How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: the full guide

Buying a new smartphone is always accompanied by mixed feelings: the joy of a fresh device and a slight panic at the need to transfer all digital life. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem are in a winning position, as the manufacturer has provided several built-in and efficient ways to migrate data. The transfer of data between devices of the same brand is as smooth as possible, preserving the structure of folders, Wi-Fi passwords and even the location of icons on the desktop.

There are three main synchronization methods: using a proprietary Mi Mover app, a Mi Cloud cloud service, or a standard Google account. The choice of the particular method depends on the amount of information, the speed of the Internet connection and the personal preferences of the user. In this article, we will analyze each algorithm of actions in detail so that you can choose the best option for your situation.

Before you start, it's important to understand that backup is a critical step that you can't neglect. Even with the most reliable methods, there's always a minimal risk of failure, so you won't need to pre-copy important documents. Let's look at how to prepare your gadgets for migration.

Preparing devices for information migration

The success of the operation depends on the proper preparation of both smartphones. The first thing to do is to charge both devices to a minimum of 60-70%. The process of cloning the system, especially with a large amount of data, can take considerable time, and the battery discharge at a critical moment can lead to file damage or interruption of the installation of applications.

The second important step is to connect to a stable Wi-Fi network if you plan to use cloud services. The local Mi Mover method does not require internet, as the phones will create a direct connection, but the global network will still be required to set up the new device initially and download the latest security updates.

It is also worth checking the version of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system on both gadgets.It is advisable that the software be updated to the current version available for your model.This minimizes the risk of conflicting data formats, especially if you are switching from the old Android 10 to the new Android 13 or 14.

Mi Mover Method: Fast Local Transmission

The fastest and most convenient way is to use the built-in Mi Mover app, which creates a direct Wi-Fi connection between devices, allowing data to be transmitted at high speeds without using Internet traffic.

To get started, open the app on both phones. On the old device, select the role of "Sender" and on the new one, "Receiver." QR-code or connect to the access point you created. Once you have established the connection, you will see a list of data categories available for transfer.

You can choose specific file types: contacts, messages, call history, images, videos, audio, documents and installed applications. that system settings and passwords from Wi-Fi can also be copied, which greatly simplifies the setting of a new gadget to suit your habits.

The process of transferring large amounts of data (for example, 100 GB of photos and videos) can take from 30 minutes to several hours.Device screens may go out, but it is not recommended to interrupt the process.

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M i Mover transmits data over a local Wi-Fi channel, which provides maximum speed and does not consume mobile user traffic.

Sync with Mi Cloud and Google Account

Cloud services are ideal for those who want to set up automatic backup on a permanent basis. Mi Account allows you to save contacts, notes, voice recordings, desktop settings and system settings. To activate the function, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and turn on the desired items.

In parallel, Google Account takes over the storage of contacts, calendar events, Chrome passwords and app data, and when you first log in to a new phone, you just need to enter Google's login and password so that all this information automatically logs in, which is standard for any Android environment.

The main advantage of the cloud method is that it is independent of the physical presence of the old phone. If your previous device is lost or broken, you can recover data just by logging in to your account. However, it is worth remembering the limits of free storage: Google gives 15 GB, and Mi Cloud 5 GB, which may not be enough for photos and videos in original quality.

⚠️ Note: When recovering from the cloud, apps will only be tagged for download, but their actual installation will only begin after connecting to Wi-Fi and logging into the Play Market.

For users who are actively using the ecosystem, the combination of these two services provides dual data protection, and contacts can be kept in sync with both Google and Mi Cloud, which ensures their safety even in case of failures on the side of one of the service providers.

Transfer of multimedia and heavy files

Photos and videos usually take up the largest amount of memory. If you don't want to compress their quality through the cloud, you'd better use a direct transfer or a computer. When using Mi Mover, the albums and folder structure are saved in full, including metadata about the time and location of the shooting.

Alternatively, you can use a PC: connect your old smartphone to your computer in file transfer mode (MTP); copy the DCIM, Pictures, Download and Music folders to your hard drive; then connect the new phone and transfer the data to the appropriate directories; this method is reliable, but requires a cable and a computer.

Xiaomi’s current models support technology OTG. This means that you can connect the external USB-A card reader or a drive directly to your smartphone via an adapter, and by copying the data to a flash drive from an old phone, you can quickly transfer it to a new one, bypassing wireless networks.

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Use a file manager with the Network function to transfer files over FTP/SMB from computer to phone without cables, if not at hand OTG-adapter.

Be sure to check the Android/media and Android/data folder if you want to transfer the cache of some apps or saved files from messengers that do not fall into the standard gallery.

Comparison of data transfer methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have compiled a comparative table of the main characteristics of each method, which will help you to weigh the pros and cons depending on your current situation and technical capabilities.

As you can see from the table, Mi Mover is the most balanced solution for most users, combining high speed and ease of use. Cloud methods are good for constant synchronization, and PCs are good for creating complete archival copies.

Possible problems and solutions

The migration process can be technically challenging, and users often experience a transmission that is stuck at a certain percentage, usually due to an unstable connection or an attempt to copy a broken file, in which case it helps to exclude problematic files from the sample or restart both devices.

Another common problem is that Android versions are incompatible, and some apps may not be installed on a new device unless they are adapted to the new version of the operating system, in which case you will have to manually download the current versions from Google Play.

⚠️ Note: Data from banking applications and some instant messengers (such as WhatsApp) may not be automatically transferred for security reasons. WhatsApp needs to make a separate backup inside the app itself before switching.

If the new phone shows a “Not enough space” error, even though the data volume seems to be less than memory, check the hidden system files and cache. Sometimes cleaning temporary files on the old device before transferring solves the problem of lack of space.

Completion of the setup and integrity check

After the transfer process is complete, take your time to delete data from your old phone. For 2-3 days, actively use the new device, checking for all contacts, photos and app performance. Make sure that the photos in the gallery are synchronized to the end.

Pay special attention to the biometrics settings, fingerprints and facial data are never transferred between devices for security reasons. You will have to register them again in the Settings menu. → Passwords and security.

Only when you make sure everything is working correctly, you can start cleaning your old smartphone.Be sure to complete a factory reset before selling or disposing of it (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset) so that your personal data does not fall into the wrong hands.

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Final data integrity checks and deleting information from the old device are a mandatory step in completing the migration.