Changing a smartphone is always an exciting but often troublesome process, especially when it comes to switching between devices from different manufacturers, for example, from the shell of MIUI to MagicOS. Users are often afraid of losing valuable photos, contacts or correspondence, but modern technology allows you to perform this operation as quickly and without loss. The main thing is to know which tools to use and in what sequence to perform actions to avoid version conflicts or synchronization errors.
Before starting the procedure, it is important to understand that backup is a must-have step that cannot be ignored. Regardless of which method you choose - cloud service, local backup or specialized software - make sure you have a copy of the data in case of unforeseen failures. In this article, we will discuss all the available migration methods, assess their pros and cons, and give practical advice for owners of Xiaomi and Honor.
Preparation of devices before the migration
Success of the operation 90% It depends on the proper preparation of both gadgets. Before you start transferring, make sure that both devices are charged at least by the same amount. 60-70%, It is also critical that both smartphones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, preferably with high bandwidth, to avoid connection breaks at the most critical time.
On Xiaomi, you should check for free space for temporary files if you plan to use local methods. On the Honor side, you need to make sure that the operating system is updated to the latest available version, as older versions of Android may not support new data transfer protocols.
β οΈ Note: If your Xiaomi has default memory encryption enabled, make sure you know the screen unlock password, as it may be required to access data during the transfer process.
Also, be sure to check the status of your Google account on both devices. While weβll be looking at other methods, logging into a single Google account makes it much easier to synchronize basic data like contacts and calendar. Make sure that sync in your account settings is activated and works correctly.
Using the Phone Clone app for fast transfer
The most effective and official way to transfer data for Honor owners is to use the Phone Clone app, which is designed specifically for migration between devices of different brands and supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, music and even some system settings.
The process starts with installing the app on both devices, and on the new Honor, run the program and select "This is a new phone" and then the screen will appear on the screen. QR-On the old Xiaomi, run an app, select "This is an old phone," and scan the code with the camera. Once the device is connected, they will create a local Wi-Fi network through which they will transfer files.
- π² High data transfer speeds thanks to the use of direct Wi-Fi connection without the use of Internet traffic.
- π Security: Data is transferred directly between devices, bypassing third-party servers.
- π The ability to select specific data categories for transfer, which saves time.
- βοΈ Support for transferring home screen settings and app icon location.
Importantly, the Phone Clone does not carry Wi-Fi passwords and some system settings specific to MIUI. However, for the bulk of user data, this solution is the most stable and proven method at the moment. Once the process is complete, the system will suggest restarting the new smartphone to apply the changes.
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If the transfer process is suspended at the stage 99%, Don't panic. Often, it means that the database is being finalized. 10-15 minutes before the forced reboot.
Alternative method through Google Account
If third-party apps are not available for any reason, the classic method is synchronization through Google Account, which is ideal for transferring contacts, calendar events, notes and purchase lists. To implement it, just make sure that Xiaomi has all the necessary items synchronized in the Google account settings.
On the new Honor device, you need to log into the same Google account when you first set up or through the settings menu. The system will automatically prompt you to recover data from the cloud. This method is good for its versatility, but has a limit on the amount of free storage β standardly available only 15 GB, which is shared between mail, photos and disk.
| Type of data | Google's method | Methods of Phone Clone | Local backup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Automatically. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Photo/Video | Limit 15GB | No limit. | Depends on memory. |
| Annexes | Only a list. | APK installation | No. |
| SMS messages | Third-party software required | Yes. | Yes. |
Keep in mind that high-quality photos can take up space in the cloud, so it is better to check the storage occupancy before synchronizing. Otherwise, the process may interrupt and some of the data will not be saved. For photos, you should use a separate Google Photos app, setting the quality "Saving space".
βοΈ Preparation of a Google account
Hand-over of multimedia files
For users who prefer full control over their data, or if you need to transfer files of very large volume (for example, video to 4K), the optimal solution is to manually transfer via a computer or OTG cable. By connecting Xiaomi to a PC in file transfer mode (MTP), you can copy the DCIM, Pictures, Download and Music folders to the hard drive.
Then, a similar operation is performed with the new Honor.This method may seem time-consuming, but it ensures that no bytes of information are compressed or changed in the process.In addition, you get the ability to immediately audit files and remove unnecessary debris that often accumulates in the memory of an old smartphone.
When you manually copy, it is important to keep the folder structure, especially for media files. If you place photos in the wrong directory, the Honor Gallery may not see them or display them correctly. You should also be careful with application configuration files, as manually moving them can lead to errors in the operation of programs.
β οΈ Note: When copying via computer, make sure you use original or quality cable. USB, capable of transmitting data, not just charging the device.
Migration of applications and their data
The most difficult part is the transfer of applications and, more importantly, their data. APK-files are easily installed from Google Play or AppGallery, internal data (game saves, logins, cache) often stays on the old device. Some applications, such as Telegram or Viber, have their own built-in backup mechanisms that need to be activated in advance.
For instant messengers like WhatsApp, the procedure is standard: Xiaomi backs up Google Drive, and Honor selects a copy recovery option when installing the app, but banking applications and programs with enhanced security may require re-authorization and reconfiguring the biometrics for security reasons.
What to do with apps that arenβt on Google Play on Honor?
It is recommended not to try to migrate Xiaomi system applications (such as Mi Remote or Mi Video) to Honor, as they are incompatible with the new shell and can cause crashes.
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Critical applications (banks, government services) are better configured manually to avoid security issues and access tokens.
Problem Solving and Frequent Errors
During the migration process, users may encounter various difficulties, such as connection interruption, file read errors or format incompatibility. If the data transfer is interrupted, try restarting both devices and repeating the procedure, making sure that the screens do not go out (for this you can temporarily increase the time before turning off the screen in the settings).
Sometimes, contacts are not displayed correctly or duplicated after a transfer, which can be done by clearing the Contacts app cache on a new device or re-synchronizing through Google, and checking if Call Only mode or the display filters in the phone book are enabled is also worth checking.
If you notice that the new Honor battery is running out faster than usual in the first days after the transfer, that's OK. The system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background, usually completed within 2-3 days of active use.