Changing a smartphone always causes a slight stress associated with the loss of important data or the need to reconfigure the familiar interface. However, owners of Xiaomi devices can breathe a sigh of peace: the ecosystem of MIUI and HyperOS offers powerful built-in tools for migration, which often exceed Google’s standard tools. The process of transitioning from any Android device to Xiaomi has become as automated as possible, allowing you to clone not only contacts and photos, but also the applications themselves, along with their settings.
In this article, we will look at all the portable options available, from using the Mi Mover branded app to cloud services and manual installation. You will learn how to avoid common errors, why some banking applications may not be transferred automatically, and how to properly prepare an old phone for data migration. We will look at the nuances of access rights and battery optimization features that are characteristic of the MIUI shell.
Before you start any manipulation, make sure that both devices are at least 60 percent charged, as the process of transferring large amounts of data can be energy-intensive. It is also recommended to check the availability of space on the new Xiaomi smartphone so that it exceeds the amount of data you plan to copy from the old gadget. Ignoring these simple rules can lead to a connection interruption and the need to start the process again.
Device preparation and selection of migration method
The success of the operation depends on the correct preparation of both gadgets. The first step is to make sure that the old device is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as these are the protocols used to create a local access point between phones. On the new Xiaomi smartphone, when it is launched, the system will itself suggest running a setup wizard where you can choose the option to import data, but if the phone is already configured, the application will have to run manually.
There are three main transfer scenarios, each with its own advantages: the first is the use of the native Mi Mover tool, which is the most complete and quick solution. The second option is to restore from a Google One backup, which is ideal for those who already store all data in the cloud. APK-File synchronization and account synchronization, which is required in rare cases of system incompatibility.
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If you are switching from a phone from another brand (Samsung, Huawei), be sure to install the Mi Mover on your old device in advance, as it is already built into the system on Xiaomi.
It’s important to understand that app portability isn’t just about copying shortcuts. Modern Android security systems require re-authorization in most services after changing the device, so even if an app icon appears on a new phone’s screen, it may require a password or SMS sign-in.
- 📱 Make sure the screens of both phones are on and don’t go into sleep mode during transmission.
- 🔋 Connect both devices to a power source if the data volume exceeds 10-15 GB.
- 📶 Turn off mobile internet on your old phone so it doesn’t conflict with the Wi-Fi migration connection.
Using the Mi Mover app to migrate fully
The most effective way to transfer applications from Android to Android Xiaomi is to use Mi Mover, which is built into MIUI on the Settings → About Phone → Mi Mover, or is in the Tools folder on the desktop, and on the receiving device (Xiaomi) you need to select the role of “I am the recipient”, and on the old phone – “I am the sender”.
After the scan. QR-If you have a code or a connection through a device search, the system will ask you to select data categories to transfer, and you can only select "Applications", only "Photos" or mark everything at once. The Mi Mover is designed to not only transfer the installation file, but also the cache and login data if the application architecture and Android versions are compatible.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
During the copying process, you may experience a situation where some Xiaomi system applications (such as Music or Gallery from MIUI) are skipped because they are already on the system or their counterparts are embedded in Android. This is normal behavior to avoid duplicate conflicts. Once the process is complete, the new phone will offer optimization that will take a few minutes - do not interrupt it.
⚠️ Note: Financial and security applications (banks, Google Pay, corporate clients) often do not carry login data for security reasons.
Comparison of data transfer methods
So that you can choose the best way to do this, we've developed a comparison table that will help you understand what is the best way to do this if you don't have Wi-Fi access or if you need to transfer data from a very old phone.
| Method | Speed. | Password transfers | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | Partial | Local Wi-Fi |
| Google Account | Medium | High-pitched | Internet + Cloud |
| Hand-mounted | Low. | No. | PC or APK files |
| Bluetooth | Very low. | No. | Pairing joint |
As you can see from the table, Mi Mover is faster because it's a local channel with no external network. The Google Account method is good because it automatically tightens the apps you buy and their settings if they've been synced before. However, for large volumes of photos and videos, it can be slow because of Internet connection speed limitations.
Nuances of WhatsApp and messengers transfer
Unlike regular apps, it is important not only to install the program, but also to save the database of messages. WhatsApp on Android has two ways: through local backup on Google Drive or through the function of transferring chats within the application itself when you first install it.
When using Mi Mover, the app will try to copy the folder with WhatsApp media files, but the database may not update in real time. So the best algorithm for doing this is to first transfer the application itself through Mi Mover, then on the old phone to WhatsApp to make a fresh backup to Google Drive (Settings → Chats → Backup Chats), and only then log in to the account on the new phone.
What to do if the correspondence is not restored?
For Telegram, the situation is simpler: all data is stored in the cloud of messenger servers. Just install the application and enter the phone number – all chats, channels and media (unless the traffic saving mode is turned on) will be downloaded automatically. No additional actions are required to transfer files, making Telegram one of the most convenient messengers when changing devices.
Solving compatibility and access rights issues
After the transfer, you may find that some applications do not start or work correctly, often due to the aggressive MIUI energy saving system, which by default limits the background activity of applications. If an important messenger or email client stops sending notifications, you need to manually change the settings.
Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the right application and select Activity Control. Set “No Limits” and check the permissions: click Permissions on the app menu and make sure that you have permissions to access memory, microphone and geolocation if necessary for work.
- 🔒 Check the “Application Protection” settings in the security menu so that the system does not block the launch of portable programs.
- 🔄 Banking applications may require re-binding the device in the bank’s security system.
- 📂 If the files are not visible, check if they are hidden in a Secure Folder or a second space.
⚠️ Note: Apps not installed from Google Play (APK-files that, after being transferred, can be marked by the system as potentially dangerous. MIUI. If you are sure of the source of the file, ignore the warning or add the application to exceptions.
Cleaning and optimization after transfer
After a successful migration, the new smartphone can run slower than usual in the first few hours, because the Android system and the HyperOS shell need to index all files, optimize application databases, and rebuild the cache, and don't panic if the phone warms or discharges quickly on the first day.
It is recommended to perform manual cleaning of garbage through the built-in application Security, which will scan the system for residual files from remote applications or duplicates that may have formed during the copying process, and it is also worth going through the list of installed programs and removing those that you used on the old phone, but which are no longer relevant.
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The first 24 hours after the data transfer is a critical time for battery calibration and indexing. Don't load your phone with heavy games during this period.
Don’t forget to check for updates for all ported apps via Google Play or GetApps. Developers often release patches that improve compatibility with new versions of Android and specific models of Xiaomi smartphones. The current version of the software ensures stable operation and closes security vulnerabilities.