Changing your smartphone is always a stress associated with the risk of losing important contacts, correspondence in messengers and photos. Especially relevant is the issue of data migration between the ecosystems of Honor and Xiaomi, as users are often afraid of the difficulties with setting up a new interface MIUI or HyperOS. Modern technology allows you to make this process as painless and fast as possible, if you know the right algorithm of actions.
In this article, we will take a look at all the transition steps, from basic device preparation to fine-tuning system parameters. You will learn how to migrate applications with their data, save your call history and SMS, and properly configure Google services on a new device. A competent approach will allow you to start using Xiaomi from the first minutes without being distracted by routine information recovery.
Preparing devices for synchronization
Before you start the active transfer phase, make sure that both smartphones are ready to go. Charge Honor and Xiaomi to at least 60%, as the process of transferring a large amount of data can require significant time and energy.
Both smartphones must be connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, preferably the same one, to ensure maximum data transfer speed without using mobile traffic. On the Honor device, make sure file transfer and Bluetooth are enabled, and on Xiaomi, run the initial setup before choosing the way to copy the data.
A critical step is to create a full backup on your old device, even if you plan to use a direct connection, to ensure that data is kept safe in the event of an unforeseen communication breakdown or software failure during migration, and use embedded system tools or cloud storage to duplicate mission-critical files.
- 📱 Check the Android version on both devices – it should be up to date for migration tools to work properly.
- 🔋 Make sure that smartphone screens don’t go out during the process (increase screen timeout in settings).
- 📶 Turn it off. VPN Proxy servers that can block local connection between gadgets.
💡
Before you start the transfer, remove unused junk apps and cache from both phones – this will speed up the process and free up space on the new Xiaomi.
Using the Mi Mover app to migrate fully
The main tool for the transition is the official Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and available for download on Honor.This tool allows you to transfer contacts, messages, calls, photos, videos, music, documents and even installed applications. Launch the application on the new Xiaomi and select the role of “I’m a recipient”.
On the old Honor, run Mi Mover (or scan it) QR-The code proposed by the new phone, and select "I'm the sender." QR-When the new device's camera sets up a secure Wi-Fi Direct connection between them, select the types of data you want to transfer and click "Send».
It is worth noting that the speed of copying depends on the volume of files transferred and the quality of the wireless module in smartphones. Heavy video files and large photo archives can be copied the longest, so be patient and do not switch to other applications at this point.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
| Type of data | Portability through Mi Mover | nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts and calls | 100% | Stored in the memory of the phone or SIM |
| Photos and videos | 100% | They can be copied for a long time at a large volume. |
| Annexes (APK) | Partially. | Data within applications may not be saved |
| SMS messages | 100% | Requires permission to access messages |
What to do if the Mi Mover is frozen?
Transfer of applications and their data
The most difficult step is to migrate applications along with their internal structure and authorization. Standard Android and Mi Mover tools often copy only the APK installation file, leaving the folders with data in the old place. For banking applications, instant messengers and games, this means reauthorization and configuration.
For instant messengers like WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, use their built-in backup features. On WhatsApp on Honor, create a backup in Google Drive, then on Xiaomi, when you first launch the app, select Restore from a copy. Telegram and Viber sync your correspondence history through the cloud automatically when you log in to your account.
Banking applications require special attention because of enhanced security measures. Once installed on Xiaomi, you will most likely have to re-assign the device to the bank account, which may require confirmation via SMS or call to support. SIM-The card is active and receives messages.
- 🔐 For two-factor authentication, use Google Authenticator or make backup codes in advance.
- 🎮 Game progress in Android games is saved through a Google Play Games account or a developer profile.
- 📝 Office documents are better to pre-load to the cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk).
Setting up Google Services and Accounts on MIUI
Xiaomi smartphones come with Google pre-installed service, however, after moving with Honor (especially newer models without GMS), you may need to manually check your settings. Sign in to your Google account via the Settings → Accounts and Sync menu.
Once you log in, the system will suggest syncing contacts, calendar and notes. Make sure the switches are active, and click Sync. If you have previously used Honor Cloud, you will need to separately install the Huawei Cloud app on Xiaomi or export data in VCF format via the Honor cloud web interface.
Special attention should be paid to the notification settings: the aggressive energy saving system MIUI can kill the background processes of messengers, which will cause messages to arrive with a delay. Go to the battery settings, find the desired application and set the "No restrictions" mode.
⚠️ Note: On some global versions MIUI If you don't find the Play Market, check the region of the device in the settings - it should correspond to your country of residence.
💡
Signing into a Google account in the first minutes after turning on a new phone triggers automatic download of most system settings and passwords.
Adaptation to the interface and system Xiaomi
Transition from the Magic shell UI or EMUI on MIUI Xiaomi uses a swipe from the bottom up to open the app menu, rather than horizontally scrolling desktops, as was customary on Honor. → Desktop → Desktop mode.
Xiaomi’s security system is more stringent on application permissions. When you first run programs, you will see pop-ups requesting rights. It is recommended to immediately issue the necessary permissions to avoid problems with functionality in the future. Also note the control center: in new versions it is called by swipe on the top right and notifications on the left.
An important feature is the presence of “Second Space” and “Turbo Mode” for games. The second space allows you to create an isolated environment with a different set of applications and accounts, which is convenient for separating work and personal life.
- 🖱️ Configure control gestures (swipes) instead of navigation buttons for a more modern interface.
- 🔍 Use the “Search” swipe down the center of the screen for quick finding settings and applications.
- 📂 Explore the Explorer app, which has a built-in storage analyzer.
Solution and final optimization
Once the transfer is complete and the initial setup is complete, it is recommended to perform a series of actions to optimize the system: Reboot your smartphone so that all background indexing and synchronization processes are completed correctly. Check the sensors, microphone and speakers by making a test call.
If you notice a quick battery drain in the early days, don't panic. Android and MIUI shell adapt to your use case, re-index files and train energy saving algorithms. Usually after 3-5 days, autonomy returns to normal. Also check for system updates in the Settings → About phone menu.
⚠️ Note: If contacts are not displayed correctly after transfer (duplicate or without names), go to the Contacts app, select Settings and combine duplicates or clear the app cache.