Buying a new smartphone is always a joyful event, which, however, is often overshadowed by the routine need to transfer all accumulated information. Moving from one device to another, especially in the Android ecosystem, can seem like a complex process that requires deep technical knowledge. In fact, modern technologies, in particular the ecosystem Xiaomioffer users several effective and intuitive ways to migrate content.
In this article we will look in detail at how to transfer everything from one Android Xiaomi phone to another, using both proprietary utilities and standard cloud service tools. Approaching this process correctly will save you time and avoid losing important photos, contacts, and app settings.
The specific method you choose depends on the condition of your old device, the type of data you're transferring, and your personal preferences for speed and security. Below we will look at the most reliable algorithms of action, which have been tested in practice and recommended by the user community.
Preparatory stage before transferring data
Before you start directly copying files, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps that will ensure the stability of the process. Any operation involving the transfer of a large amount of information requires resources, so it is critical to ensure a stable power supply to both devices.
Charge both smartphones to at least 80%. The data transfer process, especially over Wi-Fi Direct, consumes a significant amount of energy, and suddenly turning off one of the gadgets can lead to file corruption or system failure.
It is also recommended to free up space on the new device if you have already used it. Make sure that the amount of free memory Xiaomi exceeds the amount of data you plan to transfer from your old phone. This will avoid write errors in the middle of the process.
⚠️ Attention: If custom firmware is installed on the old device or root access is obtained, standard transfer methods may not work correctly. In such cases, it is recommended to first make a full backup on your computer.
Check for system updates on both devices. The manufacturer often releases patches that improve the operation of communication modules and data transfer protocols. The current version of MIUI or HyperOS guarantees better compatibility with migration tools.
☑️ Preparing for migration
Using the Mi Mover application for quick migration
The most effective and preferred way for equipment owners Xiaomi is to use the built-in utility Mi Mover. This application is designed specifically for seamless data transfer between brand devices and supports work with other Android smartphones.
To get started, find the application in the list of apps or in the settings of the new phone. Usually it is located in the Settings → About phone → Mi Moversection. If the utility is not found, you can download it for free from the store GetApps or Google Play on both devices.
Launch the application on both smartphones. On the new device, select the role "I'm a recipient", and on the old device - "I'm a sender". The devices will automatically start searching for each other via Wi-Fi Direct.
Once detected, a QR code will appear on the screen of the new phone. Scan it with your old device's camera to establish a secure connection. This method does not require an Internet connection and works even in the field.
For maximum transfer speed, select only the necessary data categories. A full copy of the system can take several hours, while transferring contacts and photos will take minutes.
The application interface allows you to flexibly customize the selection of data. You can check boxes for specific file types: contacts, messages, call log, photos, music, documents, and installed applications. The system itself will determine the compatibility of apps during transfer.
After selecting the data, click the “Submit” button. The transfer speed depends on the amount of information and the version of the Wi-Fi standard on the devices. During the process, do not minimize the application and try to keep the smartphones next to each other.
| Data type | Transfer speed | Transfer features |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts and SMS | Instantly | Full compatibility, history is saved |
| Photos and Videos | High (up to 40 Mb/s) | Folder structure and metadata are preserved |
| Applications | Average | APK is transferred, data inside apps may not be saved |
| System settings | Fast | Applicable only between Xiaomi devices |
Synchronization via Google Account and cloud services
An alternative and extremely reliable method is to use the Google ecosystem. This method is ideal for those who want to not only transfer data, but also create a backup copy of it in the cloud for additional security.
On your old smartphone, go to menu Settings → Accounts and synchronization. Make sure your Google account is added and active. Click on it and check what data is marked for synchronization: contacts, calendar, notes and application data.
To create a full system backup, go to the section Settings → System → Backup. Click the "Start Copy" button. The system will upload a list of installed applications, Wi-Fi password settings and desktop settings to Google servers.
When you turn on a new one Xiaomi during the initial setup process, the system will offer to restore data from the backup. Just enter your username and password from the same Google account, and the phone will automatically load the list of applications and basic settings.
What to do if synchronization is stuck?
If the synchronization process has stopped at one stage, try clearing the Google Play service cache. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Google Play Services → Storage → Clear cache. After this, reboot your device and try again.
It is important to understand that this method requires a stable Internet connection. The amount of transferred data may be limited by the tariff of your mobile operator, so it is recommended to use a Wi-Fi network.
Photos and videos with this approach are best synchronized through a separate application Google Photos. It automatically uploads media files to the cloud, from where they are instantly available on any device under your account.
Manual file transfer via computer and cable
For users who prefer complete control over the process or have gigabytes of media files, the optimal solution is to use a personal computer as an intermediate link. This method eliminates the risks associated with an unstable wireless connection.
Connect your old smartphone to your PC using a USB cable. In the phone's notification shade, select the USB operating mode “File Transfer” or MTP. An explorer window will open on your computer with the file system of the device.
Copy the necessary folders (usually DCIM for photos, Download for downloads, Music and Documents) to your computer's hard drive. Wait until the copying is complete to avoid damage to the archives.
⚠️ Attention: When connecting your phone to a computer, always select the “File Transfer” mode. The “Charge Only” mode will not allow you to see the internal memory of the device in Windows Explorer or macOS.
Then connect the new one Xiaomi to the same computer. Create a similar folder structure in the internal memory of the new device and move the copied files there. This method also makes it easy to sort out unnecessary garbage before transferring.
To transfer contacts in vCard format (.vcf), you can export them through the Contacts application on your old phone, save the file in memory, transfer it to your PC, and then import it on your new device through the same application.
Using a PC is the most reliable way to transfer heavy video files of more than 50 GB, since it does not depend on the quality of the wireless signal.
Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi
Owners of Apple products who decide to switch to the Android platform also have access to a simple migration mechanism. The ecosystem Xiaomi provides support for transferring data from iOS through the same application Mi Mover.
On your iPhone you need to download the Mi Mover application from the App Store. Launch it and grant all requested permissions to access contacts, photos and media files. Without these permissions, the app will not be able to read the information.
On the new Xiaomi phone, select the “I am the recipient” mode when starting Mi Mover, and “iPhone” in the list of devices. A QR code will appear on the screen, which you need to scan through the app on your iPhone.
After connecting, you can select the content to transfer. Contacts, photos, videos and calendars are available. Please note that applications from the App Store cannot be transferred directly as they have a different execution format.
For instant messengers such as WhatsApp, the process may require additional steps. Some versions of MIUI have a built-in WhatsApp chat migration feature that offers to create a backup copy on iPhone and restore it to Android.
Solving problems and special cases
During the process of transferring data, users may encounter various technical nuances. One of the common problems is the “Not enough space” error, even if there is free memory. This may be due to file system features or hidden system files.
If the transfer is interrupted at a certain percentage, try disabling power saving mode on both devices and closing all background applications. Rebooting both smartphones before trying again also helps.
When transferring applications, some apps may not run on the new device due to incompatibility between Android versions. In this case, it is recommended to delete them and reinstall them from the store Google Playby logging into your account.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface and menu item names may differ slightly depending on the version of the MIUI or HyperOS shell. If you do not find the specified item, use the settings search.
If you have problems transferring passwords from Wi-Fi networks, make sure that synchronization with Google Account was enabled on your old device. Passwords are not transferred through Mi Mover for security purposes, they are only recovered through the cloud profile.
After transferring data, be sure to go to the security settings of the new phone and set a new unlock method (fingerprint, face or PIN), since old biometric data does not migrate.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will data be deleted from the old phone after the transfer?
No, the data transfer process works on the principle of copying. All information will remain unchanged on your old device. You can safely sell it or give it to a new owner after manually resetting it to factory settings.
Is it possible to transfer chat history to WhatsApp and Telegram?
For Telegram, the history is stored in the cloud, so you just need to log into your account on the new phone. For WhatsApp, you need to create a backup on your old device (to Google Drive for Android) and restore it the first time you set up the application on the new Xiaomi.
What to do if Mi Mover does not see the second phone?
Make sure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on on both devices. Sometimes turning off the mobile data helps. Also check that the screens of both phones are active and the application is running in the background without power saving restrictions.
Are alarm and calendar settings transferred?
Yes, when using Mi Mover or full synchronization via Google Account, settings for alarms, reminders and calendar events should be transferred correctly. However, it is recommended to check their operation in the first days of using the new device.
How long does a complete data transfer take?
The time depends on the amount of information. Transferring contacts and settings takes 1-2 minutes. Copying 100GB of photos and videos via Wi-Fi Direct can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Using a cable via PC is usually faster for larger volumes.