Where to find data transfers to Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern smartphone users are regularly faced with the need to change the device, and for owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem, this process is often the first step after unpacking a new gadget. The main question in this situation is finding a tool that will quickly and without loss move all the information from the old device. In the MIUI operating system and the new HyperOS, the built-in utility is responsible for this, but its location may not be obvious to beginners.

The data transfer function on Xiaomi devices is implemented as conveniently as possible and does not require a connection to a computer or the use of complex cloud storage. The system offers a native solution that runs on top of a local Wi-Fi network, ensuring high speed copying of even large amounts of media. You can find this tool in several ways, and in this article we will discuss each of them in detail, and also consider the nuances of working with the Mi Mover application.

It's important to understand that data migration is not just about copying files, but also migrating settings, desktop layouts and passwords from Wi-Fi networks. How well you do the initial setup depends on how comfortable you are with your smartphone in the early days. We'll look at the algorithms for different firmware versions and discuss what to do if the standard path doesn't work.

The main path through the system settings menu

The most reliable and versatile way to activate the migration process is to refer to the system settings of the smartphone. Xiaomi developers have placed the corresponding item in the section responsible for additional device performance parameters. To start, you need to open the Settings application and scroll down to the category “Additional” or “Extended settings”, depending on the version of the MIUI localization.

Inside this section, you should look for a item called "Data Transfer" or "Mi Mover," which can be located in the Security submenu on some global firmware, or be put into a separate folder of system utilities, and if you use HyperOS, the logic remains the same: diving deep into the settings allows you to find all the necessary tools for managing memory and content.

• 📱 Open “Settings” and go to the “More” section».
• 📂 Find the item "Data Transfer" (sometimes called "Mi Mover»).
• 🔄 Launch the application and select the device role (sender or receiver).
• ⚙️ If necessary, allow access to contacts and gallery.

⚠️ Warning: If you can't find the item in the settings, try searching by settings. Just type in the top search for "Mover" or "Transfer" and the system will open the menu itself.

Once you run the utility, the system will ask you to determine the status of your current device, which is critical, because the choice is critical, because if you choose "I am the recipient," the smartphone will create a Wi-Fi hotspot to which you will need to connect the old device, the whole process is completely autonomous and does not consume mobile operator traffic.

Search through the Tools folder on the desktop

The second, no less common option to access the port function is to use the standard Tools folder, which is by default present on the desktop of all Xiaomi smartphones. This folder contains system utilities such as a calculator, voice recorder, scanner. QR-codes and, in fact, the application for data migration.

The app icon is usually signed as "Mi Mover" or "Data Transfer" and has a distinctive design with two arrows pointing in different directions. In newer versions of the HyperOS shell, the icon may look more minimalistic, but the functionality remains identical.

If you can't see the Tools folder on the home screen, it may have been accidentally deleted or hidden, so just swipe up the desktop to open the menu of all the apps, and find the utility there, often in alphabetical order or in the System Apps folder.

Starting through a desktop shortcut saves time, especially if you’re setting up your phone for the first time and haven’t yet learned the menu structure, but remember that some custom builds or heavily modified launchers may not have that shortcut, so you’ll have to use search or settings.

Using the Mi Mover app from another Android or iPhone

One of the key features of Xiaomi’s ecosystem is the cross-platform portability tool: You can use your old Android smartphone or even your iPhone to transfer data just by installing an app on it. This is especially true for Apple devices, as the regular iOS tools restrict data transfer only to other iPhones.

To start working on an old device, you need to download the Mi Mover application from the Google Play store or the App Store. After installation, the synchronization process occurs in a similar scenario: scanning. QR-It allows you to migrate contacts, messages, photos, videos, and even some application settings.

When porting from an iPhone, you should take into account the limitations of the iOS operating system: you will not be able to transfer installed applications, since they must be downloaded from Google Play. However, the list of applications will be saved, which will make it easier to manually install the missing software.

Alternative Search Methods Through Global Search

If none of the above methods worked, or if your smartphone interface was heavily modified by a third-party launcher, the global search function will come to the rescue. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is called by swipe down the center of the desktop or through a separate search bar, usually located at the top or bottom of the screen.

By typing a search for "Mi Mover," "Transfer," or "Transfer," the system will instantly filter the results and prompt you to launch the desired application. This is the fastest way to find a feature if you don't want to wander through the menu. The search algorithm indexes not only the files, but also the settings and names of the installed applications.

In some cases, especially on Chinese firmware versions, the app may be called differently. If a search for Russian or English doesn't work, try entering the packet name or using the Xiao AI voice assistant (if it supports your language) or Google Assistant saying "Open Mi Mover."

⚠️ Warning: Make sure you are looking for a system application, not a third-party counterpart from the store. Third-party programs may run slower or require payment for full functionality, whereas the built-in utility is free and optimized.

Technical requirements and preparation for transfer

Successful and fast data transfer requires a number of technical requirements, especially the battery charge of both devices. The process of copying large amounts of data, especially high-resolution video files, can be energy intensive, and discharging the phone at a critical moment can lead to file corruption.

It is recommended that both smartphones be charged at least 50% and ideally connected to a power source. The version of the operating system is also an important factor. While Mi Mover is compatible with most Android versions starting from 4.0, it is better to upgrade to the current version to work correctly with new file formats and encryption.

Don't neglect to clean your old phone before you move, removing unnecessary debris, duplicate photos and messenger cache will speed up the process and allow you to transfer only really important information, and it will save precious space on the new device.

Solution: if the data transfer is not found or does not work

Users may find themselves in a situation where the function seems to be there but doesn't work properly. Often the problem is in the permissions. The Mi Mover application requires access to storage, contacts, phone and location to create a network. If you accidentally disallow those accesses on the first run, the functionality will be limited.

You can check and return permissions in Settings → Applications → All apps → Mi Mover → Permissions. Make sure all switches are activated. It’s also worth checking if Flight mode or traffic saving is enabled, which can block the creation of a local Wi-Fi Direct network.

In rare cases, resetting network settings or restarting both devices helps. If the problem persists, you can try updating the MIUI Service component through GetApps or Google Play, since this system module is often responsible for native transmission functions.

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Expert advice: If the transfer is stuck at a certain percentage (e.g. 99%), don't panic. Often at this point, file indexing is underway. Wait 10-15 minutes before interrupting the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The built-in data transfer feature on Xiaomi is the fastest and safest way to migrate, which does not require the Internet and keeps the structure of your digital life.