Replacing an old smartphone with a new model always raises a lot of questions, especially when it comes to changing the ecosystem. The transition from Honor devices to Xiaomi devices, such as the popular Redmi 9, requires a careful approach to the migration of user information. Despite the fact that both platforms run the Android operating system, their shells — Magic UI (or EMUI) and MIUI — have significant differences in file architecture and backup methods.
Honor owners often face a lack of Google services on newer models, which complicates the standard sync process through a Google account. At the same time, Xiaomi Redmi 9 is initially focused on deep integration with Google’s ecosystem and its own Mi Cloud. The right algorithm of actions will allow you to avoid losing contacts, photos, call history and application settings.
There are several proven ways to transfer information, from using a specialized Mi Mover app to manually migrating through cloud storage or local file sharing. The choice of the specific method depends on the version of Android on your old device and the amount of data you need to save. Below we will detail each step so you can quickly set up your new smartphone.
Preparation of devices before the migration
Before you start the copying process, you need to perform a number of preparatory actions on both devices, this will ensure the stability of the connection and prevent possible data transmission errors, ignoring this step can lead to interruption of the process or damage to files.
First of all, make sure that the battery on both smartphones is at least 50-60% charged; the intensive data transfer process over Wi-Fi Direct, which is used by most utilities, consumes significant energy; if the device turns off at the time of writing system files, this can lead to malfunctioning of the software.
⚠️ Note: Do not use public Wi-Fi networks to transfer data. For migratory applications to work smoothly, devices must be on the same local area network or be connected directly through an access point.
It is also recommended to free up space on the receiving device, Xiaomi Redmi 9. Although memory is usually free there, checking for system updates on both devices will help avoid conflicting versions of the transmission protocols. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install available security patches.
- 🔋 Charge both smartphones to at least 60% for stable operation.
- 📶 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or make sure that Wi-Fi modules are in good condition.
- 🗑️ Delete temporary files and cache on old Honor to speed up the copying process.
- 🔒 Unlock the screens of both devices and allow access to geolocation to search for neighboring gadgets.
The important thing is to check for free space. The amount of free memory on Redmi 9 should exceed the amount of data occupied by Honor. If space is not enough, it is better to transfer some files, for example, video archives, to the computer or to the cloud separately.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most effective and native way to move to Xiaomi equipment is to use the official Mi Mover application. This utility is designed specifically for migration from other Android and iOS platforms, providing the transfer of contacts, messages, call logs, photos and even installed applications.
On the new Xiaomi Redmi 9, the app is usually pre-installed in the Tools folder. If it isn't, download the latest version from Google Play Market or GetApps. On the old Honor device, the app will also need to be installed, as it may not be available as standard Magic UI.
Once the program is running, you need to choose the role of each device: on Honor, select the “I’m sending” option, and on Redmi 9, select the “New phone” option, and the system will create a secure Wi-Fi network that the old phone will need to connect to.
⚠️ Warning: While Mi Mover is running, don't switch to other apps or lock your smartphone screen. Interrupting the process can cause contacts or messages to not be recorded in the new phone's database.
The application interface allows you to flexibly customize your data selection. You can eliminate large video files or system debris to speed up the process. After selecting categories, click Send and wait for the operation to be completed. The transfer speed depends on the number of files and the power of the Wi-Fi modules.
☑️ Checklist of work with Mi Mover
A feature of working with Honor may be the need to provide advanced permissions. Android on older devices can aggressively complete background processes, so when requesting to save the activity of the application, be sure to select “Allow”.
Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services
If direct transfer over Wi-Fi Direct is difficult, the classic method is sync through a Google account, ideal for saving contacts, calendar, notes and app settings, but it requires a stable Internet connection and sufficient space in the cloud.
On Honor, go to Settings → Users and Accounts. Make sure your Google account is added and activated. Inside your account settings, click Sync and force the update to run for all items, especially Contact, Calendar and Google Photos.
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Before you reset or sell your old phone, make sure to log out of all Google and Mi Account accounts so that you don’t block your devices with FRP protection.
On the new Xiaomi Redmi 9, when you first turn on, the system will prompt you to log in to the same Google account. Once authorized, the phone will automatically prompt you to restore data from the backup. This will take longer than the Mi Mover, since the files will be downloaded from the Internet.
Google Photos is a special feature, and if you have Autoboot and Sync on your old phone, all your photos and videos are already in the cloud, just install the app on your new phone, and the library will be available instantly without taking up the device’s internal memory when you use the “Save Space” mode.
| Type of data | Google's method | Mi Mover Method | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Autosynchronization | Direct transfer | Google is more reliable for long-term storage |
| Photo/Video | Google Photos (cloud) | Locally to the gallery | Mi Mover retains original quality |
| Annexes | Download from Play Market | Copying APK-file | Data within applications may not be transferred |
| SMS messages | Through Google One | Direct transfer | Requires setting up backup |
It is important to understand that data within applications (such as progress in games or correspondence in messengers that do not support cloud sync) is not always transferred through a Google account.
Transfer of messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber
Messengers are critical applications, and messaging is not acceptable, and the process of transferring message history for WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram is different from standard file migration, as this data is often protected by end-to-end encryption.
For WhatsApp, the most reliable way is to back up your old Honor phone directly to Google Drive. Go to Settings → Chats → Backup Chats and click Backup. Make sure you’re using the same Google account that will be on your new phone.
⚠️ Note: When you migrate WhatsApp to a new number or OS (from iOS to Android), you may need special utilities. When you switch to Android-Android, a Google account is enough, but the phone number must remain the same or be moved to a new one. SIM-map before application activation.
On Xiaomi Redmi 9, install WhatsApp, enter the same phone number. The app will automatically detect a backup on Google Drive and prompt you to restore history.This process requires a Wi-Fi connection and can take time depending on the size of the database.
In the case of Telegram, the situation is simpler: all data is stored on the messenger servers. Just enter the phone number and confirmation code, and all chats (except secret ones) will appear on the device instantly. Viber also uses backup on Google Drive, which you need to activate manually in the application settings before switching.
What if WhatsApp doesn’t see a backup?
Working with file system and multimedia
The Android file system on Honor and Xiaomi devices is organized in a similar way, but the paths to folders may differ. The standard structure involves DCIM folders for photos, Download for downloads and Music for audio. It is important to not confuse these directories when manually copying.
To transfer heavy files like video to 4K or document archives, you can use the Mi Drop (now ShareMe) function or standard Bluetooth exchange, although the latter is extremely slow. ShareMe allows you to transfer files without limiting the speed of the Wi-Fi router, creating a direct access point between devices.
If you use your computer as an intermediary, connect Honor first in File Transfer (MTP) mode. Copy DCIM, Pictures, Documents folders to your PC. Then connect Redmi 9 and transfer the data to the appropriate root directories, ensuring that the gallery and file manager correctly index the new files.
- 📁 folder DCIM/Camera It contains all the pictures taken on camera.
- 📥 Download folder stores files from the browser and messengers.
- 🎵 Audio files are better placed in the Music folder for correct display in the player.
- 📱 folder Android/data contains a cache of applications, it is not recommended to copy manually.
After transferring photos to Xiaomi, it may take time for them to be processed by the gallery.If the images don't show up immediately, try restarting the device or clearing the Gallery app's cache through the settings.
Security setting and final steps
After the successful data transfer, you need to take time to adjust the security of the new device. Xiaomi Redmi 9 offers a wide range of security tools, including face unlock, fingerprint and password. Set up biometrics on the new device is mandatory, since the old biometric data is not portable for security purposes.
It is also worth checking the work of two-factor authentication. SIM-The card may have been transferred, the confirmation codes will now arrive on the new phone. Update the device number in the trusted device settings for your Google account and Mi Account account.
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Full migration is considered complete only after checking the operation of all key applications (bank, messengers) and setting up biometric protection on the new device.
Remember to delete data from your old Honor if you plan to sell it or transfer it to another person. Complete a full reset to factory settings (Settings → System → Resetting), first making sure that everything important is saved in the new place.
As the final touch, update all apps in Google Play and GetApps. Developers often release updates optimized for specific device models, which can improve the autonomy and stability of the Redmi 9.