Buying a new Redmi smartphone to replace an old Xiaomi device is always an exciting moment, marred by the fear of losing important information. Users are rightly worried about the preservation of the archive of photos, the history of correspondence in messengers and the settings of installed applications. Fortunately, the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem offers several effective tools for seamless migration.
Modern methods allow you to clone the contents of memory in almost automatic mode, minimizing human involvement in this process. You do not need to be a technician to successfully complete the procedure. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available methods of data transfer, from standard system utilities to cloud services, so you can choose the most suitable option for your situation.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before any manipulations, both smartphones must be properly prepared. Make sure that both devices have a battery level of at least 60%, as the process can take considerable time and active power consumption. It is also crucial that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, even if you plan to use a cable connection for backup.
Check for free space on your target Redmi device. The amount of free memory should exceed the amount of data you plan to transfer from an old Xiaomi. If there is not enough space, the process can be interrupted halfway, which will lead to file corruption.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to transfer data if one of the devices is in power saving mode.This can cause connection breakage and synchronization error.
It is recommended to update the system software on both devices to the latest available version, which ensures compatibility of transmission protocols and eliminates known portability utility bugs. Go to Settings → About the phone and check for updates.
☑️ Preparation for transfer
Using the Mi Mover application for transmission
The most efficient and quickest way is to use the built-in Mi Mover system application, which is designed specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem and allows you to transfer contacts, messages, calls, notes, voice recorder, images, videos, music, documents, applications and even system settings.
To get started, open the app on both devices. On the new Redmi, select Recipient, and on the old Xiaomi, Sender. The app will automatically create a Wi-Fi hotspot or ask you to scan. QR-code for establishing a secure connection between gadgets.
- 📱 Select the data type: contacts, messages, gallery, applications.
- 🔗 Confirm the connection on both screens of devices.
- 🚀 Click the "Start Transfer" button and wait until it is completed.
The data transfer speed through Mi Mover is much faster than through Bluetooth or mobile Internet, as a direct local connection is created, and in the process, do not switch to other applications or block the smartphone screen, so as not to interrupt the flow of data.
What if the Mi Mover can’t see the device?
Synchronization with your Mi Cloud account
If you have a stable Internet connection, Mi Cloud is a great option, and this method is convenient because the data is stored in the cloud and can be restored at any time, even if the old phone has already been sold or lost.
On your old device, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. Select sync data: contacts, notes, voice recorder, gallery, etc. Press Sync and wait until the process is complete. Make sure the indicators in front of the points are green or display Sync status.
| Type of data | Limit free. | Loading speed | Automation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts/Notes | 5GB | Instantly. | Yes. |
| Photo/Video | 5GB | Depends on Wi-Fi. | Yes (wi-fi only) |
| Annexes | Not limited. | Medium | No. |
| System settings | 5GB | Quickly. | When discharged |
*Note: Application lists are stored in the cloud, but they are APK-Files are downloaded from the GetApps store or Google Play.
On the new Redmi, log in to the same Mi Account.The system automatically prompts you to restore data from a cloud backup.This is the perfect way for anyone who wants to get a ready-made work environment right after turning on the new phone.
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Enable advanced sync for the Gallery so that full-resolution photos are uploaded to the cloud, not just previews. This will take longer, but will preserve the quality of the images.
Transfer via Google Account and Drive
For users who are deeply integrated into Google services, the standard Google One sync procedure will become more common, especially effective for transferring contacts, calendar events, Chrome passwords, and installed app lists.
On the old Xiaomi, make sure that the Settings → Google → Backup section includes a data save feature. Click "Start Copy" to create a fresh backup in your Google Drive storage.
When you first turn on the new Redmi, the system will prompt you to restore data from Google's backup. Select the last restore point. Contacts and account settings will appear on the device almost immediately after you connect to the network, and applications will begin to load in the background.
⚠️ Note: Google Account does not store the contents of folders within apps (for example, correspondence in messengers or save in games) unless the applications themselves use the developer’s cloud saves.
This is a universal approach, and it’s even good if you decide to switch to another Android smartphone brand in the future, and the data will remain tied to your email, not the manufacturer’s ecosystem.
Manual copying through a computer
The most reliable, albeit more time-consuming, method is manually copying files over a PC, which is needed if you want to transfer heavy video files, document archives, or if wireless methods are unstable.
Connect the old Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable, selecting the menu on the phone screen mode "File transfer" (MTP). Copy the required folders (DCIM, Pictures, Download, Documents on your computer hard drive.
Then, connect the new Redmi and transfer the stored data to the appropriate internal memory directories. Android folder structure is standardized, so the photos will automatically be identified in the gallery after they are placed in the folder. DCIM/Camera.
- 💾 Reliability: eliminates network errors and interruptions.
- ⏱ Time: Takes more time to prepare and reconnect.
- 📂 Control: You can see which files are being transferred.
Use this method to create a final archive of important data that will be stored separately from your phone, an additional security measure that will never be superfluous.
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The combined approach often gives the best result: use Mi Mover for apps and settings, and throw heavy media files over your PC for speed.
Features of transferring WhatsApp and Viber
Messengers require special attention, as their databases are often stored locally and not always correctly transferred by common means. WhatsApp needs to use a built-in backup feature.
On your old device, open WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Backup Chats. Create a copy to Google Drive. On the new Redmi, install the app, log in to the same phone number, and agree to restore your message history from the cloud when you first start.
The procedure is similar for Viber: More → Settings → Account → Backup Viber. It is important that the new phone has the same Google account that the copy was made to.
⚠️ Note: Messenger backups do not carry in-app call history and status "viewed" for messages unless you use paid enterprise versions of those services.
After transferring the data, make sure that all media files (photos and videos from chats) are downloaded. In unstable Wi-Fi conditions, this process can be delayed, so leave the phone connected to charging and networking overnight.