The transition to a new Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is often accompanied by the question of how to save all the accumulated data and transfer it to the new device. There are many ways to solve this problem in the Android ecosystem, from built-in cloud services to specialized software. Properly setting up synchronization ensures that your contacts, photos, notes and call history are not lost during the migration process. Owners of branded devices have a unique advantage thanks to a deeply integrated service that works in tandem with a Google account. However, the choice of a specific method depends on which device is the data source: an old Redmi, a phone from another manufacturer, or a computer. Understanding the differences between these tools will allow you to choose the fastest and safest way to transfer information.
Brand device owners Xiaomi have a unique advantage due to their deeply integrated service Mi Cloud, which works in tandem with a Google account. However, the choice of a specific method depends on which device is the data source: an old Redmi, a phone from another manufacturer, or a computer. Understanding the differences between these tools will allow you to choose the fastest and most secure path to transfer information.
This guide takes a detailed look at all the current methods for synchronizing data between Android smartphones. We will analyze the operation of the proprietary Mi Mover utility, setting up cloud storage and using wired connections. Each method has its own characteristics that must be taken into account to successfully complete the procedure without losing critical files.
Preparing devices for the synchronization process
Before starting any data manipulation, you must make sure that both devices are ready for use. This is a basic step, which, if ignored, often leads to connection breakdowns or errors when transferring large amounts of information. Check the battery level on both smartphones: it should be at least 50-60% so that the devices do not turn off at the most critical moment.
Make sure that the module is activated on both devices Wi-Fi. Even if you plan to use mobile data, a local wireless network provides significantly higher data transfer speeds between devices. It is also recommended to free up enough memory on the receiving phone by checking the available space in the storage settings.
☑️ Ready for synchronization
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to transfer data via 4G/5G mobile data if you have a limited tariff plan. The process of synchronizing photos and videos can require tens of gigabytes of traffic.
An important aspect is updating the software. Go to menu Settings → About phone → MIUI version and check for updates. The current firmware version contains bug fixes that may interfere with the correct operation of data transfer protocols.
Using the Mi Mover application for direct transfer
The most effective tool for migrating data between Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is the built-in application Mi Mover. This utility creates a direct, secure connection between devices, allowing you to transfer contacts, messages, call logs, applications and multimedia without using the Internet.
To start the process, open the application on both devices. On the old phone, select the role "Sender", and on the new Redmi - "Recipient". The new device will generate a QR code that must be scanned with the camera of the old phone. Once the connection is established, you will see an interface for selecting data to transfer.
When transferring a large number of photos, the process may take from 30 minutes to several hours. Leave your phones next to each other and do not block the screen to avoid disconnection.
The Mi Mover interface allows you to flexibly customize your content selection. You can transfer only system settings and contacts, or copy the entire array of data, including installed applications and their data. Please note that some banking applications and instant messengers may require re-authorization after the transfer.
- 📱 Contacts and calls: Instant transfer of phone book and call history without loss of numbering.
- 📸 Media: Transfer of photos, videos and audio recordings from internal memory and SD card.
- ⚙️ System settings: Copy Wi-Fi settings, alarms and desktop design.
⚠️ Attention: When transferring applications, their data may not be fully compatible if the Android versions on the devices are significantly different. It is better to back up critical data of instant messengers separately through their built-in functions.
Synchronization via the Mi Cloud cloud service
The cloud service Mi Cloud is a central element of the Xiaomi ecosystem, providing automatic data synchronization in the background. For this method to work, you need a Mi Account, which is linked to the device during the first setup. This method is ideal for keeping data up to date on multiple devices.
Synchronization is activated through the menu Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. Here you can select the types of data that will be automatically uploaded to the cloud: contacts, messages, notes, voice recorder, gallery and system settings. After enabling the option, data will begin to be uploaded to the company’s servers if there is a Wi-Fi connection.
| Data type | Free storage limit | Update speed | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact | 5 GB (general) | Instantly | Automatic |
| SMS messages | 5 GB (general) | If there is a network | When you log in to your account |
| Photos and Videos | 5 GB (shared) | Background loading | Via the Gallery application |
| Notes | 5 GB (total) | Instantly | Synchronization in the application |
On the new Redmi phone, just log into the same one Mi Account. The system will automatically offer to restore data from the cloud. You can choose a full restoration or download only certain categories of files. This is especially convenient if the old phone has already been sold or is unavailable.
What to do if you run out of space in Mi Cloud?
The user is provided with 5 GB of space for free. If this is not enough, the service will offer to subscribe to extended storage. An alternative is to clear the cloud of old backups or use Google Photos to store media files.
Working with a Google account and standard Android tools
Do not forget about the capabilities that the operating system itself provides Android. Google Account is a universal synchronization tool that works on any device, regardless of brand. This is a reliable way to save contacts, calendar events and passwords saved in the Chrome browser.
To configure, go to section Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Google. Make sure that the switches opposite the desired items are active. The data will be saved in your Google profile and will automatically appear on the new device after entering your login and password during the initial setup process.
- 📧 Mail and Contacts: Full synchronization of the address book through Google Contacts services.
- 🗓️ Calendar: Transfer of all scheduled meetings and reminders.
- 🔑 Passwords: Access to saved access keys through the Google password manager.
A special feature of this method is its independence from the smartphone manufacturer. If you're switching from Samsung or Huawei to Redmi, syncing via Google will ensure a seamless transfer of basic information. However, system settings and specific MIUI data are not transferred using the method.
Using a Google account is a mandatory basic step, which insures your contacts and mail regardless of the state of the Xiaomi smartphone itself.
Transferring data via a computer and a wired connection
Sometimes wireless methods are too slow or unstable, especially if necessary, transfer hundreds of gigabytes of video archives. In such cases, the most reliable solution is to use a personal computer as an intermediate buffer.
Connect the old phone to the PC via a USB cable and select the operating mode File transfer (MTP) in notifications. Copy the necessary folders, such as DCIM (photo), Download and Musicto your computer's hard drive. Then connect the new Redmi and transfer the files to the appropriate directories.
⚠️ Attention: When using Windows, make sure that the latest drivers for mobile devices are installed. In some cases, you may need to install the official Mi PC Suite software to correctly recognize your phone.
This method also allows you to create a complete backup of the system if you use specialized software for managing Android. A wired connection guarantees maximum speed and no risk of interruption of transmission due to interference on the air. This is the only method that does not depend on the quality of the wireless signal.
Synchronization of instant messengers and specific applications
The transfer of correspondence history in instant messengers deserves special attention, since standard synchronization methods often do not affect the databases of these applications. WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber use their own backup protocols that must be activated manually.
Go to your chat settings and create a backup copy in Google Drive. On a new phone, when launched for the first time, the application will offer to restore the message history from the found backup. For Telegram, you just need to log into your account using your phone number, since the entire history is stored on the service’s servers. WhatsApp go to your chats settings and create a backup on Google Drive. On a new phone, when launched for the first time, the application will offer to restore the message history from the found backup. For Telegram, you just need to log into your account using your phone number, since the entire history is stored on the service’s servers.
Path for WhatsApp backup:
Settings → Chats → Chat backup → Backup
For banking applications and With two-factor authentication, synchronization is not possible in the classical sense. You will have to go through the process of linking your device and confirming your identity again. Prepare your SIM card in advance and make sure that the phone number is active to receive SMS codes.
What to do if Mi Mover does not see the device?
Make sure GPS and Wi-Fi are turned on on both phones. Try turning off mobile data. If the problem persists, restart both devices and try to create a hotspot on one of them, connecting the second one to it manually before launching the application.
Is it possible to synchronize Wi-Fi passwords?
Yes, when using Mi Mover or restoring from a full copy of Mi Cloud, Wi-Fi network settings, including passwords, will be transferred to the new device. When using only a Google account, this function may not be available depending on the version of Android.
Is the data on the old phone erased after the transfer?
No, all the described methods work in copy mode. The data on the old device remains intact. To remove them, you need to perform a manual reset to factory settings in the recovery menu.
How to transfer the desktop layout?
Icons and widgets are transferred only through the Mi Mover application or a full recovery from the Mi Cloud. Standard Google tools do not transfer the location of desktop icons between devices from different manufacturers.