How to transfer data from Android to Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Buying a new Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is always an exciting process, but it can cloud the need to transfer a huge amount of information from an old device. The owner of the gadget faces a task that requires accuracy and understanding the structure of the operating system, so as not to lose important contacts, correspondence in messengers or previously taken photos. Modern tools allow you to migrate data as quickly as possible, but each method has its own nuances that must be considered to successfully complete the procedure.

There are several proven ways to sync between Android devices, and the choice of a particular method depends on the amount of information, the version of the operating system and the personal preferences of the user. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem have a unique advantage in the form of preinstalled system utilities optimized specifically for their devices, which greatly simplifies the task compared to switching to devices from other brands. Below we will discuss each of the available options so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.

Before you start taking action, it is crucial to get both smartphones ready to go. Make sure that the battery charge on both devices is at least 50-60%, as the process of transferring large amounts of data can be energy intensive. It is also recommended to check the availability of free space on the new Redmi to avoid errors in the middle of the copying process, when the system can not write files due to overcrowded memory.

⚠️ Note: Before any manipulation of data is initiated, we strongly advise you to back up important information to a cloud service or computer to eliminate the risk of complete data loss in the event of a software failure.

One of the most popular and convenient tools for owners of this brand's equipment is the Mi Mover app. This utility is built into the shell of MIUI and HyperOS, so it does not need to be searched in third-party stores or download dubious files from the Internet. The program allows you to transfer not only media files and contacts, but also the structure of folders, system settings and even the placement of icons on the desktop, recreate the user's familiar environment on the new device.

To start the process, you need to open the application on both smartphones. On the new Xiaomi, you choose the Receiver role, and on the old phone, even if it is not Xiaomi, you need to install the application from Google Play or the built-in Mi Apps store and select the Sender role. Communication between devices is established through the creation of a temporary Wi-Fi hotspot, which provides high transfer speeds without using mobile traffic.

Scanning process QR-It takes seconds for the code to be sent, and then the sender screen will show you a list of data categories that are available for transfer, and you can selectively mark only the necessary items, such as Contacts, Messages, Photos and Applications, ignoring the system debris or cache that will only take up space. After the selection confirmation, copying will begin, the progress of which is displayed in real time.

• 📱 High data transfer speeds thanks to the use of Wi-Fi Direct protocol.
• 🔄 Ability to transfer desktop settings and widget location.
• 🔒 Local transmission without Internet access, which guarantees confidentiality.
• ⚙️ Support for data transfer not only from Android, but also from iOS devices.

⚠️ Warning: If communication is interrupted during transmission, don’t panic – the Mi Mover app usually allows you to continue downloading from the break point or automatically retry the connection attempt.

Google’s ecosystem provides another reliable and versatile way to migrate, which is especially relevant if you’re switching from a different manufacturer’s device or want to have a single restore point for all your gadgets. Google Account syncs let you save contacts, calendar events, notes and passwords in the cloud, from where they will automatically be downloaded to the new Redmi when you first log in.

To make this work as efficiently as possible, you need to go to your Google account settings on your old phone and make sure that all the necessary sync switches are active. Often users forget to enable sync of photos in Google Photos or notes in Google Keep, which prevents this data from appearing on the new device. After checking on the new phone when you initially set up the system, you will be asked to enter the same email address.

In the initial setup process, Xiaomi will offer to restore data from the cloud, which is the perfect moment to download the list of installed applications and their data, if application developers support this feature, but it is worth considering that downloading all applications and photos can take a considerable time depending on the speed of the Internet connection and the volume of your digital library.

The traditional method of copying files through a computer remains relevant for those who are used to full control of the file system or do not trust wireless methods of transfer. By connecting both phones to the PC alternately in MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode, you can manually copy the folders DCIM (photo and video), Download, Documents and Music.

When manually copying, it is important to follow the folder structure, especially if you want the gallery on the new Xiaomi to display photos correctly. It is best to create new folders with clear names on the internal drive or memory card of the new device and throw files there. For system data such as a call log or SMS, this method is not suitable, since these databases are protected from direct user access without root permissions.

Using microSD cards is also a great intermediate if both smartphones support this format. You can copy all the heavy media files to the card, then move it to the new Redmi and move the data to internal memory. This frees up the internal storage of the old phone and speeds up the process of getting the new device ready for operation.

Transferring messages from instant messengers often becomes a separate headache, since this data is stored in secure databases and is not always subject to standard synchronization. WhatsApp needs to back up chats in the settings of the application itself, choosing to save to Google Drive. When you install WhatsApp on a new phone and enter the same number, the system will itself suggest restoring your correspondence history from the cloud.

In the case of Telegram, the situation is simpler: this messenger is completely cloud-based, and all your chats, channels and media (unless the cache restriction is enabled) will be downloaded automatically immediately after entering the phone number and confirmation code.

Viber and Signal also have their own backup mechanisms, which are often tied to Google Drive or local files. Viber needs to go to settings, select Backup, and create a fresh copy before resetting or replacing your phone. Signal requires you to create a backup file that you need to manually transfer to a new device for recovery.

• 💬 WhatsApp: Requires activation of backup on Google Drive.
• ✈️ Telegram: Automatic synchronization, nothing to do.
• 📞 Viber: Local or cloud backup via settings.
• 🔒 Signal: Manual transfer of backup file is mandatory.

⚠️ Note: Two-factor authentication in messengers may require access to SIM-Recovery card or codes, so make sure that SIM-The card is installed in the new phone before the start of the application setup.

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Tip: If you use two-factor authentication on Google or other services, make sure you have access to a second device or save recovery codes to avoid losing access to your account when you change phone.

After a successful data transfer, a number of steps are recommended to optimize the new device, first of all, it is worth checking whether contacts are correctly identified and whether there is no duplication of records, which sometimes happens when data from different sources are merged. Xiaomi has a built-in tool to combine duplicates in the Contacts application, which will help to clean up the phone book.

It's also worth taking time to set up security and biometrics, set up the unlock to your fingerprint or face, and add a pattern lock or PIN-Don’t forget to check the Find My Device function so that if you lose a new Redmi, you can track or remotely block it.

An important step is to clean the old device before selling it or transferring it to another person. Once you have made sure that all the data on the new phone is working correctly, perform a full Factory Reset on the old device, which ensures that your personal information, including stored Wi-Fi passwords and accounts, does not fall into the wrong hands.

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The full data transfer cycle is completed only after checking the health of applications on the new device and safely resetting the old phone.