How to transfer all data from one phone to another Xiaomi and Redmi

Replacing your old smartphone with a new one is always an exciting moment, especially if you stay in the Xiaomi or Redmi ecosystem. Fortunately, modern technology avoids manually installing apps and losing contacts. Owners of this brand device have the unique advantage of having a built-in system tool Mi Mover, which greatly simplifies the migration process.

However, despite the simplicity of the interface, users often face nuances that can slow down the process or lead to errors. In this guide, we will detail all available methods of transferring information, from using Wi-Fi Direct to Google cloud services, you will learn how to save folder structure, Wi-Fi passwords and even alarm settings effortlessly.

Before starting the procedure, it is critical to make sure that both devices have sufficient battery power. The optimal condition for starting the migration is to charge both smartphones at least 60% to avoid a sudden shutdown at the time of writing system files. It is also recommended to free up space on the new device if you plan to selectively transfer data, although with a full migration, the system will create the necessary partitions.

Preparation of devices and compatibility check

The first step to a successful migration is to properly prepare both devices. If you move from Mi to Redmi or vice versa, compatibility is guaranteed at the MIUI or HyperOS kernel level. However, firmware versions may vary, which sometimes affects the transfer speed. Make sure that both devices are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, as they are used to create a local link.

Don't ignore system updates before you start. Often, Xiaomi developers release patches that improve Mi Mover stability. Check for updates in the settings menu. If an old phone has a very old version of Android installed, the process may take longer due to differences in file system structures.

• 📱 Charge both smartphones to a minimum of 60-70% steady-work.
• 📶 Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both devices.
• 🔒 Unlock the screens of both phones and allow geolocation access if required.
• 🗑️ Free up space on the new device by removing unnecessary preinstalled apps.

It's important to understand that data transfer doesn't require an Internet connection if you're using a local method. All traffic goes directly between devices. This is especially true if you don't have access to a fast Wi-Fi router or mobile Internet is restricted by a tariff.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the preparation process. If the system requests permission to access files or contacts, be sure to click "Allow" or the data scan will be incomplete.

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If your old phone has custom firmware installed, the standard Mi Mover may not work properly, in which case it is better to use backup through Google Account.

Use of the built-in Mi Mover application

The most efficient and quick way is to use the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, and allows you to transfer not only contacts and photos, but also system settings, call history and even the location of icons on your desktop.

You run the app through a settings menu or search, and on the new phone you select the Receiving Device role, and on the old phone you select the Sending Device role. QR-code or find the device via Bluetooth, and then you start to pair the data.

The interface is intuitive. You can choose specific categories of data to transfer or copy everything at once. It is worth noting that transferring large volumes of video files in 4K resolution can take considerable time, but the transfer speed over Wi-Fi Direct is usually from 20 to 40 MB / s, which is much faster than Bluetooth.

One of the key features of Mi Mover is the ability to migrate application data, which means that once the process is complete, you won’t have to re-sign in to most social networks and instant messengers as long as they support data migration through system APIs.

Transfer through Google Account and Cloud Services

An alternative, but equally reliable, method is sync through a Google account, which is ideal if the old phone is already unavailable or damaged, but you have a fresh backup in the cloud. When you first set up a new Redmi or Xiaomi, the system will prompt you to restore data from the cloud.

This method requires that the old device be synced. Check this in Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Make sure that the ticks are against contacts, calendar, notes and app data. Photos are usually saved through Google Photos.

The main advantage of the cloud method is that it is independent of the physical condition of the old phone. However, Google's free storage is limited to 15 GB. If you have a lot of photos in original quality, the process of downloading and then downloading to a new phone can take a long time.

Use this method as a backup or as an initial setup, so that the new device immediately appears contacts and calendar, but for heavy media files, local transmission is still preferable.

Migration of Multimedia and Heavy Files

The biggest problem with changing phones is gigabytes of photos and videos. When using Mi Mover, the system automatically detects folders with media files, including snapshots from messengers like WhatsApp and Telegram, if they are saved in the gallery.

If you use a microSD card, the process is simplified to a minimum, just remove the card from the old Xiaomi and paste it into the new one. However, modern flagship models often lack a card slot, so you have to rely on internal memory and wireless transmission.

When you transfer video in high resolution 1080p or 4K, make sure that the codec is compatible. Usually there is no problem, since both devices are running Android, but in rare cases the format of the container may differ, in which case the video will be played, but a third-party player may be required.

⚠️ Note: When transferring data via Mi Mover, do not open heavy applications (camera, games) on the receiving device.This can reduce the speed of writing data and cause a transmission error.

For users who store data on a PC, it is possible to create a local backup through the Mi PC Suite program or similar tools, although the wireless method is now the de facto standard.

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Local Wi-Fi Direct (Mi Mover) transmission is 5-10 times faster than data download via mobile Internet or cloud storage with large amounts of information.

Transferring messages, calls and system settings

One of the most annoying tasks when changing phones is to restore the history of SMS and call logs. Xiaomi and Redmi owners are devoid of this headache. Mi Mover app can transfer SMS, MMS and call history in its entirety, even saving attached files in messages.

And it also transfers system settings, which include passwords from stored Wi-Fi networks, alarm settings, voice recordings, and even desktop wallpaper, and it tries to recreate the same environment on the new device.

Special features and gesture control settings deserve special attention. If you are used to operating your phone in a certain way, you do not have to re-set the sensor sense or button combinations. All parameters will be copied to the appropriate Settings → Advanced settings.

• 📞 The call log is transferred completely with all contacts.
• 💬 SMS and MMS They are retained with the investments.
• ⏰ Alarm clocks and timers are restored to their original state.
• 🎨 Wallpapers and themes (if free or purchased) will be applied.

It is worth considering that some security settings, such as fingerprints or facial data, cannot be transferred for security reasons.Biometric data is stored in a secure enclave of the processor and does not leave the device.

Solving problems and errors during transfer

Despite the fact that the process is fine, sometimes there are failures. The most common problem is a connection break in the middle of the process. This often happens if one of the devices goes into power saving mode or the screen goes out, and it is recommended to turn off the autolock screen during the transfer.

If you encounter an error called “Not enough space” when the memory seems to be there, check the hidden system partitions. Sometimes temporary update files take up space. Also make sure that the old phone does not have corrupted files that the system cannot read.

adb shell pm clear com.miui.mover

This command (for advanced users with USB debugging enabled) allows you to reset the Mi Mover app cache if it doesn't work properly, but a simple reboot of both smartphones helps 99% of the time.

⚠️ Note: If the transfer is suspended 99%, Don't panic. Often, the system just completes the indexing of files. 10-15 minutes before the forced reboot.

In the event of a complete failure of wireless methods, there is always the option of manually copying through the computer: connect the old phone as a media device (MTP), copy the folders DCIM, MIUI, Download on the PC, and then transfer them to the new phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)