Changing smartphones is often synonymous with transferring data and applications. Two widely used tools for this purpose are Xiaomi’s Mi Mover and Samsung’s Smart Switch. These applications allow you to copy essential information from one device to another, but the central question is whether Mi Mover offers a complete transfer of applications like Smart Switch.
What Mi Mover actually copies when transferring to a Xiaomi
Mi Mover was designed to facilitate migration between Xiaomi devices, but its scope is not always exhaustive. The software will essentially transfer installed applications as well as accessible files, including photos, contacts, messages, and some basic settings.
However, Mi Mover does not systematically transfer the complex internal data of all applications. For example, some applications with a high level of security or that store their data in protected areas do not have their login information, preferences, or personal content automatically migrated. This requires manually re-entering credentials or reconfiguring certain settings after the transfer.
In practice, simple or standard apps work correctly after migration, while apps related to banking services, DRM-protected streaming, or password managers are often partially transferred, or not at all.
Why does Smart Switch often ensure a more complete transfer of applications?
Smart Switch benefits from deep integration with the Samsung system, allowing it to access more restricted areas of the system. This privileged relationship offers the possibility of copying not only the applications but also their user data, preferences, and sometimes even usage histories.
The majority of Samsung smartphones are natively compatible with Smart Switch, which gives the tool special permissions to bypass certain security restrictions. This capability allows Smart Switch to replicate complex application environments, such as games with local saves, or professional applications requiring persistent authentication.
This better coverage explains why Samsung users notice that their phone is almost identical to the original after transfer, with little need for reinstallation or re-entry.
How does Android limit the complete transfer of applications?
Android, for security reasons, protects access to sensitive application data. These protections often prevent a direct and complete transfer of an application’s data from one device to another, especially if the devices are not from the same manufacturer.
The system imposes restrictions on data stored in protected areas of the phone, including those related to identifiers, passwords, and encrypted files. Additionally, some applications incorporate internal mechanisms preventing data copying for privacy reasons or to prevent fraud.
Consequently, even with a tool like Mi Mover, it is common for only the applications to be transferred without their associated data. Users often have to log in again or restore their data via dedicated cloud services.
How to prepare an application transfer with Mi Mover to minimize losses?
To ensure the most complete transfer possible, it is advisable to take a few precautions before using Mi Mover. It is useful to update all applications to their latest version to maximize compatibility.
Next, backing up sensitive application data via Google Drive or integrated services is essential. For professional or banking applications, it is often necessary to reinstall manually and re-enter credentials.
Keeping an updated list of used applications and necessary accesses helps reduce oversights. Finally, it is recommended to check after transfer that all applications work correctly and to proceed with a reinstallation if needed.
READ ALSO Fiber optic in rural areas: how to test your eligibility?
Why don’t some applications automatically transfer with Mi Mover?
Beyond Android protections, the origin of the applications plays an important role in their transfer. Apps downloaded via the Play Store are easier to migrate because their data can be synchronized with the Google account.
In contrast, applications installed from external APK files or via alternative stores do not always benefit from automatic migration. They often need to be reinstalled manually, which may require finding the installation file and checking for updates.
Additionally, some applications include anti-copy mechanisms to protect their content, which blocks any direct data transfer, even via Mi Mover.