How to Switch from Old Xiaomi to New: A Complete Data Transfer Guide

Moving from one Xiaomi smartphone to another is a process that seems simple only at first glance. In practice, users are faced with lost contacts, unsynchronized messages, missing photos or even app crashes. The main problem is not the physical replacement of the device, but the correct transfer of all data, settings and personal files, so that the new gadget is immediately ready to work “for you”.

In this article, we will examine all available migration methods, from official Mi Mover and Mi Cloud tools to manual transfer via cable or third-party services, and pay special attention to the hidden nuances that the manufacturer does not advertise: Why some applications are not restored from backup, how to transfer SMS without losing the date of sending and what to do if the new Xiaomi “can’t see” the old one in direct data transfer. Instructions are relevant for all models – from Redmi Note 12 to flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, regardless of version MIUI.

1. Preparing the old Xiaomi for data transfer

Before you start migrating, you need to make sure your current smartphone is ready to transmit information, a step that is often missed, which leads to errors such as a connection break or incomplete backup.

The first thing to do is update. MIUI Even if you don't plan on using your old phone, the new software ensures compatibility with the portability tools. → The phone. → System Update: If an update is available, install it and restart the device.

• 🔋 The battery charge of both devices must be at least 50.
• 📶 Wi-Fi: Connect both phones to the same 5 GHz network (if supported) This will speed up file transfers.
• 🗑️ Cleaning up garbage: delete unnecessary files (cache, duplicate photos) through Settings → Memory. → Cleaning so as not to carry excess.
• 🔑 Passwords and accounts: make sure you remember the username/password from Mi Account – it will be required for synchronization.

Pay special attention to applications with two-factor authentication (for example, banking or instant messengers). SIM-Check in advance if you have backup or backup copies (e.g. Google Authenticator).

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If the old Xiaomi has enabled the function "Data Protection" (in Settings) → Privacy, disable it before transfer, it can block access to some files in direct transmission.

2.Official ways of transfer: Mi Mover vs Mi Cloud

Xiaomi offers two main migration tools: Mi Mover (direct Wi-Fi transmission) and Mi Cloud (cloud backup), each with pros and cons to consider when choosing.

Mi Mover is the best choice if you have both phones on hand, and it can carry all the data, including the apps you have installed (without having to download them again from the Play Market), but there is a caveat: some system settings (such as fingerprints or a pattern lock) are not portable for security reasons.

Mi Cloud is convenient if you want to back up in advance or transfer data to a phone that you haven’t already received. But remember: free cloud is limited to 5 GB, and recovery will require a stable Internet connection. Also, not all applications support backup to Mi Cloud (for example, data from some games or messengers may not be saved).

3. Step-by-step instruction: transfer via Mi Mover

This is the most reliable way to migrate if both phones are close by, and follow the instructions carefully, as errors at this stage can lead to data loss.

1. On the new Xiaomi, select the language and region when you first turn on, then on the Data Portability screen, click Move from the old device. If the phone is already configured, open Settings. → The phone. → Data portability.
2. On the old Xiaomi, open the Mi Mover app (if not, download from the Play Market).
3. On the new phone, select I'm the recipient and wait for the appearance QR-Scan it with an old phone.
4. After connecting, select data types to transfer: contacts, messages, photos, apps, etc. Please note that some system files (such as Wi-Fi settings) may not appear in the list, but will be transferred automatically.
5. Press Move and wait until the process is complete. Don't interrupt the connection or block the screens, which can cause a failure.

If the process is stuck in the “Data Preparation” stage, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the Mi Mover on both phones.
• 📶 Reconnect to Wi-Fi (sometimes switching from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz helps).
• 🔋 Connect phones to charge – at low battery level, the transmission can slow down.

Both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.|

The new phone has enough free memory|

Old phone has powered off battery saving for Mi Mover|

QR-code scanned correctly (without glare on the screen)-->

4.Move over Mi Cloud: When it's the only option

If you don't have physical access to both phones at the same time (e.g. a new one hasn't been delivered yet), Mi Cloud will be the only official solution.

• ☁️ Free storage is only 5 GB. For transferring photos / videos in high quality, this is not enough.
• 📱 Not all data is synced: for example, app settings or game saves may not be portable.
• ⏳ Recovery takes a long time, especially if the internet connection is unstable.

To make a backup in Mi Cloud:

1. Open on your old phone Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for all categories: Contacts, SMS, Photographs, notes, etc.
3. Click Backup and select the data to save. Note that applications are not copied to the cloud, only their settings (if supported).
4. Wait until it's done. Time depends on the amount of data and the speed of the Internet.

To recover on the new phone:

1. Sign in to the same Mi Account.
2. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore.
3. Select the latest backup and confirm the recovery.

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If you use Mi Cloud to transfer photos/video, compress them through the Gallery. → Settings → Download quality. This will save space in the cloud and speed up the process.

5. Manual transfer: when official methods do not work

Sometimes Mi Mover or Mi Cloud refuse to port data correctly, and in such cases manual transfer through cable, computer or third-party applications will help.

5.1. Transfer through USB-cable PTP)

It's a method for those who prefer control over the process. USB-C — USB-C (Or an adapter for older models and a little patience.

1. Connect the old Xiaomi to your computer in File Transfer mode (MTP) (selected when connected).
2. Copy the right folders: DCIM — Photos and videos; Download – uploaded files; Pictures, Music – media files; Android/data — Data from some applications (but not all!).

Disable the old phone, connect the new one and transfer the files back.

Important: Some apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram) store data in encrypted folders that won’t be accessed via the app. MTP. They will need separate backups inside the application itself.

5.2 Use of third-party applications

If you only need to transfer specific data (for example, SMS or calls, you can use specialized utilities:

• 📱 SMS Backup & Restore – saves and restores messages, including MMS.
• 📞 Call Logs Backup – Transferring Call History.
• 📁 Files by Google – a convenient file manager with Wi-Fi Direct transmission.

To port applications with data (for example, games with progress) suit Swift Backup (requires root rights) or Titanium Backup (for older versions of Android), but these methods are more complex and risky – a mistake can lead to data loss.

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If you port WhatsApp, use the built-in backup feature in Settings. → chat → Backup. Important: The copy is saved in Google Drive, so the new phone must log in to the same Google account as the old one.

6.Transfer SIM-maps and communication settings

After the data migration, don’t forget about it. SIM-map and mobile network settings. Even if you use eSIM, some settings (e.g., eSIM, APN Mobile Internet may be affected.

Algorithm of action:

1. Move it. SIM-If you use nano-SIM and a new eSIM slot uses it, contact the operator to activate the virtual card.
2. Check the settings. APN: Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point (APN). If the list is empty, add APN manually (options can be found on your operator's website).

Activate VoLTE and VoWiFi (if supported):

• In the same mobile network menu, enable High-quality calls and Wi-Fi calls.

If, after the transfer, SIM-The mobile phone is not working, try it:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Manually select the operator network in Settings → Mobile network → Network operators.
• 📱 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

7.Set up the new Xiaomi after data transfer

Even after a successful migration, the new phone needs to be reconfigured.

• 🔒 Security: Set up unlock (fingerprint, Face) ID Or a pattern lock. Include settings. → Confidentiality → Data protection. Check permissions for applications in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
• 📱 System settings: Activate Dark Mode or Read Mode (if you use it). Configure Gestures or Navigation buttons to Settings → Display: Disable unnecessary system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music if you are not using them).
• 🔋 Battery: Enable Adaptive Charging in Settings → Battery to extend battery life. Set up Power Saving Mode for background applications.

Pay special attention to update applications. After porting through Mi Mover, some programs may become obsolete. Open Play Market, go to My apps and games. → Updates and install all available updates.

If after transfer you notice that the phone began to brake, follow the following steps:

1. Clear the cache: Settings → Memory. → Cleanup → Kesh.
2. Disable animation (to speed up the interface): adb shell settings put global window_animation_scale 0.5 adb shell settings put global transition_animation_scale 0.5 adb shell settings put global animator_duration_scale 0.5 (Developer Mode and Connection to be enabled ADB).
3. Check background activity: Settings → Battery → Use battery and disable applications that consume a lot of resources.

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After transferring the data, it is recommended to reset the partition cache via Recovery Mode, which will delete temporary files that may have been transferred from the old phone and caused lags.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users encounter problems, and here are the most common errors and ways to correct them:

If you find that some contacts are duplicated after the transfer, it is because they are synced from both Mi Cloud and Google Account to fix:

1. Open Contacts → Settings → Contact Management.
2. Choose to Join Contacts and follow the instructions.
3. Turn off your contacts sync in your Google Account if you only use Mi Cloud (or vice versa).

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If you lose notes from the Notes app after transfer, check if they sync with Mi Cloud or Google Keep. Sometimes the data is not restored immediately - wait 10-15 minutes and restart the phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions