Changing your smartphone, especially to Xiaomi devices, is always accompanied by a desire to quickly transfer all important data. While contacts and photos are usually synchronized automatically through a Google account, text messages are more difficult. Many users are unaware that standard backup methods often ignore the database. SMS/MMS, leaving a history of correspondence on the old device.
Keeping a record of correspondence is critical for those who are waiting for confirmation codes from banks, storing important business agreements or simply cherishing personal communication history. In the Android operating system, access to the message database is limited by security policies, so simply copying files through Explorer will not work. You will need special tools or the correct configuration of system functions.
In this article, we’ll look at all the current migration options, from the built-in Mi Mover app to third-party open source utilities, and learn how to avoid data loss when changing phones and how to properly restore dialogs in the new MIUI or HyperOS shell.
Preparation of devices for data transmission
Before any data migration operation is initiated, make sure that both devices are ready to go, first check the battery level: both smartphones must have at least 50-60% charge, copying large volumes of small files, which are SMS, can be energy-intensive, and suddenly turning off one of the devices will damage the database.
Also make sure that both phones are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. Even if you plan to use a cable connection or mobile Internet, these modules are often used by systems for initial handshakes and device detection on the local network. On the new Xiaomi phone, the system will offer to transfer data when you first turn on, but for repeated procedure or selective copying, it is better to prepare the devices manually.
⚠️ Note: If the old phone has custom firmware installed or Root rights obtained, standard portability methods may not work properly. XML-file.
Clear up space on the new device. Although text messages themselves take up a negligible amount of memory (a few megabytes), the process of restoring them may require a temporary buffer. Make sure that Xiaomi has at least 1-2 GB of free memory for smooth operation of system services.
Using the Mi Mover app to migrate fully
The easiest and most native way for owners of Xiaomi equipment is to use the proprietary utility Mi Mover. This application is preinstalled on all new smartphones of the brand and is available for installation on any device running Android. The main advantage of the method is deep integration with the shell, which allows you to transfer not only the messages themselves, but also binding to accounts.
To get started, open the app on both devices. On the new Xiaomi phone, select Recieve and the old one, Send. QR-code or connect via hotspot. Once you have established a connection in the data selection menu, be sure to tick the box opposite to the item "Messages" or "SMS".
The copying process is fast enough because text data is not very heavy, but if you have thousands of messages with MMS attached, the transmission time can increase, and it is important not to switch between applications and not to lock the phone screens until the process is complete, so as not to break the connection.
☑️ Checklist for working with Mi Mover
Once the procedure is completed on the new Xiaomi, messages will appear in the standard Messages app. If you use a third-party client for SMS (for example, Textra or Google Messages), they can pick up the base automatically, or you will need to re-import inside the settings of the application itself.
SMS Backup & Restore (Secure Method)
If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t work for some reason or you’re moving from a device where Mi Mover is unstable, SyncTech’s SMS Backup & Restore app is the best solution.It’s the “gold standard” in the Android messaging world, allowing you to create full XML backups.
Install the app on both smartphones from the Google Play Store. On the old device, start backing up. In the backup settings, make sure text messages and multimedia messages are selected. You can choose to save to the device (locally) or send the archive to the cloud immediately (Google Drive, Dropbox).
Backup Creation Path: Open App → Backup → Select “Text Messages” → Click “Archive”The resulting file (usually with the.xml extension) must be transferred to a new Xiaomi phone, which can be done via Bluetooth, Send Anywhere, or simply by saving the file to the cloud, which is available on both devices. On the new phone, install the same application, select Restore, specify the path to the file, and start the process.
⚠️ Note: When restoring the XML-Android may request permission to replace existing messages. Be careful when reading system requests so as not to duplicate correspondence.
What to do if MMS has not recovered?
Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services
Many users rely on Google’s standard sync, but by default it doesn’t save SMS in a user-visible form in the cloud. However, recent versions of Android and Google Messages have introduced a chat backup feature, and if you use this app as your primary, your data may already be stored.
You can check this by opening the settings of the Google Messages app on your old phone, then going to the "Backup" section. If the feature is active, your messages are saved to Google Drive. When you log in to the same account on the new Xiaomi and install Google Messages as the main application, the system will suggest recovering your history from the cloud.
For users who prefer native app MIUI Messaging, this method may not work, because the compatibility of database formats of different applications is not guaranteed. XML-files described above, or check the synchronization settings in the Settings section → Accounts and synchronization → Google.
The advantage of the cloud is that it doesn't require physical proximity, you can recover correspondence even a week after you buy a new phone, the main thing is to remember the password from your Google account. However, for large amounts of data (thousands of MMS messages), the synchronization process can take considerable time and traffic.
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Use Wi-Fi for initial sync with Google Drive, as an attachment SMS backup can weigh several gigabytes and quickly exhaust mobile traffic limits.
Comparison of methods of carrying messages
To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparison table of the main methods, each method has its advantages depending on your technical background and the amount of data.
| Method | Difficulty | Keeps the MMS. | Internet is required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Low. | Yes. | No (locally) |
| SMS Backup & Restore | Medium | Yes. | Optionally. |
| Google Messages Sync | Low. | Yes. | Yes (required) |
| Manual export (XML) | Tall. | Depends on the software. | No. |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best choice is the Mi Mover bundle for initial setup or SMS Backup & Restore for guaranteed results. Manual methods should be considered only in cases where automated systems fail.
Remember that after the data transfer, it is recommended to make a test call or send a test message to make sure that the work is correct. SIM-Maps and networking on a new Xiaomi device, sometimes after migration, you need to re-enter the settings APN mobile-internet.
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The most reliable way is to create a local XML-copy through a third-party application, as this format is universal and does not depend on cloud services or Android versions.