How to transfer all data from the old phone to the new Xiaomi: from photos to apps

Moving to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but transferring data from an old device can become a headache if you don’t know the proven ways. Even if you carefully saved all photos in the cloud or regularly synced contacts, the risk of losing important information remains: somewhere you forgot your account password, somewhere files are in an unexpected folder, and some applications refuse to recover at all.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for transferring data to the new Xiaomi (including the Redmi models, POCO And the flagship series, with the nuances of different operating systems, you'll learn how to migrate not only standard files (photos, videos, music), but also messages, notes, app settings, and even game data. And how to avoid the typical mistakes that cause users to lose hours reconfiguring their smartphone, so if you need to move data as quickly as possible (for example, before selling an old phone) or without loss (when important documents are at stake), here you will find the best solution.

1.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi

The most reliable and recommended method by the manufacturer is the use of the proprietary Mi Mover application, which is pre-installed on all new Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the introduction of the new Xiaomi smartphone). MIUI 9) and allows you to transfer almost all types of data without loss of quality, the main advantage is the support of cross-platform portability: you can migrate even from iPhones or devices of other brands (Samsung, Huawei, Realme, etc.).

How it works:

• 📱 On the new Xiaomi: when you first turn on, the system will offer to transfer data. → If you missed this step, find the app on the menu.
• 🔗 Device-to-device communication: Wi-Fi Direct (recommended) or cable can be used OTG (If the old phone has a connector microUSB/Type-C).
• 📁 Data selection: tick what to transfer (contacts, SMS, Photo, video, audio, applications, system settings).
• ⏳ Transfer time: depends on the amount of data, for example, 64 GB of photos and videos can be transmitted up to 1-2 hours.

Important: Mi Mover does not transfer data from some third-party apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), as well as Wi-Fi passwords and social media accounts. These will require separate solutions (about them below), also note that an old phone must have at least 20% battery charge, otherwise the process may interrupt.

2. Transfer via Google Account (for Android)

If both of your phones are Android-powered, the most versatile way is to sync through a Google account, which works even across brands and ensures that contacts, calendars, notes, some app settings, and even call histories are kept safe, and the main advantage is that the data is automatically updated in the cloud, so you can move it in stages without haste.

Step-by-step:

1. On an old phone: 🔧 Go to Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Google. 🔄 Make sure sync is enabled for all the categories you need (contacts, calendar, Chrome, Gmail, etc.). ☁️ Go to Settings. → System system → Backup and backup (if you have such an option).
2. On the new Xiaomi: 📱 When you first turn on, log in to the same Google account. 🔄 B Settings → Accounts and synchronization enable automatic synchronization. ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed (may take minutes to an hour).

What is not carried over through Google:

• 📸 Photos and videos (you need Google Photos for them).
• 🎵 Music and documents (use Google Drive).
• 💬 Communications SMS/MMS (Specialized applications are needed).
• 🎮 Game data (requires a link to the developer account).

Sign in to one account on both phones

Check the free space in Google Drive

Enable synchronization of contacts and calendars

Download Google Photos to Backup Media Files

Ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection-->

3.Moving from iPhone to Xiaomi: features and life hacks

The transition from iOS to Android is always difficult due to the closed Apple ecosystem, but there are several proven ways to move most data without loss, the main tools being Move to iOS (from Apple) and Mi Mover (from Xiaomi), but they work differently.

Method 1: Move to iOS (partial port)

This app from Apple allows you to transfer contacts, messages, photos, videos, Safari bookmarks and some settings to the new Android.

• ❌ Applications are not portable (only their icons on the desktop).
• ❌ No support for notes and reminders.
• ❌ Music and books are only transferred if they were purchased on iTunes.

Method 2: Mi Mover + iCloud (full portability)

A more reliable option is a combination of cloud backup and proprietary software from Xiaomi:

1. 📱 On iPhone, back up to iCloud (Settings) → [Your name] → iCloud → Backup copy).
2. 🖥️ Download a copy of your data to your PC via iTunes or iCloud for Windows.
3. 📁 Transfer files to the new Xiaomi via Mi Mover or manually.

Method 3: Third-party applications

To transfer WhatsApp messages from iPhone to Xiaomi you will need:

• 🔧 Backuptrans or iCareFone (paid but reliable).
• 💻 Computer with iTunes installed.
• ⚡ Lightning Cable and USB-Type-C.

4. Manual transfer over PC: when clouds don't fit

If you have slow Internet, don't have much cloud space, or don't trust automated services, manual computer transfer is the most reliable option, it's suitable for all types of files, including rare document formats or large archives, and the main thing is to organize the process properly so that you don't lose data when you copy.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-Type-C, microUSB or Lightning adapter→USB (iPhone).
• 📂 Folder on a PC with sufficient space (at least 100 GB of free space is recommended).

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Connect your old phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy the data: 📸 Photo and video: folder DCIM or Pictures. 🎵 Music: Music or Media. 📄 Documents: Documents or Download. 📱 Backup copies of applications: folder Android/backup.

Turn off the old phone.

Xiaomi

Move the files.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Full control of the process.
• ✅ There are no limits on the amount of data.
• ✅ Only the necessary files can be selectively transferred.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It takes a lot of time with a lot of data.
• ❌ Requires a computer and cables.
• ❌ System settings and application data are not transferred.

💡

If folders are not displayed when connecting Xiaomi to your PC, unlock your phone and select the "File Transfer" mode in the notification curtain" (MTP).

5. Cloud Services: Google Drive, Mi Cloud and Alternatives

Cloud storage is a convenient way to transfer data if you have a stable Internet and enough space in your account. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud service, but it has a limit of 5 GB for free, whereas Google Drive gives 15 GB.

Comparison of cloud services for transfer:

How to transfer data via Google Drive:

1. 📱 On your old phone, install Google Drive and log in to your account.
2. ☁️ Press. + → Download and select files.
3. ⏳ Wait for the load to be completed.
4. 📲 On the new Xiaomi, open Google Drive, find files and download them.

Mi Cloud is convenient for transferring:

• 📇 Contacts and communications.
• 📝 Calendar notes and records.
• 📷 Photos and videos (but with limited scope).

💡

If you use Mi Cloud, check before the penos that the new Xiaomi has synchronization enabled with the same Mi Account. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.

6. Applications and their data portability: what you need to know

Move it yourself. APK-Application files are simple – just copy the folder /data/app But it's much harder to save the application data: game progress, messaging settings, chat history, etc. There's no universal solution, and every case requires a personalized approach.

How to transfer data from popular applications:

What to do if the application does not transfer data:

• 🔍 Check if the application settings have the option Export/Import.
• ☁️ Find out if the app supports cloud sync (for example, through Google Account or Facebook).
• 📧 Contact Developer Support – Some Companies (e.g. Niantic for the Pokémon GO) Can manually restore your account.

⚠️ Attention: Never endure APK-App files from unknown sources (e.g. torrent trackers) can result in a Google account being blocked or infected with viruses. Use only official stores (Google Play, APKMirror).

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with proven methods, users often have problems with data portability. TOP-5 Errors and ways to prevent them:

1.Shortage of space on the new phone

Before perenosom, check the free space on the new Xiaomi.If there is a lot of data, delete unnecessary files or use it. SD-For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro has a hybrid slot, so you have to choose between the second one. SIM-memory-card.

Interrupted transference

If the transfer is interrupted due to battery discharge or loss of communication:

• 🔋 Charge both phones to 100% or connect to charge.
• 📶 Use a stable Wi-Fi connection (not mobile internet).
• 🛑 Do not leave the Mi Mover app until the process is complete.

3. Lost contacts or photos

To avoid loss:

• ☁️ Create a double backup (e.g. in Google Contacts and Mi Cloud).
• 📁 Check hidden folders (e.g..thumbnails for sketches of photos).
• 🔍 Use duplicate applications, such as Files by Google.

Incompatibility of formats

Some files (for example, HEIC iPhone or.aa from some audio players may not open on Xiaomi:

• 🖼️ Convert HEIC into JPEG via Google Photos or iMazing.
• 🎵 For rare audio formats, use them. VLC or FX File Explorer.

5. Problems with authorization in accounts

After the transfer, some applications (such as banking or instant messengers) may require re-entering the password to avoid blocking:

• 🔐 Save Recovery Codes for Two-Factor Authentication.
• 📱 Use Google Authenticator to Back Up Codes 2FA.
• 📧 Check the attached mail in the account settings.

⚠️ Note: If you transfer data from iPhone to Xiaomi, turn off Find My iPhone (Settings) → Apple ID → Find an iPhone, otherwise Move to iOS won’t work.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions