Changing a smartphone, especially when moving between ecosystems of different manufacturers, always causes natural concern for the safety of personal information. Users often wonder how to correctly and without loss move all digital luggage from a device Samsung to a new one Xiaomi Redmi or in the opposite direction. Modern operating systems Android provide several reliable tools for solving this problem, ranging from built-in cloud services to specialized software for direct transfer over Wi-Fi.
The process of data migration has been significantly simplified in recent years, but still requires a careful approach to setting up both devices. The wrong sequence of actions may result in contacts remaining on the old SIM card and photos not synchronizing with the new storage. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from using proprietary utilities to manual copying via a computer, so that you can choose the most convenient option for your situation.
Before you begin any active actions, you need to make sure that both smartphones are charged at least 50-60%, and are also connected to the same Wi-Fi network to speed up the process. Ignoring this simple rule can lead to the device being discharged at the most critical moment and interrupting the transfer of gigabytes of information. Let's look at the main methods that guarantee the safety of your photos, messages, contacts and application settings.
Preparing devices for synchronization and migration
The success of the data transfer operation depends 90% on the correct preliminary preparation of both smartphones. Before launching any apps, you must free up space on the receiving device and make sure the connection is stable. If you are moving from an old Samsung Galaxy to a new Redmi Note, check the availability of free space in the memory of the new device, since the volume of transferred files may exceed the available limit.
An important step is to update the software on both gadgets to the latest available version. Developers are constantly improving data transfer protocols in system updates MIUI and One UI, eliminating bugs that could cause connection breaks in previous builds. Go to settings and check for updates to avoid technical glitches during the migration process.
It is also recommended to temporarily disable power-saving modes and battery optimization for applications that will be used for the transfer. Aggressive power-saving algorithms can force background data transfers to close, treating them as a wasteful load on the processor. Turn off the "Flight" mode and make sure that the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules are active and functioning correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting the transfer, it is strongly recommended that you back up your important data to an external storage device or to the cloud. Despite the reliability of modern methods, the risk of software failure always exists, and having a backup copy will save your photos and documents in case of an unexpected error.
☑️ Preparing for data transfer
Using the application Mi Mover for transfer to Redmi
Xiaomi has developed its own powerful solution called Mi Mover, which is pre-installed on most devices with MIUI and HyperOS shell. This application allows you to transfer data not only from other Xiaomi phones, but also from third-party devices, including Samsung. To get started on the new Redmi, you need to find the application in the “Tools” folder or download it from the official store GetAppsif it has been deleted.
You will also need to install the corresponding application on the source device (Samsung). After launching the app on both smartphones, you need to select the role of each device: on Redmi, press the “I am the recipient” button, and on Samsung, “I am the sender”. The application will automatically generate a QR code or Wi-Fi access point to which a second device needs to connect to create a secure communication channel.
The Mi Mover interface offers flexible configuration of what exactly you want to transfer. You can select specific categories of data such as contacts, call history, SMS messages, photos, videos, music, and even installed applications. The system will analyze the amount of data and transfer time, which allows you to plan the process if you have limited time.
- 📱 Support for transferring system settings and home screen layout.
- 🔒 Use of an encrypted local Wi-Fi Direct connection for security.
- ⚡ High data transfer speed, reaching tens of megabytes per second.
- 🔄 Possibility of resuming transmission in case of an unexpected connection break.
If the transfer freezes at the 99% stage, try turning off mobile data on the receiving device, leaving only Wi-Fi active. Sometimes the system tries to switch to the mobile network, which causes a protocol failure.
Smart Switch method: transfer from Samsung to any Android
Proprietary utility Smart Switch Samsung is traditionally considered one of the best tools for data migration, and it works great in conjunction with devices from other brands, including Redmi. Although the app was originally created for migration to Samsung smartphones, the Send Data feature allows you to use it as a universal tool for creating a backup or direct transfer to devices running Android 4.0 and above.
To implement this method, you need to install the Smart Switch Mobile app from the Google Play store on your Redmi phone. Once launched, you should select the wireless transfer option on both devices. The algorithm of actions is similar to Mi Mover: scanning a QR code, establishing a connection and selecting file types to copy. The advantage of this method is deep integration with Samsung contacts and calendar.
It is worth noting that when transferred to non-Samsung devices, some specific One UI settings will not be transferred, as they are incompatible with the MIUI shell. However, core data such as media files and contact lists migrate without any distortion. This is a reliable backup option if Xiaomi branded tools for some reason do not see your Samsung device.
| Feature | Mi Mover | Smart Switch | Google Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | High (Wi-Fi Direct) | High (Wi-Fi Direct) | Medium (depending on the Internet) |
| App transfer | Yes (APK files) | Partially | Only list |
| Internet required | No (local network) | No (local network) | Required |
| Setup complexity | Low | Medium | Minimal |
Synchronization via Google Account and cloud services
The most universal and “seamless” way to transfer data - This is the use of the Google ecosystem. When you set up your new Redmi smartphone for the first time, the system will prompt you to log in to your Google account, after which it will begin automatically pulling up contacts, calendar events, notes and passwords saved in the Chrome password manager. This method does not require the installation of third-party software and works regardless of the phone brand.
To transfer photos and videos, it is most effective to use the service Google Photos. Install the application on your old Samsung, log in to your account and enable the “Startup and Sync” function. Once all the media files are uploaded to the cloud, they will automatically appear in the gallery of the new Redmi when you log in to the same account. This frees you from the need to physically connect devices with cables.
However, the cloud method has its limitations related to the amount of free storage. The standard 15GB limit can quickly get used up if you plan to transfer high-definition videos. In this case, you will either have to buy additional space in Google One, or use alternative cloud services, such as Yandex.Disk or Mi Cloud, which also have applications for both platforms.
⚠️ Attention: Synchronization via Google does not transfer files stored in local application folders that do not support cloud backup. Check the settings of each important application separately to make sure that its data is saved.
What to do if contacts are not synchronized?
If contacts do not appear after logging into your account, go to the “Contacts” application, open the settings menu and select “Import/export contacts”. Make sure that your Google account is selected as the source, and not your phone memory or SIM card. Sometimes forced synchronization is required through the account settings in the “Synchronization” section.
Direct connection via USB cable and adapters
For users who value maximum speed and stability, a wired connection remains the optimal solution. Modern Samsung and Redmi smartphones support the USB-C standard, which allows you to connect them directly using a cable USB-C to USB-C. If you have an old cable with a Micro-USB connector, you will need an appropriate adapter (OTG).
When connected with a cable, the Android system usually automatically recognizes the second device as an external drive. A request for permission to access data will appear on the screen, which must be confirmed on both phones. After this, you can use any file manager, for example, the built-in Explorer or Files by Googleto copy the DCIM, Download and Documents folders manually.
This method is especially good for transferring “heavy” files, such as movies or archives with work documents, where Wi-Fi speed may be unstable. A wired connection guarantees a constant transfer speed, limited only by the technical characteristics of the USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports installed in your smartphones.
A wired connection via a USB cable provides the highest stability and speed of transfer of large amounts of data, eliminating the risks of disconnection characteristic of wireless methods.
Solving common problems and errors when transferring
Despite the smooth running of the processes, users may encounter a number of typical problems, such as sudden termination of transfers or incorrect display of files. Often the reason is that one of the devices goes into sleep mode to save energy. To avoid this, increase the time until the screen turns off in the display settings on both smartphones for the duration of the operation.
Another common problem is incompatibility between Android versions. If Samsung has a very old version of the system installed (below Android 6.0), and Redmi has the latest Android 13 or 14, some transfer protocols may not work. In such cases, it is recommended to first update your old phone to the highest possible version or use an intermediate method through a computer.
If transfer applications give the error “Unable to connect,” try rebooting the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules or completely rebooting both devices. Also check if one of the phones has the “Charge Only” mode enabled when connecting the cable - it must be changed to the “File Transfer” (MTP) mode.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and menu item names may vary slightly depending on the MIUI or One UI firmware version. If you do not find the specified option, use the search in the phone settings by entering the function keyword.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will passwords from applications and banking apps be transferred?
Passwords from most applications, especially banking ones, are not transferred automatically for security reasons. You will have to enter them again on the new device. However, passwords saved in Google Chrome or Google Password Manager are synchronized via a cloud account.
Is it possible to transfer data if the screen of one of the phones is broken?
Yes, this is possible if the sensor is partially working or if you can connect a USB mouse via an OTG adapter to control the interface. Outputting the image to an external monitor via USB-C Hub will also help if the phone supports video output.
What to do with the data on the SIM card?
Modern smartphones do not recommend storing contacts on the SIM card due to the character limit. It's better to export them to your Google account. If the contacts are still on the SIM, simply move the card to the new phone and select “Import contacts from SIM” in the Contacts application.
Will the data on the old Samsung be erased after the transfer?
No, the transfer process works on the principle of copying, not cutting. All data will remain unchanged on the old device until you decide to delete it or perform a factory reset.
How to transfer correspondence from WhatsApp when changing your phone?
For WhatsApp, it is better to use the built-in backup function to Google Drive on the old phone, and then restore it when installing the application on the new Redmi. Direct transfer via Mi Mover may not process the messenger database correctly.