:
* ✅ Check the synchronization of contacts in the phone book.
* ✅ Make sure the alarm clocks are set and working.
* ✅ Check your connection to home Wi-Fi networks (passwords should be transferred).
* ✅ Test the work of the camera and gallery.