How to copy data to a new Xiaomi phone

Buying a new gadget from a Chinese manufacturer always evokes mixed feelings: joy from possessing modern technologies and a slight panic at the need to transfer information. The process of migrating data may seem complicated only at first glance, but modern tools allow you to do this in just a few touches of the screen. Proper preparation and understanding of the available methods will help avoid losing important files, contacts and application settings.

Owners of Redmi and Poco devices often face the same questions: how not to lose correspondence in instant messengers, where to find lost passwords from Wi-Fi and whether to trust cloud storage. In this article, we will examine all proven methods, including the Mi Mover branded application, synchronization through Google and manual copying. You will learn what data is automatically transferred and what requires your direct participation before starting the procedure.

Before you start active, you need to make sure that both devices are ready, not only for charging the battery, but also for checking the free space in memory. If you plan to carry terabytes of photos and videos, make sure that the new device has enough space or clear unnecessary debris in advance.

Preparing the old and new device for migration

Success of the data transfer operation 90% Many users make the mistake of starting the process with batteries discharged, which can lead to interruption of file transfers and damage to archives. 60-70%, Ideally, connected to a power source during a long procedure.

On the old device, it is worth checking for updates, as older versions of MIUI or HyperOS can have bugs in the operation of wireless communication modules, which is critical for data transfer over Wi-Fi Direct. It is also recommended to make room by deleting temporary files and cache to speed up the process of scanning memory.

⚠️ Warning: If your old phone has antivirus software or firewall installed, temporarily disable them. They can block incoming and outgoing connections necessary for Mi Mover to work, leading to a connection error.

An important step is to check your Google account. Make sure you remember the password from the account that was used on the main device.This is a key point, since without authorization, you will not be able to download previously installed applications and restore backups of system settings on the new gadget.

Using the Mi Mover app for full cloning

The most efficient and quick way to transfer information is to use the Mi Mover tool, which is pre-installed on all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones, and is also available for installation on devices with pure Android. It allows you to transfer contacts, messages, call history, applications, music, photos and even system settings without using the Internet.

You need to open the app through the settings menu or find it in the Tools folder. On the new phone, select Reciever and on the old phone, Sender, and create a local Wi-Fi network that the old device will need to connect to, and the transfer speed can reach 20-40 MB/s, which is much faster than standard Bluetooth.

Once the devices are connected, you will see a list of data categories, you can select specific file types or select all, so some system settings and passwords from the apps may not be portable for security reasons, but the bulk of the user data will be copied in full.

Of particular interest is the ability to port applications. Mi Mover copies the installation files of programs, but not their internal data (cache, logins, save in games) if the developer did not provide cloud synchronization, so after installing on a new phone, many programs will have to be authorized again.

Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services

An alternative and often more reliable method is to use the Google ecosystem, which is ideal if your new phone is not activated yet or you want to start with a clean slate while saving important data.

To successfully implement this plan, you need to check your sync settings on your old device in advance. Go to Settings → Google → Sync and make sure that the checkmarks are in front of Contacts, Calendar, Keep Notes and other important services. It is also worth checking if your photos are uploaded to Google Photos, as this will save your photo gallery in case of losing your phone.

The advantage of this method is that it doesn't require an old phone to be handy when you set up a new one, but it's just enough to type in your login and password, but there's a nuance: it doesn't carry files that are just in downloads or workflow folders unless they've been placed in synchronized directories.

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Use Google One to create a complete backup of your device before selling your old phone, which will even save you desktop icons and Wi-Fi passwords.

When recovering from the Google cloud, the process can take considerable time, as apps will download from the Play Market sequentially.Make sure you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network so you don't exhaust mobile traffic and interrupt the download of heavy games and programs.

Manual copying via USB and computer

For users who are used to having complete control over their data, or with a huge amount of information (for example, more than 100 GB of media), the best option is to use a computer. USB-cable and free space on the hard disk of the PC, but guarantees maximum speed and safety of the file structure.

Connect your old phone to your computer and select the USB File Transfer (MTP) mode. A new device will appear in My Computer. Copy the DCIM folders (camera photos and videos), Pictures (messaging images), Download and Music to your hard drive. Then plug the new phone in and transfer the data to the appropriate directories.

This is particularly good for transferring heavy video files in their original quality, which messengers and clouds often compress, and you get a current backup of important data on an external medium, which is a good digital hygiene practice.

⚠️ Note: When copying through a computer, do not remove the cable during the writing process.This can damage the file system or corrupt specific files that will stop opening.

It is worth noting that manual copying will not take over the settings of applications, logins and game saves. This is a pure file operation. Once the transfer is complete, you will have to manually install applications and configure them, but your personal files (documents, media) will be completely safe.

Transfer contacts and messages from iPhone to Xiaomi

Apple owners who are switching to Android will need a slightly different approach. The standard Mi Mover has an iOS version that allows you to transfer contacts, photos and videos.

It's the same thing: Xiaomi uses "Recipient," iPhone uses "Sender." Scan. QR-However, you need to understand the limitations: iMessage messages, Apple Notes notes and data applications that do not have a cross-platform version, you can not transfer.

There is a universal method for contacts: export through iCloud. Go to iCloud.com from your computer, select Contacts, mark everything and export in vCard format. Then import this file through the Contacts app on the new Xiaomi. This is guaranteed to save all numbers and email addresses associated with them.

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When switching from iOS to Android, use Mi Mover only for media files, and contacts are better synced through Google Contacts by pre-importing them there with iCloud.

Solving problems and errors during transfer

Despite the fact that things are fine, there are sometimes disruptions, and users often complain that the process is stuck at a certain percentage or interrupted in the middle, most of which are due to an unstable Wi-Fi Direct connection or energy saving.

If the transmission has stopped, try the following:

• 📱 Make sure the screens of both phones are on and the Mi Mover app is open in the foreground.
• 🔋 Turn off the power saving mode on both devices, as it may limit the Wi-Fi module.
• 🔄 Reboot both smartphones and try to recreate the pair by moving away from other Wi-Fi signal sources.
• 📂 If specific files are not portable, check their format.Some system files or files with damaged headers may be ignored.

Another common problem is the lack of some apps after portability, which is normal if the app was not installed from the official Play Market store or Mi GetApps, but downloaded from an unknown source (APK), in which case the new phone’s security system may need to manually allow installation from unknown sources for a particular installer.

⚠️ Warning: After transferring data, be sure to check the banking applications. Due to a change in device or reset security settings, they may require re-assignment or re-entering pin codes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)