The transition from Xiaomi to Samsung is not just a change of gadget, but a complete migration of digital life: contacts, photos, messages, passwords and even screen settings. Many users fear this process because of the risk of data loss or a long setup of a new device from scratch. However, modern tools allow you to transfer almost 100% of information automatically โ the main thing is to know the nuances.
In this article, we will explore all the current ways to transfer data between the two ecosystems, from the official Samsung Smart Switch solution to manual methods for power users, and pay special attention to hidden traps that can interrupt the process, such as version incompatibility. MIUI Or restrictions on the transfer of certain types of files, and if you've tried to do it yourself and you've encountered errors, you can find solutions here.
Important: the transfer procedure may take 10 Check the battery life on both devices in advance (recommended) โฅ70%) Prepare a reliable Internet connection or cable USB-C/Type-C Data-enabled (not all charging cables are suitable!).
1. Preparation of devices before data transfer
The first step is to synchronize critical data with cloud services, which is insurance against a failure during migration, and even if you plan to use cable or local software, cloud copying will keep you from losing information.
On Xiaomi, do the following:
- ๐ฑ Contacts and Calendar: Go to Settings โ Google accounts โ Sync and enable options for Contacts and Calendar. wait for the process to be completed (check Google Contacts on the web version).
- ๐ท Photos and Videos: Open Google Photos, click on the avatar โ Photo settings โ Backup and sync. Choose Original Quality (if cloud location allows) or High Quality (free).
- ๐ Passwords and bookmarks: If you use Google Chrome, check the sync in your browser settings. For Mi Browser, export your bookmarks to the browser. HTML-menu โ Bookmarks โ Exports.
On Samsung before the start of the transfer:
- ๐ Reset to factory settings (optional): if the phone is new, skip this step. If used, reset via Settings โ General management โ Resetting to avoid data conflicts.
- ๐ฅ Software Update: Check the relevance of the firmware in Settings โ Software Update: Devices on Android 12+ One UI 4.0+ Support advanced portability via Smart Switch, including screen settings and application data.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the application protection function is enabled on Xiaomi (in Settings) โ Annexes โ Block applications, temporarily disable it. It can block Smart Switch access to data.
Method 2: Transfer over Samsung Smart Switch (recommended)
Samsung Smart Switch is the official migration solution that supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, notes, call logs and even some system settings (wallpaper, sound circuits).
- ๐ Cable (most reliable, fast and without volume restrictions).
- ๐ถ Wi-Fi (convenient but slower and requires a stable connection).
- โก Through the adapter OTG (If Xiaomi does not have a Type-C connector).
Step-by-step instructions for cable connection:
- Download Smart Switch on Xiaomi from Google Play (or through the Galaxy Store on Samsung).
- Connect the devices with a cable. On Samsung, select Get Data. โ Android.
- On Xiaomi, allow access to files and confirm the transfer (unblocking may be required) USB-debugging in Settings โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI โ 7 times to activate the developer mode).
- Select data types to transfer (we recommend leaving all check boxes except the Application โ it is better to install them again from the Galaxy Store).
- Wait until completion (time depends on volume; for example, 64 GB of data is carried over ~30-40 minute).
Install Smart Switch on both devices|
Use the original cable (not charging)|
Disable VPN and power saving modes |
Charge both phones โฅ50%|
Sync your contacts with Google (backup)-->
If the Smart Switch doesnโt see Xiaomi:
- Check if Memory and Contacts are allowed in the application settings.
- Reboot both devices.
- Try another cable (preferably from the Samsung kit).
- Upgrade your Smart Switch to the latest version.
๐ก
If the transfer is interrupted 99%, Don't panic, it's a known bug. Wait. 10-15 You can do it for a minute, then you can restart the process.
Method 2: Transfer through Google Account (for contacts, photos and emails)
If you already have Google sync set up, most of the data will be automatically transferred when Samsung first turns on, which does not require cables or additional software, but has limitations:
- โ Transferred: contacts, calendars, Gmail, Chrome bookmarks, Keep notes, files from Google Drive.
- โ Not tolerated: SMS/MMS, call log, system settings, application data (e.g. game progress).
How to check the synchronization:
- On Xiaomi, open Settings โ Google accounts โ Account.
- Make sure all the options you need are enabled (especially Contacts and Drive).
- On Samsung, select Copy Data when you first start up. โ From Android and log in to the same Google account.
To transfer photos and videos through Google Photos:
- On Xiaomi, open Google Photos and wait for the backup to complete (the cloud icon at the top should turn green).
- On Samsung, set up Google Photos, log in to the same account and click Photos โ Settings โ Backup and synchronization โ Restore.
โ ๏ธ Note: If Xiaomi has folder encryption enabled DCIM via Mi Gallery, Google Photos will not be able to download these files. Unlock the folder in the Gallery settings before syncing.
4. Method 3: Manual transfer of files via cable or OTG
If Smart Switch refuses to work or you only need to transfer selective files (such as documents or music), use direct cable sharing.
Instructions:
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC via cable and select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
- Copy the right folders (DCIM Download for downloads, Music for music on your computer.
- Disable Xiaomi, connect Samsung and transfer files to the appropriate folders.
For PC-free devices:
- ๐ Use it. OTG-adapter (e.g, USB-C โ USB-A) flash drive.
- ๐ Connect the flash drive to Xiaomi, copy the data, then connect to Samsung.
Where to find key data on Xiaomi:
| Type of data | The way to Xiaomi | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photos and videos | /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera | Includes screenshots (DCIM/Screenshots) |
| Downloads. | /storage/emulated/0/Download | APK-file, PDF, archive |
| Music. | /storage/emulated/0/Music | It can be empty if you use streaming. |
| Documents | /storage/emulated/0/Documents | Excel, Word, texts |
| Call records. | /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder | Only if the entry is enabled in Mi Dialer |
โ ๏ธ Note: Do not copy the entire Android folder - it contains app data that may not work on Samsung due to differences in architecture, Android/obb), But it is better to reinstall them through the Galaxy Store.
Through Smart Switch|
Through Google Account|
Manual cable transfer|
I use cloud services (Dropbox, Yandex Drive)|
Another option-->
Method 4: Transfer SMS, call-logs
Smart Switch and Google are not always correctly ported SMS, Call history and application data, and that's going to require specialized tools.
For SMS and call logs:
- ๐ฒ Use it. SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play):
Super Backup & Restore
For these applications (progress in games, settings of messengers):
- ๐ฎ Games: Use built-in sync through Google Play Games or developer accounts (e.g. MiHoYo for Genshin Impact).
- ๐ฌ Messengers: WhatsApp: backup in Settings โ chat โ Backup (save in Google Drive). Telegram: data synced through the cloud automatically. Viber: backup in Settings โ Account. โ Backup copy.
For system settings (wallpaper, sounds, shortcuts):
- ๐ง Unfortunately, the adjustments between MIUI One UI It's not 100 percent possible. You'll have to manually adjust it:
- โ๏ธ For volumes >50 GB is suitable for Dropbox (2 GB free) or Mega (50 GB free).
Advantages of the method:
- โ No cables or PCs required.
- โ You can move data gradually.
- โ Suitable for devices with different connectors (for example, Xiaomi with a different device). USB-C Samsung with Micro-USB).
Disadvantages:
- โ Slower than cable transfer.
- โ Volume restrictions in free tariffs.
- โ The risk of loss of quality during compression (for example, in Telegram).
๐ก
Cloud services are ideal for transferring selective files, but they do not replace full migration via Smart Switch or Google Account.
7. Post-transfer problems and their solutions
Even after a successful transfer, you may encounter problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
Issue 1: Samsung doesnโt display photos/video from Google Photos.
- ๐ Solution: Open Google Photos โ Photo Photo โ Settings โ Backup and synchronization โ press Restore.
- ๐ If files are not loaded: check if there is enough space in the cloud or if mobile data is enabled for syncing.
Problem 2: Contacts are duplicated or displayed incorrectly.
- ๐ Solution: Open Contacts โ Menus. โ Contact management โ Combine duplicates.
- ๐ If contacts are not synced: delete your Google account on Samsung and add it again.
Problem 3: Apps fly out or don't open.
- ๐ ๏ธ Remove problematic apps and install them again from the Galaxy Store or Google Play.
- ๐ง For gaming: check if progress is tied to your Google Play Games account or social media.
Problem 4: Samsung canโt see files on the computer SD-A map transferred from Xiaomi.
- ๐พ Solution: Format a map in Samsung through Settings โ Caring for the device โ Memory. โ SD-map โ Format (the data will be deleted!).
- ๐ Alternative: Copy files from the card to Samsungโs internal memory, then paste the card and move back.
Problem 5: Samsungโs battery drains faster after a transfer.
- ๐ Solution: This is normal in the first 2-3 The system indexes files. Turn off unnecessary background processes in Settings โ Annexes โ Auto-start.
8. Additional tips for a smooth transition
Data portability is only part of the process, and to make Samsung truly yours, take note of these nuances:
Set up the Samsung ecosystem:
- ๐ Create a Samsung account to access the Galaxy Store, Samsung Pay and cloud backups.
- ๐ Set up Samsung Pass (similar to Mi Account) to autofill passwords.
- ๐ง Connect Galaxy Buds headphones (if any) via Samsung Wearable for better integration.
2. Optimization of productivity:
- ๐ Enable Performance Mode in Settings โ Caring for the device โ Battery โ Modes and speed.
- ๐๏ธ Clear the cache through Settings โ Annexes โ Menus (โฎ) โ Clear the cache for everyone.
Personalization of the interface:
- ๐จ Install theme from Samsung Themes (similar to Mi Themes).
- ๐ Set up Bixby (voice assistant) via Settings โ Additional functions โ Bixby.
- ๐ฑ Activate Edge Panels for quick access to contacts and tools.