How to transfer apps from your phone to another Xiaomi phone

Changing a smartphone is often stressful not because of the loss of the device itself, but because of the need to recreate their digital environment. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem are in a great position, as the company has developed powerful built-in tools for data migration. The transfer process affects not only contacts and photos, but also the structure of installed programs, their settings and even logins to accounts.

There are several proven methods, each with its own advantages depending on the condition of the old device and the amount of information you have, such as Google cloud services, local backup, or the specialized Mi Mover app, which directly affects the speed of completion of the procedure and the integrity of the stored data.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current algorithms of actions that will help to avoid losing important files. You will learn about the nuances of working with access rights and features of the MIUI or HyperOS shell. Proper preparation of both gadgets is the key to successfully completing the operation without having to repeat the actions.

Preparing devices for data migration

Before you start any manipulation, make sure that both smartphones are ready for active operation. Charge the batteries of both devices to at least 60-70%, as the process of transferring large amounts of data can be energy intensive.

Free up enough internal memory on your new device. Even if you only port apps, their installation files and cache can take up a significant amount of space, and it is recommended to have a spare space that exceeds the current amount of data occupied by the old phone by about 20%.

Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Some transmission methods require a stable internet connection, and others require a local hotspot. Check that the screens won't go out too quickly by setting a 10-15 minute sleep timeout in the display settings.

It is important to remember the passwords of the main Google account and, if available, Mi Account. Without authorization in these services, it will be impossible to restore the purchased applications and synchronized data, and it is also worth disabling any third-party antivirus or ad blockers that may prevent the network exchange of data packets.

Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration

The most effective and native way for Xiaomi owners is to use the Mi Mover utility, which is built into the default system on most modern models or available for download in the GetApps store. It allows data to be transmitted over a local Wi-Fi channel, which provides high speed and does not consume mobile traffic.

Run the app on both devices. On the new phone, select Recipient and on the old phone, Sender. QR-code or find the device in the list of available networks. Once connected, the interfaces sync up, and you'll see a complete list of categories to transfer.

⚠️ Warning: When migrating through Mi Mover, do not unlock device screens or switch to other apps until the progress bar reaches 100.

In the selectable data list, mark "Applications" and you can select specific programs or mark them all at once. Note that Xiaomi system applications may not be displayed for portability as they are already present in the new default firmware.

• 🚀 High speed of transmission through the use of Wi-Fi Direct protocol.
• 📱 The possibility of transfer is not only APK-files, but also their data (cache, logins).
• 🔒 Encryption of the transmission channel ensures the security of personal information.
• 🔄 Automatically install applications on a new device after copying.

Once you have finished copying, the new phone will automatically start installing packages, a process that can take time, especially if you have a lot of heavy games or graphics editors, and wait until you have finished installing before you start using them.

Sync through Google Account and Play Store

The classic method that works on any Android smartphone, including Redmi and Poco. When you first set up a new phone or through system settings, you can log into your Google account. Google services store a list of all the apps you previously installed.

Go to the Play Store, click on your profile avatar, and select “Manage Apps and Device.” Go to the Manage tab and filter the list by selecting “Not Installed on this device.” This will show you the full list of programs that were downloaded to the old phone under this account.

The main disadvantage of this method is that the application files themselves are downloaded from the Internet again, which takes time and traffic, and the data inside the applications (game progress, drafts) will only be saved if the program itself supported backup in Google Drive.

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Use the “Auto-Update Apps” function only via Wi-Fi in the Play Store settings, so as not to exhaust the limit of mobile traffic during mass downloads of programs.

For banking applications and some secure services, this method may require additional authorization.The Google Play Protect security system may temporarily block the installation of unknown or long-unrenewed applications, requiring owner confirmation.

Manual transfer APK-Files and installation from unknown sources

If standard methods do not work or you need to transfer a modified version of the program that is not in the official store, manual transfer is used. APK-It's going to require installer files that you can find in the folder. /Android/obb/ or use special applications.

Copy. APK-Files for a new phone through USB-cable, Bluetooth or file manager with network transmission support (such as Send Anywhere) on Xiaomi device, installation from unknown sources is prohibited by default for security reasons.

When you try to open APK-The system will give you a warning, and you need to go to settings and allow installation for the specific conductor application you run the file through. → Protection → Confidentiality → Special permits → Installation of unknown applications.

• 📂 Allows you to transfer versions of programs removed from the Play Store.
• 🛠 Useful for installing modified or regional versions of the software.
• ⚠️ Caution: Files from unverified sources may contain viruses.
• 🔐 Does not transfer user data, only a clean installer.

⚠️ Attention: Never download APK-Bank application files from third party forums. Use only official bank websites or Google Play to avoid theft of financial data.

Once installed, these apps will be in a clean state, you will have to re-enter logins and passwords. For some applications that are tied to the security of the device (for example, Google Pay or banking customers), installing modified versions can lead to blocking access to the account.

Nuances of data transfer of banking applications

Financial applications deserve special attention, because of the strict security policies of Android and the banks themselves, these programs are almost never transferred with the application itself when changing devices, this is done to protect the user’s funds.

When you migrate to a new Xiaomi, you will have to re-enter the identification process, which in most cases means entering your login, password and confirming login via SMS or push notification on your old device, and some banks require re-attachment of your phone number or biometrics.

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Banking applications always require full reauthorization and customization of biometrics on the new device, regardless of the method of transfer.

If you don't have access to your old number or SIM card, the process can get complicated.Make sure the number tied to the bank is active and is on the phone you're setting up.In some cases, the bank may request the code from the push notification that came to the old device, so don't rush to reset it completely.

For Mi Pay or Google Pay users, new devices will require re-addition of bank cards. card data stored in Google Wallet can be automatically tightened, but a security code (CVC) and SMS confirmation will still be necessary to activate contactless payment.

Solving problems and errors during transfer

During the migration process, users often encounter errors such as “Not enough space”, “boot error” or process freeze.If the Mi Mover is interrupted, try turning off mobile data on both phones, leaving only Wi-Fi. IP-Addresses interfere with stable connection.

If apps don’t open after portability (“Fly out” when you launch), the Android version may not be compatible or the necessary permissions are missing. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the problem program and clear its data or reinstall it clean.

In cases where game data (progress) is not portable, check whether a game account (Google Play Games, Facebook or developer account) was logged in on an old device before transferring. Local saves are often not copied between devices with different processor architectures or OS versions.