Changing your smartphone always causes a mild stress associated with the fear of losing important contacts, photos or correspondence in instant messengers. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem are in a favorable position, since the manufacturer has provided several built-in and third-party tools for automatic data migration.
Modern methods allow you to transfer not just dry files, but a full copy of the system with all passwords, icons and application settings. Local backup and cloud services work together to ensure data is safe even in case of network failures. In this article, we will analyze all available methods so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.
Before starting any procedure, make sure that both devices have sufficient battery power; the optimal charge level is above 50%, since the active data transfer process can significantly consume energy; and check the availability of free space on the receiving device to avoid writing errors in the middle of the process.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most efficient and quickest way to transfer is to use the native Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on most modern Redmi and Poco smartphones, and is also available for download from the GetApps store. The main advantage of the method is to create a direct Wi-Fi connection between devices, which allows you to transfer gigabytes of data without using Internet traffic.
The process starts with running the app on both smartphones, and the new device needs to select the Receiver role, and the old one needs to select the Sender role, and the system automatically scans. QR-It's important that the screens on both phones are on and the apps are active.
⚠️ Warning: Do not block smartphone screens while transferring large amounts of data, as some models may break the Wi-Fi connection to save energy in sleep mode.
Once connected, the user is asked to select data categories to copy. The Mi Mover algorithm allows you to flexibly configure the list, eliminating unnecessary debris or temporary files. Supports the transfer of contacts, messages, call logs, system settings, installed applications and multimedia.
Transfer via Google Account and Cloud
An alternative and reliable method is synchronization through a Google account, ideal for those who plan to use the new phone as the main one in the long run, and when the new Xiaomi smartphone is first turned on, the system will suggest restoring data from a backup created earlier.
To successfully implement the method, you need to go to the Settings menu → Google → Synchronize and force the data to be updated on the old device. Make sure that the list of items selected for synchronization is ticked against the contacts, calendar and application data.
- 📱 Calendar contacts and events are saved instantly when you have a network.
- 📸 Photos and videos are uploaded to Google Photos in original or compressed quality.
- 📝 Notes and documents may require separate sync via Google Keep or Drive.
Special attention should be paid to photos. If you use Google Photos, check the download status in the app. Often users forget that the download is only on Wi-Fi, and the process can stop halfway. Once you log in to the same account on a new phone, the entire library will be available automatically.
Local backup of the system
The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS include a powerful tool to create full local copies, which saves not only files, but also folder structure, alarm settings, Wi-Fi hotspots, and even the location of widgets on the desktop.
To create a backup, go to Settings → About Phone → Reservation and Restore → Mobile Phone. The system will request a screen unlock password to protect data. Once the process is complete, the device will have a MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder containing the archive with the date of creation.
Where are the backup files stored?
To transfer a backup file, you can use a computer or cloud storage if the file is not too large. Once you copy the archive to a new smartphone, you need to go to the same settings section, select the Recovery tab and specify the path to the file. The unpacking process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data.
Transferring multimedia via USB and PC
The classic method using a computer remains relevant for carrying heavy video files and archives. Connect an old smartphone to a PC via a PC USB-cable and select file transfer mode MTP In the notification curtain, copy the necessary folders, such as: DCIM, Download, Music and Documents, to your computer's hard drive.
Then connect the new Xiaomi and transfer the stored data to the appropriate directories. This method is good because it allows you to audit files and clear the gallery of duplicates before writing to the new device. USB.
| Type of data | Recommended method | Speed. | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts, SMS. | Mi Mover / Google | Instantly. | Tall. |
| Photos and videos | USB / Mi Mover | Medium/High | Tall. |
| Annexes | Google Play / Mi Mover | Depends on the network. | Medium |
| System settings | Local backup | Low. | Very high. |
Nuances of data transfer messengers
Even though Mi Mover can port the apps themselves, the history of correspondence is often stored in secure cloud storage or local databases that require manual activation.
WhatsApp needs to back up in chat settings by selecting Google Drive. When you install the app on a new phone and log in to the same number, the system will prompt you to restore your message history from the cloud. Without this step, the correspondence will remain on the old device.
⚠️ Note: When transferring messenger data, make sure that the same phone number is active on the new device, as the backup recovery is tied to the SIM card and Google account.
Telegram is a simpler place: all data is stored on servers, so it is easy to log in. However, secret chats are not portable and will only remain on the old device. Viber also requires creating a local or cloud copy in the application settings before changing the phone.
☑️ Checklist before changing the phone
Solving Common Problems When Copying
During the migration process, users may experience errors such as a message “Not enough memory” or a sudden connection break. If the Mi Mover hangs on a certain percentage, try turning off mobile Internet on both devices, leaving only Wi-Fi. Sometimes background processes can interfere with the stable transmission of data packets.
Problems with local copy recovery are often due to incompatibility of Android or MIUI versions. If you move from a very old version to a new one, some settings may not apply, in which case it is recommended to transfer only personal files, and set the settings again.
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If Wi-Fi transmission is slow, try to move away from sources of interference (microwaves, neighbors routers) or use the “Access Point” mode that creates Mi Mover on one of the phones.
If applications do not open after porting, check the permissions in the Settings menu → Apps → All applications. Sometimes the MIUI security system blocks the work of transferred programs until manually checked by the user.
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The cleanest and most stable result is a combination of methods: transfer media over USB/PC, and contacts and settings through Google cloud synchronization.