Switching to a new smartphone is always a mild stress, associated with the fear of losing important files or getting confused in settings. When you change a brand, for example, switch from Honor to the flagship Xiaomi 11, the process can seem more complicated due to the differences in the shells of MIUI and Magic UI. However, modern technology allows you to make migration as smooth and fast as possible, preserving all your memories and working tools.
In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to transfer information in detail, paying special attention to the Mi Mover tool, you will learn how to correctly restore Google services if they were not on your previous device, and how to configure account synchronization.
Don’t worry about file formats or Android versions being compatible. The process of transferring data between Honor and Xiaomi 11 doesn’t require root rights or complex software on the computer, just prepare both devices and follow the proven algorithms described below, so that you can continue working on the new gadget in 15-20 minutes.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before you start any copying tools, you need to do a number of preparatory steps, which is a critical step, ignoring which can lead to interruption of the process or damage to files. Make sure that both smartphones have a battery charge of at least 60%, as active transmission of large amounts of data over Wi-Fi Direct significantly consumes energy.
Check for free space on Xiaomi 11. The amount of available memory should exceed the size of the data you plan to transfer from Honor. It is also recommended to clear the cache of junk files on the old device to speed up the process and not copy digital noise.
Both smartphones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, although many modern utilities create their own access point.Be sure to turn on Bluetooth and GPS modules on both devices, as they are often used for initial detection and handshake protocol between gadgets.
Back up critical documents to an external medium or to the cloud, if possible, and while the risk of data loss is minimal, reinsurance is never superfluous when working with a single copy of a family archive.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to interrupt the transmission process, turn off the screen, or open other applications on both smartphones, which may result in corrupt contact databases or damage to application installation files.
☑️ Checklist before start
Use of the Mi Mover app
The most effective and native way for Xiaomi owners to migrate is to use the built-in Mi Mover app, which is already preinstalled in the Tools folder on new models like the Xiaomi 11. If your Honor does not have it, you need to download it from the app store or scan it. QR-code that will appear on the screen of the new phone.
The process starts with running the app on both devices. On Xiaomi 11, select I'm a recipient and on Honor, I'm a sender. QR-code or find the device in the list of available networks, and once connected, the devices will create a secure transmission channel.
In the data selection interface, you'll see categories like contacts, messages, call logs, images, video, audio, documents and applications. It's important to note that Wi-Fi system settings and passwords may not be migrated due to differences in the architecture of MIUI and Magic UI shells.
After selecting categories, click the "Send" button. The speed of transfer depends on the amount of data and the stability of the connection. Usually photos and videos are copied the fastest, while installing and configuring applications can take additional time, as the phone will download their current versions from Google Play.
What to do if the Mi Mover is frozen?
Alternative ways: Google Account and Cloud
If you can't use specialized apps or you can't use them, you always have the classic Google Account sync method, which is ideal for transferring contacts, notes, calendars and email settings, and you have to go to your account settings and force all elements to sync.
When you first activate Xiaomi 11, the system will prompt you to restore data from Google backup. Select the last restore point. This method also allows you to automatically download a list of previously installed applications, although the program files themselves will have to be downloaded again.
For photos and videos, the best way to use Google Photos or cloud storage like Yandex.Disk or Dropbox is to upload media files to the cloud on your old device, and on the new device, simply install the appropriate app and log in to your profile, which will free up Honor's internal memory and ensure data is safe.
Honor holders issued after sanctions may face a lack of Google services, in which case use the Huawei cloud (if an account is created) or third-party tools to export contacts in the.vcf format, which is universal for all Android smartphones.
- 📱 Contact: Exports to VCF Synchronization with Google Contacts.
- 📸 Media: Automatic download in Google Photos or Yandex.Disk.
- 📝 Notes: Transfer via Google Keep or export text files.
- 📅 Calendar: Synchronization through Gmail account.
Comparison of data transfer methods
To make it easier for you to choose the best option, we have compiled a comparative table of the main methods, each of which has its own advantages depending on the type of data and the current situation with the Internet connection.
Local methods like Mi Mover are faster and mobile-friendly, and cloud solutions are more convenient for constant background synchronization, but require a stable and fast Internet connection.
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | What's transferable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | No (Wi-Fi Direct) | Everything (contacts, photos, apps, settings) |
| Google Account | Medium | Yes. | Contacts, calendar, list of applications |
| USB-cable) | Depends on the cable. | No. | Photos, videos, documents (manual) |
| Bluetooth | Low. | No. | Only contacts and small files |
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For a full one-to-one migration with the preservation of folder structure, Mi Mover is best suited, whereas a Google account is enough for basic data.
Transfer of WhatsApp and messengers
The WhatsApp messaging service is worth a special attention, as standard file copying methods often do not save the message history, and the most reliable way is to use the built-in backup function in the messenger itself.
On Honor, open WhatsApp settings, go to Chats → Chat Backup and click Backup. Make sure the copy is saved to Google Drive, not locally. Once you install WhatsApp on Xiaomi 11 and type in the same phone number, the system will prompt you to restore the story from the cloud.
For Telegram and Viber, the process is even simpler: these messengers store their correspondence history on their servers. Just install the application, enter the phone number and confirmation code, all chats will be downloaded automatically. Viber can also create a local backup for reinsurance.
⚠️ Warning: When you port WhatsApp, make sure the new phone uses the same Google account that the backup was made to.
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If you have a very large amount of media on WhatsApp, before restoring to a new phone in the chat settings, turn off automatic photo and video downloads, which will save traffic and space, and the files will be downloaded as needed when viewing.
Setting up Google services on Xiaomi 11
Xiaomi devices come with a full range of Google services, however, after transferring data from Honor (especially older or non-GMS models), additional actions may be required. First of all, check that your Google account is added to the Settings → Accounts and Sync menu and sync is enabled.
To properly geolocate, pay via NFC (Google Pay/Mirr Pay) and install apps from the Play Market, you need to make sure that Google Play services are active. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps, search for Google Play Services and check for updates.
If you are switching from Honor, which did not have Google services, you will need to re-sign in to all applications tied to the Google ecosystem (YouTube, Maps, Drive). Xiaomi 11 security system can request a sign-in confirmation - have a phone on hand to receive a phone. SMS-code.
You should also configure notifications, as the aggressive MIUI energy saving system can kill the background processes of messengers. Go to the battery settings and select No Limits mode for important applications.
- 🔑 Authorization: Re-enter Gmail, Drive, Photos.
- 🛡️ Security: Checking certificates and updates to Google Play Services.
- 🔔 Notifications: Set up auto-run for messengers in MIUI.
- 💳 Payment: Setup NFC Adding cards to Google Wallet/Mirr Pay.