How to transfer data to Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

Changing your smartphone is always a bit stressful, as you don’t just need to get used to a new gadget, but also transfer all the important information. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices are in a great position, as MIUI offers powerful built-in tools for migration. The process of copying data has become much easier in recent years, turning from a complex technical procedure to several touches of the screen.

But despite automation, there are nuances that can affect the speed and integrity of the files you're transferring, and you'll have to choose between cloud services, direct Wi-Fi, or good old-fashioned cables, and understanding the differences between these ways will avoid losing photos or messaging history.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all the synchronization options available, focusing on Mi Mover, the company’s app, how to properly prepare both devices, what file formats are supported, and what to do if the process is stuck in the middle.

Preparing devices for data migration

Before you start active, make sure both smartphones are ready to go, a basic step that often leads to connection errors or 99% interruption of transmission, charge both devices to at least 60%, as the active operation of the communication modules and the processor during copying consumes significant energy.

Make sure that your old phone has free space for temporary files if you plan to use cloud-based methods, or check for free space on the new Xiaomi. It is also recommended to update the operating system on both devices to the latest available version to eliminate transmission protocol compatibility bugs.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to interrupt the transmission process by turning off the screen or closing apps on your old phone.

If your old device has password or graphical key protection installed, make sure you remember the unlock code, as some methods require security access confirmation. Also, check whether both smartphones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, even if you plan to use a cable.

Using the Mi Mover app for Xiaomi

The most efficient and quickest way is to use the native Mi Mover tool. This app is pre-installed on all MIUI-enclosed smartphones, but it can also be downloaded from Google Play to devices from other brands like Samsung or Honor. The algorithm works locally, creating a direct Wi-Fi network between phones, which ensures high transfer speeds without using Internet traffic.

To get started, run the app on both devices. On the new Xiaomi, select Recipient, and on the old phone, Sender. QR-code or find the device in the list of available networks. Once paired, you'll see a list of data categories available for portability.

You can selectively copy contacts, SMS, call history, system settings, apps and multimedia. Mi Mover also has the ability to port home screen layout and wallpaper, allowing the new phone to look exactly like the old one right after turning on.

• 📱 Supports the transfer of applications along with their data (for most programs).
• 🔒 Uses a secure local connection without access to the Internet.
• ⚡ The transmission speed reaches 20-40 MB/s depending on the version of the Wi-Fi module.
• 🔄 Allows you to resume transmission in case of communication interruption.

It is important to note that some system applications and banking software data may not be portable for security reasons, which would require re-authorizing them, and it is worth considering that transferring a large amount of data (over 50 GB) can take a considerable time, so it is better to leave the phones alone for 30-60 minutes.

Synchronization through Google account

The Android ecosystem offers a universal backup method that is independent of the smartphone manufacturer. If you’ve used Android before, your contacts, notes, calendar, and even Wi-Fi passwords may already be saved in the Google cloud. When you first set up a new Xiaomi, you just need to type in the same email address.

This is ideal for those who want to keep the service (continuous) and when you log in, the system will suggest that you restore the list of installed apps, and they will start downloading and installing automatically in the background while you use your phone.

Settings → Accounts and sync → Google → Synchronization

But there are limitations to this: photos and videos take up space in cloud storage, which is 15GB free, and if your archive is larger, you'll have to buy extra space or choose selective synchronization, and it requires a stable and fast Internet connection.

⚠️ Note: When you restore from Google backup, some of the app privacy settings may reset to standard values.Check the microphone and camera permissions after installation.

To manage what is saved, go to your Google account settings on your old phone, where you can set up detailed synchronization of contacts, data from Chrome, Drive and other services, a flexible tool that works in the background and does not require constant user involvement.

💡

Enable Google contacts sync on your old phone the day before you change your device, ensuring that all numbers stored in SIM or phone memory are uploaded to the cloud.

Transferring multimedia via Bluetooth and FTP

When you have to flip a few files, and you don't have any cable or fast Wi-Fi, Bluetooth comes to the rescue, which is obsolete for large amounts of data because of its slow speed, but it remains a universal emergency rescuer, built into the system and doesn't require any additional software.

A more advanced option is the use of FTP-The standard Xiaomi Explorer has a "Network Access" function, or"FTP". By enabling it, you get an address that can be entered in a browser on your computer or in a file manager on another phone if they are on the same Wi-Fi network.

And the good thing about this is that you can manage files like you're on a network disk, so you can selectively copy heavy video files or archives of documents without loading your phone's processor with any of the extra transfer applications.

Using third-party messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) as a cloud storage is another life hack, so you can create a Favorite Channel and upload files to it, and then download them on a new device, which bypasses the file size restrictions that are specific to Bluetooth.

Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi

The transition from iOS to Android used to be difficult, but now Mi Mover supports this feature. For iPhone users, the process is slightly different: Apple will need to install the Mi Mover app from the App Store.

The system will allow you to transfer contacts, photos, videos and calendar events. However, due to the closed iOS operating system, you will not be able to transfer installed applications and their data (save games, correspondence within applications) directly.

There is a separate procedure for transferring WhatsApp correspondence. When you first start WhatsApp on the new Xiaomi, select recovery from a backup. If you used iCloud on your iPhone, you may need the Move to iOS app to reverse or use the chat export function inside the messenger itself.

It’s important to understand that some features of iMessage and FaceTime are unparalleled on Android, so you should warn contacts about changing the number or method of communication.

Typical errors and their solution

Even when using automated systems, there can be disruptions, and users often experience a situation where the transmission is suspended at a certain percentage, most of the time due to an unstable Wi-Fi signal or the phone switching to power saving mode.

Another common problem is space shortage: a new phone may have less memory than an old one, or part of the space is already occupied by system files. Before you start migrating, always check the available space in Settings → About Phone → Memory.

• 📉 Not enough space error: Clear cache or delete unnecessary large videos before transferring.
• 🔌 Break connection: Come closer together, remove the covers if they shield the signal, and turn off mobile internet.
• 🔒 Access problems: Allow all requested access rights for the migratory app.

⚠️ Note: If the transfer is interrupted 90-99%, Check which files have not been copied, and try to transfer them separately via Bluetooth or cable so that you don't start the whole process over again.

Sometimes antivirus programs or memory cleaners on an old phone can block Mi Mover, and during the data transfer, it is recommended to disable third-party optimizers and trust the built-in mechanisms of the system.

💡

The most common cause of errors is that the screen of the old phone goes out and the Wi-Fi connection is cut off. Set the screen settings to go out by "10 minutes" or "Do not turn off."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)