Changing your smartphone is always an exciting process, often marred by the fear of losing important files, contacts or settings. Xiaomi ecosystem owners are better positioned to automate the process, and you don’t have to manually carry hundreds of photos or reinstall dozens of apps if you know the right approach.
There are several proven migration methods, each with its own advantages depending on the condition of the old device: you can use a local wireless connection, cloud storage or a classic computer. It is important to choose a method that ensures maximum integrity of your data and minimizes downtime.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the options available, focusing on the Mi Mover app, which is the standard for transferring information between devices of the Chinese brand. We will look at the nuances of working with MIUI and the new HyperOS so that you can easily upgrade to the new model.
Preparation of devices for the transfer procedure
Before you start any manipulation, you need to make sure that both smartphones are ready to work. Charge the old and new devices to at least 60-70%, as the process of transferring a large amount of data can significantly consume battery power.
Check if there is any space on the receiving device, the amount of memory available should exceed the size of the data you plan to copy, and if the new phone already has important files, it is better to transfer them to the computer or the cloud in advance to avoid conflicts.
Also make sure that both smartphones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Most transmission methods require that the device screens do not go out during the process. It is recommended to turn off the energy saving or set the screen sleep timer to the value of "Never" during the operation.
☑️ Readiness for data portability
Using the Mi Mover app for local transmission
The most efficient and quickest way is to use the built-in Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, and creates a direct Wi-Fi connection between devices, allowing data to be transmitted at high speeds without using Internet traffic.
Run the app on both devices. On the new phone, select Recipient and on the old phone, Sender. QR-code or find the device in the list of available networks. After connecting, select the data categories to copy: contacts, messages, call log, applications, photos and system settings.
What if Mi Mover is not found?
It is important to note that passwords from Wi-Fi networks and some specific banking application settings may not be portable for security reasons, and in such cases, re-authorization may be required, which can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of information.
- 📲 Transfer of contacts is supported, SMS, call history.
- 📸 Photos and videos are copied in original quality without compression.
- ⚙️ System settings and alarms are often saved automatically.
- 📱 Applications are re-installed, but data inside them (cache, logins) can be saved.
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M i Mover is the most reliable way to clone a phone, as it works at the system level and minimizes the risk of losing structured data.
Sync with Mi Cloud and Google Account
Cloud technology makes it almost invisible to the user to switch to a new phone, and if you've used Mi Cloud services or Google sync regularly, your data is already safe, just log in to your account on a new device.
To check your settings, go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync. Make sure the switches opposite the right items (Contacts, Gallery, Recorder, Notes) are active. Once sync is enabled, the data will be uploaded to the cloud. On the new smartphone, when you first set up or in the account section, select Restore from Mi Cloud.
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Use Google Photos in Original Quality mode to automatically back up your media files so you don’t have to depend on the amount of internal storage on your phone.
Similarly, syncing through Google works: Calendar contacts and events are saved automatically in the Gmail profile, and apps downloaded from the Play Market can also be restored by selecting the option to restore backup when you initially set up Android.
The main limitation of the cloud method is the speed of the internet connection and the amount of free storage.The Mi Cloud Basic Tariff only provides 5GB, which may not be enough for a full backup of high-resolution photos and videos.
Comparison of data transfer methods
The choice of the particular method depends on your priorities: speed, data volume or Internet availability. Below is a table that will help you determine the best option for your situation.
| Parameter | Mi Mover | Mi Cloud / Google | Computer (USB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | High (locally) | Depends on the Internet. | Medium/High |
| We need the Internet. | No. | Yes. | No. |
| Data volume | No restrictions. | Tariff-limited | Limited to a PC drive |
| Difficulty | Low. | Low. | Medium |
Local method through Mi Mover wins in speed and no limits. Cloud services are convenient for constant background synchronization, but require time to download and download a large amount of data. Wired connection to the PC gives full control over files, but requires manual management of the folder structure.
Data transfer via computer
If wireless methods don't work or you need to copy very heavy files, use a computer. Connect your old phone to your PC via a computer. USB-cable and select the mode of operation File transfer (MTP). Copy the folders. DCIM, Pictures, Download and Documents on hard drive.
Then, plug in the new smartphone and move the stored data to the appropriate directories, a technique that is particularly useful for transferring music libraries and video archives, which can take up tens of gigabytes, and the computer acts as a reliable intermediate buffer.
⚠️ Note: When you copy through Windows Explorer, hidden system folders (starting from a dot) may not appear. Android/data manually on new versions of Android – this can disrupt the application.
For more advanced users, the Mi PC Suite (or analogues) tool is available to create complete system images, but on modern versions of MIUI, the functionality of such programs is often limited, and manual copying of files is more effective.
Possible problems and solutions
Users may experience various difficulties migrating, often due to aggressive power saving, if the transmission is frozen, check if one of the devices' screens is asleep, and add the transfer app to the battery exclusion list.
Another common problem is the incompatibility of Android versions. If you are moving from a very old model (like Android 6) to a new one (Android 13/14), some older file or application formats may not be supported, in which case it is recommended to transfer only personal files and install the apps again.
⚠️ Note: Two-factor authentication (2FA) In apps like Google Authenticator or bank clients, it doesn't automatically carry over. Be sure to back up codes or re-tether your devices before your old phone is reset.
If the Mi Mover app gives a “failed to connect” error, try turning off mobile internet (4G/5G) on both devices, leaving only Wi-Fi.