Changing a smartphone is always an exciting process, often overshadowed by the need to reconfigure the workspace. Xiaomi and Redmi device owners are in a better position thanks to the built-in optimization tools of MIUI and HyperOS. Data transfer no longer requires complex manipulation of the computer or cloud storage, if you know the right sequence of actions. Modern algorithms allow you to clone not only the list of programs, but also their data, passwords and even the location of icons on the desktop.
In this article, we’ll take a look at all the migration methods available, from using the proprietary Mi Mover utility to manually restoring through Google Play. You’ll learn how to avoid common bugs, why some banking apps may not migrate automatically, and how to properly prepare both devices for the procedure.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most efficient and quickest way to transfer information is to use the built-in Mi Mover tool, which is pre-installed on all modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, and is also available for download to devices from other manufacturers running Android. The main advantage of the method is to create a direct Wi-Fi connection between gadgets, which ensures high data transfer speeds without using Internet traffic.
The process starts with the application running on both devices, and the new smartphone has to select the option “I’m a recipient” and the old one has to select “I’m a sender.” QR-And when you put the camera in the new phone, the devices will connect, and you can select the data categories to copy, and the system will offer you to migrate contacts, messages, call history, photos and, most importantly, installed applications.
It is worth noting that Mi Mover is copying. APK-Program files, but not always their internal data (cache, logins), unless the developer has provided such an opportunity, but for most games and utilities, the transfer will be completely transparent to the user. If the old device has a third-party shell, the application may require additional permissions to access the file system.
It is important to ensure that the connection is stable during the process: do not switch between windows or run heavy tasks on phones until the progress indicator reaches 100%.
☑️ Preparing for migration through Mi Mover
Sync through Google Account and Play Store
The classic method that remains relevant to the Android ecosystem is to link to a Google account. When you first set up a new Xiaomi, the system will prompt you to log in to your account. If you agree to restore data, the Play Store will automatically start downloading all the apps that were installed on the previous device where the same account was used.
This is convenient because it doesn't require the physical presence of an old phone at hand, just knowing the username and password, but the speed of the process depends on the speed of your Internet connection, as each application will be downloaded from the store again, and for users with limited traffic this can be a problem.
In addition, synchronization through Google often only restores the “skeleton” of the application without user settings. For example, messengers may require a separate login, and games may require re-authorization. However, this is the most reliable way to ensure that you do not forget any important program, even if the old device has already been sold or lost.
What if the app is not found in the Play Store?
To manage the list of programs to be restored, you can use the web version of Google Play. Once you go to your device’s settings through your browser, you can manually choose which apps to install on the new Redmi, which allows you to weed out unnecessary “digital garbage” that has been accumulating on the old gadget for years.
Manual transfer APK-file-setting
In situations where automatic methods do not work or you need to transfer a specific version of the program that cannot be found in the store, the manual method is used (APK) From old device to new via Bluetooth, USB-This requires a deeper understanding of the Android file system.
For extraction APK-You can use special extractor ulites or file managers with application backup function, and after saving the file, you need to transfer it to Xiaomi. MIUI can block the process by requiring proof of installation rights from unknown sources.
You need to go to the permissions menu and activate for the application you are using (e.g., Explorer or Browser).This is a standard malware protection procedure that should not be ignored. APK-file before installation to avoid infecting the device.
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Use the File Transfer feature in Xiaomi’s Quick Access menu to quickly send APKs from another Android smartphone without installing additional programs.
Once installed successfully, the app will appear on the list of all programs. Note that manual installation does not carry user data (save in games, correspondence) unless they were created separately.
Comparison of data transfer methods
The best way to choose depends on your priorities: speed, completeness of the copy or availability of an Internet connection. Below is a comparative table that will help determine the method that is suitable for your situation, each of them has its own strengths and limitations.
| Method | Speed. | Transfer of application data | Network dependency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Very high. | Partial (depending on the software) | No (local Wi-Fi) |
| Google Account | Medium/Low | Only a list of applications. | High (we need internet) |
| Hand-held APK | Low (one by one) | No (installer only) | No. |
| Cloud services | Depends on speed. | Supported only | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, Mi Mover is the single most important driver for Xiaomi owners, combining high local speeds with the ability to copy large amounts of data, and using cloud services is only justified if physical access to the old phone is lost.
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For maximum efficiency, combine methods: use Mi Mover for the main dataset and Google Account for updates and synchronize contacts.
Features of transfer of messengers and banking applications
Security-enhanced apps require special attention, as banking customers, government services and instant messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram often block automatic data transfer for security reasons, and even if the app icon appears on a new screen, you will be greeted with a login screen inside.
For WhatsApp, it is critical that you back up your chats to Google Drive or local storage before you switch to your new phone. Without this step, your correspondence history will be lost even if the app itself is copied. In chat settings, select Backup, wait until it is completed, and then change the device.
Banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, etc.) will require re-assignment of the device, which means login and password, as well as receiving an SMS code, and in some cases, the bank may require confirmation of a transaction through a call center or terminal if it suspects suspicious activity when changing hardware.
⚠️ Note: When transferring messengers, make sure that the phone number is active and SIM-The card is inserted into the new smartphone (or SMS is available on the old one), as this is the main method of verification.
Some enterprise applications may be tied to a specific IMEI or device serial number, and in such cases, your organization’s system administrator must untie the old gadget before you can sign in to the new Xiaomi.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the fact that the processes are fine, users can encounter errors. The most common problem is the incompatibility of Android versions. If the old phone was a very old version of the system, and the new Xiaomi runs on fresh Android 13/14, some old applications may simply not install or work incorrectly.
Another common situation is space shortage: the transfer process can be interrupted halfway if the internal memory of the new device is filled, always leave a 10-15% reserve of total memory for normal system operation and caching temporary files when migrating.
If the app crashes right after you start on a new phone, try clearing the cache in the settings or removing and installing it manually, sometimes by updating all system components through the MIUI shell security app.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to interrupt the process of updating system components during the initial setup of the new Xiaomi, this can lead to unstable operation of the entire interface.
Why don’t you get notifications after the transfer?
In conclusion, switching to a new Xiaomi smartphone is a great way to get the digital space in order. Don't blindly transfer all applications from an old device. Do an audit: remove programs you haven't used in years, and install only what you really need, which will speed up the new gadget and prolong its battery life.