Buying a new smartphone is always a celebration, but it is often overshadowed by the need to transfer a huge amount of personal information. When you get a new Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, you want to start using it immediately, rather than digging into the settings of the old device for hours. Fortunately, the Android ecosystem and the Chinese giant’s proprietary tools allow you to solve the problem of data migration as quickly as possible and without loss of quality.
The process of transferring files, contacts, applications and even passwords from Wi-Fi networks has become much easier in recent years. IT-If you're a professional or know the adb commands to copy gigabytes of photos and correspondence, there are nuances that depend on the version of the operating system and the model of your previous phone.
In this guide, we will look at all the available ways, from cloud syncs to direct cable, and we will discuss the features of working with Mi Mover, the nuances of WhatsApp portability, and how to avoid the typical errors that cause users to lose important documents.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before you start any copying process, you need to do basic training for both smartphones, which is a critical step that is often ignored, which leads to a connection break in the middle of the procedure. Make sure that both devices are charged at least 60%, as active data transfer over Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth is significantly energy consuming.
While most current methods work autonomously, having a stable internet connection on an old phone may be required to verify access rights to Google or iCloud accounts, and it is also recommended to make room on the new Xiaomi if it is not entirely new by deleting temporary files.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the transfer process or switch between apps on an old smartphone during migration, this can damage contact or message databases.
If the old phone has a very old version of Android (like 4.4 or 5.0), some modern encryption methods may not be supported by the new MIUI or HyperOS security protocols.
It is also worthwhile to determine in advance what data you need. A full clone of the system is not always advisable, since it is better to install applications on a new phone from scratch to avoid transferring system debris and registry errors of the old device. Leave only personal files: photos, videos, documents and contacts for transfer.
Using the Mi Mover app for full cloning
The most effective and native way for the brand’s devices is to use Mi Mover, an app designed specifically for migrating from any platform (Android, iOS) to Xiaomi’s devices, which allows you to transfer not only media files, but also folder structure, alarm settings, notes, and even the location of icons on your desktop.
The process starts automatically when you first turn on a new smartphone in the “Help” menu. If you have already set up your phone, the application can be found in the Tools folder or downloaded from Google Play / GetApps. On the old device, the program also needs to be installed if it is not there.
Once launched, select the role of each phone on both devices: "Sender" (old) and "Receiver" (new Xiaomi). QR-code displayed on the screen of the new, after which a secure Wi-Fi Direct connection is created. 20-40 MB/s, which is much faster than Bluetooth.
In the interface, you'll see a list of data categories, you can select specific file types or click "Select All." Note that system applications and some secure banking programs may not migrate for security reasons, but will have to be installed and authorized again.
☑️ Checklist before Mi Mover launch
⚠️ Note: If the process is suspended during the stage 99%, Don't panic. Often, this is the time when the database is finalized. 10-15 minutes before the forced reboot.
Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services
If you can’t use Mi Mover or you’re switching from a device where installing third-party APKs is difficult, the classic method through Google Account remains the gold standard. When the new Xiaomi is activated for the first time, the system will offer to restore data from Google’s backup.
This method is ideal for saving contacts, calendar events, Google Keep notes and a list of installed applications. Photos and videos should be pre-uploaded to Google Photos by enabling Autoboot and Sync on your old device. On the new phone, it is easy to log in to the same account, and the library will display automatically.
To access the advanced sync settings on your new device, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. You can manually sync specific services like Drive, Contacts or Play Store, which is useful if the data is not automatically connected.
What to do if your contacts are not synchronized?
It is important to understand that Google does not transfer Wi-Fi passwords (unless the appropriate system backup option is enabled), alarm settings, and data inside applications that do not use cloud storage.
Transfer WhatsApp and Viber messages without losing history
Messengers deserve special attention, as their databases are often stored locally. WhatsApp on Android has a proven algorithm that allows you to save correspondence when you switch to a new phone. The standard backup in Google Drive works faultlessly here if you use the same number and account.
On your old device, open WhatsApp, go to Settings → Chats → Backup and click Create. Make sure the copy has downloaded completely. Once you install the app on the new Xiaomi, the first time you run, the system will find the backup and prompt you to restore your message history.
Viber is a little different, and you also need to back up your settings (“Account” → “Backup”), but it can be stored both on Google Drive and locally, and when you restore it to a new device, it’s important that the phone number matches, otherwise you won’t get access to the history.
| messenger | Storage area | Nuance of transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | You need the same number and Google account. | |
| Viber | Google Drive / Locally | Recovery only at the first start-up |
| Telegram | Cloud (servers) | Just enter the number, the story will load itself. |
| Signal | Local file. | Manual transfer of database file is required |
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Messengers with cloud history (Telegram, Discord) do not require backup – authorization is enough.
Direct cable connection and file transfer
When the amount of data transferred is in the tens of gigabytes (for example, 4K video or RAW photos), wireless methods can be too slow or unstable. In such cases, a cable comes to the rescue. Modern Xiaomi supports the USB OTG standard, which allows you to connect the old phone directly to the new one via a Type-C - Type-C (or Micro-USB) adapter.
After a physical connection, the new smartphone screen may have a request to allow access to the file system of an external device. Agree it. After that, the file manager (for example, a standard Explorer or Google Files) will display the old phone as an external drive.
You can manually copy DCIM (photo and video), Download (download), Documents, and other important directories, and this is a good way to be transparent: you can see what you're copying, and you can eliminate the junk that's been accumulating in your memory for years.
If you don't have a direct Type-C-Type-C cable, you can use your computer as an intermediary. Connect your old phone, copy the data to your PC, then connect the new Xiaomi and transfer the files there. In file transfer mode (MTP), the device will be defined as a removable disk.
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Use the original cable or high-quality analogue with data support. Cheap "charging only" cables will not transmit information, and the computer will not see the device.
Solving Typical Problems and Errors in Transfer
Even if all instructions are followed, there may be technical failures, and one of the common problems is that there is not enough space on the new device, although there seems to be free memory, because the system and the application cache also require space to function properly, and it is recommended to have a minimum 10-15% of the total memory.
Another common situation is “broken” files or apps that don’t open after porting. This often happens if the Android version on the old and new phone is very different (for example, switching from Android 8 to Android 13).
If the process is hanging over the “Data Preparation” stage in Mi Mover, try turning off mobile internet on both devices and leaving only Wi-Fi (PIN-code or pattern lock) at the time of transmission, as encryption systems may conflict.
⚠️ Note: When transferring data from custom firmware or modified systems (Root-right) to stock Xiaomi, access rights errors may occur. In this case, use manual copying via PC.
After successful completion of all procedures, take your time to reset your old phone. Go with the new device for 2-3 days to make sure that all contacts are in place, alarms ring, and photos are displayed correctly.