Buying a new Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is always a joyous event, but it overshadows the need to transfer the accumulated information over the years. Users often fear losing important contacts, messenger correspondence or unique photos when changing devices. Fortunately, the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem offers powerful built-in tools that allow you to clone the contents of an old device to a new one in just a few touches.
There are several proven migration methods, each with its own features and use cases: you can use a specialized Mi Mover application, Google cloud services or Mi Cloud, as well as local backup. The choice of the specific method depends on the amount of data, Internet connection speed and operating system version on both devices.
In this guide, we will discuss each method in detail, paying special attention to the nuances of porting authorizations and passwords. Full data transfer via Mi Mover is possible only if both devices have Android 6.0 or higher. Proper preparation of gadgets before the procedure ensures that there are no errors and the safety of your digital life.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before any cloning operation is initiated, make sure that both smartphones are ready to go. Ignoring the preparatory stage can cause the process to be interrupted or files to be damaged. Charge both devices to at least 60%, as the active transmission of large amounts of data via Wi-Fi Direct consumes battery power significantly.
Make sure both devices have a wireless module on, that systems create a direct connection between devices to work smoothly, and that space is also freed up on the new phone if you plan to transfer selectively, although when you migrate fully, the system will alert you to a memory shortage.
⚠️ Note: Do not start the transfer process if one of the devices is power-saving mode, as it can force the Wi-Fi module to turn off in the background.
Check for free space. If you go from a 64GB model to a 128GB model, you won't have any problems. However, if you go to a device with less internal storage, you'll have to manually filter the files. Delete unnecessary videos or heavy games in advance.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Using the Mi Mover app for full cloning
The most efficient and quickest way is to use the native Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on all of the company's current smartphones and allows data to be transmitted without using Internet traffic, creating a direct Wi-Fi network between devices, which is ideal for transferring all content, including folder structure and system settings.
To start the process, open the app on both devices. On the new phone, select Recieve and on the old phone, Send. QR-code or search for devices. Once you connect, you'll see the interface with the categories of data.
You can choose specific file types to transfer or tag everything at once. The app automatically sorts contacts, messages, calls, apps, images, music and videos, and it takes 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of information.
What if Mi Mover doesn’t find the device?
It is important to understand that some system applications and bank customer data may not be automatically transferred for security reasons, you will have to re-authorize them after the migration is completed, but the settings of alarm clocks, alarm clocks and even the location of icons on the desktop will remain.
💡
If you have a lot of photos (over 50 GB), it is best to transfer them in a separate category so as not to block the transfer of other important settings in case of an error.
Comparison of data transfer methods
The choice of method depends on your priorities: speed, convenience or having a backup in the cloud. Below is a table that will help determine the way you migrate to your situation.
| Method | Speed. | Internet is required | What's transferable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | No. | Everything (including settings) |
| Google Account | Medium | Yes. | Contacts, photos, applications |
| Mi Cloud | Low/Mediocre | Yes. | System settings, contacts |
| Local backup | Tall. | No. | Complete copy of the system |
As you can see from the table, Mi Mover is the leader in functionality and speed, as it does not depend on the bandwidth of your router. Cloud methods are good for regular redundancy, but the initial loading of hundreds of gigabytes of data can take a day.
Local backup is a parachute for advanced users, and it creates an accurate cast of the system that can be deployed even after resetting, but it requires a memory card or a PC connection to store the backup file in between.
Transfer via Google Account and Cloud Services
The Android ecosystem allows key data to be synchronized through a Google account, the most versatile way that works even when you switch from a different brand, and you need to log in to the same account on the new phone as you did on the old one.
In the Google account settings, you can choose what to sync: contacts, calendar events, Keep notes and passwords. Photos and videos are usually saved through the Google Photos service, which requires a separate compression quality setting or the use of original quality (takes up space in storage).
When you first set up a new Xiaomi smartphone, the system will offer to restore data from Google backup. You will see a list of apps that were installed earlier, and you can download them all at once. Call history and SMS can also be restored if this option was activated.
⚠️ Note: When recovering from the Google cloud, apps are downloaded from the Play Market, so updating them can take a long time with a weak Internet.
Mi Cloud provides similar functionality, but with deeper integration into the MIUI shell, where you can save desktop layout, alarm settings, voice recordings and system settings.
Local backup and manual transfer
For users who prefer full control of data, there is a local backup feature that allows you to create an archive of all data on an internal drive or a backup. SD-This file can then be transferred to a computer or a new phone via a cable.
To create a backup, go to the settings menu and find the About Phone section, where you need to click on the MIUI kernel version several times to open the extended menu, or find the "Reserve and Restore" option in the main settings.
Select Backup and mark all the necessary items: messages, contacts, call log, system settings and application data. After you create a file with the.bak extension, copy it to the root folder of the new device.
💡
Local backup is the only way to save Wi-Fi passwords and accurate icon layout without using cloud services.
On the new device, run a local recovery. The system scans the memory, finds the backup file, and suggests that you restore the data. Note that the firmware versions on the old and new device must be as close as possible to avoid compatibility conflicts.
Nuances of transfer of messengers and banking applications
Even though Mi Mover works, WhatsApp’s history often requires a separate backup through Google Drive inside the app itself, without which you risk getting a “clean” messenger.
For Telegram, it’s easier to type in a phone number and all cloud chats will be automatically downloaded. Secret chats, however, are never transferred for security reasons. Viber also requires you to back up your account settings in advance.
Banking applications and government services (Public Services, Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.) do not transfer session data, this is done to protect your finances, you will have to re-enter logins, passwords and pass identification by SMS or via a push notification on the SIM card.
⚠️ Warning: Before selling or transferring your old phone, make sure to complete a full Wipe Data reset so that unauthorized persons do not gain access to your accounts.
After transferring the data, check the work NFC-In some cases, contactless payment access keys need to be activated again in the new device’s security settings.