The transition to the new Xiaomi smartphone, whether it is the flagship Redmi Note series or the advanced Xiaomi 14, always begins with the most important stage – data transfer. It is critical for the user not only to save contacts and photos, but also to fully recreate the familiar digital environment with all installed programs. The migration process can seem difficult to a beginner, but modern tools MIUI and HyperOS allow you to do this in just a few touches, saving hours of manual adjustment.
There are several proven methods, each with its own features and use cases: you can use the built-in Mi Mover tool, which works perfectly in the brand ecosystem, or rely on backup through Google Account, which is universal for any Android system, the choice of the specific method depends on the condition of the old device, the presence of a stable Internet and the version of the operating system on both devices.
In this article, we will take a look at all the options available so you can choose the best one for your situation. We will look at the nuances of working with cloud storage, the features of data transfer between different versions of Android and even touch on the manual method of installing applications through the Internet. APK-Competent approach to this stage will allow you to start working with a new gadget immediately, without being distracted by a long search for the right software.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most efficient and quickest way developed specifically for Xiaomi devices is to use the native Mi Mover app. This tool is pre-installed on most modern models and allows you to transfer not only the application installation files themselves, but also their data, including logins, saves in games and interface settings. The main advantage of the method is to create a direct Wi-Fi connection between devices, which ensures high transfer speeds without the consumption of mobile traffic.
To get started, you need to run the app on both smartphones, and on the new device you choose the Receiver role, and on the old one, the Sender. QR-If you have a code or manual connection to the created access point, the system will suggest selecting data categories for transfer. Here it is important to be careful: Mi Mover is able to transfer even the placement of icons on the desktop, fully cloning the visual appearance of the system.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure both devices are connected to a power source or have a charge of more than 50%, as the intensive data transfer process can quickly consume battery power.
The copying process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on the amount of information. During the transfer, it is not recommended to switch between applications or block the screen of an old phone so as not to interrupt the connection. If the transfer is interrupted, the application will allow it to resume from the stoppage, which is a significant advantage when working with large data sets.
It is worth noting that when you transfer between devices with different versions of Android (for example, from Android 10 to Android 13), some system applications may not correctly import their settings. In such cases, Mi Mover will simply install the latest version of the application from the store, but your personal data inside it may require a separate login.
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Mi Mover is the most complete method of cloning the system, preserving the structure of folders and settings launcher.
Transfer through Google Account and Cloud Services
An alternative and often more reliable method is to use the capabilities of the Android operating system through a Google Account.This method is ideal if you move from a device from another manufacturer (such as Samsung or iPhone) to Xiaomi.
To make this work, you need to make sure that your old phone is fully synced. Go to Google and check when you last created a backup. It usually includes a list of installed apps, passwords saved in Google Password Manager, and some system settings. However, the application files (APKs) themselves will not be downloaded — the phone will simply automatically start downloading them from the Google Play Store if you have Wi-Fi.
- 📱 Open Settings on your old phone and go to Google.
- ☁️ Select Backup and click Start Copying.
- 🔒 Make sure that your contacts and calendar sync is enabled.
- 📲 On the new Xiaomi, log in to the same account when you first set up.
It’s important to understand the difference between data porting and app porting. Google keeps a “buy list” — a list of what’s been installed. When you restore it, the phone starts to consistently download the latest versions of the software from the store, ensuring that all the apps are compatible with the new version of Android installed on your Redmi or Poco.
What to do if the applications are not restored?
For users who are actively using the Apple ecosystem, Xiaomi provides the ability to import data through a Lightning-to-USB cable or through the iCloud cloud, if you use special utilities during the initial setup. This allows you to throw contacts, messages and photos, but the list of applications available for installation will be limited to those available in the Android version.
Manual installation of APK files and work with the file system
For advanced users who use specific software not available in the official Play Market store, or modified versions of applications, manual transfer is a relevant method. This approach requires access to the file system and understanding the structure of Android folders. You will need to transfer installation files (APK) and, if necessary, cache folders (OBB) to the new device.
File transfer is most convenient to carry out through the computer, using USB-cable, or via a local network with support file manager FTP/SMB, for example, MI File Manager or Solid Explorer. After copying files to a new phone, you must allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings.
| Type of data | Location in memory | Necessity of transfer | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installer (APK) | Any folder (download) | I'll be sure. | Low (can be downloaded again) |
| Cash games (OBB) | Android/obb/ | For heavy games | High (long load) |
| Application data | Android/data/ | To maintain progress | Critical (progress will be lost) |
| Documents | Download/ or Docs/ | If necessary, | Medium. |
Special attention should be paid to the folders Android/obb and Android/data. In modern versions of Android (11 and above), access to these system directories is limited. To work with them on the new Xiaomi, you may need special access, which is requested by the file manager, or use the computer to directly write files to these directories before the first launch of the application.
⚠️ Note: When manually copying data folders, make sure that the versions of the application on the old and new phone are identical, otherwise the application may crash when you start or require data to be cleaned.
☑️ Checklist for manual transfer
Use of third-party clone programs
If the built-in tools for some reason do not work or cause errors, third-party solutions from electronics manufacturers come to the rescue. Samsung (Smart Switch), Huawei (Phone Clone) and OPPO (Clone Phone) release their own utilities, which often have versions for installation on any Android smartphones, including Xiaomi.
For example, the Clone Phone app from OPPO It has a high speed and can even transmit alarm settings and some system preferences that are ignored by the standard Google tool. APK-file from the official website of the developer, as in the Play Market they may not be.
The Mi Mover is similar to the one you create an access point on, the other you connect to, and the interface is usually as simple as possible: you just tick the apps you want and click "Start Transfer," which is a good choice if you're switching from a rare brand phone that isn't supported by official Xiaomi software.
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When using third-party clones from other brands (Samsung, Huawei), remove these applications after the transfer is complete so that they do not conflict with MIUI system services.
Nuances of transfer of banking applications and messengers
Special attention is required by applications with a higher level of security: banking clients (Sberbank, Tinkoff), government services (Public Services) and instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), these programs often do not carry authorization and data together with the application itself when using cloning methods for security reasons.
In the case of WhatsApp and Viber, it is critical to do local or cloud backup chats within the app itself before switching to a new phone.A simple copied app without a restored backup will open as "clean" and the correspondence history will be lost.For WhatsApp on Android, the best way to use backup on Google Drive is to use it.
Banking applications will require re-assignment of the device. This is standard security procedure. You will have to re-enter your login, password, and also confirm the login via SMS or Push notification. In some cases, if you change your phone number with the device, you will need to visit the bank office or use recovery codes, which are better to have in stock.
- 💬 Telegram: Enter the phone number, the cloud history of correspondence will be downloaded automatically.
- 📱 WhatsApp: Mandatory backup in Google Drive before changing device.
- 🏦 Banks: Be prepared for re-identification by face or fingerprint.
- 🔐 2FA If you use Google Authenticator, be sure to export codes or back up before resetting your old phone.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove the bank app or messenger from your old phone until you have fully configured it on your new device.
Problem Solving and Post-Mobility Optimization
Once the migration is complete, users often find the new phone running slower than usual, warming up or running out quickly, a normal system response in the first hours after a large amount of data is transferred, and background processes are used to index files, verify the security of installed applications, and download missing components.
It is recommended that you leave the new smartphone connected to Wi-Fi and charger overnight after transfer, allowing the MIUI or HyperOS system to complete all background tasks without user intervention. If the problems with autonomy persist after a day, it is worth checking whether any applications are stuck in a cycle of constant attempts to sync.
It’s also worth checking the app permissions. When migrating from very old versions of Android, some of the rights you request may not automatically be transferred due to changes in Google’s security policy. Go through the installed software list and make sure the navigator has geolocation access and the camera has storage access.