Changing a smartphone is always stressful, not so much the loss of a familiar interface, but the risk of losing important information. Owners of the Samsung ecosystem are often afraid to switch to Xiaomi because of the differences in the shells of One UI and MIUI, but modern tools have reduced this process to a few clicks. The transition from Android to Android, even between different brands, is as smooth as possible due to the overall architecture of the system.
You don't need to be a tech person to migrate contacts, photos, apps and settings successfully. There are several proven methods, from using a proprietary Mi Mover app to classic recovery through a Google account. The choice of the particular method depends on the amount of data and the availability of a stable Wi-Fi connection.
In this article, we’ll take a look at each step in detail so you can start using the new device right after unpacking, and we’ll look at the nuances that beginners often miss and help avoid common synchronization errors.
Preparing devices before data migration
Before you start the copying process, you need to properly prepare both smartphones, which is a critical step, ignoring which can lead to interruption of transmission or damage to files, make sure that both devices are charged at least 50-60% of the battery, as the active operation of the communication modules and the processor quickly consumes energy.
Both smartphones should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network with a good signal. If the router is not at hand, Mi Mover can create its own access point, but the transfer speed in this mode can be lower. Also check the availability of free space on the new Xiaomi – it should exceed the amount of data you plan to transfer from the old Samsung.
☑️ Ready for transfer
On an old device, close all background applications that can consume traffic or block access to the file system. It is advisable to clear the cache of junk files so as not to waste time transferring digital junk. Optimizing storage before start will significantly speed up the process.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick transfer
The most efficient and recommended way for the manufacturer is to use the Mi Mover utility, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, and for Samsung, it needs to be downloaded from Google Play, and allows you to transfer almost everything from system settings to call history.
The process starts with installing the app on both devices. Once you start up on the new Xiaomi, select Recieve and Samsung's Send. Scan. QR-code or manual password entry will create a secure communication channel between gadgets.
What if the Mi Mover can’t see the device?
The interface allows you to flexibly configure the list of data you transmit, you can select only contacts and messages, or you can copy all the contents of internal memory, including the messenger cache. After selecting categories, click the "Send" button and wait for the process to be completed without turning off the screens.
⚠️ Warning: Do not turn off the Mi Mover app while transferring large files. Smartphone screens may go out due to energy savings, which will cause connection break. It is recommended to increase the time before turning off the screen in the display settings.
Sync through Google Account and Cloud Services
If direct porting is not possible for some reason, the Google ecosystem comes to the rescue, ideal for those who want to save the data structure and automatically configure a new phone. When you first turn on Xiaomi, the system will prompt you to log into a Google account - use the same login as on Samsung.
In the sync settings on your old device, make sure that Contacts, Calendar and Notes are activated. Photos and videos are best pre-uploaded to Google Photos or Google Drive, which ensures that data is safe even if local copying fails.
Once logged in to the new device, data will start to pull up in the background. Apps that were installed on Samsung and are available in the Play Market can also be restored automatically by selecting the appropriate option when you initially set up Android.
| Type of data | Google's method | Mi Mover Method | Speed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Automatically. | Instantly. | Tall. |
| Photo/Video | Through the cloud (we need the internet) | Direct transmission | Depends on the network. |
| Annexes | Only labels (downloading again) | APK-files (sometimes) | Medium |
| System settings | Partially. | Completely. | Tall. |
Manual transfer of multimedia and documents
For users who prefer full control of files, manual copying is fine. Connect Samsung to your computer via a computer. USB-cable and select file transfer mode (MTP). Copy the folders. DCIM, Pictures, Download and Documents on hard drive.
Then plug in Xiaomi and move the data to the appropriate directories, a method that is particularly useful for transferring heavy video files or archives that aren’t always handled correctly by automated utilities. Android folder structure is universal, so compatibility shouldn’t be a problem.
If you don't have a computer on hand, you can use a Wi-Fi-enabled file manager, like Send Anywhere or the built-in file sharing in MIUI. Select files on one device, scan the code on another and start transferring. This is faster than Bluetooth, and requires no cables.
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When manually copying, pay attention to hidden folders (starting from a dot) that may store settings for some apps and games, and migrating them will help keep progress going.
Transfer of WhatsApp and Viber correspondence
Messengers store their correspondence history locally or in the cloud, and this process requires special attention. For WhatsApp on Samsung, go to Settings → Chats → Backup and create a fresh backup in Google Drive. Make sure you use the same phone number and Google account.
On the new Xiaomi, install WhatsApp from the Play Market. When you first launch, the app will find a backup and prompt you to restore your message history. It is important to do this before you start actively using the messenger, otherwise new data can overwrite old ones.
With Viber, the situation is similar: back up your account settings on your old device. After installing the app on your new phone and confirming the number, follow the on-screen instructions to recover data from Google Drive.
⚠️ Note: Messenger backups are linked to a specific Google account. If you choose to change your phone number or Google account when you switch to a new smartphone, your email history may be lost without recovery.
Problem Solving and Application Compatibility
After transferring data, you may find that some applications are not working properly or are missing, due to differences in optimization for One UI and MIUI. Some Samsung system applications (such as S Health or Bixby) will not be installed on Xiaomi, as they require specific services.
Instead, use generic or Xiaomi-branded apps, such as Samsung Health, which can be replaced by Mi Fitness or Google Fit, which can also sync with most trackers, and banking applications may require re-authorization for security reasons.
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Do not attempt to force system installations. APK-Samsung files on Xiaomi – this can lead to unstable system operation or endless errors.
If you notice contacts appearing in duplicates, use the “Combine Doubles” feature in Google’s Contacts app, which is a standard migration situation where data comes in and out of the data. SIM-maps, both from the cloud and from local storage.