Changing a smartphone is always stressful, not so much with the device itself, but with the risk of losing the data accumulated over the years. Xiaomi device owners who switch from other Android smartphones or restore the system after a reset often face the need to quickly return contacts, call history and installed applications. Fortunately, Googleโs ecosystem offers a powerful and reliable tool for synchronization, which is integrated into the shell of MIUI and HyperOS by default.
The process of recovering from Google Drive cloud storage is a routine procedure that does not require installing third-party software or having root rights. However, despite automation, users often miss critical points, such as choosing the right account or maintaining a Wi-Fi connection during the initial setup.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the algorithm that will allow you to safely transfer digital luggage to the new Xiaomi.We will look at the nuances of working with passwords, two-factor authentication and specific Google security settings that can block login on a new device.
Preparing a Google Account and Old Device
Before you start setting up a new Xiaomi smartphone, you need to make sure your old device has done full sync with the cloud. Often users assume that data is stored instantly, but in fact the process can take time, especially if the gallery has a lot of heavy photos or high-resolution videos. Go to the settings of the old phone and check the status of the last sync.
Make sure your old device is syncing the components that matter to you, which can be contacts, calendar events, Keep notes, Chrome passwords, and a list of installed apps. If you use Google Photos in "Saving Place" or "Original Quality" mode, make sure that the download is complete, as the Xiaomi gallery may be linking to this service when you restore it.
It is also critical to know the password of your Google account.When setting up a new device, Googleโs security system may request proof of identity, especially if you are not a Google user. IP-The address or location of the device has changed, and having a second device on hand that you are already logged in will make it easier to confirm your login via push notification.
- ๐ฑ Check what is on the old smartphone in the Settings section โ Google โ Synchronization is worth the "Included" mark for all important services.
- โ๏ธ Make sure there is free space in Google Drive storage or your latest backup is successfully created and displays the current date.
- ๐ Remember or reset your Google account password in advance so you donโt interrupt the process of setting up a new Xiaomi.
โ ๏ธ Note: If two-factor authentication was enabled on your old device, make sure you have access to your phone number or authentication app, or you may lose access to your account on the new device.
Starting the recovery process at the initial setup
The process of data recovery on Xiaomi smartphones starts automatically when the device is first turned on when it is in factory settings. If you have already set up the phone and are using it, you will need to perform a data reset to start the recovery procedure from a full copy of Google. On the initial welcome screen, select the language and press the start button.
This is a must, as recovering data from the Google Drive cloud requires a stable and preferably fast internet connection. Mobile traffic is not recommended, as the volume of data transmitted can be large and the process can be interrupted when switching between cell towers.
Once connected, the system will prompt you to copy the applications and data, select the "Recover from the cloud" option or the similar one, pointing to Google Drive, and ask you to enter your Google account login and password, which is when the device is linked to your digital profile.
โ๏ธ Readiness for recovery
It's important to read the prompts carefully on the screen. Sometimes MIUI may suggest recovering data from the Mi Cloud if you've previously used a smartphone of the brand, and you need to clearly choose the source of Google so you don't get confused and restore old, unnecessary data instead of current ones.
Selecting a backup and checking compatibility
Once you have successfully logged in to a Google account, the system will prompt you to select a specific backup to restore if there are more than one. This is usually true for users who change devices frequently or have multiple smartphones tied to a single inbox, and the list will display device models and dates of the latest backups.
Choose the copy that matches your latest data state. Pay attention to the size of the copy and the date of creation. If you see a copy that dates back a year, it may have been disabled long ago, in which case you should choose a more recent one, even if it is smaller in volume, to get current contacts and passwords.
It will also show a list of apps that will be downloaded, not all apps can be restored, and some banking apps or programs with increased security requirements may require separate authorization or do not support resetting through the standard Android mechanism.
| Type of data | Restores automatically | It needs attention. |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Yes (from Google Contacts) | No. |
| Photos and videos | Through Google Photos | We need Wi-Fi. |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Yes. | Requires unlocking of the screen |
| Annexes | Yes (list and APK) | Log in again to accounts |
| SMS messages | Yes. | You might not come right away. |
What if the copy is not on the list?
Security setting and identity confirmation
Google's ecosystem is very focused on security, so when you log in from a new device, you often have additional checks, like a sign-in request via a notification on another device that you've already logged in to, or a request for a code from an SMS, which is a normal protective response to a change in IMEI and device location.
In some cases, especially when you restore access to your account, the system may ask you to enter a password from the lock screen of your old device, so that the attacker who stole the phone can't just reset it and restore the victim's data on his device. If you don't remember the old screen password, the process of recovering a full copy can be difficult.
Also, be prepared for the fact that some apps, especially financial ones, may request additional checks, because Google Play Protect and the app developers themselves are tracking new devices, and don't be afraid of temporary locks, which is standard verification.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never attempt to circumvent Google security checks by using third-party scripts or modified versions of services.This may result in account blocking for suspicious activity.
After successfully completing all the verification steps, the device will have access to the encrypted part of your backup, from which the background data load begins, which can last from a few minutes to several hours depending on the amount of information and Internet speed.
Recovery Nuances on MIUI and HyperOS shells
Xiaomi smartphones have their own data-driven features. While Googleโs recovery engine is standard for Android, the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS can make adjustments to the process. For example, the system may strongly suggest using Mi Mover or the Mi Cloud instead of Googleโs standard tools.
It's important to not confuse these suggestions. If your goal is to recover data from your Google account, carefully select menu items. Sometimes Xiaomi hides the recovery option from Google Drive behind the "skip" button in its promo screens. Be careful when reading text on the settings screen.
Also, consider the battery optimization that is aggressive in Xiaomi devices. After recovering a large number of applications, they may not start background synchronization right away. The system may "freeze" background processes to save charge. You may need to manually open every important application to start its internal synchronization.
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After data recovery, go to the battery settings and set the mode for important messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) in the position "No restrictions", this will prevent the loss of messages in the background.
Another nuance is the gallery. Xiaomi has its own gallery with cloud sync function. When you restore photos from Google Photos, they can appear in a separate folder or album, rather than in the main feed, until you allow the Gallery app to access Google media files.
Completion of the process and post-reconstruction verification
Once the initial setup is complete and youโre on the desktop, the recovery process is not considered completely finished. Heavy applications, high-resolution photos and system component updates continue to load in the background, during which time the smartphone can heat up and discharge faster, which is normal for a processor and Wi-Fi module to work intensively.
It is recommended to leave the device connected to the charger and Wi-Fi network overnight, which will allow the system to safely complete all background processes, update applications through Google Play and index files for quick search.
Be sure to check the key sections: contacts, calendar, notes and gallery. Make sure all data is in place. If some apps are not installed or are not working correctly, try removing them and installing them again from the Play Market store manually. Sometimes the cache of restored apps can conflict with the new version of Android on your Xiaomi.
- ๐ Open Google Play โ Profile โ Manage applications and device to check the download status of all applications.
- ๐ Keep an eye on the temperature of the first 2-3 hour of use โ active file indexing can cause heat.
- ๐ Sign in to banking apps and instant messengers, as their sessions may have been reset for security reasons.
โ ๏ธ Note: If after 24 hours of use you find that some data (e.g. call history or other information) SMS) If you don't have a computer, re-sync through standard settings might not help, then you should check the web version of Google Contacts or Google Drive from your computer to make sure that the data is physically in the cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I recover my data if I have already set up my phone as new?
Will passwords from Wi-Fi and apps be restored?
What to do if the recovery is suspended at the stage "It is set up"?
Will Google Photos Bring My Pictures to Xiaomi Gallery?
How long does it take to recover 100GB of data?
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The most reliable way to avoid problems is to regularly check the sync status in Googleโs settings on your old device before buying a new one.