How to quickly and without loss transfer data from Xiaomi to Xiaomi

Buying a new Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone is always a joyous event, overshadowed by just one thought: how to transfer all the files, contacts and settings accumulated over the years? The migration process can seem difficult, especially if you change the brand to "Shaomi" for the first time, but modern tools make it almost automatic. You do not need to manually copy every photo or re-enter phone numbers.

There are several proven synchronization methods, each with its own advantages depending on the amount of information and the speed of the Internet connection. The most popular and reliable method is the use of the built-in Mi Mover application, which is preinstalled on all current versions of the MIUI shell and HyperOS. It allows you to transfer data over Wi-Fi Direct, which provides high speeds and does not require an Internet connection.

However, if one of the phones is damaged or not turned on, Google and Mi Cloud cloud services come into play. When using cloud methods, it is critical to make sure that there is enough free space for backup on your Google Drive or Mi Cloud account. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of portability in detail so that you can start using the new device immediately after unpacking.

Preparing devices for data migration

Before you start the copying process, you need to properly prepare both devices. This will only take a few minutes, but will save you hours of nerves in the future. First of all, make sure that the charge of both smartphones is at least 50-60%. The process of actively transmitting data over a wireless channel can significantly consume energy, and suddenly turning off one of the gadgets will interrupt the operation.

It’s also worth checking for space: The new phone should have more free memory than the backup of an old device weighs, and if you’re planning to carry heavy video files or games, it’s better to make room in advance or use a MicroSD memory card for temporary storage.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to transfer data if one of the devices is power-saving mode.The system may force the connection to break to save charge, which will lead to a transmission error.

To work smoothly, it is recommended to turn off mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G) on both smartphones and keep only the Wi-Fi module active, which will prevent possible conflicts of network protocols. In addition, if the old phone has antivirus or “cleaners” from third-party manufacturers, they are better temporarily deactivated, as they can block the creation of a connection between devices.

Using the Mi Mover application for wireless transfer

The most effective way, developed specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem, is the Mi Mover utility. It is built into the default system, but if you do not find it in the Tools folder, the application can be downloaded for free from the GetApps store or Google Play. The main advantage of the method is the ability to transfer data even from Android smartphones of other brands, but in the “Xiaomi to Xiaomi” bundle, the speed will be maximum.

Run the app on both devices. On the old phone, select Sender and on the new phone, Receiver, and ask for permission to access files and contacts that you need to verify. QR-code that needs to be scanned by the camera of the old device.

Devices will automatically create a secure Wi-Fi hotspot. The transfer speed depends on the type of files: contacts and messages are copied instantly, whereas gigabytes of photos can take 10-20 minutes. You can choose specific categories of data to transfer so that you don't litter your new phone with garbage.

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: Instantly Transfer the Entire Phone Book and History SMS/MMS correspondence.
• 🖼️ Multimedia: Photographs, videos, music and dictaphone recordings are copied in their original quality.
• 📲 Annexes: Installed APK-files are transferred, but login to accounts (banks, social networks) will have to be done again for security reasons.
• ⚙️ System settings: Alarm clocks, wallpaper, icon location and Wi-Fi network settings.

⚠️ Note: If you receive an incoming call during transmission, the connection may be severed. It is recommended to turn on Do Not Disturb mode on both devices before the procedure begins.

Sync with your Google account and Mi Cloud

If you can’t physically port it for some reason, or you want to have a backup, use account sync. This is especially true if your old phone has already been sold or broken but has already been copied, and you need to type the same Google ID on your new device when you first set up.

The system will offer to restore data from the last backup, you will see the date of creation of the backup and the list of applications that will be downloaded, and Mi Cloud, a cloud service from Xiaomi, works in parallel, and if you used it to sync your gallery or notes, just log into your Mi-acca-unt in the settings menu.

Recovery through the cloud requires a stable and, preferably, fast Internet connection. It can take a considerable amount of time to download large amounts of data if the connection speed is low. It is also worth considering that free space on Google Drive is limited to 15 GB, which is shared between mail, photos and files.

Therefore, a combined approach (cloud for contacts + Mi Mover for heavy files) is often the most sensible solution.

Direct connection via cable and PC

The third, more traditional method is suitable for users who prefer full control of the process or carry huge amounts of data (for example, more than 100 GB). USB-Connect your old phone to your PC, select mode (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM, Download, Music on hard drive.

Then plug in the new smartphone and move the files to the appropriate directories, which is good because it's independent of the status of the wireless modules and the speed of the Internet, but it won't carry system settings, call logs and installed applications -- just user files.

For advanced users, there is the possibility of using USB debugging and tools like ADB, but for the average user this is redundant. A standard Windows file manager or macOS is quite enough for copying media content.

Comparison of data transfer methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have systematized the main characteristics of each method in the table below. Pay attention to the speed and connection requirements, as this is often the deciding factor.

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Mi Mover is the leader in speed and completeness of data transferable when changing a smartphone within the Xiaomi ecosystem.

Solving problems and mistakes

Despite the fact that the processes are fine, sometimes users face difficulties. One of the common problems is that devices do not see each other in the Mi Mover app. In this case, make sure that both phones are enabled geolocation (GPS). In modern versions of Android (starting with 6.0 and above), access to GPS is mandatory for Wi-Fi Direct, which uses the application.

Another common situation is the error "Not enough memory" on the receiving device, the system may not correctly calculate the amount of data, and if you are sure that there is a place, try to transfer data in parts: first contacts and messages, then photos, and then heavy applications.

If the process is 99% off, don't panic. Often the basic data has already been copied, and the error only concerns the temporary cache files. Check if the main files are in the gallery and contacts. If something is missing, repeat the procedure by selecting only the missing categories.

• 🔄 Reboot: The easiest way to fix the crash is to restart both smartphones and try again.
• 🔒 Permissions: Check in the app settings that Mi Mover has access to storage and contacts.
• 📶 Interference: Stay away from running microwave ovens or high-power routers that can interfere with your system.

⚠️ Note: When transferring data from devices that have encryption enabled or Root installed, the process may not be correct.

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Before you hand over your old phone for recycling or sale, be sure to complete a full reset (Wipe Data) after a successful transfer so that your personal data does not fall into the wrong hands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)