Changing your smartphone is always stressful, not so much with getting used to the new screen size as with the risk of losing important data. Xiaomi ecosystem owners are in a better position, because the company has provided several built-in tools for seamless migration. If you are looking for a way to transfer files from shiomi to shiomi, you do not need third-party software or complex technical manipulation.
In this article, we will discuss in detail each available method: from the proprietary application Mi Mover, which copes with the task in a matter of minutes, to the classic connection through the use of a mobile phone. USB-You'll learn how to save folder structure, Wi-Fi passwords, even desktop icons, and it's important to understand that the choice of method depends on the amount of data and the speed of the Internet.
Some users prefer cloud storage, others trust only physical cable. We will look at the pros and cons of each approach so you can choose the best option for your situation. The fastest transfer of large amounts of data (over 50 GB) is possible only through a direct Wi-Fi connection or cable, the cloud will download files for hours.
Using the Mi Mover application: a standard solution
The most efficient and quickest way is to use the built-in Mi Mover tool, which is already pre-installed on most modern Redmi and Poco smartphones and is located in the Tools folder, and its main advantage is the ability to transfer not only multimedia, but also system settings, call history and application data.
The migration process is done over a local Wi-Fi channel, which provides high speed and does not consume mobile traffic. You do not need to connect to the router; devices create a direct point of access to each other, which ensures the security of data, because it does not leave the limits of your gadgets.
To get started, open the app on both devices. On the old phone, select the role of "Sender" (Old phone), and on the new one, "Receiver" (New phone). QR-The code will start synchronizing. The system will ask you to select the types of data to copy:
- 📱 Contacts and Messages – Complete Correspondence History and Phone Book.
- 🖼️ Photo and video - all contents of the gallery in original quality.
- ⚙️ System settings - Wi-Fi passwords, alarm clocks, design themes.
- 📲 Applications themselves APK-files and, in some cases, their data.
It is important to note that when transferring banking applications, the authorization data may not be saved for security reasons, you will have to re-enter them on the new device, and also make sure that both phones are charged at least 50% to avoid a sudden shutdown.
Sync with Mi Cloud and Xiaomi account
The Mi Cloud is a digital insurance service, and if you have set up sync on your old device beforehand, most of the data will be downloaded automatically when you sign in on your new Xiaomi smartphone, ideal if your old phone is already sold or broken.
To activate the function, go to Settings → Mi → Mi Cloud Account. You need to activate switches for the desired categories: Gallery, Contacts, Notes, Recorder. Free 5 GB of space is provided to the user, which is enough for documents and contacts, but may not be enough for a photo archive.
The main advantage of the method is automation. Once the new phone connects to Wi-Fi, it will pull up all the changes itself, but there are also disadvantages: speed depends on the provider, and for large amounts of data you will have to buy additional subscriptions, and not all application files are synchronized through the cloud.
Don’t rely on the cloud alone to buy a new flagship with more storage. Initial downloads of hundreds of gigabytes can take days, making the phone virtually unusable on day one. Combine this method with manually transmitting heavy video over cable.
Transferring data through Google Account
The Android ecosystem offers its standard backup mechanism, which is deeply integrated into the operating system. When you first set up a new Xiaomi smartphone, the system will offer to restore data from Google’s backup, primarily for contacts, calendar and installed app list.
To make sure that data is saved, go to Settings → Google → Backup on your old device. Click Start Copy. This saves passwords, device settings, and some app data. Note that photos and videos are usually synced through Google Photos, not the system backup.
When you log in to the same Google account on a new phone, it will offer you to download the apps you installed earlier, which is convenient, but there is a caveat: the apps will be downloaded from the Play Market again, rather than copying files from your phone, which ensures that you get the latest versions of the programs, but it will take time and traffic.
| Parameter | Mi Mover | Google Account | Mi Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | High (locally) | Depends on the Internet. | Depends on the Internet. |
| Contacts | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Annexes | APK + Data Data | Only a list. | Partially. |
| Photo/Video | Yeah (original) | Through Google Photos | Yes (with limit) |
Using a Google Account is critical to retaining contacts if you plan to switch to a different brand phone in the future.It's a universal standard that works on any Android smartphone, unlike the manufacturer's proprietary solutions.
Transfer of files through USB-cable
A classic method that is not lost on relevance, especially when working with huge files. Connecting to a computer allows you to manually control the file system of a Xiaomi smartphone. USB-cable, preferably original, supporting data transfer, not just charging.
Connect your old phone to your PC, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification. The computer will open a Explorer window. Copy the DCIM (camera photos and videos), MIUI (screenshots and voice recorder), Download and Documents folders to your hard drive. Then connect the new phone and copy the data to the same directories.
⚠️ Note: When copying through Explorer, do not move system folders with names like Android, data or obb manually unless you are sure of your actions. This can disrupt the application on the new device.
This is a good way to get control of the mess, you can sort out the trash right away, delete the unnecessary screenshots and old videos before downloading to a new device, and it's also the only way to transfer files if the old phone's screen is broken but USB debugging mode is running, or if the touchscreen is partially responsive.
Alternative methods: Bluetooth and ShareMe
If you don't have a computer on hand and Mi Mover isn't installed for some reason, you can use the built-in file manager or ShareMe (formerly Mi Drop) app, which uses Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth technologies to create a connection.
In the standard Files Explorer, select the documents or photos you want, click Send and select Bluetooth or Nearby Share. Bluetooth speed is low, so it's only suitable for documents and a small number of photos. For Gigabytes of video, ShareMe is better, which works on the Mi Mover principle, but allows you to select files more flexibly.
ShareMe app allows you to create QR-It's a great way to quickly flip a couple of heavy rollers over to a friend or a new phone without completely migrating the system. The interface is intuitive and doesn't require complex setup.
Frequent mistakes and their solution
Users often experience typical problems in data transfer, and understanding the causes of these errors will help avoid wasting time, most often due to software conflicts or unstable connections.
One common problem is communication interruption when transferring large files, which can occur if the phone is power-saving mode that kills the background transmission process, and it is recommended to turn off energy savings and close unnecessary applications before migrating.
Also, users forget that some functions (such as syncing through Google) require a stable connection, and if the Wi-Fi router is far away, the speed can drop to zero, in which case it is better to approach the source of the signal or use a cable.
⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the data transfer process by retrieval SIM-A card or a phone reboot in the middle of the process, which can damage the contact database or corrupt image files that can't be opened.
If you encounter an error “Not enough space” on a new device, check if the system files are hidden. Sometimes the messenger cache takes tens of gigabytes. Before transferring via Mi Mover, you can select the option “Do not transfer application data” to copy only the installation files, and download the correspondence history from the cloud backup of the messenger itself.