How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Vivo Y31: 5 proven ways

Moving from Xiaomi to Vivo Y31 is a crucial step, especially if the old smartphone has accumulated years of photos, important contacts and working files. Many users are afraid of losing data when changing the brand, but in practice the transfer process can be done quickly and safely, the main thing is to choose the right method depending on the amount of information and tools available.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to migrate data, from standard Mi Mover and Google Account features to manual copying via OTG cable or cloud services, focusing on the nuances of compatibility between MIUI and Funtouch OS, and also caution against typical errors that can lead to file loss. If you plan to fully upgrade to Vivo Y31, save this instruction — it will save you hours to set up a new device.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

Before you start migrating, make sure both smartphones are ready for the procedure, and skipping this stage can cause incomplete data transfers or even malfunctions in the new device.

• 🔋 Charge both phones to a minimum of 50% — the process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data.
• 📶 Connect both devices to a stable Wi-Fi network (if you use cloud services or Mi Mover). Mobile Internet is not suitable due to traffic restrictions.
• 🧹 Clean Xiaomi of unnecessary files: remove duplicate photos, app cache and temporary files through Settings → Storage → Cleanup.
• 🔐 Make sure there is enough free space on Vivo Y31, for example, 30 GB of data requires a minimum of 35-40 GB of free space to be transferred.

Pay special attention to account sync, if you use a Google Account or Mi Account, check that the latest data (contacts, calendar, notes) has been successfully uploaded to the cloud.

1. On Xiaomi, go to Settings → Accounts → Google and make sure sync is enabled.
2. For Mi Account, open Settings → Mi Account → Cloud and check backup status.

⚠️ Warning: If you transfer data from Xiaomi to Vivo Y31 via cable, turn off battery optimization for file transfer applications. Otherwise, the connection may be interrupted. You can do this in Settings → Battery → Battery → Battery Optimization (select "All apps" and turn off optimization for Mi Mover or file manager).

Method 2: Transfer over Mi Mover (official solution from Xiaomi)

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi that allows you to transfer data to devices of other brands, including Vivo.This method is suitable for transferring contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio and even some applications (without their data).

• 🚫 Does not support transfer of system settings (wallpaper, sounds, network settings).
• 🚫 Not all Vivo models are compatible – check the list on the official website.
• 🚫 Maximum transmission volume is 100 GB per session.

Step instructions:

1. Download Mi Mover on both devices: For Xiaomi: available in Settings → Additional → Mi Mover. For Vivo Y31: download APK from APKCombo (there is no official app in the App Store Vivo).

Mi Mover

• On Xiaomi, it says, “I’m a sender.”
• On the Vivo Y31, it says, “I’m a receiver.”

⚠️ Warning: If the Vivo Y31 has Funtouch OS 11 or later installed, Mi Mover may not see the device. In this case, use compatibility mode: in the Mi Mover settings on Vivo, enable the option "Third Party Support" (if any in your version APK).

Both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or the hotspot is enabled on Xiaomi)

Vivo Y31 has a APK- file installed on the Mi Mover (not from Google Play!)

Battery optimization for Mi Mover on both devices is disabled

The space on the Vivo Y31 exceeds the amount of data transferred

Charging the battery of both phones > 50%-->

Method 3: Transfer through Google Account (the most reliable method)

Syncing through Google Account is a universal way that works on any Android device, including the Vivo Y31, and its main advantage is the automatic updating of data (contacts, calendar, mail) when adding new information.

• 📁 Not all data types are synchronized (e.g., SMS messages or application settings are not portable).
• 📸 Photos and videos will have to be uploaded to Google Photos separately.
• 🔄 The process can take several hours with a large amount of data.

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi, open Settings → Accounts → Google and enable sync for: Contacts Calendar Gmail (Gmail) Google Drive (Drive) – if you need to transfer documents.
2. To transfer photos and videos: Open the Google Photos app. Go to Settings → Backup and Sync. Enable the option and select quality ("High quality" - free, "Original" - places in Google Drive).
3. On Vivo Y31, add the same Google Account: Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Add an account. Select Google and log in.

Vivo Y31

• Go to your Google account settings and activate the same options as you did on Xiaomi.
• For Google Photos, open the app and wait for the media files to load.

Important: If you use two-factor authentication (2FA) in your Google Account, you will need to generate backup codes in your security settings before perenosom data, unless the SMS with the confirmation code comes to a new number (if you change the SIM- card with your smartphone).

💡

If you have slow internet, upload photos to Google Photos at night when traffic is minimal. To do this, select "Only when connecting to Wi-Fi" in your backup settings.

4 Method 3: Transfer over a OTG or USB cable (for large data volumes)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes of data (like movies, backups, or projects), the fastest way is to connect directly via cable.

• 🔌 Cable OTG (Connecting a flash drive or a second phone).
• 🔌 USB-C cable (if both phones support USB OTG Host).
• 🖥️ Computer (alternatively, copy files via PC).

Instructions for direct connection of Xiaomi to Vivo Y31:

1. Buy a two-way USB-C cable (or USB-C to USB-C adapter).
2. On Xiaomi, turn on File Transfer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the build number to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

Xiaomi

File transfer

Vivo Y31

File manager

Files by Google

Xiaomi

DCIM

Downloads

Vivo Y31

⚠️ Warning: Not all USB-C to USB-C cables support data transmission — some are for charging only. Before buying, check that the cable is labeled "USB 2.0 Data Sync" or "USB 3.1." Cheap cables without a control chip can damage ports!

5. Method 4: Transfer over a computer (most universal method)

Using a PC or laptop is the most reliable way to transfer, since you have full control over the process and can check the integrity of the files.

• 📂 Transfer structured data (e.g., projects from Adobe Lightroom or application databases).
• 🔄 Backup before resetting Xiaomi.
• 🛠️ Data recovery after other methods fail.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via the USB- cable and select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Copy the folders you need from your phone to your PC: Internal Storage/DCIM – photos and videos. Internal Storage/Downloads – downloads. Internal Storage/MIUI/Backup – backups of Mi Account. Internal Storage/Android/data – application data (if necessary).

Xiaomi

Vivo Y31

MTP

Vivo Y31

DCIM/Camera

• Google Contacts (export to CSV and import to Vivo)
• SMS Backup & Restore (Save Messages to XML)

💡

When copying via computer, always check the integrity of files after transfer, for example, open a few photos or videos on Vivo Y31 to make sure they are not corrupted.

Method 5: Transfer over cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk)

Cloud storage is convenient for data transfer if you have slow or no cable, but this method requires:

• 📶 Stable network connection (preferably Wi-Fi).
• ☁️ Adequate cloud space (e.g., Google Drive only gives 15GB for free).
• ⏳ Time – uploading 50GB of data can take hours.

Comparison of popular services:

Instructions for Google Drive:

1. On Xiaomi, install Google Drive (if not installed).
2. Download files: Open the app and click + → Download. Select files or folders (e.g. DCIM for photo).

Vivo Y31

Google

Google Drive

For Mi Cloud (for backup with Xiaomi only):

1. On Xiaomi, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable backup for the required data (contacts, messages, notes).
3. Once you have finished copying, export your data in.vcf (contacts) or.xml (SMS) format and transfer it to Vivo Y31 via any other method (e.g. email or cable).
4. Lack of space on Vivo Y31 🔹 Move some files to microSD (if supported). 🔹 Use Google Photos in Free Space mode after uploading the photo to the cloud. 🔹 Delete unnecessary files via Settings → Storage → Cleanup.

⚠️ Warning: If you migrate data from Xiaomi to Vivo Y31 via Smart Switch (Samsung's proprietary app), it may not work properly with Funtouch OS. Use only the proven methods from this article!

8 What to do after data transfer

File portability is only half the battle, and to keep the Vivo Y31 running smoothly, follow these steps:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone, which will help the system index new files.
• 📱 Set up accounts: Add all emails and instant messengers. Enable sync for Google Contacts, Calendar, and Notes.
• 🔒 Update apps: Open Google Play and click "Update All." Remove unnecessary apps that have moved automatically.
• 🛡️ Set up security: Enable Find My Device (in case of losing your phone). Set a pattern lock or fingerprint in Settings → Security.
• 📡 Check network settings: Move SIM- card or set up eSIM (if supported). Set up APN for mobile internet (you can take the options from your carrier's website).

If you notice some data missing after the transfer, don't panic.

• 🔍 Check the "Internal Storage/MiMover" folder on Vivo Y31 - sometimes files are copied there.
• 📥 Repeat the transfer via another method (e.g., if Mi Mover didn't work, use a cable).
• 💾 Restore data from Mi Cloud or Google Drive backup.

💡

After the data transfer, reset Xiaomi to factory settings (Settings → Reset → Delete All Data).This will protect your personal information if you plan to sell or transfer the phone to another person.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions