Buying a new smartphone is always a welcome anticipation, but inevitably faces the need for data migration. Owners of the Xiaomi and Redmi ecosystem are in a great position to benefit, as the MIUI and HyperOS shell offer powerful built-in tools for cloning information. The process of transferring contacts, photos, apps and settings can take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of information stored on the old device.
Modern methods avoid manually installing each application and re-entering passwords. Competent preparation and choosing the right way to sync ensures that you start working on a new gadget with the same settings as you are used to, and it is important to understand that there are nuances when switching between different operating systems, for example, from iOS to Android, or when changing accounts.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available migration options, focusing on the Chinese manufacturer’s proprietary tools, how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to the loss of important documents or correspondence history.
Preparation of devices before the migration
The first step is to prepare both devices physically and software. Make sure that the new Xiaomi or Redmi phone is charged at least 60-70%, as the processor’s active data transfer and high-frequency operation significantly consumes battery power. The old device is also better connected to a power source, especially if the file volume exceeds 30-50 GB.
A critical point is to have a stable Wi-Fi connection if you plan to use cloud methods or wireless transmission via Mi Mover. Although Wi-Fi Direct transfers occur directly between devices, a router may be required to log in to accounts or to download heavy app updates after porting. Check the free space on the new device - it should be more data volume on the old phone.
💡
Before starting the procedure, clean the old phone of garbage and unnecessary cached files – this will speed up the transfer process and free up space on the new device.
Don’t forget to check the operating system version. Both smartphones are encouraged to install the latest available security and system updates.This minimizes the risk of conflicts with Android versions when transferring system settings and Wi-Fi passwords. Also make sure that both devices are enabled Bluetooth and geolocation, as they are used to detect devices on the local network.
Using the Mi Mover app for full cloning
The most effective and native way for owners of Xiaomi equipment is the Mi Mover utility. This application is preinstalled in the system, but if the old phone is a clean Android or other shell, it can be downloaded from Google Play or GetApps. The main feature of the tool is the ability to transfer not only media files, but also the structure of folders, alarm settings, notes and even the location of icons on the desktop.
To start the process, you need to open the application on both devices. On the new phone, select Recipient and on the old phone, Sender, and the system will suggest creating an access point or connecting to an existing network. QR-The program interface allows you to flexibly configure filters: you can refuse to transfer system debris or duplicate applications.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
When you transmit, the screens of the devices must not go out. If the old phone has an aggressive power saving setting, the process can be interrupted. ⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to curtail the Mi Mi Miver app or switch to other menus during transfer, this may break the connection and require restart procedures (2.4 GHz 5 GHz) and can reach 20-40 Mbps.
Sync with Mi Cloud and Google Account
The alternative to direct transmission is cloud synchronization, which is ideal if the old phone is not already on hand or it is defective (SMS/MMS), Call history, notes, voice recorder and system settings in the Mi Cloud. To activate the function, you need to log into your Mi Account through the settings menu.
In parallel, Google Account remains a fundamental element for Android users: it automatically stores contacts, calendar events, passwords (via Google Password Manager) and a list of installed applications. When you first set up the new Redmi, you just need to enter Google’s login and password to prompt the system to restore backup, which is especially true for applications that do not support porting over Mi Mover.
| Type of data | Mi Cloud | Google Account | Locally (PC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Yeah (full synchronization) | Yes (main method) | Yes (via export.vcf) |
| Photos and videos | Yeah (requires a place in the cloud) | Yes (Google Photo) | Yeah (copying folders) |
| SMS messages | Yes. | No (only via third-party app) | Yes (via Mi Mover) |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Yes. | Yes (with root or backup) | No. |
It is worth noting that free space in the Mi Cloud is limited to 5 GB. For large volumes of photos and videos, you will either have to buy a subscription, use Google Photos with quality compression, or combine methods. The most reliable strategy is dual redundancy: keep critical contacts and calendar in Google, and duplicate system settings and SMS in Mi Cloud.
Transferring data from iPhone (iOS) to Xiaomi
The transition from the Apple ecosystem to Android requires a specialized mode in the Mi Mover app. Unlike transfers between Android devices, it is impossible to copy the applications themselves, since they have different executable file formats (.ipa vs. apk).
To start the procedure on the iPhone, you need to download the Mi Mover app from the App Store. After launch, select "Sender" and follow the instructions. The phone will suggest connecting to the Wi-Fi network created by the new Xiaomi phone. It is important to provide all the requested permissions to access the media library and contacts, otherwise the sync will not be fully synchronized.
⚠️ Note: iMessage and FaceTime messages cannot be transferred to Android devices. Before changing your phone, it is recommended to disable iMessage in the iPhone settings to avoid losing your iPhone. SMS from other Apple users.
Once you have completed the transfer of media files, you will need to re-sign in to all services (social networks, banks, instant messengers) on the new device. For instant messengers like WhatsApp and Viber, there are separate built-in chat export functions that are better run on the iPhone before you switch, saving a backup to Google Drive (if the iOS version of WhatsApp allows it) or using the Chat Transfer function inside the application itself when you first install it on Android.
Solving Common Problems in Transfer
Even if all instructions are followed, users may encounter technical difficulties, often a problem is to stop the transfer by 90% or 99%, usually because the system completes copying small system files or performs data integrity checks, in which case you should be patient and do not interrupt the process if the activity indicator is on.
Another common situation is the absence of some applications after recovery, which is for banking applications and programs with high security requirements, which often block the installation from backups and require manual download from the Play Market and re-bind the device in the bank's security system.
What to do if contacts are transferred in duplicates?
If a transfer is interrupted by battery failure, don't panic. Most modern file systems support logging. Just run the procedure again. Mi Mover and other smart utilities are able to identify files already transferred and continue from the cliff, although in some cases it may be necessary to clean temporary files in the download folder before restarting.
Final configuration and optimization of the new smartphone
After successfully transferring data, the new Xiaomi or Redmi phone requires a final setup for a comfortable experience. First, check the biometric sensors – the transferred fingerprints or facial data may not work for security reasons. You will have to register them again in the Settings → Passwords and Security menu.
Also, you should review the permissions for applications. When you migrate to a new version of Android, some of the old camera or microphone access settings can be reset. Go through the list of installed programs and make sure that the navigator has access to geolocation and messengers have access to notifications.
💡
After the data migration, be sure to reboot the device completely so that the system indexes new files and updates the contact and media databases.
Remember to set up Second Space or Guest Mode if you’ve used them before – these settings are often reset when you change your device. Also check the NFC for contactless payment by adding your bank cards again, as security tokens are tied to a specific hardware.