Changing a smartphone brand is always stressful, associated with the risk of losing important data, but the transition from the Honor ecosystem to Xiaomi is much easier than it seems at first glance. Modern Android operating systems, which are installed on both devices, have a similar file system structure, which allows you to use standard migration tools without the need for complex reprogramming. Users often fear that they will lose their history of correspondence in instant messengers or configuring banking applications, but a competent approach to the process avoids such problems.
The challenge is not to transfer files, but to choose the right method to keep the folder structure and image metadata. Depending on the amount of information and the speed of the Internet connection, you can choose between local transmission over Wi-Fi Direct, using cloud storage or classical connection to the computer. Each of these methods has its advantages: the first is fast and autonomous, the second is convenient for backup, and the third is reliable when working with gigabytes of video archive.
Before starting the procedure, you need to make sure that both devices are charged at least 60%, as active operation of wireless communication modules significantly consumes energy. It is also worth checking the availability of free space on the new Xiaomi gadget to accommodate all the data baggage from the old Honor. If you plan to use cloud services, make sure that your Google account is synchronized and the applications are updated to the latest versions for the correct export operation.
Preparing devices for data migration
The first step is to thoroughly review the contents of an old smartphone. remove unnecessary screenshots, heavy game cache and duplicate photos so as not to waste time transferring digital debris. Pay special attention to the files in the Download folder, where APK installers and temporary files from instant messengers that do not have value on the new device often accumulate.
The second critical step is to back up critical data in case of unforeseen failures. Despite the reliability of modern transmission protocols, a human factor or software bug can interrupt the process. Copy key documents to a flash card or to the cloud to have a rollback point in an emergency.
- 🔋 Charge both smartphones to above 70% or connect them to a power source.
- 📶 Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
- 🔒 Unlock the screens and turn off the power saving mode so that the system does not interrupt the background processes.
- 📱 Make room on the new Xiaomi by removing pre-installed apps you don’t plan to use.
⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the preparation process by deleting system files or changing access rights to Android folders, this can lead to errors when working port utilities.
It is also worth installing Mi Mover, a standard tool for Xiaomi for migration, on older Honor models, it may not be in the stock build, so it will have to be downloaded from the app store or through the app store. QR-code that will appear on the screen of the new phone.
Using the Mi Mover app for fast transfer
The most efficient and quick way to transfer information is to use specialized software from the manufacturer. Mi Mover creates a secure communication channel between devices, allowing you to transfer contacts, messages, photos, music, videos and even installed applications without losing data.
The process starts with launching an app on Xiaomi’s new smartphone, and you have to select the role of “Receiver,” after which the system will generate a Wi-Fi hotspot. On the old Honor, select “Sender” and scan. QR-code that appears on the screen of the new device, or connect to the created network manually through the Wi-Fi settings.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
Once the connection is established, the system will suggest selecting data categories to transfer. The algorithm will automatically analyze the amount of information and transfer time. It is important not to switch to other applications and not to block the screen during the process, as this can break the Wi-Fi Direct connection.
| Type of data | Transmission speed | Risks of loss | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts and SMS | Instantly. | Minimum | Access to the telephone book |
| Photos and videos | High (up to 40 MB/s) | Low. | Stable Wi-Fi module |
| Annexes (APK) | Medium | Medium (re-installation required) | The same processor architecture |
| System settings | Quickly. | High (not all are tolerated) | Similar versions of Android |
⚠️ Note: Bank and government applications may not migrate properly for security reasons; they are better installed and manually configured.
The main advantage of this method is that it does not require an Internet connection and does not consume mobile traffic, all data is transmitted directly between devices over a local channel, which guarantees privacy and high speed even in the absence of a router.
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Mi Mover is the fastest way to transfer, as it uses direct Wi-Fi connection between devices, bypassing external servers and routers.
Sync through Google Account and Cloud Services
If direct porting is not possible for some reason, cloud sync is a reliable alternative. Google’s ecosystem allows you to save contacts, calendar, notes and even passwords stored in the Chrome browser. To activate this feature on Honor, you need to go to your account settings and make sure that all sync switches are active.
The Google Photos service automatically backs up images in original or compressed quality. Once you log in to the same account on the new Xiaomi, the entire media library will be available in the gallery, taking up minimal space in internal memory thanks to the “Free Space” function.
Honor users can also use the Huawei Cloud cloud if it was the primary storage, which requires installing the Huawei Mobile Services app on a new phone or using the web version of the cloud to upload data to a computer and then uploading it to Xiaomi Cloud.
What to do if your contacts are not synchronized?
This is ideal for those who are accustomed to digital hygiene and regularly synchronize, and it allows you to seamlessly switch to a new device, gradually loading data as needed, loading the communication channel with a single stream.
Transfer of messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber
The most sensitive part of migration is the history of messaging. Unlike contacts, WhatsApp messages are not stored in Google's default cloud in full, requiring a separate backup. Before switching to Xiaomi, open your WhatsApp chat settings on Honor and back up to Google Drive.
When you first start WhatsApp on a new device, the system will automatically detect a backup in the cloud and prompt you to restore your message history.It's important to use the same phone number and the same Google account as on your old device.For Viber, the procedure is similar, but backup sometimes requires you to manually start before changing your phone.
- 📸 Telegram stores the entire history of correspondence on its servers, just enter the phone number and confirmation code.
- 💬 Viber requires you to create a local or cloud copy that is restored only when you first install the application.
- 🔐 Two-factor authentication may require you to enter a code sent to the old number, make sure that you have a valid valid validation. SIM-card.
It can be difficult to transfer media files inside chats if they were not uploaded to the messenger cloud, in which case Mi Mover often does better, as it copies the folders with the application data as a whole, including the cache of images and voice messages.
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For WhatsApp Business, the recovery process may be different; make sure you backup from the business version of the app, as they are stored separately.
Working with the file system through a computer
The classic “conductor” method remains one of the most reliable for transferring large amounts of data, such as video to 4K or document archives. By connecting Honor to your computer in file transfer mode (MTP), you get full access to internal memory.
Copy the required folders, such as DCIM (photo and video), Music, Documents and Download, to your computer’s hard drive. Then plug Xiaomi in and move the files to the appropriate directories, a method that eliminates compression errors and allows you to visually control the integrity of the data.
Structure of folders for copying:
/DCIM/Camera - Photos and video from the camera
/Pictures - Screenshots and images from social networks
/Music - Audio files
/Documents - Documents and downloadsHowever, this method has a significant disadvantage: it does not tolerate application settings, logins, passwords and program installation structure, it is a pure file method that perfectly complements cloud synchronization or Mi Mover work, but does not replace them completely.
⚠️ Note: When copying via computer, do not interrupt the cable connection USB, This may cause damage to the file system or loss of data.
Use original cables or high-quality analogues with support for high data rates (USB 3.0 and above) so that the copying process of tens of gigabytes does not take several hours.
Solving problems and errors during transfer
During migration, users often face a situation where applications are installed but not opened or require re-authorization.This is normal behavior for high-security applications, such as bank clients, that are tied to a unique device identifier.
Another common problem is the lack of some system fonts or themes that were unique to the Magic UI shell on Honor.The MIUI shell on Xiaomi has its own theme structure, so old theme files may not be supported.
If you encounter a "Not enough space" error during transmission, check the hidden folders and cache. Sometimes the system considers the available space to be smaller than the real space from the reserved system partitions, in which case it is worth transferring data in parts: first contacts and photos, then applications and media.
It is important to understand that after transferring a new phone, it takes time (from 30 minutes to several hours) to index files and optimize applications in the background, during which time the device can heat up and run slower than usual - this is a standard procedure for adapting the system.