Changing a smartphone is always stressful, not so much with getting used to a new interface as with the risk of losing important data. Owners of the MIUI ecosystem often face difficulties in switching to Realme UI, because the software of these brands has significant differences in folder structure and synchronization methods. However, modern technology allows you to complete a full clone of the system in minutes, preserving the history of correspondence, passwords and media files.
The process of migrating data between Android devices from different manufacturers has become much easier thanks to standardization of transmission protocols. You no longer need to manually copy hundreds of photos or re-typing contacts if you use the right tools. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from embedded utilities to cloud services that guarantee the safety of your digital life.
Before you start, you need to understand that data porting is not just about copying files, it's about setting up a new environment for your applications. Some programs may require re-authorization, but most of the information will go automatically. Let's look at how to prepare for the procedure to avoid common errors and time wasted.
Preparation of devices for data transfer
The first step is to properly prepare both devices. Make sure that both smartphones have at least 60-70% battery charge, as the process of active data transfer can be energy intensive. It is also critical to check the availability of free space on the new Realme: the amount of free memory should exceed the amount of data you plan to transfer from the old Xiaomi.
It is recommended to update the operating system on both devices to the latest available version, which minimizes the risk of compatibility conflicts between old and new file formats. Enable Wi-Fi on both devices in advance, even if you plan to use a direct connection, as some system components may require license checks or download application updates.
⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the data transfer process or switch between applications on the old phone during the migration.This can cause archives to be damaged and files to be displayed incorrectly on the new device.
For ease of process management, clear the cache of junk files on Xiaomi before you start.This will speed up scanning and reduce latency.Use the built-in cleaning tool or go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup to delete temporary files that are of no value when you transfer.
☑️ Preparation for migration
Use of the official Clone Phone app
The most effective and native way to transition to Realme devices is to use the pre-installed Clone Phone application.This tool is designed specifically for migration from any Android smartphones and iOS, providing deep integration with the Realme UI shell. The application automatically recognizes data types and distributes them to the corresponding folders of the new system.
The process starts with installing the app on both devices, and on Realme, it's already built into the system and it's in the Tools or System Apps folder. Xiaomi will need to download Clone Phone from Google Play or scan it. QR-Once launched, select the role of each device: “This is a new phone” on Realme and “This is an old phone” on Xiaomi.
The connection is established through the creation of a temporary Wi-Fi hotspot. Realme will create a network to connect to from the old device. Once paired, you will see a list of categories to transfer. The system allows you to select specific types of data: contacts, messages, call log, images, videos, music, documents and even system settings.
- 📱 Contacts and messages: Transferred in full, including attached files MMS and the history of group chats SMS.
- 🖼️ Media files: photos and videos retain original quality without compression, album structure can be recreated.
- ⚙️ System settings: Wi-Fi passwords, alarm clocks, blacklist and some interface settings are transferred.
- 📦 Annexes: installation files APK copy, but data within applications (logins, game progress) is only transferred if the application supports cloud synchronization.
Importantly, the transfer speed depends on the amount of data and the distance between the devices. On average, transferring 32 GB of data takes about 10-15 minutes. Once the process is complete, Realme will automatically start installing applications in the background.
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Clone Phone is the fastest way to transfer system settings and contacts without using a computer or the Internet.
Mi Mover and its limitations on Realme
Many Xiaomi users are used to using the Mi Mover utility for backup. However, when switching to a smartphone from another brand, such as Realme, this method has significant limitations. Mi Mover is optimized for working in a bundle of MIUI-to-MIUI, and while it is technically possible to create a backup, it is often impossible to restore it to someone else’s shell without root rights or complex manipulation.
If you still want to try using the Mi Mover features to create a local backup, you need to go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and recovery. You can create a full backup of the system that you can store in your internal memory or on your computer. SD-The files will have a format that only the shell can understand. MIUI.
To extract data from such a backup on Realme, you will need third-party file managers with access to system partitions, which is not recommended for ordinary users because of the risk of system disruption. Therefore, using Mi Mover to transition to Realme is not recommended, it is better to immediately use cross-platform solutions.
Why doesn't Mi Mover see Realme?
Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services
The most reliable, though not the fastest, method is syncing through a Google account, ideal for contacts, calendar, notes and passwords stored in Google’s password manager, and does not require both phones to be side by side at the time of setting up, since data is stored in the cloud.
On Xiaomi, make sure sync is enabled. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google and check that the boxes are ticked against the right items (Contacts, Calentar, Keep, Drive). After that, the data will automatically download to Google servers. On the new Realme, just enter the same Google account at the first setting or in the account menu, and the information will “fly” to the device.
For photos and videos, Google Photos is the best option. Install the app on Xiaomi, log in to your account and enable Autoboot and Sync. Wait until the process is over. On Realme, just sign in to the same Google Photos account, and your entire gallery will be instantly accessible, taking up the minimum space on the new device thanks to the Save Space feature.
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | What's transferable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clone Phone | Tall. | No (locally) | Everything (contacts, photos, apps, settings) |
| Google Account | Medium | Yes. | Contacts, calendar, passwords, notes |
| Google Photo | Depends on the network. | Yes. | Photos and videos only |
| USB-cable) | Low. | No. | Manual files (photos, documents, music) |
This method also allows you to restore the list of installed applications, and when you log in to Google Play on a new device, the system will suggest restoring the applications that were on the old phone. APK-files are downloaded from the internet again, which can take time when the connection is slow.
Transfer of messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber
Messengers deserve special attention, as they store the history of correspondence and media files in secure directories that are not always copied by standard means.
On Xiaomi, open WhatsApp, go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup. Click on “Backup” and make sure it’s done on a Google account you’ll be using on your new phone. When you first launch WhatsApp on Realme, the app will find the backup and prompt you to restore your message history.
For Telegram, the situation is simpler: all data is stored in the cloud of Telegram servers. Just install the application on Realme and log in to the phone number. All chats, channels and media (within the cache) will be downloaded automatically. Secret chats are not transferred, since they are tied to a particular device.
⚠️ Note: To transfer Viber history, you need to use the “Backup” function inside Viber’s settings on Google Drive. Local copies created by Xiaomi will not be recognized on Realme.
Some users try to transfer Android/media or Android/data folders manually through a file manager, a method that is highly discouraged as newer versions of Android have limited access to these folders and restoring the messenger database can result in login error or loss of encryption keys.
Solution and troubleshooting
There can be technical difficulties in migrating, and one of the common problems is interrupting Wi-Fi Direct when using the Clone Phone, if the process is stuck at a certain percentage, try turning off Bluetooth on both devices and start the process again, and rebooting both smartphones before trying again helps.
Another common problem is the lack of some apps after porting, which occurs if the app was installed from a non-Google Play (e.g., Mi GetApps or a third-party app). APK-In this case, Realme will not be able to find the installer, you will have to manually find and install applications from reliable sources.
If photos have been moved but aren't displayed in the gallery, try clearing the Gallery app's cache on a new phone or rebooting the device.The Android media scanning system sometimes takes time to index new files, especially if the number is large.
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If the Clone Phone shows an "Not Enough Space" error, check the hidden folders and basket on the new phone.Sometimes deleted files still take up space in the cloud or system basket.