Changing a smartphone in the Xiaomi ecosystem is often painless thanks to built-in sync tools, but WhatsApp requires a special approach when transferring data. Unlike contacts or photos, the history of correspondence, media files and chat settings does not always automatically switch to a new device when you first activate. Users often face a situation when after installing an application on a new phone, the contact list is empty and the old dialogues have disappeared.
There are several proven ways to save the entire history of communication when you move to a new model, whether it is the flagship Xiaomi 13 or the budget Redmi Note. The choice of the specific method depends on the version of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system, the availability of a stable connection to the network and the amount of accumulated data. It is important to prepare both devices in advance so that the process goes without losing critical information.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the current migration options, paying attention to the technical details of the Android file system. You will learn how to avoid common errors that lead to damage to the message databases. Proper preparation will save you time and nerves, ensuring that no message is lost when changing your gadget.
Preparation of devices before the migration
Before you start the transfer process, make sure that both the old and the new smartphone are fully ready to work. Charge both devices to a minimum of 60-70%, as active use of communication modules and write to the disk consumes significant energy. Also check the availability of free space on the new phone, as the WhatsApp database with media files can take several gigabytes.
Make sure that both devices have the same Google account installed.This is critical for cloud backups and synchronizing system settings. If you use two-factor authentication in the messenger itself, make sure that you are using the same Google account. SIM-The card with your phone number is active and capable of receiving SMS or confirmation calls.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to install different versions of the app (such as modified builds) on a new phone during the migration. Use only the official version from Google Play or GetApps to avoid conflicts when restoring backup.
Connection stability is another key factor. If you plan to use cloud-based methods, the Wi-Fi connection should be sustainable, as downloading large amounts of data over the mobile network can interrupt or exhaust your tariff. For local transfer, make sure that the screens of both phones do not go out during file transfer.
Using the Mi Mover application for portability
The most native and often the most effective way for Xiaomi app owners to use the built-in Mi Mover tool, which is pre-installed on most MIUI and HyperOS devices and allows data to be transmitted directly over Wi-Fi without using the Internet. It automatically detects file types, including application data.
To start, run Mi Mover on both smartphones. On the new device, select Receiver and on the old one, Sender. QR-If you have a code or password connection, the devices will create a secure connection. In the data transfer list, be sure to find the "Apps" section and make sure that there is a tick next to WhatsApp.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
It is important to note that Mi Mover portes the app itself and its underlying data, but in some cases, additional local backup within the messenger itself may be required to fully guarantee the preservation of the history.
⚠️ Warning: While Mi Mover is running, don't switch to other apps or lock your smartphone screen.Aborting the process can cause the app on the new phone to get damaged and require reinstallation.
Once the transfer is complete, the new device will receive a notification of success, but it is too early to open WhatsApp right away – you need to set up the messenger itself, which we will discuss in the next sections.
Creating a local backup on WhatsApp
The most reliable method, which works independently of the phone models and Android versions, is to create a local backup directly by means of the messenger. This method ensures that you get an exact copy of the database at the time of creation of the backup. Go to the application settings on the old phone.
From the menu, select Chats → Chat Backup. Here you will see the Backup button. Before starting the process, check your settings: make sure you choose to copy through Google Drive (if you plan on a cloud method) or just create a local copy on your device. For transferring between Xiaomi, it is often more convenient to use a local file to then move it manually or through Mi Mover.
If you create a local copy, the system will generate a file in the /Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases/ folder or in older versions of Android at the root of internal memory /WhatsApp/Databases/. The file will have the format name msgstore.db.cryptXXX, where XX is the encryption version.
Where to look for backup files?
Once you have successfully created a copy, it is recommended to copy this file to your computer or send it to the cloud to have a backup, which is especially true if the chat volume is large and the recovery process can take a long time.
Transfer over Google Drive (Cloud Method)
Using Google Drive cloud storage is a classic and easiest way for most users to use a minimal file system, built directly into WhatsApp, allowing you to recover your correspondence history immediately after you install the application on a new device, and the main requirement is to have a Google account and sufficient space in the cloud.
On your old phone, go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup. Select your Google account and click Backup. Wait until the process is complete: the progress bar should go to 100%, and the last copy should update to the current moment. Make sure that not only text messages are copied, but also videos if they are important to you.
On Xiaomi’s new smartphone, when you first install WhatsApp and enter your phone number, the system will automatically detect that you have a backup in the cloud. You will be prompted to restore data. Agree and wait for the download to be completed. The speed of the process depends on the speed of your Internet connection.
Keep in mind that recovery from the cloud does not include status history and some chat system settings that are stored only locally, and this method requires stable Wi-Fi, as traffic can be significant.
Manual copying of database files
For advanced users who want to have full control of the process or are faced with cloud-based errors, manual copying of database files is suitable. This method allows you to transfer exactly the copy you created, avoiding possible Google sync errors.
First, create a local backup on your old phone, as described in the section above. Then find the folder with the database. In modern versions of Android, this is the way to go. Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases. Copy the file msgstore.db.cryptXX (the latest by date) to your computer or transfer it to a new phone via Bluetooth or USB-cable.
On a new phone, install WhatsApp, but don't launch it right away. You need to put the copied file in exactly the same directory that you create when you first install it. If the folder isn't already in place, launch the app, enter the number, wait for the recovery screen, then close the app completely and move the file.
⚠️ Note: When you manually copy, it is critical that the backup file name stays the same (usually msgstore.db.cryptXX).If you rename the file, WhatsApp will not be able to detect it and will offer to create a new copy instead of restoring the old one.
Once you have a file in the right folder, run WhatsApp on the new Xiaomi. Go through the number verification. When the app asks for a backup recovery, it will find a local file and suggest using it. This method often solves problems when cloud recovery freezes at 0%.
Solving and restoring access
Users may experience technical difficulties during migration, ranging from verification errors to space constraints, and one of the common problems is the inability to obtain a confirmation code. SMS, if SIM-The card has not yet been transferred to the new phone, in which case use the "Call me" option or rearrange it. SIM-The card is back to the old phone only for the time of receiving the code.
Another common situation is the “Not enough space” error when restoring: Before starting the process, make sure that the new device has at least 2-2.5 times more space than the backup weighs, which is necessary for temporary unpacking and indexing media files.
If the recovery has gone through but some of the messages are gone, check the backup date. You may have restored the old backup. In this case, you need to recreate the fresh copy on the old phone and repeat the procedure. Also make sure that both devices have the same time and date, as desynchronization can disrupt the sorting of messages.
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If you change your phone number at the same time as your smartphone, use the Change Number feature in WhatsApp settings on your old device BEFORE you create a backup, which will link your correspondence history to the new number.
In rare cases, MIUI antivirus systems can block WhatsApp from accessing the file system. If the application does not see a local copy, check the permission settings in the Applications → WhatsApp → Permits section and make sure that access to the storage is allowed.
Comparison of data transfer methods
The best way to choose depends on your priorities: speed, internet availability, or the desire to control each file. Below is a comparison table that will help you determine the method that is suitable for your situation.
| Parameter | Mi Mover | Google Drive | Manual copying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | High (local Wi-Fi) | Depends on the Internet. | Medium |
| Demands the Internet. | No (for installation only) | Yes (required) | No. |
| Keeps the media alive. | Yes (fully) | Yes (if included) | Yes (fully) |
| Difficulty | Low. | Very low. | Tall. |
For most users, the Mi Mover bundle plus the cloud copy check is the perfect balance of convenience and reliability.
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The most reliable result is a combined approach: creating a cloud copy for insurance and using Mi Mover for rapid initial data migration.