Buying a new smartphone is always a joyful event, which, however, is overshadowed by the need for a long and painstaking migration of digital life from an old device. Ecosystem owners Xiaomi are in an advantageous position as the company has developed powerful built-in tools for seamless information transfer. The process of data transfer has become much simpler in recent years, but still requires careful attention to detail so as not to lose important files or settings.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available synchronization methods, from using a proprietary utility Mi Mover to classic methods through cloud services. You will learn how to correctly transfer not only media files and contacts, but also specific messenger data, system settings, and even the home screen layout. Understanding the technical nuances of each method will allow you to choose the best option for your tasks.
Regardless of whether you are switching from a budget device of another brand or from a flagship Samsung, the basic principles of transfer remain similar, although the interfaces may differ. The main goal is to ensure the integrity of the folder structure and the functionality of applications after the first launch of a new gadget. Let's start preparing devices before starting the procedure.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before initiating the copying process, it is critical to make sure that both smartphones are in good condition and have sufficient power. It is recommended to charge both devices to at least 80%as intensive work of the Wi-Fi modules and processor when transferring large amounts of information can quickly drain the battery. Also make sure that the receiving device Xiaomi has enough free space to accommodate all the files from the old phone.
Update the software on both gadgets to the latest available version. Manufacturers often release patches that correct errors in data transfer protocols and improve compatibility between different versions Android. Go to Settings → About phone → System update and check for updates. This action minimizes the risk of failures during a communication session.
Free up RAM by closing all background applications that are not involved in the transfer process. Heavy games or navigators may consume CPU resources, resulting in slower transfer speeds or dropped connections. Rebooting both smartphones before starting the procedure is a simple but effective step to clear the cache and stabilize the network interfaces.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use public Wi-Fi networks to transfer sensitive data. Always create a direct connection between devices or use a secure home network to eliminate the risk of information interception.
☑️ Preparing for transfer
Using the Mi Mover application for a complete transfer
The most effective and preferred method of migration is to use a proprietary utility Mi Mover, which is pre-installed on all smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO. This application creates a direct Wi-Fi hotspot between devices, which provides high transfer speeds without using Internet traffic. The app's operating algorithm is intuitive and does not require deep technical knowledge from the user.
Launch the application on a new phone and select the “I am a recipient” role. On an old device, if the utility is missing, download it from the official application store or use the built-in analogue, if the manufacturer has provided such an option. After selecting the “I am a sender” role on the old gadget, scan the QR code displayed on the screen of the new phone to establish a secure connection.
After successful pairing, the system will prompt you to select categories of data to transfer. You can check boxes for contacts, messages, call log, apps, pictures, videos, music, and even system settings. A special feature Mi Mover is the ability to transfer the desktop layout, which allows you to maintain the usual organization of icons and widgets immediately after the first turn on.
- 📱 Contacts and messages: They migrate along with the correspondence history and attachments.
- 📸 Media files: Photos and videos are transferred without saving original quality and metadata.
- 🛠️ System Settings: Includes alarm settings, wallpaper and interface configuration.
- 📦 Applications: APK files are installed, but data inside some applications may require separate login.
If the transfer freezes at a certain percentage, try turning off the mobile data on both devices, leaving only the Wi-Fi module active for direct connection.
The completion time of the operation directly depends on the amount of data selected. When transferring several gigabytes of photos, the process may take 15 to 40 minutes. It is strictly not recommended to interrupt the connection, as this can lead to damage to archives or incorrect installation of applications. Wait for the success message to appear on both screens.
Synchronization via Google Account and cloud services
An alternative method that does not require installation of additional software and physical proximity devices is to use cloud infrastructure Google. This method is ideal for transferring basic data: contacts, calendar, notes and passwords saved in your browser password manager Chrome. It provides automatic data recovery the first time you set up a new smartphone.
On your old device, make sure synchronization is enabled. Go to the section Settings → Accounts → Google and check that the switches opposite the desired items (Contacts, Disk, Calendar) are active. Click the "Synchronize" button to force the latest changes to the corporation's servers. This ensures that the latest information is available for download.
When you turn on a new phone Xiaomi during the initial setup (Master) process, the system will prompt you to sign in to your existing Google account. After authorization, the setup wizard will offer to restore data from a backup copy. You can select a specific copy by creation date and specify what types of data need to be downloaded to the device.
| Data type | Synchronization method | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Contact | Google Contacts | Limit 25,000 contacts |
| Photos and videos | Google Photos | 15 GB free (shared with Drive) |
| Applications | Google Play Market | Only a list, no data inside always |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Google backup | Requires English interface on old device |
It is worth noting that this method has limitations on the amount of free storage. If your photo library exceeds 15 GB, some data may not sync without purchasing an additional subscription Google One. In this case, it is better to use a computer or a cable method described below for media files.
Manual transfer of files via a computer and cable
For users who prefer complete control over the process and do not trust cloud services, the best option would be to use a personal computer as an intermediate buffer. This method is especially relevant when transferring heavy video files in 4K resolution or huge archives of documents, where the wireless transfer speed may be insufficient.
Connect your old smartphone to the PC using a USB cable and select the “File Transfer” (MTP) operating mode in the notification. Open your computer's Explorer, find your device, and copy the necessary folders (usually DCIM, Download, Picturess) to your hard drive. After this, disconnect the old phone and connect the new one Xiaomi, transferring the files to the appropriate directories in the internal memory.
When using this method, it is important to respect the folder structure, especially for multimedia. For example, photos must be in a folder DCIM/Cameraso that the gallery Xiaomi correctly indexes them and displays them in the general feed. It is better to place music files in the folder Music, and downloaded documents - in Download.
⚠️ Attention: When copying files through Windows Explorer, do not transfer system files and folders with names starting with a dot (for example, .android_secure), as this may cause conflicts in the operation of the file system of the new devices.
The advantage of this method is the possibility of preliminary sorting and cleaning of data. While the files are on your computer, you can delete duplicates, unnecessary screenshots or old videos, thereby saving space on your new smartphone. This is the only method that allows you to do “spring cleaning” before moving to a new device.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone?
Make sure that the cable is working and supports data transfer, not just charging. Try a different USB port, preferably connected directly to the motherboard (at the back of the system unit), and not through the front panel or hub. You may also need to install ADB drivers or universal MTP drivers.
Migration of messenger data: WhatsApp and Telegram
Migration of messenger data deserves special attention, since they often store correspondence history in local databases that are not fully synchronized with the main Google account. For Telegram he process is simplified as much as possible: the entire history of correspondence, media files and channels are stored on the service’s cloud servers. You just need to install the application on a new phone and log into your account using the phone number.
The situation with WhatsApp is more complicated, since the application creates a local backup by default. To correctly transfer chat history to a new one Xiaomi you must first create a fresh copy on the old device through the settings of the messenger itself: Settings → Chats → Chat backup → Backup. Make sure that the copy is saved in Google Drive, and not just locally.
When you first launch WhatsApp on a new one On your phone, the system will automatically detect the backup in the cloud and offer to restore it. This process is critical: if you skip the recovery step during the initial setup, it will be extremely difficult to get your chat history back later without completely resetting the device. Make sure you are using the same phone number and Google account as on your old device.
- 🔐 Two-factor authentication: Remember the PIN code, if it was set, otherwise access to the account will be blocked for 7 days.
- 📹 Video in chats: By default, they may not be copied due to the size, check the backup settings.
- 📞 Calls: Call history inside WhatsApp is not restored, only text messages and media.
For users switching from iOS to Android, there is an official cable transfer function, but as part of the Android-Android transition, the methods described above are the most stable. If recovery errors occur, try clearing the Google Play Services application cache before starting the procedure.
Restoring a WhatsApp backup is only possible when installing the application for the first time on a new device. Skipping this step will require resetting the phone to try again.
Common problems and solutions
Despite the smooth processes, users may encounter a number of common problems when transferring data. One of the most common is the "Not enough space" error on the receiving device, even if the amount of free space seems to be sufficient. This is due to the fact that unpacking and installing applications requires temporary space that exceeds the size of the files themselves.
Another common problem is the process freezing during the application installation stage. This often happens if the old phone has modified versions of apps or applications from unverified sources that do not have a digital signature in the store Google Play. In such cases, the utility Mi Mover may skip these applications, and they will have to be installed manually via APK files.
If contacts are displayed incorrectly or duplicated after transfer, check the display settings in the Contacts application. Often there is an overlap of data from different sources: SIM card, Google account and local phone storage. Merging duplicates can be done through the built-in “Manage Contacts” function in the application menu.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the MIUI or HyperOS shell version. If you do not find the specified item, use the settings search by entering a keyword.
In rare cases, transferred widgets or shortcuts may not work correctly. This is due to differences in Android versions on the old and new device. The solution to the problem is to manually remove non-working widgets from the desktop and add them again from the widget menu of the new smartphone.
Why are Wi-Fi passwords not transferred?
Transferring saved Wi-Fi networks is only possible between devices running Android 10 and higher, and only if both devices use the same Google account with synchronization enabled. On older versions of the OS, this function is technically unavailable.
Completing setup and system optimization
After successful completion of the data transfer, do not rush to immediately delete information from the old device. Actively use your new smartphone for several days, checking the operation of all critical applications, banking clients and instant messengers. Make sure that all notifications arrive correctly and photo synchronization to the cloud is stable.
Pay attention to the power consumption settings. When migrating a large number of applications, the system Xiaomi can by default limit their background activity to save battery. Go to Settings → Applications → Settings → Autorun and allow important instant messengers and email clients to work in the background so as not to miss messages.
The final touch will be setting up biometric protection. The transferred data does not include fingerprints or facial recognition data for security purposes, so you need to register it again in the Passwords and securitysection. It is also recommended to set up a backup on the new device so that in the future the restoration procedure takes a minimum of time.
Is it possible to interrupt the transfer process to Mi Mover?
Technically, it is possible to interrupt the process, but this is highly not recommended. An interruption can cause application files to become corrupted, causing them to stop running. In the worst case scenario, you may need to reset your new phone to factory settings to clear incorrectly installed data.
Do alarms and reminders settings transfer?
Yes, Mi Mover utility supports transferring system application settings, including alarms, timers, stopwatch and reminders. However, third-party alarm clock applications may require separate settings within their interface.
What to do if your old phone does not have Mi Mover?
The Mi Mover application is available for download on the Google Play Store for most Android devices. If your old phone does not support installing this application, use the synchronization method via Google Account or manual copying via PC.
Is the data on the old phone erased after the transfer?
No, the transfer process involves copying data, not moving it. All files, contacts and applications will remain unchanged on the old device. You can clean it yourself later or use it as a backup device.
How to transfer data if the screen of your old phone is broken?
If the sensor does not work, but there is an image, connect a USB mouse via an OTG adapter for control. If the screen is black, but the phone works, try using the voice assistant or connect the phone to the PC to manually copy files if USB debugging was enabled previously.