Changing a mobile device is always a thrill and a wait, because a new gadget wants to work, communicate and have fun. However, this process is often overshadowed by the need to transfer a huge array of information: contacts, photos, correspondence and app settings. For owners of Xiaomi smartphones, this task is solved most effectively thanks to the built-in optimization tools of the MIUI and HyperOS system.
Unlike many of its competitors, the Chinese manufacturer provides users with a powerful native migration tool that allows them to copy almost all the contents of an old device in minutes. You do not need to search for third-party programs or have access to a computer if you use two smartphones running Android.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible ways to transition to the new Xiaomi, from automated system solutions to manual copying via PC. We will look at the nuances of working with messengers, passwords and specific data so that you do not lose anything when changing your gadget.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before you start the copying process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps that will ensure the stability of the connection and the integrity of files. The battery charge on both devices should be at least 50-60%, since the intensive operation of wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules significantly consumes energy. If you neglect this rule, the process can be interrupted in the middle, which will lead to errors in the recovery of data.
It’s also worth checking if there’s space on the receiving device. The amount of memory available on the new Xiaomi should exceed the amount of data you plan to transfer, and pay special attention to cleaning up junk files on your old phone so you don’t drag digital junk behind you.
⚠️ Note: Make sure that both devices are Bluetooth enabled and GPS, Even if it's over Wi-Fi, these modules are used to first detect and pair gadgets with each other.
It is not superfluous to update the system software on both smartphones to the latest available version. Old firmware may contain bugs that prevent the correct operation of data protocols. Check the updates in the Settings → About the phone menu.
Using the Mi Mover app for Android
The most efficient and quickest way to transfer information is to use the proprietary Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed in MIUI and HyperOS, and for other Android smartphones, it can be downloaded from Google Play or the official Xiaomi repository, the main advantage of which is the ability to transfer not only media files, but also system settings, alarms, Wi-Fi hotspots and even the location of icons on the desktop.
The process starts with running the app on both devices. On the new Xiaomi phone, select Recipient and on the old one, Sender. QR-code or connect to the access point you created. Once successfully paired, you will be presented with a detailed menu for selecting data categories.
☑️ Preparation for transfer via Mi Mover
When selecting categories, look at the Other Data section, which hides important system settings and account settings. If you move from a different brand phone, some specific settings may not be moved due to the different shells, but the underlying data will remain intact.
The data transfer speed through Mi Mover can reach 20-40 MB/s depending on the quality of the antennas and the load of the airspace. 100 Gigabytes of information in about an hour, and in the process, it is not recommended to switch to other applications or lock the screen so as not to interrupt the connection.
Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi
Apple owners also don’t have to worry about data loss when switching to Android. Mi Mover supports iOS, although the functionality is slightly limited compared to the Android-Android pair. The main restrictions are on the transfer of the applications themselves, as the formats of executable files vary.
To get started on your iPhone, you need to download the Mi Mover app from the App Store. After running and providing all the requested permissions (access to photos, contacts, calendar), select the sender role. On Xiaomi, run a similar application and select the recipient role. Scan QR-The code from the iPhone screen will start the transfer process.
What can be transferred from iOS:
- 📸 Photos and videos from the gallery
- 📞 Contacts and calendar entries
- 🎵 Music files and audio recordings
- 📝 Notes (often imported as text files)
What do we do with the apps?
It’s important to understand that iMessage messages and call history may not be ported correctly due to the closed Apple ecosystem. For instant messengers like WhatsApp, there is a separate backup procedure, which we’ll talk about below. Once you’ve completed the process, check the gallery and contacts, as this is the most important user information.
Sync with Mi Cloud and Google Account
Cloud technology allows you to move data without direct physical contact between devices. This is ideal if your old phone is already sold, lost or broken, but you have taken care of your backup beforehand. Xiaomi ecosystem is closely integrated with Mi Cloud, which syncs contacts, messages, voice recorders and notes by default.
To activate sync, log into your Mi Account via the settings menu. In the "Mi Cloud" section, make sure that sliders opposite the desired data categories are activated. Once you turn on the new Xiaomi phone, just enter the username and password from the Mi Account when you initially set up, and the system automatically prompts you to restore data from the cloud.
The alternative is Google Account, which is essential for restoring your installed apps, passwords (via Google Password Manager) and system settings. When you first turn on a new smartphone, log in to the same Google account as your old device, and will prompt you to restore your app backup and data.
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Use Google Photos for automatic backups gallery.This will save space in the Mi Cloud (where only 5 GB is free) and allow you to access photos from any device.
Comparison of cloud synchronization methods is presented in the table below:
| Parameter | Mi Cloud | Google Drive / Photos | Local (Mi Mover) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Depends on the Internet. | Depends on the Internet. | High (Wi-Fi Direct) |
| Volume free | 5GB | 15GB | Depends on the phone's memory. |
| Data types | Systems, contacts, texting. | Photos, apps, settings | Full clone of the system |
| Internet | Mandatory. | Mandatory. | Not required |
Transfer of WhatsApp and Telegram correspondence
Messengers require special attention, as standard backup methods may not work correctly when changing the platform or device. For Telegram, everything is as simple as possible: this messenger stores the entire history of correspondence on its servers. You just install the application on the new Xiaomi, enter the phone number and confirmation code – all chats, channels and files will be downloaded automatically.
WhatsApp is more complicated. When migrating from Android to Android (including Xiaomi), the best way to do this is to use the built-in backup feature in Google Drive. On your old phone, go to Settings → Chats → Backup Chats and click Save. Make sure the copy is created on the Google account that will be used on the new device.
When you install WhatsApp on a new phone, the system will detect the backup in the cloud and prompt you to restore it. If you use Mi Mover, it can also transfer WhatsApp data, but the method through Google Drive is considered more reliable for maintaining the integrity of the database.
⚠️ Note: When transferring WhatsApp, make sure that the phone number on the new device matches the number to which the backup was made.
If you’re switching from iPhone to Android, use the Lightning-to-USB-C cable (or adapter) during the initial setup of the Xiaomi phone.The system will suggest importing data from iOS, and the list will include the WhatsApp port option.This is the only way to transfer the history of correspondence between different operating systems without losing data.
Manual transfer via PC and wired connection
Sometimes wireless methods are unstable, or you have to move terabytes of data, which will take too long to travel through the air. USB-cable and computer. Connect your phone to your PC, select your mode of operation. USB «File transfer» (MTP).
On your computer, open My Computer, find your device, and copy the DCIM (photo and video), Pictures, Download, and Music folders to a separate folder on your hard drive. Then plug in the new Xiaomi and copy the data back, which guarantees 100% file integrity, as it eliminates the impact of radio interference.
For advanced command line users, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool is available, which allows you to do full partition and application backups, and you need to enable USB debugging in the Developer Menu.
adb backup -apk -shared -all -system -f backup.abThis command will create a full cast of the system that can be deployed on the new device by the adb restore command. However, for the average user, this method is redundant and can lead to driver conflicts if the versions of Android are very different.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the fact that processes are fine, sometimes errors occur, most users experience transmissions that are stuck at a certain percentage, 90% of the time it is due to unstable Wi-Fi module or energy saving, try to turn off the option "Wi-Fi Assistant" or prevent the system from turning off Wi-Fi in sleep mode.
Another common problem is space shortage: If the new phone has less storage than the old one, Mi Mover will warn you, in which case you will have to selectively exclude heavy video files or use an external microSD card (if the model supports) to temporarily store the archive.
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The most common cause of portability errors is an active power saving mode on one of the devices, and turn it off before the procedure begins.
If apps don’t open or crash after porting, try clearing their cache or reinstalling problem programs manually from Google Play. Sometimes, re-authorization is required on banking applications and services with two-factor authentication for security reasons.