Changing a mobile device is always stressful, with the risk of losing important contacts, photos and settings in your environment. However, Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners are better off thanks to a well-developed ecosystem and powerful built-in migration tools. Technology allows you to copy all digital luggage in minutes using a direct Wi-Fi connection or cloud services.
In this article, we will discuss how to transfer data from one phone to another, minimizing time. You will learn about the nuances of the Mi Mover utility, the features of synchronization through a Google account and methods of manually backing up system settings. The right approach to this process ensures that the new gadget will become a full digital copy of the old one, while maintaining your productivity.
Before you start active, make sure that both devices are at least 60-70% charged. The cloning process can be energy intensive, and a sudden power outage can interrupt the transfer of files, which will require restarting procedures. Also check for free space on the receiving device, as the amount of information copied will be mirrored.
Preparing devices for data migration
Successful transfer of information depends on the pre-preparation of both smartphones. On the old device, you need to clear the cache of junk applications and delete unnecessary files so as not to overload the transmission channel with unnecessary digital noise. On the new Xiaomi phone, you should perform the initial setup to the desktop, connect to the Wi-Fi network and log into your Mi Account.
It is critical to update the system software on both gadgets to the latest available version. Differences in the MIUI or HyperOS shell versions can cause some system settings to be incorrectly displayed after portability. Check for updates in Settings β About Phone β MIUI version.
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Use original cables and chargers during the migration process to avoid power surges that can interrupt USB data transmission if you opt for the wired method.
If you plan to use the wireless method, which is the most popular, make sure that the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are activated on both devices. For stability of the connection, it is better to be in close proximity to each other, eliminating the presence of powerful sources of radio interference between devices.
- π Charge both smartphones to at least 60% or connect them to power supplies.
- πΆ Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or use a direct connection.
- π Sign in to the same Mi Cloud account on both devices for sync.
- π§Ή Free up space on your new phone by deleting temporary files and cache.
Using the Mi Mover application for wireless transfer
The most effective and native way to clone information is to use the pre-installed Mi Mover utility, which is designed specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem and allows you to transfer not only multimedia, but also system settings, the location of icons and passwords from Wi-Fi networks. The application works through the creation of a local access point, which provides high speed transfer without the use of Internet traffic.
To start the process, open the app on your new phone and select the role "New Device." On the old gadget, run the same program and specify "Old Device." The system will automatically prompt you to scan. QR-A code that will appear on the screen of a new smartphone, and after scanning, the devices will establish a secure direct connection.
βοΈ Check before launching the Mi Mover
The interface will suggest selecting data categories to transfer, you can select only contacts and messages, or make a full copy of the system, including the installed applications and their data. Please note that the data portability of some banking applications may be limited by the security policies of the banks themselves.
β οΈ Warning: While Mi Mover is running, do not lock device screens or switch to other applications. Interrupting the process may cause files to be damaged or you need to start the procedure again.
The speed of transmission depends on the volume of data and the distance between devices. 50-60 GB of information is taken from 15 before 30 Once the process is complete, the new phone will offer a reboot to apply all configurations.
Sync through Google Account and Cloud Services
An alternative and often more reliable method is to use Googleβs cloud infrastructure, ideal for those who are planning to switch from another manufacturerβs Android smartphone or want additional data insurance. When the new Xiaomi is first enabled, the system will prompt you to sign in to a Google account, after which the background download of contacts, calendar events and the list of installed applications will begin.
For photos and videos, it is best to set up sync via Google Photos or Mi Cloud, which allows you to free up space on your old device, making sure that the media files are saved in the cloud, and automatically upload them to the new device. Synchronization is controlled through the Settings β Accounts and Sync menu.
It is important to understand the difference between porting the application itself and its data. Google Play will restore program shortcuts, but inside some of them (for example, messengers or games) may require a separate login or create a local backup. WhatsApp and Viber need to back up the chats in the settings of the apps themselves, linking them to Google Drive.
| Type of data | Google's method | Mi Cloud Method | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Autosynchronization | Autosynchronization | It is reliably maintained in both cases. |
| Photo/Video | Google Photos (15GB free) | Mi Cloud (5GB free) | Requires Wi-Fi connection |
| Annexes | List of Play Markets | List from GetApps/Market | Data in apps is often not saved |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Through a Google account | Through the Mi Account. | Automatic connection on the new network |
What to do if the synchronization is suspended?
Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi
The Mi Mover app is available on the App Store and allows you to transfer basic types of data: contacts, call history, messages, photos and videos, a process similar to transferring between Android devices, but has its limitations due to the closed Apple operating system.
To get started, download the app on your iPhone and run it. On your Xiaomi phone, select the data mode. Devices will connect over a temporary Wi-Fi network. It's worth noting that free apps bought from the App Store can't be automatically downloaded to Android, because they're different ecosystems. You'll have to re-find their counterparts on Google Play.
Particular attention should be paid to the transfer of messengers. WhatsApp correspondence history can only be transferred using the official chat transfer function, which is sometimes available in the Move to iOS (backward) adapter application itself, or through creating a local backup if the WhatsApp version on Android supports import from iOS. In most cases, the full migration of chats requires the use of paid third-party snails on the PC.
- π± Install Mi Mover from the App Store on your iPhone.
- π Connect your iPhone to the Wi-Fi network created by Xiaomi phone.
- πΈ Allow access to photo gallery and contacts on iOS device.
- β³ Wait for the transfer to end without closing the application on the iPhone.
Manual file transfer via USB and PC
For users who prefer full control of the process, or if you need to transfer very large amounts of data (more than 100 GB), the best option is to use a computer. By connecting the old phone to the PC in file transfer mode (MTP), you can copy the contents of the internal memory into a separate folder on the hard drive.
Then plug in the new Xiaomi and copy the data back. Android folder structure is standardized: photos are usually in the DCIM/Camera folder, downloads to Download, and documents to Documents. This method allows you to audit files and not copy digital debris accumulated over the years of use.
β οΈ Note: When copying through a PC, do not remove devices abruptly. use the Safe Retrieval feature in the computer operating system to avoid damaging the file system.
The advantage of this method is the ability to create a physical backup on an external hard drive, which protects your data not only when you change your phone, but also in the event of loss or theft of a gadget, and it is recommended to keep such backups up to date by updating them once a month.
Transfer of system settings and configurations
The thinnest part of migration is not the transfer of files, but usage habits. Xiaomi allows you to create full backups of system settings, including widgets, design themes, alarm clocks and even call history, which data is stored in a hidden partition of memory or in the Mi Cloud.
To restore settings, go to Settings β About Phone β Reservation and Restore. Here you will see a list of available backups. Choose the right one and click Restore. The system will warn you that your current settings will be overwritten.
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A full backup of system settings via Mi Cloud is the only way to save the desktop icons and alarm clock configuration without manually re-creating.
Also, be sure to check the special features settings if you use them. Font enlargement, gesture management, and digital well-being are often reset the first time you set up, unless you have fully synced your Google account with the advanced settings.