How to Back Up WeChat, WhatsApp, and App Data Before Switching to New Xiaomi
Losing chat history when switching phones is one of the most common regrets. This guide covers each major app.
WhatsApp Backup
Option A – Google Drive Backup (Recommended)
1. Open WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat Backup.
2. Tap Back Up to Google Drive → choose frequency → select your Google account.
3. Tap Back up now and wait for completion.
4. On your new Xiaomi, install WhatsApp, verify the same number, and restore when prompted.
Option B – Local Backup (Manual)
1. WhatsApp auto-saves daily backups to Internal Storage/WhatsApp/Databases/.
2. Copy this folder to PC before factory reset.
3. Move the folder back to the same path on your new Xiaomi before installing WhatsApp.
WeChat Backup
WeChat does not use Google Drive. Use WeChat's built-in migrate feature:
1. On old phone: WeChat → Me → Settings → General → Chat History Migration & Backup → Migrate to New Phone.
2. Choose to migrate via QR code — scan from your new Xiaomi.
3. Both phones must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Select specific chats or transfer all.
Important: WeChat migration requires both phones to be active and on the same network. Transfer chats BEFORE factory-resetting your old phone.
Telegram Backup
Telegram chats are cloud-synced by default. Simply log in on your new Xiaomi with the same phone number — all messages restore automatically. For large media files, go to Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Usage → Clear Local Cache on the old phone if needed.
App Game Progress & Data
| Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| Google Play Games cloud save | Games using Google Play Games API |
| In-app account login | Most RPGs and strategy games |
| Mi Mover APK + data transfer | Apps without cloud save |
| Manual ADB backup | Advanced users only |
General Pre-Switch Checklist
- [ ] WhatsApp backed up to Google Drive
- [ ] WeChat migrated via QR code (do this first, while old phone is active)
- [ ] Telegram — nothing to do (cloud-synced)
- [ ] Game progress saved to cloud account
- [ ] Photos backed up to Google Photos or Mi Cloud
- [ ] Contacts synced to Google Account
- [ ] Note apps (Miui Notes, Google Keep) synced
- [ ] Mi Account signed out on old phone after transfer
Pro Tips
- Do WeChat migration before inserting your SIM into the new phone to avoid number verification issues.
- For apps without cloud backup, Dr.Fone – Phone Backup can create a full snapshot including app data and restore it selectively to the new Xiaomi.
