Buying a new smartphone is always a joyous event, but it is often overshadowed by the need to transfer a huge amount of information from an old device. Xiaomi ecosystem owners are more fortunate than others, as the company has developed powerful built-in tools for data migration, the copying process has become so automated that even an inexperienced user who is not familiar with the intricacies of Android can cope with it.
The challenge is not just the fact of the file transfer, but the right method to choose that will keep the folder structure, Wi-Fi passwords, alarm settings and call history. SIM-To avoid chaos in the gallery and the phone book, it is important to follow the algorithm described in this guide.
There are several proven ways to sync between devices of the same brand, and we will look at both the Mi Mover app, which is the gold standard for this procedure, and alternative options through cloud services and local backup.
Preparation of devices for the migration procedure
Before launching any port tool, both smartphones need to be trained in basic ways. Ignoring this stage often causes a connection to break in the middle of the process, which can damage application databases. Make sure that both devices have at least 50-60% battery charge, as active data transfer over Wi-Fi Direct consumes significant energy.
The second critical step is to test the memory on the receiving device. The new phone should have more space than the weight of the data on the old gadget. If you plan to throw 100 GB of photos and videos, and only 80 GB is free, the process will end in error or copy the files partially.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to port data if one of the devices is power-saving. The system can force the Wi-Fi connection to be severed to save charge, which will interrupt the copying.
It is also recommended to remove temporary files and cache on the old phone, which will speed up the process and save the new device from digital debris, and clean up through the built-in Security → Cleanup app.
☑️ Preparation for data portability
Using the Mi Mover application: a standard solution
The most efficient and quickest way to copy a Xiaomi phone to Xiaomi is to use the pre-installed Mi Mover utility.This tool creates a direct Wi-Fi connection between devices, bypassing the router, which provides high transfer speeds. The application is already built into the shell of MIUI and HyperOS, but if it is not, it can be downloaded for free from GetApps or Google Play.
Run the app on both smartphones. Select Receiver on the new device and Sender on the old one. The system automatically scans the available devices. If the automatic search fails, you can scan. QR-code that will appear on the screen of the new phone, the camera of the old.
Once you've established the connection, you'll see a data selection menu, and you can flexibly configure what you want to move, and the algorithm will prompt you to copy:
- 📱 System data (contacts, messages, call history, alarm clocks).
- 📷 Multimedia (photos, videos, audio recordings).
- 📲 Applications and their data (some programs will require re-entry into your account).
- 📋 System settings (Wi-Fi access points, wallpaper, screen settings).
It is important to note that when transferring applications themselves APK-Files are copied quickly, but data inside them (such as game progress or messenger cache) may require additional authorization.
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If the process freezes at the "Connection" stage, try on the old phone in the Wi-Fi settings to turn off the "Use random" function. MAC-Addresses for the network created by Mi Mover, or simply restart both smartphones.
Sync with Mi Cloud and Google account
If physical portability is not possible for some reason or you want to create an insurance copy before selling an old phone, cloud technology is the perfect solution. Xiaomi ecosystem allows you to synchronize key data through Mi Cloud, and Android standards through Google Account.
To activate synchronization Xiaomi log into your Mi-account on the old device via the Settings → Mi Account menu. Make sure that the switches opposite the desired categories (Contacts, Notes, Recorder, Gallery) are active. Once synchronization is enabled, the data will fly to the company's servers.
On the new phone, you just need to type in the same login and password, and the system will offer to restore data from the cloud, which is especially convenient because contacts and notes will appear on the device instantly after you connect to the Internet, even if you have not finished the initial setup.
Google Account takes over the other part of the load, which is usually loaded:
- 📧 Contacts (if not retained) SIM-map).
- 📅 Calendar and events.
- 📷 Photos and videos (via Google Photos).
- 🔑 Passwords saved in Chrome and system.
Combining these two methods gives you almost a complete copy of your digital life, but it’s worth remembering the limits of free storage. Mi Cloud gives you 5 GB for free, Google gives you 15 GB. If your archive is larger, you’ll either have to pay for a subscription or choose data manually.
Local backup to a memory card or PC
For users who prefer to keep data under full control or do not have fast Internet, local backup is the most important method. Unlike the cloud, a complete cast of the system or selected partitions is created here, which is saved as a file on an external medium.
To create a backup, go to the Settings menu. → The phone. → Backup and recovery. You can choose to create a copy on an external drive here (SD-map USB-flash-drive OTG) If you select a computer, the phone will be defined as a media device, and you will need to copy the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup hard drive.
Once you copy the folder to your computer, connect the new phone and move the archive to the same directory. Then, on the new device in the same menu, select Restore and specify the path to the files. This method is good because it even saves the settings of some system applications that are not synced through the cloud.
⚠️ Attention: Local backup takes up a lot of space. A full backup system with applications can weigh tens of gigabytes. SD-A card or flash drive is free enough space before the procedure begins.
Recovery from a local copy can take a considerable time, especially if many small files are copied, during which time it is better not to use the phone, so as not to violate the integrity of the data being recorded.
Comparison of data transfer methods
To make it easier for you to decide on the migration method, we have prepared a summary table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each option depending on your situation and technical capabilities.
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | What's copying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Very high. | No. | Everything (photos, apps, settings, SMS) |
| Mi Cloud | Depends on the speed of the network. | Yeah (Wi-Fi) | Contacts, notes, photos, system settings |
| Google Account | Medium | Yeah (Wi-Fi) | Contacts, calendar, passwords, photos (Google Photos) |
| Local backup | Tall. | No. | Full cast of system and applications |
As you can see from the table, Mi Mover is the undisputed leader in functionality and speed, as it does not depend on the bandwidth of your home Internet. Cloud methods are good for constant synchronization, but for a one-time transition to a new phone they can be too slow.
What if the Mi Mover doesn’t see the second phone?
Decision (Frequently Asked Questions)
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users often face typical problems, such as notifications in messengers or photos that are missing after transfer, due to the peculiarities of Android protection and access rights.
If you don’t receive messages from WhatsApp or Telegram after the migration, check the notification settings for these apps on your new phone. SMS, as the binding goes to SIM-map, not device.
Another common question is banking applications, where financial institutions block the entry from a new device for security reasons, and you have to log in to every client bank using a login, password and possibly a code from an SMS or a new one_push_ notice.
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The most reliable way to avoid data loss is a combined approach: use Mi Mover for the main array, and keep critical contacts in sync with Google Contacts.