Changing your smartphone, especially the Xiaomi ecosystem, often raises concerns about losing important information. Contacts, messaging, photos, and app settings all make up a user’s digital life. Fortunately, modern technology avoids manually installing each program and re-entering passwords.
The data migration process is as automated as possible, but requires understanding the specifics of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. Unlike stock Android, Xiaomi devices have pre-installed tools that greatly speed up the procedure. You do not need to be a technician to successfully complete the transfer.
In this article, we will look at all the available methods, from cloud services to local copying via Wi-Fi Direct, we will look at the nuances of working with WhatsApp and Telegram, and also discuss which data is best transferred manually for maximum security.
Preparing the old and new device for migration
Before any cloning operation begins, it is critical to ensure stable power to both devices, which can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of internal memory, and if the device runs out at the most critical time, the database file may be corrupted, resulting in the loss of some contacts or message history.
It is also worth checking the availability of free space on the receiving device Xiaomi. the amount of available memory should exceed the amount of data transmitted by at least 10-15%, this is necessary for temporary files and correct operation of the system during indexing of new information.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to port data if one of the devices has a firmware beta installed. Instability of the software may cause connection breakage or errors when unpacking archives.
Make sure both smartphones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on. Even if you plan to use a cable, some system services use Bluetooth to initially shake hands with the devices. Turn off the power saving so the system doesn't "sleep" while it's running.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Using the Mi Mover app for full cloning
The most effective and preferred way for Xiaomi users is the regular Mi Mover application, which is built into the system and optimized for working with the MIUI shell. The main advantage of this method is the ability to transfer not only multimedia, but also system settings, alarm clocks and even the location of icons on the desktop.
To get started, open the app on a new phone, which is usually in the Tools folder or available through the About Phone settings. Select the "I'm the recipient" role. On the old device, if it's not Xiaomi, you'll need to download it. APK-Find the application file or find it in Google Play, then select the role “I am the sender».
The devices will find each other automatically through the QR-The speed of data transfer over this channel is much faster than over Bluetooth, and it does not depend on the speed of your home Internet:
- 📱 Select data types to copy (contacts, messages, gallery, applications).
- 📶 Wait for confirmation of connection on both screens.
- ⏳ Start the transfer and do not switch to other applications.
- ✅ Wait for the message of successful completion and check the sample files.
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If the process is frozen at 99%, don't panic. Often, media files are indexed at this time. Wait 5-10 minutes before you interrupt the operation.
Importantly, Mi Mover may not re-authorize some banking applications for security reasons, and you will have to re-enter them using SMS codes or biometrics, which is normal behavior of the Android system to protect your finances.
Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services
The classic method that works seamlessly on any Android is sync through a Google account. When you first turn on a new Xiaomi, the system will prompt you to log in to your profile. Once you log in, you will automatically download contacts, calendar events and Google Keep notes.
For photos and videos, the best way to use Google Photos is to install the app on your old phone, enable autoload and wait until the process is complete. On the new device, just log in to the same account, and the entire library will be available in the cloud.
| Type of data | Synchronization method | Where to look for Xiaomi |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Google Contacts | Application Contacts / Settings |
| Photos and videos | Google Photo | Google Photos appendix |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Google Account | Automatically at the entrance |
| Annexes | Google Play Store | Section "Library" in the Play Store |
Don’t rely on the cloud alone if you have a charging internet or a slow connection, and it can take a long time to download a lot of data, so a hybrid approach (contacts via Google, photos via cable or local network) is optimal.
Transfer of correspondence WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber
Messengers store their correspondence history locally or in their own clouds, ignoring standard Android sync. WhatsApp on Android has a built-in backup feature. On an old phone, go to Settings → Chats → Backup Chats and click “Backup” on Google Drive.
When you install WhatsApp on a new Xiaomi, the app will find a backup in your Google account and prompt you to restore it. If you want to transfer your story without using the cloud (for example, when changing your account region), you will need to use the “Chat Transfer” function inside WhatsApp settings through scanning. QR-code.
Telegram and Viber are easier. Telegram stores the entire history on servers. Just enter the phone number and confirmation code - all chats will appear instantly. Viber also allows you to create a backup to Google Drive, which you need to restore when you first start on a new device.
⚠️ Warning: Two-factor authentication is mandatory in messengers. Make sure you remember the password from cloud storage or have access to the phone number associated with the account, otherwise you may lose access to correspondence forever.
What if WhatsApp doesn’t see a backup?
Manual copying of files via USB and computer
For users who prefer full control of the file system, PC copying remains the gold standard: Connect your old phone to your computer in MTP mode. Copy the DCIM (camera), Pictures, Download and Music folders to your hard drive.
Then plug in the new Xiaomi and transfer the data to the appropriate directories. Android folder structure is standardized, so there should be no media recognition problems, and this method is ideal for carrying heavy 4K video files that are long to transmit through the air.
When you manually copy, look for hidden folders that start from a dot (like.thumbnails), you don’t need to copy them – the system will create them again. It’s also worth manually checking the Android/data folder if you want to save the cache of some games or offline maps of the navigator.
- 💾 Use the original cable to ensure high transmission speeds.
- 📂 Create a logical folder structure on the PC so as not to get confused.
- 🔍 After copying, check the integrity of the files by opening a few of them.
If you're using a Mac, you'll need Android File Transfer or OpenMTP, because Finder doesn't see Android devices natively. Windows has a standard Explorer.
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Direct connection to USB-The cable provides maximum speed and reliability, eliminating the risks of interruption of communication characteristic of wireless methods.
Decision and possible errors in the transfer
When migrating, users often experience a message that says, "Not enough space," or a sudden disconnection of the connection. If Mi Mover gives an error, try turning off mobile Internet on both devices, leaving only the Wi-Fi module active. Sometimes the system tries to go online to check for app updates, which knocks down the local protocol.
Another common problem is unpatched passwords from Wi-Fi networks, in newer versions of Android and other devices. MIUI Security is enhanced, and direct copying of system keys can be blocked, in which case you will have to enter passwords again or use the password sharing function through the system. QR-code by scanning code from a router or old phone.
If apps don't open or crash after porting, try clearing their cache in the settings menu. Sometimes the versions of apps on the old and new device are different, which causes a conflict of libraries. Updating all programs through GetApps or Play Market usually solves the problem.