Buying a new Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is always an exciting moment, clouded by just one thought: how to transfer all the photos, contacts and correspondence accumulated over the years? The modern ecosystem of MIUI and HyperOS offers powerful tools for migration, but users often have confusion between embedded tools and third-party solutions.
The transition process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of information, the main thing is to take your time and choose the right method that is suitable for your pair of devices (Android-Android or iOS-Android), in this article we will discuss all the nuances in detail so that you do not lose any important file.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before you run any copy software, both devices must be ready. Charge the old phone and the new Xiaomi Redmi to at least 60-70%, as the process of transferring a large amount of data can significantly consume battery power. Also make sure that both devices are on Wi-Fi module, even if the transmission is on a direct connection.
If you’re switching from another Android smartphone, make sure all your contacts are synced with your Google Account.This is a critical step that’s often overlooked by relying on memory alone. SIM-A card that has limited functionality.
☑️ Checklist for transfer preparations
For iPhone owners, the situation is a little more complicated: you will need to make sure that iMessage does not block your iPhone. SMS On a new device, although when you switch to Android, it's automatically solved when you set it up correctly. Check the space on the new Redmi, it should exceed the amount of data on the old phone with a margin of 10-15%.
Using the Mi Mover app for Android
The most effective and native way for owners of Xiaomi equipment is to use the Mi Mover application preinstalled in the system shell and does not require installation from third-party sources, which guarantees stability and no advertising.
Run the app on your new smartphone through the settings menu or find it in the Tools folder. Select Receiver. On the old device, also open Mi Mover (you can download it from the Play Market if there is no preinstalled version) and select Sender.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the Wi-Fi connection or leave the Mi Mi Miver app during the process, even if the screen is turned off.
After the scan. QR-And when you use a new phone, the devices will create a local network, and you can select specific categories: contacts, messages, images, video, audio, documents, even installed applications. The speed of the transfer depends on the version of the Wi-Fi module, but it's usually the same as the speed of the transmission. 20-40 MB/s.
What if Mi Mover can't see an old phone?
Switching from iPhone (iOS) to Xiaomi Redmi
Migration from iOS to Android has become much easier with the release of new versions of MIUI 12/13/14. Mi Mover app supports work with iPhone, but the functionality may be limited compared to the pair Android-Android.
To start, install the “Move to iOS” app on your iPhone if you haven’t already switched, or use the standard migration tool when you first turn on Xiaomi. However, for an already configured phone, a combination of methods works best: contacts through Google account, and photos through the cloud or PC.
To move contacts, go to your iPhone settings, select Contacts → Import SIM contacts (if they are on SIM) or enable Google sync in your email settings. For photos, the fastest way is to install the Google Photos app on your iPhone and wait for it to be uploaded to the cloud, after which they will appear on Xiaomi.
| Type of data | Transfer method (iOS → Xiaomi) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Google Account / SIM-map | Low. |
| Photos and videos | Google Photos/PC (cable) | Medium |
| Annexes | Manual installation from Play Market | High (you need to look for analogues) |
| Messages (iMessage) | Not directly transferred | Tall. |
Sync with Google Account and Cloud
Don’t underestimate the power of Google Sync. It’s the skeleton of your digital life. When you first turn on the new Xiaomi Redmi, the system will prompt you to log in to Google’s account. If you agree, the phone will automatically download all contacts, calendar events, notes (from Google Keep) and passwords saved in Chrome.
This method is ideal for those who want a clean system without garbage from an old manufacturer (such as excess software from Samsung or Huawei).
For photos and videos, use Google One or Google Photos. Make sure your old device has Autoboot and Sync enabled. On the new phone, it’s easy to open the app, and all your pictures will be available in original quality (if you buy space) or in save mode.
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Tip: Before resetting your old phone, be sure to check the "Offline Access" section in Google Drive or Maps. If there are important files, download them to your device, otherwise they may become unavailable after logging out.
It is important to understand the difference between synchronization and backup. Synchronization works in real time, whereas full system backup (backup) on Android often requires manually starting or setting the schedule in the Recovery and Reset menu.
Transfer of messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber
Special attention is required messengers, as their correspondence history is not always stored in the standard cloud backup contacts. Telegram is out of competition – just enter a phone number, and all chats (except secret) will be downloaded from the servers instantly.
WhatsApp is a little more complicated. When you switch between Android smartphones, use the built-in Chat Transfer feature in the WhatsApp settings of your old phone. QR-code that needs to be scanned on the new device when you initially set up the application.
⚠️ Note: Local WhatsApp backups on Android are stored in a folder /Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases. When transferring files manually, make sure the folder structure on the new phone is completely the same, otherwise the app won’t see the story.
Viber and Signal also have their own backup mechanisms, most often tied to Google Drive. Make sure you log in to the same Google account on the new Xiaomi as the old one, and give the app access to storage when it first launches.
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The most reliable way to migrate WhatsApp is to back up your Google Drive on your old phone and restore it to your new one the first time you install the app.
Solving problems and errors during transfer
Sometimes it doesn't go according to plan. A common problem is the "Not enough space" error, even when there's space available, which can be due to the file system or hidden system constraints, so try to transfer data in parts: contacts first, then photos, then applications.
Another common issue is 99 percent freeze, which is often the case with heavy video files, and if it takes more than 10 minutes to progress, it's best to interrupt the process, delete partially transferred files (usually marked as corrupt) and try again by selecting only photos.
If the new Xiaomi doesn’t see the old phone in Mi Mover, check the permissions. The app must have access to Memory, Contacts and Location (the latter is required for the Wi-Fi scanner to work in some versions of Android).
Settings → Applications → Mi Mover → Permissions → Enable everythingSome specific video formats (e.g., HEIC with iPhone or MKV with high bitrate) may not appear in the standard Xiaomi gallery immediately after transfer.Installing a third-party player such as VLC or MX Player solves this problem instantly.