Transferring data from Android to Xiaomi via Google: a complete guide with secrets

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, especially when it comes to protecting personal data. Many users fear losing contacts, photos or important messages when changing devices. Fortunately, the Google ecosystem offers a reliable way to migrate that works even between devices from different manufacturers. In this article, we will discuss how to transfer data from any Android device to Xiaomi through Google services – quickly, safely and without loss.

The main advantage of this method is versatility. It doesn't matter if you're switching from the Samsung Galaxy. S22 Xiaomi 14 Ultra or from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship POCO F6 In fact, synchronization through Google Account allows you to recover not only basic data (contacts, calendars), but also application settings, call history, and in some cases even the most basic data. SMS. However, there are some nuances to be aware of in advance: for example, not all apps support backup through Google, and some data (such as notes from Mi Notes) will have to be manually transferred.

In this article you will find:

• 🔹 Step-by-step instructions for backing up data on an old device
• 🔹 Detailed Recovery Guide on the New Xiaomi
• 🔹 List of data that cannot be transferred via Google (and alternative ways)
• 🔹 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• 🔹 Comparison of transfer speed via Google vs. other methods (Mi Mover, cable) OTG)

If you’re ready to start, start by checking your current backup settings on your old smartphone, which will take no more than 5 minutes, but will save you hours of headaches in the future.

1. Preparing an Old Android Device: Backup to Google

Before you start porting, make sure your old smartphone has Google Account sync enabled.This step is critical: without it, data just won't get to the cloud, and it won't be possible to restore it on the new Xiaomi. On most devices, backup is on by default, but it's better to check it manually.

Open the Settings. → Accounts and archiving → Backup and restore (item names may vary slightly depending on the Android version and the manufacturer’s shell) Here you will see the Data Backup section – turn it on if it is disabled. Also note the item "Automatic recovery" - it is better to activate it so that new applications after installation on Xiaomi can restore their settings.

Wi-Fi connection (copying over a mobile network can take hours)

Free space in Google Drive (minimum space) 5-10 GB for photo and video)

Update to Google Play Services (update to Play Market)

Disable battery optimization for Google Account (in app settings)

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Pay special attention to Google Photos. By default, the service uploads photos and videos to the cloud, but only if the option Backup and Sync is enabled.

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Slip on the account avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select Photo Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
4. Make sure the switch is active and the Google account is selected.

If you have a lot of media, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to download, depending on the speed of the Internet and the amount of data, and it's important that once you back up, don't delete the files from your old device until you've fully synced, otherwise they may not be in the cloud.

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If you have slow internet, charge your old device and leave it on overnight charge with Wi-Fi on, ensuring that all data can be loaded into Google Drive.

2.What data can be transferred through Google (and what to expect on Xiaomi)

Not all data syncs through Google Accounts equally well, but here is a complete list of what you can recover on the new Xiaomi and what you will have to carry in other ways:

Special attention deserves SMS Starting with Android 9 Pie, Google limited automatic backup of this data because of its privacy policy:

1. Install the application on the old device SMS Backup & Restore (Available on Play Market).
2. Create a backup copy SMS/MMS format XML.
3. Upload the file to Google Drive or send it to your mail.
4. On the new Xiaomi, restore messages through the same app.

For apps, the situation is even more ambiguous, such as WhatsApp does not use Google backup for chats — instead, it saves backups to Google Drive. → WhatsApp backups. Telegram syncs messages through the cloud itself, so you don't have to move anything to check which of your apps backup:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select the appropriate application.
3. See if there is a Data Backup option (usually in the Memory or Additional section).

Through Google Account|Through Mi Mover (Xiaomi)|Cable. OTG|Through the computer|Another way.-->

Setup the new Xiaomi: Recovering data from Google

When you first turn on the new Xiaomi, the system offers to restore data from the backup. This step is critically important — if you skip it, the later will be more difficult to recover data.

1. Turn on your new smartphone and select a language, region, connect to Wi-Fi.
2. On the Data Copy screen, select "Restore from backup".
3. Log in to the same Google Account that was used on the old device.
4. The system will offer to select a backup copy - choose the latest (by date).
5. Check the data types for recovery (contacts, applications, Wi-Fi settings, etc.).
6. Confirm the recovery and wait for the process to be completed.

If you missed this step when you first set up, don't worry, you can recover the data later.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Data Recovery.
3. Log in to your Google Account and follow the instructions.

The recovery process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours, depending on the amount of data and the speed of the Internet. Don't interrupt the process, even if it seems that the smartphone is "hanging." The screen will display the progress of the download. Once completed, Xiaomi will automatically restart, and you can start using.

After recovery, check:

• 📱 Contacts: Open the Contacts app and make sure all numbers are in place.
• 📅 Open Google Calendar and check out the events.
• 📷 Photos: Run Google Photos and wait for sync to complete.
• 📱 Applications: Some programs may not automatically recover, but will have to be installed manually from the Play Market.

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If some contacts or photos are missing after recovery, check if the old device used local accounts (such as Samsung Account or Huawei). ID). This data is not synced with Google and requires a separate transfer.

4.Transfer of data that Google does not copy: alternative methods

As we've learned before, not all data can be transferred through a Google Account, but for other types of files, you'll have to use alternative methods, and let's look at the most reliable ones.

📁 Local files and documents

To transfer documents (.pdf,.docx), music or other files from internal memory:

• 🔹 Use Google Drive: Upload files to the cloud from your old device, then download them to Xiaomi.
• 🔹 Connect your smartphones over cable OTG (You'll need an adapter. USB-C to USB-C or USB-C Micro-USB, depending on the ports).
• 🔹 Use Mi Mover, Xiaomi’s proprietary wireless portability app (available from the Mi App Store).

💬 Messages and call history

If you haven't used SMS Backup & Restore in advance, alternative ways:

• 🔹 Samsung Smart Switch (if old device – Samsung): backs up SMS In.smb format, which can be converted.
• 🔹 Super Backup & Restore (Play Market) SMS/MMS into XML And it's restoring it to a new device.
• 🔹 Manual export: Some devices (such as Sony Xperia) have a built-in export feature SMS file.

📝 Notes from Mi Notes or other applications

To transfer notes from branded applications (for example, Samsung Notes or Mi Notes):

• 🔹 Export notes to a universal format (.txt,.pdf or.zip).
• 🔹 Use cloud services: Mi Notes syncs with Mi Cloud, and Samsung Notes syncs with Samsung Account.
• 🔹 Move notes to Google Keep is a one-stop solution for all Android devices.

For music and videos not uploaded to Google Photos, the most convenient way to use a physical connection (cable or memory card).If files take up a lot of space, consider network storage (NAS) external SSD-adaptor USB-C.

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If you’re migrating data from your iPhone to Xiaomi, use Apple’s Move to iOS app (yes, it works backwards under some conditions), but this method is less reliable than backing up through Google.

5 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seemingly simple process, users often encounter problems when migrating data, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If the new Xiaomi has already set up a Google Account before recovery, the system may suggest combining or overwriting data.

Another common problem is the lack of space on the new device, and if you're recovering, you're missing a memory problem:

• 🔹 Remove unnecessary files or apps on the new Xiaomi before recovery.
• 🔹 Transfer some of the data (such as photos) to a microSD card.
• 🔹 Recover data selectively, not all at once.

If some applications are not working properly after recovery (for example, they crash or do not save settings), try:

1. Update the application to the latest version.
2. Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps.
3. Reinstall the application (sometimes it helps to recover lost data from the cloud).

⚠️ Note: If you are using two-factor authentication (2FA) Google Account, before the data penos make sure you have backup codes or access to a trusted device. Otherwise, you may lose access to your account after resetting your old smartphone.

6.Comparison of transfer methods: Google vs. Mi Mover vs. cable

Moving through a Google Account isn’t the only way to migrate data to Xiaomi, but let’s look at the pros and cons of each method so you can choose the best option.

Google’s account is winning in versatility — it works on any Android device, and data is available even after a smartphone is dropped or lost. However, it loses in speed: uploading 50 GB of photos to the cloud can take several days with a slow Internet.

Mi Mover is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi that allows you to transfer all data (including applications and their settings) at a time. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO And it requires you to install the application on your old device. 20-30 MB/s, that in 5-10 Time faster than downloading to Google Drive.

Cable OTG — The fastest method for large files (speed up to the speed of the file) 40-50 MB/s), but requires the purchase of an adapter and manual control, suitable if you need to transfer only media files or documents, without settings and applications.

The best scenario for most users:

1. Move contacts, calendars and basic settings through Google Account.
2. Use Mi Mover for applications and their data (if the old device is Xiaomi).
3. Transfer large files (video, music) over the cable OTG via computer.

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If you’re migrating data from your iPhone to Xiaomi, combine Move to iOS (for contacts and photos) with a Google Account (for calendars and emails), which is the most reliable way to avoid losses.

7. Xiaomi Optimization After Data Transfer

After successfully migrating data, the new Xiaomi requires additional customization for maximum performance and security.

🔧 Synchronization setting

• 🔹 Check that sync is enabled for all the services you need: go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and activate sync for Contacts, Calendar, Gmail and Google Fit.
• 🔹 Set up automatic photo uploads in Google Photos: Open the app, go to Settings → Backup and sync and select quality (High or Original).

📱 Optimizing memory

After the data transfer, a lot of debris can remain on the new device, to clean it up:

1. Go to Settings. → Memory and start cleaning up garbage.
2. Remove the app cache: Settings → Annexes → Select the application → Clear the cache.
3. Move photos and videos to a memory card (if any) or to the cloud.

🔒 Security

• 🔹 Set up unlocking by fingerprint or face in Settings → Lock screen and password.
• 🔹 Enable device search via Google’s Find My Device: This will help you find your smartphone in case of loss.
• 🔹 Check permissions for applications: some programs may request unnecessary rights after the transfer (for example, access to the application). SMS geolocation).

If you notice that Xiaomi has slowed down after the move, try:

• 🔹 Disable System Animation: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode, then to Developer Settings → Scale of window/transition animation and select Off..
• 🔹 Limit background activity for unnecessary applications.
• 🔹 Enable performance mode in Settings → Battery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability to Xiaomi