Changing a mobile device is always stressful, not so much to physically replace a gadget as to recreate your digital environment. The owner of the new Xiaomi smartphone faces the challenge of migrating not just contacts or photos, but accounts that are the key to the entire ecosystem. Access to purchased apps, cloud storage and correspondence histories depends on the right link of a Google account and Mi Account.
The process of transferring data in modern shells MIUI and HyperOS is much simplified, but still contains many nuances, ignoring which can lead to the loss of important information. Unlike simple copying files, migration of accounts requires sequential execution of authorization actions and setting up access rights. Below we will discuss in detail all the stages of transition to a new device.
It's important to understand that account transfer is not a one-time action, but a synchronization process that can take time depending on the amount of data. Two-factor authentication installed on many services will require you to be directly involved and have access to a phone number or backup email, so you should approach the procedure prepared.
Preparing the old and new device for migration
Before you run any portability tools, you need to make sure that both smartphones are in good condition and ready to go. On the old device, you should check the version of the operating system and update all critical applications, especially Google Play services. On the new Xiaomi, you need to first go through the basic language setting and connect to a stable Wi-Fi network, as mobile Internet may not be fast enough to transfer large amounts of data.
The process of migrating data, especially through Wi-Fi Direct, which is used by proprietary utilities, can be energy intensive. It is recommended that the charge level on both devices be at least 60-70%. If one of the phones runs out during the transfer of system settings or passwords, the procedure will have to start again, which can lead to synchronization errors.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to port data if one of the devices is power-saving mode.The system may force the connection to break to save charge, which will cause a failure when copying accounts.
Also on an old phone, check in advance which accounts are active in the settings section. Often users forget about old inboxes or secondary social media profiles that sync contacts or notes. Make sure you remember passwords from the main accounts, as when migrating to a new OS, you may need to re-authorize to confirm security.
☑️ Device portability
Using the Mi Mover app to migrate fully
The most efficient way to migrate data, including account settings, is to use the built-in Mi Mover app, which is designed specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem and allows you to transfer not only media files, but also lists of installed applications along with their data, as well as system settings. To get started, the application must be installed on both devices; on new smartphones, it is already built into the tool section.
The process starts with the choice of the device role. On the new Xiaomi phone, you need to select the option “I am the recipient” (Receiver), and on the old one, “I am the sender” (Sender). QR-If you have a code or manual connection through the Wi-Fi network you create, the system will suggest you to select the types of data to transfer. Here it is important to tick not only "Photos" or "Contacts", but also points related to System settings and "Other data", where often hidden configurations of accounts.
It’s worth noting that migrating the accounts themselves (like secure password containers) directly through Mi Mover isn’t always possible for Android security reasons. Most often, the app carries login shortcuts and sync settings, but it still requires a password to complete activation on the new device. However, this greatly speeds up the process, since you don’t need to reconfigure the sync servers for each service.
When you transfer large files, the system can warn you that the device screen should not go out. This is the standard procedure for maintaining connection stability. If the transfer is interrupted by 90%, do not panic: modern protocols allow you to resume downloading from the break site, rather than starting over. However, if you are talking about system databases of accounts, it is better to wait for full completion without interruption.
Manual setting up of Google account and synchronization
Even with automatic portability, manually checking your Google account login is a must.This is the foundation for an Android smartphone. After initial setup or in use, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. Here you will see a list of all the profiles you have added. If your primary address is not on the list, you must add it manually.
When you add an account, the system will request a username and password. At this stage, Google's security mechanisms often work, which can block the login from an "unknown device." In this case, your old phone or backup number will receive a confirmation code. Enter it in the appropriate field on the new Xiaomi, which is critical to regain access to Google Play, Google Photos and Google Drive.
After successful authorization, it is important to configure synchronization options. By default, the system can offer to synchronize only contacts and calendar, leaving the rest of the data (for example, Keep notes or Fit data) at the discretion of the user. It is recommended to go into the details of the account and make sure that the sliders are opposite all the services important to you, this ensures that when resetting the settings in the future, data will not be lost.
What if Google does not accept the password?
Security is a special issue. When you log in from a new device, Google can send a "Is this you?" notification to all other devices that have signed in. Confirm this request to avoid locking. If the old phone has already been reset, use backup codes that are recommended to be stored in a safe place, or use the phone number to restore access.
Activate and configure Mi Account on a new device
For Xiaomi appliance owners, having a Mi Account (now often integrated into Xiaomi Account) is key to using the brand’s cloud services, finding a device, and working on the theme. Unlike Google, this account is deeply integrated into the MIUI/HyperOS shell. When you first turn on the phone, the system itself will suggest you login to the Mi Account if the SIM card matches the previously registered one, or ask you to enter data manually.
Signing in to Mi Account allows you to instantly restore remote contacts, notes, voice recordings and even desktop layout if sync with the Xiaomi cloud was previously enabled. Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in. After that, the system will suggest recovering data from the cloud. This process may take some time in the background.
An important aspect is the Device Search feature. When you log in to Mi Account on a new phone, the old device (if it hasn't been reset) can receive a sign-in notification. If you plan to sell an old phone, make sure you log out of Mi Account on it before reset, otherwise the theft protection will work and the new owner will not be able to use it.
⚠️ Warning: Never buy a used Xiaomi phone if the seller can’t log out of his Mi Account in front of you.This device will be locked after reset, and unlocking it without the owner’s password is almost impossible even through a service center.
You can also transfer your purchased themes and wallpapers to your new phone through Mi Account, just log into the Themes app, go to your profile, and upload your previously purchased content, saving time and money by keeping the interface personalized.
Transfer of passwords, applications and data of messengers
One of the most painful parts of the move is messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Telegram. If Telegram stores a history of correspondence on its servers and restores it automatically when logged in, WhatsApp requires special attention. When transferring a Google account, WhatsApp chats stored in Google Drive must be automatically tightened when installing the application and confirming the phone number.
However, to ensure that local backups are transferred or transferred from iPhone to Android, it is better to use the built-in chat migration function inside WhatsApp itself. When you first launch a messenger on the new Xiaomi, follow the on-screen instructions to detect the backup. Make sure you use the same phone number and the same Google Drive account as on the old device.
As for passwords from sites and applications, Google Password Manager plays a major role here. If on an old phone passwords were saved in a Google account, then on a new device, when you try to log in to any service (social networks, banks, stores), the system will offer to substitute the saved password. You will only have to confirm the action with a biometric or unlock code.
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Banking applications will require separate authorizations, and for security reasons, they don't even transfer login data through Mi Mover, and be prepared to re-enter each banking application and link the device for confirmed payments.
You can also transfer the list of installed apps automatically. When you log in to Google Play, the system will say "Continue on this device," and you will see a list of apps installed on your old phone, and you can select those that you want to download to your new one, which eliminates the need to search for the right programs manually.
Solution and troubleshooting
Despite the fact that processes are fine, sometimes errors occur, and one of the common problems is the "authentication error" when you log in to Google, which is often solved by checking the date and time: make sure that both devices are in "Auto-Time" mode. A time difference of even a few minutes can lead to a failure of security certificates and inability to log in.
Another common situation is endless sync. If you see the sync icon spinning for more than an hour, try clearing the cache of Google Play services. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Google Play Services → Storage → Clear cache. Don't confuse it with Clear all data, although this will help in the extreme case, but you will have to reconfigure some settings.
If the Mi Mover is stuck at a certain percentage, try turning off mobile internet on both phones, leaving only Wi-Fi. Sometimes the system tries to switch to the mobile network when the signal is unstable, which breaks the direct connection between the devices, and it also helps to reboot both smartphones before trying again.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| The “incorrect password” error when entering correctly | Two-factor protection or “Dangerous Application” lock is enabled | Confirm login via notification on old device or use security code |
| Contacts are not synchronized | Contacts are stored in your phone’s memory, not your account. | On an old phone, export contacts to a Google account through the contact menu |
| Mi Mover doesn't see the device | Blocking the connection with antivirus or flight mode | Turn off flight mode, make sure Wi-Fi is turned on on on both devices |
| Missing photos after transfer | The photos were in a folder that was not covered by synchronization. | Check the Recycle Bin folder in Google Photos or use Mi Mover to manually transfer the DCIM folder |
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The key to success is to take your time to completely reset your old phone, and use your new device for a couple of days to make sure all accounts are working and your data is synced correctly.
In conclusion, Xiaomi’s ecosystem, in conjunction with Google’s services, provides powerful migration tools, and the key is to understand the difference between file transfer and account transfer. Files can be copied by any means, but it’s accounts that restore your digital identity, making a new phone an extension of you, not just a piece of plastic and glass.