The transition to a new smartphone is always an exciting process, which is often overshadowed by the need to transfer a huge amount of personal information. Honor device owners who decide to change the ecosystem to Xiaomi face a unique challenge, as both brands use their own add-on to Android, but with different algorithms.
Modern migration tools make this process as painless as possible, saving not only contacts and photos, but also folder structure, call history and even the location of icons on the desktop. However, there are nuances, especially regarding Google services on new Honor models, which require special attention when cloning.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the synchronization options available, from built-in system utilities to cloud storage, so you can choose the most suitable option for your situation.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before running any portable tool, both smartphones must be properly prepared, and make sure that both devices are at least 60 percent charged, as the process can take a long time and require significant processor resources.
Both phones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The data rate depends on the router’s bandwidth, so using the 5GHz band is preferable to the old 2.4GHz standard.
☑️ Checklist before transfer
On Xiaomi’s device, it is recommended to create or sign in to Mi Account in advance, which will not only sync data in the future, but also activate advanced security features during the transfer.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the migration process even if the screens are turned off. Interrupting during the copying phase of system files can lead to malfunctioning of applications on the new device.
Using the Mi Mover application for portability
The most effective and native way for Xiaomi devices is the Mi Mover utility. It is preinstalled in the system, but older versions of the firmware may need to update through the GetApps store.
The process starts with running the app on both devices. On the new Xiaomi smartphone, select the role "I am the recipient" and on the old Honor, "I am the sender." The system automatically creates an access point or prompts you to scan. QR-link-code.
Once the connection is established, the interface will suggest selecting data categories to transfer, and you can configure in detail what exactly you want to copy:
- 📞 Contacts, messages and call history
- 📷 Photos, video and audio files
- 📱 Applications and their data (not all)
- 📝 Notes and recordings of the recorder
It is important to note that the copy speed in Mi Mover is often higher than that of third-party counterparts, thanks to the optimization of the MIUI and HyperOS shell transfer protocol.
Alternative: Honor's Phone Clone app
If for some reason the built-in Xiaomi solution does not work correctly, you can use the reverse method – the Phone Clone app (or “Clone Phone”), developed by Honor itself. APK-file.
The logic of the work here is inverted: you install the app on Xiaomi, but you control the process by running it on Honor. Select "This is a new phone" on Xiaomi and "This is an old phone" on Honor.
What is the difference between Mi Mover and Phone Clone?
The app allows data to be transmitted even without access to the Internet, creating a direct Wi-Fi connection between devices, which is especially true if the router is far away or has traffic restrictions.
However, it is worth remembering that when using third-party software from Honor on Xiaomi, access rights conflicts can arise, especially in new versions of Android with enhanced privacy protection.
Comparison of transfer methods: Characteristics table
To make it easier for you to choose the right tool, we have prepared a comparative table of the main parameters of various migration methods.
| Characteristics | Mi Mover | Phone Clone | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | High (up to 40 MB/s) | Medium | Depends on the Internet. |
| Transfer of system settings | Partial | Minimum | No. |
| Internet is required | No (locally) | No (locally) | Yes (required) |
| Compatibility with MIUI | Native. | Requires installation | Native. |
As you can see from the table, local methods benefit in speed, while cloud solutions are convenient for backup in the background.
💡
For a quick initial setup of a new smartphone, always use local tools (Mi Mover), and leave the cloud for daily sync.
Features of the transfer of Google services and applications
The most difficult part of the migration from Honor to Xiaomi is related to the Google ecosystem: the new Honor smartphones (models after 2019) lack Google’s licensed services, they are replaced by HMS.
When you migrate apps through Mi Mover, only installation files (APKs) can be copied, but not authorization data, which means that you will have to re-enter passwords inside apps like YouTube, Maps or Gmail.
For full transfer of contacts and calendar, it is best to use a Google account:
- 🔑 On Honor, go to Settings → Users and accounts → Google
- 🔄 Click on Sync and make sure that the contacts are ticked.
- 📲 On Xiaomi, just add the same account when you first launch.
⚠️ Note: Banking and government services applications are often not ported with data for security reasons, but must be reinstalled from Google Play or GetApps.
If you use Google Photos, all your images and videos are already in the cloud, and just install the app on your new phone, and the library will automatically appear.
Solving problems in synchronization
Sometimes the process can be suspended or interrupted, most often due to lack of space on the receiving device or aggressive energy saving mode.
If the transfer has stopped, try disabling the option “Wi-Fi Assistant” in the wireless settings of both phones, and it is also worth temporarily disabling the VPN if it is activated, as it can block the local connection.
💡
If Mi Mover doesn’t see the app, try clearing the cache of the Mi Mover app itself through your phone’s settings before starting (Applications → All Apps → Mi Mover → Clear).
If SMS or MMS messages are not portable, make sure that both devices have all the necessary permissions for the migration application. On Android 12/13/14, these permissions must be confirmed manually.
For advanced users who have experienced file system errors, using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) may come in handy, but it requires a computer and command line skills.
adb backup -apk -shared -all -systemThis command creates a full backup that can theoretically be deployed on a new device, however, the method is considered outdated and works unstable on modern versions of Android.
Completion of setup and data verification
After successful completion of the transfer, do not rush to delete data from the old Honor. For 2-3 days, actively use the new Xiaomi, checking the operation of all applications and the availability of files.
Pay special attention to the gallery: sometimes photos can appear on the wrong albums, in which case a reboot of the media service or re-indexing of files will help.
Also check notification settings. Because Magic UI (Honor) and MIUI (Xiaomi) systems control background processes differently, some applications may not send notifications without manual settings.