Buying a new Xiaomi smartphone is always a pleasant experience, but it is often overshadowed by the need to transfer data. Users want to see the new device with a familiar interface, saved passwords, correspondence history and installed programs. Fortunately, the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem offers powerful built-in migration tools that allow you to clone an old phone almost one-to-one.
The transfer process can range from automatic synchronization through an account to creating a full local copy of the system. It is important to understand that the choice of method depends on the version of the operating system on both devices and the amount of information accumulated. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods in detail so that you can choose the best one for your situation.
There are several key approaches to solving this problem: the most popular and reliable is the use of the proprietary Mi Mover application. However, the cloud service Mi Cloud is the best for full synchronization of Wi-Fi settings and passwords. It is also worth considering the possibility of manually installing mission-critical applications through Google Play if the automatic port fails.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any data transfer operations, make sure that both smartphones are at least 60% charged.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most effective way to transfer applications from Xiaomi to Xiaomi is to use the Mi Mover utility, which is pre-installed on most of the brand’s modern devices and allows you to transfer data over a direct Wi-Fi connection without using Internet traffic. Transfer speeds can reach tens of megabytes per second, which is especially important with a large amount of photos and videos.
To start, you need to open the app on both devices. On the new smartphone, select the role of Receiver, and on the old one, select the role of Sender. QR-And then you start analyzing data, and you start to see if you can use a code or manually connect to the network, and you can then select categories to transfer: contacts, messages, images, audio, video, documents, and, most importantly, applications.
- 📱 You can't just move it yourself. APK-Program files, but also their data (cache, logins, saves in games).
- ⚡ Transmission is carried out via a local communication channel, which guarantees high speed and security.
- 🔄 Process interruption: if communication is interrupted, you can continue from the stop.
It is worth noting that some system applications may not be portable due to differences in firmware versions, in which case Mi Mover will simply skip them by installing standard versions on the new device.
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If Mi Mover doesn’t see the app, try updating it through the GetApps store or Google Play on both devices before you start transferring.
Sync with Mi Cloud and Xiaomi account
The Mi Cloud is the think tank of the Xiaomi ecosystem, which not only backs up contacts and notes, but also a list of installed apps, and when you log in to your Mi Account on a new device, the system automatically prompts you to restore the desktop structure and install previously used programs.
To activate this feature on your old phone, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Here you can create a full copy of the system, including home screen settings, alarms and call lists. The backup file is saved in the cloud or on a memory card, after which it is easily restored on the new gadget.
| Type of data | Limit in Mi Cloud (free) | Recovery speed | Automation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts and SMS | 5GB | Instantly. | Complete. |
| Photos and videos | 5GB | Depends on the network. | Background |
| List of annexes | Not limited. | Tall. | First entrance. |
| System settings | Included in limit. | Tall. | Complete. |
Using the cloud is especially handy if the old phone is already sold or physically unavailable, but the backup was made in advance.However, downloading heavy apps will still require a stable internet connection. Recovery from a cloud-based Mi Cloud is the only way to transfer alarm clock settings and recurring calendar events without manually entering.
Manual transfer APK-file and program installation
In some cases, automated methods may not work, for example, if one of the devices has a heavily modified firmware orROOT-And then the manual method comes to the rescue, and it involves extraction of the installation files. APK and their subsequent installation on the new phone.
File managers can be used to extract installers, such as MT Manager or embedded tools MIUI. Find the file. Android/obb game-cache APK-Copy them to a computer or transmit them via Bluetooth if the data volume is small.
Where to look for hidden application data?
After transferring files to the new device, you must allow installation from unknown sources. → Protection → Special permits → Install unknown applications and activate the desired file manager. APK-file.
- 🛠 This method allows you to transfer versions of applications that are no longer in the official store.
- 📦 Ideal for transferring modified clients (like YouTube Vanced or game mods).
- ⚠️ Careful: Don’t forget to move your cache folders (OBB/Data), Otherwise, the application will start, but will not work.
Transfer data messengers: WhatsApp and Telegram
Messengers deserve special attention, since they store correspondence in their secure databases. APK-For Telegram, the situation is simple: just enter a phone number, and all chats (except secret ones) will be downloaded from the server.
WhatsApp is more complicated. Mi Mover-like apps often port WhatsApp itself, but not its database. It is recommended to use the built-in backup feature. Go to Settings → Chats → Backup Chats and click Backup. Select Save to Google Drive or locally.
⚠️ Note: When you port WhatsApp, make sure the new phone uses the same phone number and Google Drive account, otherwise it will not be possible to restore the history.
Once WhatsApp is installed on the new device, the app will prompt you to restore the backup, which can take a long time depending on the size of the media in the correspondence, and make sure that the new phone is connected to the Wi-Fi network.
☑️ Checklist before resetting an old phone
Solving problems in transfer
Despite the fact that the processes are fine, users may encounter difficulties, and applications often fail to open or fly out after transfer, because the paths to files on a new version of Android or HyperOS may have changed, in which case cleaning the cache of a problematic application through the settings menu helps.
Another common problem is that some of Google’s banking or firmware applications are not available on global firmware versions if you are switching from the Chinese version or vice versa, in which case you will have to re-install the necessary services through official stores or use methods of emulating the environment if it is a specific software.
If Mi Mover is hanging out during the analysis phase, try turning off mobile internet on both devices and leaving only Wi-Fi. It also helps to reboot both smartphones before trying again. Sometimes antivirus or third-party launchers conflict, which should be temporarily disabled.
- 🚫 Do not attempt to interrupt the recording process by withdrawing SIM-card.
- 📶 Make sure that geolocation is enabled on both devices (GPS), Because it is used to search for devices on the local network.
- 🔋 Keep the screens on during transmission so that the system does not go into sleep mode.
Final configuration and optimization of the new device
After successfully migrating all the apps from Xiaomi to Xiaomi, the new smartphone takes time to adapt. In the first 30-60 minutes after turning on, the device will index files, update applications and adjust the battery, during which time the phone can heat up and run slower than usual - this is normal behavior.
It is recommended to check the critical functions: calls, mobile Internet, NFC and fingerprint. If you have transferred data from a device with an older version of Android, some applications may require re-authorization for security purposes.
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The full system adaptation cycle after data transfer takes up to 24 hours, and don't panic if the battery consumption is higher than usual on the first day.
Finally, delete the temporary files left over from the migration and check your privacy settings. Now your new smartphone is fully ready to go, keeping all the habits and data of the old device.