How to sync 2 Xiaomi phones: a full guide

Owning two smartphones from the same manufacturer is not only convenient, but also provides access to ecosystem features that greatly simplify digital life. Users often wonder how to sync 2 Xiaomi phones so that contacts, photos and app settings are automatically updated on both devices, this is especially true when switching to a new model or using one device for work and the other for personal purposes.

The setup process may seem complicated to beginners, but Xiaomi engineers have devised several efficient ways to integrate devices. Basic methods include using the Mi Cloud cloud service, the local Mi Mover tool for fast data transfer, and synchronizing through a Google account. Each of these approaches solves the problem: the cloud provides constant updates, and local porting is ideal for the initial migration of large amounts of information.

In this article, we will take a look at all the stages of configuration, look at typical errors, and provide a checklist for successful synchronization. You will learn how to set up automatic photo uploads, transfer the call log, and even clone applications. The right setup will allow you to forget about manually copying files and focus on the important.

Device preparation and account verification

Before you start any data manipulation, you need to make sure that both smartphones are ready to go. The first step is to check the version of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system. Outdated software may contain bugs that prevent sync services from working correctly. Go to Settings β†’ About phone and click on the system version to search for updates.

The second critical thing is that you have a Mi Account, which is a single key to the entire brand ecosystem, and without authorization in the Mi Cloud, the automatic synchronization of contacts, notes and voice recorders won't work, and make sure you remember the password or have access to the associated phone number to recover.

⚠️ Never use the same Mi Cloud account on two phones at the same time unless you want calls and messages to be duplicated on both devices. To synchronize data, it is better to use different accounts and the Family Group function or transfer data once through Mi Mover.

Also worth checking is the internal memory status, if the storage is full, the synchronization process may be interrupted or suspended during the downloading phase of media files, freeing up at least 1-2 GB of free space for temporary operation files.

  • πŸ”‹ Charge both smartphones to at least 50% to avoid sudden shutdowns during data transfers.
  • πŸ“Ά Connect both devices to a stable Wi-Fi network, as mobile internet can be unstable when transferring large amounts of data.
  • πŸ†” Make sure that both devices have the same versions of key apps, such as Gallery and Contacts.

Synchronization through the Mi Cloud

Cloud service is the primary tool for keeping data up-to-date in real time. When you change a contact or take a new photo on one phone, Mi Cloud instantly uploads the changes to the server and sends them to other connected devices, which ensures continuity without the need for physical cables.

To set up, go to Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Mi Cloud. Here you will see a list of all categories of data available for synchronization. The system offers flexible settings: you can choose to automatically download only over Wi-Fi or allow the use of mobile data, which can lead to fast traffic consumption.

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Use the Clear Data feature in the Mi Cloud settings only if you are sure that the backup on the server is up to date, otherwise you may lose important files on the new device.

Gallery synchronization is a special consideration, and when you turn on this option, the high-resolution original photos are uploaded to the cloud, and optimized copies can remain on the device to save space, which is especially useful if one of the phones has little internal memory.

Type of dataFree storage limitSpeed of renewalRecovery on discharge
Contacts and SMS5GB (total)Instantly.Yes.
Photos5GB (total)If you have Wi-Fi.Yes.
Dictaphone5GB (total)Instantly.Yes.
Notes5GB (total)Instantly.Yes.

It's important to understand the difference between synchronization and backup. Synchronization mirrors changes, meaning deleting a file on one phone will delete it on another. Backup creates a snapshot of the system that can be deployed at any time, but it doesn't update in real time.

Using the Mi Mover application for portability

If you want to move data from your old phone to your new phone, the best solution is the built-in Mi Mover app, which runs on a local Wi-Fi channel, which provides high speed transfer without using Internet traffic, and is the perfect way to clone settings and files between two Xiaomi devices.

Run the app on both smartphones. On the device you're going to send data from, select Send status, and on the receiving phone, Get. QR-code or connect to the created Wi-Fi point manually.

β˜‘οΈ Check before launching the Mi Mover

Done: 0 / 4

Once connected, you can select specific categories of data to transfer: applications, system settings, music, video and documents, which can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of information you have, and don't switch to other applications during the transfer so that you don't interrupt the connection.

⚠️ Note: When you migrate system settings, passwords from Wi-Fi networks and some security configurations may not be transferred due to Android data protection considerations.

A unique feature of the Mi Mover is the ability to even carry the layout of icons on the desktop, preserving the user’s familiar environment, which reduces the stress of switching to a new device, as the interface remains recognizable.

Set up synchronization of Google services

Despite the development of the Xiaomi ecosystem, Google services remain the foundation of the Android operating system. Synchronization through a Google account ensures that your contacts, calendar and emails are available even if you decide to change the brand of your smartphone in the future.

To activate, go to Settings β†’ Accounts and Sync β†’ Google. Here you can configure in detail what data you need to update. For example, you can leave Calendar and Contacts only synced by disabling heavy data like Google Photos if you use Mi Cloud.

Google Photos is a service that often conflicts with Mi Cloud when both are enabled. It is recommended to choose one primary photo storage service to avoid duplicate files and confusion in albums. If you choose Google Photos, make sure that Sync and Autoup is enabled.

  • πŸ“§ Gmail: Instant delivery of emails and read status on all devices.
  • πŸ“… Calendar: Perfect synchronization of meetings and reminders between phone and computer.
  • πŸ”‘ Passwords: Google Password Manager allows you to automatically enter saved logins in apps and Chrome browser.
πŸ“Š What cloud service do you prefer for photos?
Mi Cloud
Google Photo
Yandex Disk
Don't use the cloud.

Cloning applications and working with two accounts

Owners of two phones often need to use the same messengers or social networks with different accounts. Application Cloning (or β€œDual Applications”) allows you to run a second copy of the program on one device, but two different numbers on the same phone require eSIM support or two physical ones to work. SIM-map.

However, if it comes to synchronizing the state of applications (for example, game progress or WhatsApp correspondence history), Google Drive backup mechanism comes into force here. When you set up a new phone, the system will suggest restoring data from the backup, which will return the chat history and configuration of the applications.

The Secrets of WhatsApp Cloning
To work a WhatsApp clone on a second phone with the same number, you will need constant synchronization through the phone. QR-code, as in WhatsApp Web, since one number cannot be active in two mobile applications at the same time independently.

Business users need to synchronize corporate emails and calendars through the Exchange protocol. In your account settings, select β€œCorporate Account” and enter the data provided by the company. IT-This will allow you to synchronize work contacts separately from personal contacts, creating an isolated space.

Importantly, some banking apps can block work on devices with root rights or modified firmware.When synchronizing security settings, make sure that both phones have real-time protection on and no suspicious certificates.

Solving and eliminating errors

Even if all instructions are followed, there can be technical failures, the most common problem is the Mi Cloud sync error with the code "63001" or endless waiting, usually due to unstable connection or cloud storage overflow, check the subscription status and availability of free space.

If apps aren't being transferred through Mi Mover, try updating the Mi Mover app itself through the GetApps store. Older versions may not work properly with newer versions of Android.

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90% of sync problems are solved by simply restarting the router and both smartphones, and checking the relevance of date and time on devices.

If contacts are desynchronized, when numbers appear and disappear, check the display settings in the Contacts app. Make sure that you tick the Display Contacts from all sources or select the specific account you are checking.

⚠️ Warning: If important data is lost after synchronization, do not write anything new to your phone. Immediately check the web version of Mi Cloud (i.mi.com) or Google Contacts - most likely, the data is intact in the cloud and can be restored through the Recycle Bin or Archive function".

To diagnose network problems, you can use the built-in network verification tool in Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Private DNS. Setting the value β€œAuto” or DNS from Google (dns.google) often solves problems with accessing sync servers in regions with unstable Internet.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can two Xiaomi phones be synced to different MIUI versions?
Yes, basic synchronization of contacts, calendar and photos through Mi Cloud and Google will work, but transferring system settings and icon settings through Mi Mover may not work properly if the shell versions are too different (e.g. MIUI 12 and HyperOS).
What happens if I log out of my Mi Account on one of my phones?
Data that has already been uploaded to the device (photos, contacts) will remain in the phone’s memory unless you select Delete Device option when you exit. However, the new sync will stop and changes to that phone will not be displayed in the cloud or on the second device.
How to sync Wi-Fi passwords between two phones?
On Xiaomi devices with Mi Account and Bluetooth enabled, Wi-Fi passwords can be transmitted automatically when you try to connect a second phone to the same network. QR-coded in Wi-Fi settings.
Does synchronization take up a lot of traffic?
Text data (contacts, text messages, notes) is negligible. Most traffic is consumed by photos and videos. In the Mi Cloud settings, you can set the limit "Only through Wi-Fi" so as not to spend mobile Internet.