Buying a new Xiaomi smartphone is always accompanied by the joy of owning a fresh device, but often overshadowed by the need to transfer a huge amount of data. Owners of the ecosystem are in a favorable position, as MIUI and HyperOS offer powerful built-in tools for migration. The process of transitioning from one Redmi or Poco device to a new device becomes much easier if you know the right sequence of actions.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from automatic utilities to manual copying, how to save not only the installation files of programs, but also their data, authorization and system settings. The right approach will allow you to start using the new gadget as if you never parted with the old one for a minute.
Before you start, make sure both devices have sufficient battery power, the optimal charge level is at least 60% on both devices for stable operation of wireless interfaces, and also check the availability of free space on the receiving device, as the amount of data transmitted can be impressive.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most efficient and quickest way is to use the native Mi Mover tool, which is pre-installed on all of the brand’s smartphones and is specifically optimized to work in a bundle of devices in the same ecosystem, allowing you to transfer contacts, messages, call history, system settings and, most importantly, installed applications along with their data.
To start the process, you need to open the application on both devices. On the old smartphone, select the role of "Sender" (Old phone), and on the new one - "Receiver" (New phone), the system will suggest creating a Wi-Fi hotspot or scanning. QR-Once you have established the connection, you will see a list of data categories available for transfer.
- 📱 Select the category "Applications" and mark all the programs you want to see on the new device.
- 📸 Remember about media files: photos, videos and music are also easily copied through this interface.
- ⚙️ System settings, including wallpaper and icon location, can be moved by a separate item.
Wi-Fi Direct data transfers are fast, far faster than Bluetooth, but some banking and security-enhanced applications may not be able to transfer their data for security reasons, and in such cases, re-authorization will be required.
It is important to keep the transmission process running and keep the device screens on. If the transmission is frozen, try to turn off the power saving on both devices. Mi Mover will automatically try to restore the interrupted boot, but a stable connection is critical.
⚠️ Note: When transferring via Mi Mover, do not run other heavy applications on the receiving device so as not to overload the processor and Wi-Fi module, which may cause a connection to break.
☑️ Checklist before Mi Mover launch
Sync through Google Account and Play Store
A classic method that works seamlessly on any version of Android. If you switch from Xiaomi to Xiaomi, using Google’s cloud profile is a reliable way to recover an app list.This method does not copy “heavy” cache files or game data, but guarantees installing current versions of programs directly from the store.
When you first set up a new smartphone, the system will prompt you to log into your Google account. Once you log in, the Play Store will automatically prompt you to restore apps that were installed on the previous device associated with that account. You can choose specific programs or agree to a mass installation.
This is ideal for those who prefer a clean installation without junk files, but it requires a stable and fast Internet connection, as each application will be downloaded again, and for those who have limited traffic, it is better to use a Wi-Fi network.
| Parameter | Mi Mover | Google Account | Hand-mounted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | High (locally) | Depends on the Internet. | Low. |
| Application data | Preserve. | Only if there's a backup. | Not preserved. |
| Traffic. | No spending. | Spent. | Spent. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Low. | Tall. |
To manage the recovery list, go to Settings → Google → Backup. You can see when the last time you created a copy of these applications. If the date is current, the recovery will go as smoothly as possible.
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Tip: Before resetting your old phone, go to the Play Store on your computer, select your device from the list and remove it from the compatible list to avoid confusion when installing apps on the new gadget.
Backup in Mi Cloud Backup
Xiaomi device owners have access to their own cloud storage, Mi Cloud, which allows you to create full copies of the system, including a list of installed applications, the location of icons on the desktop and even alarm settings, which is especially convenient if you often change gadgets or fear losing data.
To create a backup, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. You need to select Backup and activate synchronization for the desired categories. The system will create a snapshot of your phone’s status and upload it to the company’s servers.
- 🔄 Automatic synchronization only occurs when connected to Wi-Fi so as not to waste mobile traffic.
- 💾 Free user is given 5 GB of space, which is enough for a list of applications and contacts.
- 🔒 Data is encrypted and linked to your Mi Account, accessed from any device.
When you log in to a Mi Account on a new smartphone, the system will offer to recover data from the cloud, which will take longer than local transfer, but ensures the data is safe even in the event of physical loss of the old phone.
⚠️ Note: Mi Cloud does not store the contents of the applications themselves (for example, correspondence in messengers without their internal synchronization), but only their shortcuts and system settings.
If you plan to use this method, make sure there is enough free space on the cloud drive, and if necessary, you can purchase additional space or clear old unnecessary backups through the i.mi.com web interface.
What to do if Mi Cloud is not synced?
Manual transfer APK-Filework and File System Work
For advanced users who use applications not from official stores or modified versions of programs, the method of manual copying is suitable, which allows you to transfer the APK installation file directly through the file manager or over a USB cable.
First, find the right installer on your old phone. In Xiaomi file manager, go to the Download folder or use the App Analyzer feature to find a path to the new device. APK-file of the installed program. Copy the file to the computer or send it through Bluetooth/ShareMe new-up.
After transferring a file to a new smartphone, when you try to open it, the MIUI security system can block the installation from unknown sources. You will need to go to Settings → Privacy Protection → Special Permissions → Install unknown applications and give permission to the file manager.
adb pull /sdcard/Download/app.apk C:/Backup/
adb install app.apkThis is a good way to transfer rare or deleted applications, but it won't carry user data, logins, or game progress, it's a clean install from scratch.
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Manual transfer APK-Files are the only way to install apps that have been removed from Google Play or regional stores, but it requires manually configuring each app anew.
Transfer of data messengers and social networks
Messengers are particularly noteworthy because they store huge amounts of personal information. Standard copying methods often cannot properly migrate WhatsApp or Viber databases because of encryption.
On WhatsApp, go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup and click “Backup.” Make sure the copy is uploaded to Google Drive. On the new phone, when you first log in to WhatsApp, the system will prompt you to restore your correspondence history from the cloud.
Telegram and Viber work differently: they store history in the cloud. You just need to enter your phone number and confirmation code. All chats (except secret ones in Telegram) will be downloaded automatically. Media files can be downloaded as you watch, unless forced download is enabled.
- 📸 Instagram and Facebook do not store correspondence locally, the entire story is available immediately after logging in to the account.
- 🗣️ It is important for Viber to enable backup on Google Drive in the app settings before changing phone.
- 🔐 Secret chats in Telegram are tied to the device and cannot be transferred, they will have to be created again.
Don’t ignore this stage, as losing correspondence can be critical. Make sure there’s enough space on Google Drive to back up your messenger, especially if you’re actively sharing photos and videos.
⚠️ Note: Two-factor authentication on WhatsApp may request the PIN you set earlier.If you forget it, it can take up to 7 days to restore your account.
Solution and troubleshooting
There may be technical difficulties in migrating, such as a new device that may not see the old one on the Mi Mover list, in which case try temporarily shutting down mobile internet and leaving only Wi-Fi, and rebooting both smartphones before starting the procedure also helps.
If apps don’t open after porting, it’s possible that the new version of Android on the target device isn’t compatible with the old version of the app. Go to Settings → Apps, find the problem program, and try clearing its cache or updating it through the store.
Sometimes users find that contacts have been duplicated, and to solve this problem, use Google’s Contacts app, which has a “Current and Manage” feature that allows you to combine duplicate entries into one card.