Changing your smartphone brand is always stressful, with the risk of losing important information, but the transition from Xiaomi to Huawei is as smooth as possible thanks to modern migration tools. You don’t have to manually rewrite hundreds of contacts or re-search important photos in your memory, as the Android ecosystem allows you to automate this process.
In this article, we’ll take a look at all the portable options available, from using the built-in Phone Clone app to Google’s cloud services, so you can choose the most convenient option for yourself.
The main advantage of the transition between these two popular Chinese brands is the high compatibility of file systems and data formats, which minimizes possible copying errors.
Preparation of devices before the migration
Before you start the transfer process, you need to perform a number of preparatory actions that will ensure the stable operation of migration tools and the safety of your data.
Make sure that both smartphones are at least 60 percent charged, as the active transmission of large amounts of data can significantly consume the battery power of both devices.
Check the availability of space on the new Huawei: the amount of free memory should exceed the size of the data you plan to transfer from the old Xiaomi.
For some system functions to work properly, it is recommended to update the MIUI operating system on your old phone to the latest available version via the settings menu.
⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the data transfer process and do not switch between apps on both smartphones until the copy is completed at 100%.
It is also worth unlocking the screens of both devices in advance and turning off the power saving mode so that the system does not “fall asleep” at the most critical moment.
☑️ Preparation for transfer
Using the Phone Clone app to port
The most effective and quick way to migrate is to use the proprietary Phone Clone app, which is pre-installed on most modern smartphones Huawei and Honor.
On a new Huawei device, launch the app and select the “This is a new phone” role, after which the system will prompt you to select the type of old device – specify Android.
On the Xiaomi phone you need to install the Phone Clone app from the Google Play Store or scan QR-code displayed on the screen of the new smartphone.
After installing on your old device, select the option “This is an old phone” and scan. QR-The code your new Huawei generated to create a secure communication channel.
- 📱 The app creates a direct Wi-Fi hotspot between devices without consuming mobile traffic.
- 🔄 Supported transmission of contacts, messages, call history, photos, videos and installed applications.
- ⚡ Transfer speeds can reach 40 MB/s, which allows you to pump 100 GB of data in about 40 minutes.
When the connection is established, a list of data categories available for copying will appear on the Xiaomi screen.
You can selectively mark the sections you want, for example, by leaving heavy video files or system debris on your old phone that you shouldn’t carry.
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If the process is suspended during the scanning phase QR-Please try to temporarily shut down. VPN or antivirus on both devices, as they can block local connection.
Transfer via Google Account and Cloud Services
An alternative method that does not require additional software is synchronization through Google’s cloud profile, which is especially important for users who are deeply integrated into the search giant’s ecosystem.
On your Xiaomi device, go to your Google account settings and make sure that your contacts, calendar, and notes are synchronized.
To save photos and videos, use the Google Photos app by loading the library to the cloud before changing your device.
After enabling the new Huawei and entering your Google account data, the system will automatically prompt you to restore a backup of your settings and app list.
| Type of data | Google's method | Methods of Phone Clone | Speed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Automatically. | Locally. | Instantly. |
| Photo/Video | Over Wi-Fi (long) | Direct connection | Tall. |
| Annexes | Only a list. | APK files | Medium |
| SMS messages | Third-party software required | Natally | Tall. |
It is important to understand that the standard Google backup does not save passwords from Wi-Fi networks and some specific MIUI system settings.
This method is ideal for those who want to get a clean system on a new device by installing only the most necessary applications manually.
Migration of Multimedia and Documents by Hand
If automatic systems fail or you want to transfer only specific folders, you can use the manual method through a computer connection or OTG wire.
Connect Xiaomi to your PC in file transfer mode (MTP) and copy the contents of the DCIM, Pictures, Download and Music folders to your computer’s hard drive.
Then connect Huawei and move the saved files to the appropriate internal memory directories of the new smartphone.
For users who prefer wireless solutions, Send Anywhere or FTP transmission via file manager is perfect.
When manually copying, pay attention to the folder structure, as some applications may not see media files if they are not in standard directories.
⚠️ Note: When manually copying hidden folders (starting from a dot), make sure that the file manager has a mode for displaying hidden files.
This method takes longer, but gives you full control over which files will get to the new device.
Features of transferring applications and data WhatsApp
Mobile messaging, especially WhatsApp, requires special attention, as the history of correspondence is stored locally or in the cloud service, and not in the general backup of the system.
On the old Xiaomi, open WhatsApp settings, go to the Chats → Backup section and create a fresh backup in Google Drive.
When you first install WhatsApp on Huawei, the system will detect a backup and prompt you to restore your message history and media files.
With regular apps, the situation is simpler: when you log in to your Google Play account on a new device, you will see a list of previously installed programs.
However, banking applications and some secure programs will have to be reconfigured by confirming the login through the SMS or_push_notification on the old device.
What to do with Google apps on the new Huawei?
Some apps may require re-authorization for security purposes, so keep phone numbers handy for confirmation codes.
Solving problems in synchronization
During the migration process, users may encounter various errors, such as a connection break or a system failure to read certain file formats.
If the transmission is stuck on a certain percentage, try to exclude large video files from the sample and transfer them separately through the computer.
A common problem is the incompatibility of Android versions, where the old phone runs on a very old version of the system and the new one requires more recent security protocols.
- 🔌 Reboot both smartphones and try to re-establish the connection.
- 📶 Make sure that both devices are enabled GPS Bluetooth for better search.
- 🗑️ Clear the Phone Clone app cache on both devices before trying again.
In rare cases, antivirus software on Xiaomi may block an outbound connection, considering it suspicious activity.
If nothing helps, use the PC copying method, which is the most reliable, although it requires more action from the user.
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The most reliable way to avoid mistakes is to migrate in stages: first contacts and photos, then apps, and at the end heavy media files.
Completion of customization and optimization of Huawei
After successful data transfer, it is necessary to conduct an initial optimization of the new smartphone to ensure its stable operation in the new conditions.
Go through the contact list and check if the avatars and additional numbers are displayed correctly, sometimes re-synchronization is required.
An EMUI or HarmonyOS system may require time to index files and optimize the battery in the first days of use.
Remember to remove the Phone Clone app from both devices after all work is done to make room and improve security.
Now your new smartphone is fully ready to work, saving all the important data and familiar communication environment.