How to Transfer All Data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a new Xiaomi smartphone is always a joyous event, but often overshadowed by the prospect of a long data transfer process: users need to save hundreds of contacts, important correspondence, photos and app settings to keep the workflow running. Fortunately, the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem offers powerful built-in tools to enable data migration in the shortest possible time.

There are several proven ways to sync devices, each with its own advantages depending on the amount of information being transferred: you can use the proprietary Mi Mover app, Google Drive cloud storage or Xiaomi Cloud account. The choice of the specific method depends on your current version of the operating system and whether you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.

In this article, we will take a closer look at each step of preparing and directly copying files so you can start using the new gadget immediately after unpacking. We will look at the nuances of working with different versions of shells and tell you how to avoid common mistakes when transferring heavy media files. The right sequence of actions ensures the safety of all your digital assets.

Preparing the old and new device for migration

Before starting the procedure, make sure that both smartphones are fully ready to work. Charge the battery of the old phone to at least 50%, or better connect it to the charger, as the data transfer process can be energy intensive.

Check for free space on the receiving device. The amount of memory available should exceed the size of the data you plan to transfer. If you move to a model with less built-in storage, clear the gallery of unnecessary videos beforehand or remove unused applications.

⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the data transfer process or switch between applications while the migration tool is running, this can damage archives and cause the loss of some contacts or messages.

Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Even if you use a direct hotspot connection that creates a transfer application, the basic wireless interfaces should be active to detect devices with each other. It is also recommended to turn off power saving mode so that the system does not limit background activity of processes.

Using the Mi Mover app to quickly copy

The most efficient and quickest way to switch between devices of the same manufacturer is to use the Mi Mover utility, which is pre-installed in MIUI and HyperOS, so you don't usually need to download it separately. The application creates a secure communication channel that allows you to transfer data at high speeds without using Internet traffic.

Run the app on both smartphones through the settings menu or find it in the Tools folder. On the new device, select Receiver and on the old one, Sender. QR-code or connect to a Wi-Fi network to establish a connection.

Once you pair successfully, you'll see a detailed data selection menu, where you can migrate contacts, messages, call history, notes, voice recordings, and installed applications and their data, and you'll need to pay special attention to the selection of folders in the gallery so you don't copy system debris.

• 📱 Contacts and call history are transferred completely to all labels.
• 📸 Photos and videos are saved in original quality without compression.
• 📲 Applications are installed automatically, but some banking programs will require re-authorization.
• ⚙️ System settings, including wallpaper and icon location, can be copied optionally.

It is important to note that the transfer speed depends on the number of files and the distance between devices. For large amounts of data (more than 50 GB), the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Do not unlock the screens of devices while working, so as not to activate the power saving functions of the screen.

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Mi Mover is locally available, without consuming mobile traffic, and supports data transfer between any MIUI and HyperOS versions.

Sync with Mi Cloud and Google account

An alternative to direct connectivity is cloud sync, which is convenient because it doesn’t require both phones to be on hand at the same time. Mi Cloud accounts allow you to back up contacts, messages, notes and desktop settings. To activate the function, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.

In parallel, it is recommended to use the capabilities of Google Account. Google services automatically save contacts, calendar, mail and data of many applications. When you first set up a new smartphone, you just need to enter a login and password so that all information is pulled from the network automatically.

The main advantage of the cloud method is the ability to recover data even if an old device is lost or broken. However, free storage (usually 5 GB from Google and 5 GB from Xiaomi) may not be enough for a full backup of photos and videos, in which case you will have to buy additional space or choose only critical data.

For users who change devices frequently, cloud sync is the most reliable insurance policy: set up automatic photo uploads in the gallery so that new photos are immediately safe, eliminating the need to manually copy files every time you change your phone.

Transferring WhatsApp and Viber messages

WhatsApp and Viber messengers store their correspondence history separately from system data, so it requires additional actions to transfer them, and simply copying files through a Explorer will not be enough, since the databases are encrypted and tied to a particular device.

WhatsApp needs to back up inside the app before you go. Open Settings → Chats → Chat Backup and click “Create a copy.” Make sure the copy is saved on Google Drive, not locally. When you install the app on your new phone, the system will prompt you to restore the history from the cloud.

In the case of Viber, the procedure is similar: go to More → Settings → Account → Backup Viber. After you create the archive and upload it to the cloud, install the messenger on the new device. Enter the same phone number the first time you log in, and the application will find an available backup.

⚠️ Note: WhatsApp backup is tied to phone number and account Google/iCloud. You will not be able to recover your emails if you log in to a Google account other than the one you made the copy to.

There is also the possibility of local transfer via Mi Mover, which is able to capture data messengers, but experience shows that the cloud method through built-in functions of applications is more stable and less likely to lead to errors of broken databases.

Decision and possible errors

Users may encounter various technical difficulties in migrating, often due to incompatibility of Android versions or modified firmware. If the old phone runs on a very old version of MIUI and the new one runs on a fresh HyperOS, some system settings may not be portable correctly.

One common error is to say “Not enough space” even when there is free space, which may be due to fragmentation of the file system or the way temporary files are accounted for, and it is recommended that the application cache be cleared before the transfer begins.

• 🔄 Connection Error: Reboot both smartphones and try to create a new hotspot.
• ❌ Download Interrupt: Check if the antivirus is blocking the Mi Mover app.
• 📉 Slow speed: Make sure there are no strong sources of interference in the 2.4 GHz range nearby.
• 🔒 Password Request: Some apps require you to enter a screen unlock password to access data.

If neither of the automatic methods works, you can use manual copying over a PC. Connect both phones to your computer as a media device (MTP) and copy the DCIM, Download and Documents folders manually. This takes longer, but gives you full control of the process.

Completion of the setup and verification of data integrity

Once you've finished copying, don't rush to delete the data from your old device. First, check your new smartphone carefully. Open the gallery and scroll through the albums to the end, making sure all the photos have been uploaded. Check the contact list, especially the ones recorded on the phone. SIM-map.

Go to the settings of every important application. Banking programs, corporate email clients, and instant messengers may require re-authorization or biometric access settings, a normal security procedure that does not indicate a port error.

Make sure alarms, reminders and calendars work correctly, sometimes with time zone or repeated events. NFC-payment module, as payment card access keys often have to be added manually for security reasons.

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After a successful data transfer, perform a complete reset of the old phone only after making sure the new one is stable for 2-3 days.

Only after the full verification of the new gadget’s health can you start cleaning the old device, properly performed data transfer allows you to maintain the digital habit and continue using the smartphone without losing important information and settings.