Changing your smartphone is always stressful, associated with the fear of losing important contacts, correspondence or photos. This issue is especially acute when you change the brand of the ecosystem, for example, switch from Honor to powerful Xiaomi or Poco devices. Fortunately, modern Android operating systems and specialized utilities allow you to perform this process as quickly as possible and without losing information.
In this article, we will look at all available synchronization methods, from using the official Mi Mover tool to manually transferring via cloud storage and computer, learn how to properly prepare both devices, what file formats are supported, and how to avoid typical errors that can damage the contact database.
The process of data migration has become much easier in recent years, but requires attention to detail. Connection stability and battery power are key here. We will look at a step-by-step algorithm that will help you start using a new gadget with the usual comfort within 15-20 minutes after unpacking.
Preparing devices for information migration
Before any copying procedure, make sure that both smartphones are in good condition and ready to work. Charge Honor and Xiaomi to at least 60-70%, as the active transfer of large amounts of data (especially videos and photos) significantly consumes battery power.
Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, preferably at 5GHz for maximum transfer speed. Make sure the old Honor phone has Data Transfer enabled and removed restrictions on the background of applications. On the new Poco or Xiaomi, the system will suggest you start setting up where you can choose to import, but it is better to do it manually through the application for full control.
⚠️ Note: Do not use guest or public browser-authorized Wi-Fi networks to transfer data, as this may block the connection between devices.
It's also worth checking if there's space on your target device, and if you go from a 128GB model to a 64GB model, you can't completely port it, so you have to sort the files beforehand and leave the most important things behind.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Using the Mi Mover app for full cloning
The most efficient and reliable way to transfer is to use the Mi Mover utility, which is designed specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem, which allows you to transfer not only media files, but also system settings, desktop layout and application data. On new Poco and Xiaomi models, it is often preinstalled in the Tools folder, but if it is not available, you can download it. APK-file.
The process starts with installing the app on your Honor device. Once you start it on your new smartphone, select the role "I'm the recipient" and the old one, "I'm the sender." The system will create a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect to. It's important not to confuse the networks: the SSID of the network will contain the name of the model of your new phone.
Once connected, the interface will suggest selecting data categories to transfer. You can choose all at once or manually mark the items you want: contacts, messages, call log, images, music, videos, documents and installed applications. The data compression algorithm allows you to speed up the process, but large files can be transferred longer.
- 📱 Contacts and messages: transfer in native format, maintaining the structure of dialogues.
- 📸 Media Files: Photos and Videos Store Original Resolution and Metadata (EXIF).
- 📦 Annexes: transmitted APK-files, but data inside games or banking applications may require separate login.
- ⚙️ System settings: alarm clocks, wallpaper and some interface parameters MIUI/HyperOS.
What to do if the Mi Mover is frozen?
Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services
An alternative and often more stable method is to use Google’s cloud infrastructure, because both smartphones are Android-based, your contacts, notes, calendar and passwords can already be saved, so you can go to your settings on Honor, find the Accounts section, and make sure that sync with Google is activated.
On a new Xiaomi or Poco device, when you first set up, just type in the same email address. The system will automatically tighten contacts and calendar events. For photos and videos, use the Google Photos app. Set it on your old phone, enable autoload and wait until the process is over.
The good thing about this method is that it doesn't require two devices to be connected to each other all the time. You can move data in stages over a few days. However, 15GB of free space may not be enough if you have a lot of high-resolution video, so you either have to buy extra space or you have to choose compressed quality (space saving).
| Parameter | Mi Mover | Google Account | Computer (USB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | High (locally) | Depends on the Internet. | Maximum |
| Contacts | Yes. | Yes. | Through export/import |
| Annexes | Yes (APK) | List of installations | No. |
| Settings | Partially. | Basic | No. |
Transfer of multimedia and documents through USB-cable
If wireless methods seem too slow or unstable to you, there is always a time-tested way to use a computer. USB-cable, select the mode of operation MTP (File transfer) in notifications. Copy folders DCIM (Photos and Videos), Music, Download and Documents on your computer's hard drive.
Then plug in a new Xiaomi or Poco and transfer those folders to the appropriate internal memory directories.This method is ideal for moving huge video archives, as speed is limited only by bandwidth. USB-Use original cables or certified analogues with support USB 3.0 for maximum efficiency.
For users who prefer full control, this method allows you to immediately audit files and not carry the digital debris accumulated over the years of using an old phone, and it is also convenient to transfer files of specific applications that do not have cloud synchronization, such as voice recordings of a voice recorder or cached cards through a computer.
⚠️ Note: When copying through a computer, make sure you copy files instead of moving them until you are sure that you are successful in completing the operation on the new device.
Features of message transfer and call log
The most sensitive part of migration is the history of SMS and MMS correspondence, as well as the call log. Standard Android tools do not always make it easy to export this data in a readable form. The Mi Mover app does this best by integrating messages directly into the standard new shell messaging app.
If you use third-party messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), the situation is different. Telegram and Viber store the history of correspondence on their servers, so it is enough to simply log in to a new phone. WhatsApp needs to back up to Google Drive through the settings of the application on the old Honor, and then restore it on the first launch on Xiaomi.
The use of native migration tools is therefore preferable to preserving the integrity of the dialogues.
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Before you move WhatsApp, make sure that there is a fresh copy on Google Drive, tied to the account you will be using on the new phone.
Problem Solving and Application Compatibility
After transferring data, users may find that some applications do not open or work incorrectly, this is due to the fact that the MIUI or HyperOS shell on Xiaomi has a more aggressive energy management system than the EMUI on Honor.
To solve this problem, you need to go to the battery settings and allow auto-run for important applications (messengers, mail, navigator). It is also worth checking the permissions in the Applications section → Rights → Auto-Run. Without this step, notifications may come with a delay or not at all.
Another common problem is the lack of Google services on some new models or the need to activate them further. Make sure that in the Accounts and Sync section all Google services are active. APK-Honor system application files, they may not be installed on Xiaomi due to incompatibility of Android versions or processor architecture.
- 🔋 Battery Optimization: Configure the “No Limits” mode for instant messengers.
- 🔒 Security: Check microphone and geolocation permissions after transfer.
- 🔄 Updates: Immediately after the migration, go to the Play Market and update all applications to the current versions.
💡
The main problem after the transfer is the lack of notifications, solved by setting up auto-start and removing battery restrictions for specific applications.
What to do if contacts are displayed in duplicates?
Can I move the desktop layout?
Will passwords from Wi-Fi networks be saved?
Final configuration and integrity check
After all the transfer procedures are completed, take your time to delete data from the old Honor. For several days, actively use the new Xiaomi or Poco, checking for all photos, contact availability and banking applications. Banking programs require separate authorization and device binding, which is a security measure.
Pay attention to the work NFC-Contactless payment module. On Xiaomi devices, setting up NFC This may be different and you will need to add cards to Google Pay or Mi Pay again. NFC It is conveniently located, since on different models of phones antennas can be located in different places (usually in the upper part of the body).
Once you make sure that all the data is on site and working correctly, you can start completely resetting the old device to the factory settings to prepare it for sale or transfer to another user.