Buying a new gadget is always a thrill, but the migration of personal data can become a stress test: you unpack the box, turn on the device, and you have an empty screen that requires filling in with contacts, photos and correspondence stories. Fortunately, Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers powerful built-in tools that allow you to clone the contents of an old phone in minutes, regardless of which operating system it is controlled.
Modern synchronization methods avoid manually installing each application and re-entering passwords from Wi-Fi networks, but to make sure that the process goes smoothly and no important file gets lost in the digital space, you need to clearly understand the algorithm of actions and the peculiarities of the manufacturer’s proprietary utilities. In this article, we will discuss in detail all ways of migration, from cloud services to direct cable connection.
Before you start taking action, make sure that both devices have sufficient battery power, preferably more than 50%, and a stable Internet connection. Ignoring this rule can lead to a data interruption at the final stage, which will require a repetition of the entire procedure.
Preparation for data migration and basic requirements
The success of the data transfer operation depends on 90% of the correct preparation of the source and target devices. The first thing you need to do is to audit the files on the old smartphone. Delete unnecessary screenshots, duplicate photos and cache of heavy applications to speed up the copying process and not clog the memory of the new gadget with digital garbage.
Account login is critical. If you are switching from another Android device, make sure your Google account is active and sync is enabled. iPhone owners will need to log in to iCloud. On the receiving Redmi or POCO device, it is strongly recommended to create or log in to Mi Account, as this will allow you to save backups of system settings and the location of icons on the desktop.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Be sure to check the operating system version. Although tools (migratings) are usually cross-version, the presence of current MIUI or HyperOS updates ensures that contact and message database formats are compatible. Sometimes older firmware versions may not handle new file formats correctly when exported.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the transfer, be sure to disable the two-factor authentication feature in banking apps on your old phone or make sure you have access to the phone. SIM-map, as the new device will require re-verification SMS.
Using the Mi Mover app for Android
The most efficient and quickest way to transfer data between Android smartphones is the proprietary utility Mi Mover. This tool is built into the system of most modern Xiaomi models, but if your old phone does not have it, the application can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. The main advantage of the method is the ability to transfer data over Wi-Fi Direct without the participation of a router, which provides high speed and security.
The process starts with running the app on both devices. On the new Xiaomi smartphone, select Receiver, and on the old one, Sender. QR-If you have code or manually connect to a Wi-Fi network, you can select data categories to copy, and the algorithm automatically sorts the files into system settings, multimedia, and installed applications.
What if the Mi Mover can’t see the device?
It’s important to note that Mi Mover not only copies files, but also folder structure, keeping the gallery and file manager in order. However, system settings such as alarm clocks or specific Wi-Fi passwords may not be fully portable due to the security limitations of Android’s newer versions.
When the transfer is complete, a summary report will appear on the screen. Don't rush to close the application, check for all files. If the process is interrupted, the application can only pump out the missing parts, which saves time when you try again.
Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi
Migrating from iOS to Android has long been considered a challenge, but Xiaomi’s tools have made it much easier.The Mi Mover app is available on the App Store, which allows you to create a bridge between ecosystems. When you run on an iPhone, you will need to provide access to photos, contacts and a calendar, after which you will start generating a data packet for transfer.
Unlike Android-to-Android, porting apps is only possible as links to their counterparts in Google Play, since the architecture of the iOS and Android executable files is radically different. All purchased applications will have to be installed again, but your data inside them (if they support cloud synchronization) is likely to be saved.
WhatsApp messaging history when switching from iPhone to Android is now officially portable, but requires the use of a Lightning-to-USB-C cable or a special tool in settings when initially setting up the phone. The standard method through Mi Mover can only copy media files from WhatsApp, but not text history.
- 📱 Contacts and calendar sync perfectly via iCloud or export to the Internet. VCF.
- 📸 Photos and videos are transferred in full resolution, saving the shooting date.
- 💬 iMessages will not be moved because it is Apple’s proprietary protocol.
- 🎵 Music from Apple Music is available only if you have a subscription and install the application on Android.
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When transferring from your iPhone, use the Lightning-USB-C cable to connect to Xiaomi during the initial setup (welcome screen).This is the only way to officially transfer WhatsApp chat history without using third-party paid software.
Recovery from Google and Mi Cloud
Cloud services remain the most reliable way to save data in case of loss of a device or its breakdown. If you have used Android before, chances are your contacts, notes and calendar are already in Google Contacts and Google Drive. When you first sign in on the new Xiaomi, you just need to enter the same username and password so that the phone automatically starts to pull information from the cloud.
Mi Cloud offers deeper integration with the MIUI/HyperOS shell. It allows you to create full system backups, including the location of widgets, alarm settings, voice recorder and even passwords from Wi-Fi. To activate this feature, you need to go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and enable synchronization of the desired partitions.
The difference between Google and Mi Cloud is specialization: Google is better at cross-platform data (mail, documents, photos via Google Photos), while Mi Cloud is ideal for maintaining the state of Xiaomi’s system.
| Parameter | Google One / Drive | Mi Cloud | Local backup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Yeah (full synchronization) | Yes. | Yes. |
| Photos | Yes (compression or original) | Yes (5GB free) | Yeah (takes up phone memory) |
| System settings | Partially. | Yes (deep integration) | Yes (full copy) |
| Recovery speed | Depends on the Internet. | Depends on the Internet. | Instantly. |
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The ideal strategy is to store contacts and photos in Google, and backups of system settings and desktop layouts are done through Mi Cloud or locally on your computer.
Application portability and authorization in services
The most time-consuming part of migration is often not copying files, but setting up access to accounts. When you transfer applications via Mi Mover to a new device, the installation file itself (APK) and, in some cases, the data cache are copied, but for security reasons, most modern applications (banks, social networks, mail) will require re-entry.
Special attention is required for applications with enhanced protection, such as Google Authenticator or banking clients. For Google Authenticator, there is a feature to export accounts through the Internet. QR-code inside the app itself, which is what you need to do before you dump or sell your old phone.Banking apps may require you to tether the device, so make sure that you don't have to do it. SIM-card with the number to which the bank is tied is installed in the new smartphone.
For users of Xiaomi’s Google Play Games and Game Center, the good news is that you’ll be able to keep progress on your games. If the game supports cloud-based saves, your progress will be automatically pulled up after you install and log in to the service, otherwise, local saves may be lost if you don’t use a full system backup.
- 🔐 Two-factor authentication: Prepare (backup) codes or phone.
- 📲 Telegram and Viber will restore the story from the cloud, WhatsApp requires a separate backup.
- 🏦 Banking: You may need to call a bank or visit an office to unlock a new device.
- 🎮 Games: Check which account (Google, Facebook, Xiaomi) has been saved.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove apps from your old phone until you have fully configured and checked all services on the new device. Some confirmation codes may come to the old gadget if synchronized. SMS not yet complete.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
Even with advanced tools, users often face problems, and one of the most common is interrupting Wi-Fi Direct while Mi Mover is running. This often happens when one device is power-saving, which aggressively shuts down wireless modules.