The switch to a new smartphone is often accompanied by a desire to preserve all the important data accumulated over the years using the previous device. The owner of Samsung, who decided to switch to the flagship Xiaomi, or vice versa, faces the question of effective copying of information, the process is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance, if you know the right tools.
Modern Android operating systems provide powerful built-in mechanisms for sharing data. However, manufacturers’ ecosystems often offer unique solutions that can work faster or more detailed. It is important to understand that synchronizing contacts, photos and applications requires careful approach to choosing a method.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can migrate information, learn about the benefits of Google’s cloud services, customized applications from manufacturers, and manual backup methods, and get you started with a new gadget right away without losing important files.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before you start the transfer process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, this is a critical step, as interruption of data transmission in the middle can lead to file corruption or malfunction of the system. 60-70%.
Check for free space. The receiving device should have enough memory to house all your photos, videos and applications. If the data volume is large, it may be worthwhile to clear the cache beforehand or delete unnecessary files.
⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the data transfer process or break the Wi-Fi connection until the procedure is complete.
It is also recommended to update the operating system on both devices to the latest available version. In the Settings menu → About phone → Update system check for updates. Stable operation of the software minimizes the risk of compatibility errors between the old and new gadget.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Using a Google account for basic synchronization
The most versatile and reliable way to migrate data is through Google’s cloud storage, which is ideal for those who want to migrate contacts, calendars, notes and passwords, and because both manufacturers run on Android, it’s a native method.
On your old device, log in to your Google account settings. Make sure the sliders opposite the right points (Contacts, Calendar, Drive) are activated. After that, press the forced sync button to ensure that the data goes to the cloud.
On a new smartphone, when you first set up, just type in the same email address and password, and the system automatically prompts you to restore the backup, and you can choose which apps and data to download.
- 📱 Contacts and phone numbers are stored instantly.
- 📅 Calendar and events are synchronized in the background.
- 🔑 Chrome passwords and app data are automatically restored.
- 📸 Photos require separate inclusion in the Google Photos app.
It should be noted that this method does not always transfer the structure of folders in the file system or setting alarm clocks. For deep cloning of the system, it is better to use specialized utilities from manufacturers.
Mi Mover app: transition to Xiaomi
If your new device is a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, the official Mi Mover app is the best choice, pre-installed on all new devices of the brand, but you can download it on an old Android smartphone from the Play Market.
The process starts with running the app on both phones, and on the new device, select the Receiver role, and on the old device, the Sendor role. The application will create a local Wi-Fi network that you need to connect to to start transferring, and the copy speed is much faster than over the Internet.
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Use Mi Mover to transfer not only media files, but also system settings, alarm clocks and even place icons on your desktop.
Mi Mover allows you to select specific types of data to transfer, so you can only copy media and contacts, leave apps for manual installation, or make full cloning, and you can transfer SMS messages and call histories.
| Type of data | Support for Mi Mover | Transfer nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Complete. | All groups retained |
| Photos and videos | Complete. | Album structure maintained |
| Annexes | Partial | Banking applications require re-entry |
| SMS messages | Complete. | History is preserved completely. |
Once the process is complete, the new device may need to restart, which is normal, as the system needs to index new files and integrate settings.
Smart Switch: the transition to Samsung
For users who have bought Samsung’s flagship, the company offers a powerful solution called Smart Switch.This app is available for Android and allows you to transfer data from almost any smartphone, including Xiaomi.
Install Smart Switch on both devices. When you start, the program will suggest you choose whether to connect wirelessly or via a USB-C cable. The cable method is preferable if you have a very large amount of data (more than 50 GB), as it provides maximum stability.
⚠️ Note: When transferring data from iPhone to Samsung via Smart Switch, some file formats may not be compatible.
Smart Switch can even transfer the location of widgets on the home screen if you move from another Samsung. When you transition from Xiaomi, the application will focus on the content: photos, videos, documents and installed devices. APK-file.
An important advantage is the ability to selectively recover, you can only transfer contacts and calls at first, and copy heavy video files later when you are connected to your home Wi-Fi.
Synchronization of multimedia and files
The heavy media transfer is worth a special attention, and if you don’t want to rely on clouds or special applications, you can use the classic method of copying via a computer or directly.
Connect both smartphones to your computer in file transfer mode (MTP). Copy the DCIM, Pictures, Download and Music folders from your old device to your hard drive. Then transfer them to similar directories on the new gadget, which guarantees 100% quality preservation without compression.
For wireless transfer of individual files, it is convenient to use the Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share) function from Google or Xiaomi Share. These technologies work on the principle of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to send files weighing several gigabytes in minutes without consuming Internet traffic.
Don't forget to check the Internal Storage/Android/data folder for important files from messengers. Some apps store the received documents there, and standard synchronization may miss them.
Where to look for hidden WhatsApp files?
Solving and completing the setup
After the migration is completed, some services may need to be manually configured, including banking applications and Google Pay (Wallet) requiring re-authorization and biometrics binding for security purposes.
Check two-factor authentication if you used the old number for SMS-codes, make sure that SIM-The card is transferred to a new phone or a redirect is configured.
- 🔒 Check your security settings and login to your accounts.
- 📶 Make sure that mobile internet and phone calls are working.
- 🎨 Set up the theme and fonts for yourself.
- 🔄 Update all apps on Google Play to the latest versions.
The final step is to delete data from your old device if you plan to sell or give it away, and make sure that all important files are successfully moved and opened in a new location.
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Full synchronization takes time. Don't rush to erase data from your old phone for 2-3 days until you make sure the new one is stable.