How to transfer data from the old phone to the new Xiaomi

Buying a new smartphone is always accompanied by the euphoria of owning a fresh gadget, but this delight quickly turns into anxiety when you first turn on the device and see an empty desktop. The natural question arises: how quickly and painlessly to transfer all the accumulated information, so as not to feel disconnected from the digital world? Fortunately, modern technology, especially in the Xiaomi ecosystem, allows you to solve this problem in just a few touches.

There are many nuances that depend on the operating system of your previous device, whether it is Android, iOS or even legacy systems like Windows Phone, the algorithm of actions will differ. In this article, we will discuss all available methods in detail, paying special attention to the Mi Mover proprietary tool, which is the gold standard for users of this brand.

Don't worry about losing important contacts or photo albums over the years. A well-designed data migration strategy ensures that your new smartphone will be an exact replica of the old one, but with higher performance and a better screen. Let's figure out what tools you'll need and how to use them effectively.

Preparing devices for data migration

Before running any transfer programs, both devices need to be trained in basic ways, a critical step that often leads to connection errors or midway interruptions, and make sure that both smartphones are at least 60 percent charged, as the transfer of large amounts of information can be a significant energy drain.

It’s also worth checking if there’s free space on your host device, and if you’re planning to move all your apps and media files from your old phone, the amount of free space on the new Xiaomi should be more than the amount of data you’re using on your old one, and you can check that in the storage settings.

  • πŸ”‹ Charge both smartphones to a level of at least 60-70% avoiding shutdown in the process.
  • πŸ“Ά Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi enabled (even if the transmission is direct, the module must be active).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Free up space on your new phone by removing unnecessary system apps or temporary files.
  • πŸ”’ Unlock the screens of both devices and allow file transfer when the system is requested.

It is important to note that for most data transfer methods to work, the device screens should not go out. It is recommended to temporarily increase the time until the screen is automatically turned off in the display settings.

πŸ’‘

Before you start the transfer, delete unnecessary junk files and app cache from both phones, which will speed up the process and allow you to transfer only really important information.

Using the Mi Mover app for Android

The most efficient and quickest way to transfer data between Android smartphones is to use the proprietary Mi Mover utility, which is pre-installed on all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones running the shell. MIUI For an old phone, if it is not manufactured by Xiaomi, the application can be downloaded for free from Google Play or installed via the Internet. APK-file.

The process starts with running an application on both devices. On the new phone, you choose the Recipient role, and on the old phone, you choose the Sender role. The system will suggest creating a temporary Wi-Fi hotspot or connecting to an existing network. For maximum speed, you'll better use the direct connection that the phone creates.

After connecting the devices through QR-You'll be asked to select data categories for transfer, and Mi Mover's algorithm allows you to flexibly customize the sample:

  • πŸ“ž Contacts and call history are transferred along with assigned ringtones.
  • πŸ“Έ Photos, videos and audio recordings retain their original metadata and date of creation.
  • πŸ“± Applications are ported as installation files, but their data (logins, game progress) may require separate synchronization.
  • πŸ“ Communications SMS and MMS Completely copied with the entire history of the correspondence.

⚠️ Note: Bank customers and some instant messengers (such as WhatsApp) may not be able to re-enter, you will have to re-enter passwords and confirm login via the app. SMS new-device.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before Mi Mover launch

Done: 0 / 5

We need to focus on the application portability, but we're not. APK-The files will be copied, the internal data will often remain on the old device for security reasons, so after the migration is complete, many programs will have to be reconfigured.

Transferring data from iPhone (iOS) to Xiaomi

iPhone owners who choose to switch to Xiaomi don’t have to worry about data loss. Xiaomi has a special mode in the Mi Mover app, which is designed to work with the Apple ecosystem. However, the functionality here is slightly limited compared to transfer between Android devices due to the closed iOS operating system.

To start the process on the iPhone, you also need to install the Mi Mover app from the App Store. After you start, select the option β€œI am the sender” and scan. QR-The code that will appear on the screen of the new Xiaomi. It is important to understand that you can not transfer all types of data.

Here’s what to really do with iOS on Android:

  • πŸ“· Photos and videos from the gallery (main data volume).
  • πŸ“’ Contacts from the phone book.
  • πŸ“… Calendar Events and Notes (partially, depending on iOS version).
  • 🎡 Music files that are not protected DRM.

Applications, iMessage messages and system settings cannot be moved due to the architectural differences of the operating systems. You will have to re-download all the necessary programs from Google Play and configure them.

Why are WhatsApp messages not ported from iPhone to Android?
This is due to the different structure of the messenger database on iOS and Android. Officially WhatsApp allows you to transfer the history of chats only when you initially set up the phone using a Lightning-to-USB-C cable and special utilities, but not through the Wi-Fi application Mi Mover.
Type of dataAndroid β†’ XiaomiiPhone β†’ XiaomiCommentary
Contactsβœ… Completely.βœ… Completely.Numbers and names retained
Photo/Videoβœ… Completely.βœ… Completely.Quality maintained
Annexesβœ… APK file❌ Impossible.We need to download it again.
SMS messagesβœ… Completely.❌ Impossible.iMessage is not compatible
Wi-Fi settingsβœ… Partially.❌ Impossible.Passwords may not be saved.

Synchronization through Google Account

If you already have an Android phone, the most reliable and clean way to transfer is through Google Account sync. This method does not require third-party applications and works at the system level. When the new Xiaomi is first enabled, the system will offer to restore data from the cloud.

To do this, on your old phone, you need to make sure that sync is enabled. Go to Settings β†’ Google β†’ Sync and click Sync. Make sure that the ticks are against contacts, calendar and other important items. Also check if the backup is included in Settings β†’ System β†’ Backup.

When you enter your Google account on a new device, Xiaomi will automatically offer to restore the list of installed applications. the phone will start downloading them from the Play Market. This can take time, depending on the speed of the Internet connection and the number of programs.

The main advantage of this method is contact integration, which means that once you enter your Google login and password, all your numbers will appear automatically in the phone book, eliminating the need to export and import.vcf files manually.

πŸ’‘

Using a Google Account is a β€œserverless” migration method that ensures that your contacts and calendar are always safe even if you lose your phone.

Manual transfer of files via computer

In cases where wireless methods are unstable or you need to transfer a huge amount of data (for example, 100).+ GB video, the most reliable is the old-fashioned PC method. USB and a computer with enough free space.

Connect your old phone to your computer and select File Transfer Mode (MTP). Copy DCIM (photo and video), Download, Documents, and other important directories to your computer's hard drive. Then disable the old phone and connect the new Xiaomi.

Copy saved folders into the appropriate directories on the new device. Android folder structure is standard, so file recognition problems with a gallery or music player should not arise. This method also allows you to audit files and not carry digital debris.

⚠️ Note: When copying through a computer, make sure you use quality USB-Cheap cables can only support charging, but not data transmission, which will lead to connection errors.

After copying the files, it is recommended to restart the new smartphone so that the system scans the media library and correctly displays thumbnails of images.

πŸ“Š What data transfer method seems to you most convenient?
Mi Mover (wireless)
Google Account (automatic)
Through a computer (cable)
Cloud Storage (Google Drive)

Solving problems and errors during transfer

Despite the fact that things are fine, there are some failures, and the most common problem is that Mi Mover fails to connect, and 90 percent of the time, it is solved by simply turning off and turning on Wi-Fi on both devices or restarting smartphones.

Another common problem is 99 percent transmission interruption, which can be due to energy-saving modes, and on older phones (especially not Xiaomi), you need to allow the Mi Mover app to run in the background and not limit its activity with the system.

If the process is stalled, don't panic. Break the connection, clear the Mi Mover app cache on both phones (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Mi Mover β†’ Memory β†’ Clean) and try to start the process again. Usually, the second attempt is successful.

In rare cases, it may be necessary to manually install drivers or update the version of the app to the latest available in the store.Outdated versions may not see new security protocols embedded in the latest versions of Android.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will Wi-Fi passwords be saved after the transfer?
When using Mi Mover from Android to Android, Wi-Fi passwords are usually portable, but when switching from an iPhone or using Google sync, Wi-Fi passwords may not be saved and you will have to re-enter them.
Do I need to format a new phone before transferring?
No, the new Xiaomi phone is clean. Formatting (reset to factory settings) is only required if you have already started setting up, installed something, and decided to start the process of transferring data from scratch.
Can the transfer process be interrupted and continued later?
The pause function in the Mi Mover is limited. If the process is interrupted (e.g., the battery dies), you will most likely have to start transferring the selected categories again, so battery power is critical.
Will the keyboard and dictionary layout be transferred?
With standard Mi Mover tools, custom dictionaries and typing history are often not portable. However, if you use the Gboard keyboard and are logged into your Google account, the dictionary can sync through the Google cloud.