How to transfer data from Huawei phone to Xiaomi

Changing a mobile device, especially the transition between ecosystems of different manufacturers, is often perceived by users as a complex and stressful process. The owner of Huawei, who decided to buy a Xiaomi smartphone, faces the need to transfer a huge amount of information from trivial contacts and photos to app settings and correspondence history. Fortunately, modern Android operating systems provide enough tools to automate this process, minimizing the risk of data loss.

The challenge is that each brand has its own proprietary backup solutions that don’t always β€œfriend” each other directly, but using standard data protocols or universal utilities, you can migrate in minutes. The key here is to choose the right method, which depends on the amount of information being transferred and the version of Android on both devices.

In this article, we will take a look at all the current ways to transfer data, from the built-in Mi Mover tool to cloud services. You will learn how to save the folder structure, transfer Wi-Fi passwords and not lose important documents during the change of gadget. It takes a little time, but the result is worth it – your new Xiaomi will be a full digital copy of the old device.

Preparing devices for data migration

Before you start the copying process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps that will ensure the stability of the connection and transfer speed. First of all, check the battery level on both smartphones. The optimal level is a charge of at least 60-70%, since the active operation of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules in combination with writing data to the disk can significantly consume energy.

The second important step is to clean up the space on the target device. Make sure that the new Xiaomi has enough free space to receive all files from the old Huawei. If internal memory is not enough, some media files can be temporarily moved to a microSD card or to cloud storage. It is also recommended to update the system software on both devices to the latest available version to eliminate compatibility errors of transmission protocols.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to interrupt the data transfer process or turn off the smartphone screen during the active phase of copying large amounts of information.

Finally, make sure that both devices are enabled with wireless modules. Most methods (migration) require active Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. On a Huawei phone, it is also worth turning off the power saving mode so that the system does not limit the background activity of the transmitting applications.

β˜‘οΈ Ready for transfer

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Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration

The most effective and official way to transfer data is to use a specialized application Mi Mover, which is designed by Xiaomi specifically for migration from other platforms, including iOS and Android third-party.

The process begins with installing the app on both smartphones. On the new Xiaomi, Mi Mover is often preinstalled in the Tools or Services folder. On the old Huawei, the app must be downloaded from the AppGallery store or through the AppGallery store. QR-When you start the app, select the "I'm receiver" role on the new device and the "I'm sender" role on the old one).

Then the devices will find each other and suggest that you connect. Once confirmed, the Huawei screen will show you a list of data categories that can be transferred. You can choose contacts, messages, call logs, photos, videos, music, documents, and even some system settings. The application's algorithm allows you to save the folder structure, which is especially important for documents and downloads.

  • πŸ“± Contacts and call logs are transferred in full, including call history.
  • πŸ“Έ Media files (photos and videos) retain the original quality and date of the shooting.
  • πŸ“ System settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and alarm clocks, can be copied.
  • πŸ“¦ Applications are portable, but may require re-authorization within.

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If the process is stalled during the Preparation stage, try temporarily disabling the VPN or antivirus on both devices, as they can block the local network connection.

Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services

An alternative and highly reliable method is to use Google’s cloud infrastructure. Since both smartphones are Android-based, your Google Account serves as a universal key to basic data. When you first turn on a new Xiaomi, the system will prompt you to sign in, and if you use the same account as Huawei, most of the information is synced automatically.

To successfully implement this method, you need to make sure that your old Huawei phone has enabled data synchronization. Go to Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Google and check if the switches for contacts, calendar, notes and app data are activated. It’s also worth checking the backup status in Settings β†’ System β†’ Backup to make sure the latest copy is newly created.

However, this method has its limitations: Google Drive does not reserve photos in full original quality (unless an additional tariff is purchased) and does not transfer files from internal memory, such as downloads or documents created in third-party programs.

Type of dataGoogle SynchronizationMi MoverManual method
ContactsAutomatically.Yes.VCF file
Photo/VideoGoogle Photo (compression)OriginalUSB cable
AnnexesList (download)APK filesManually.
Wi-Fi passwordsYeah (at the entrance)Yes.No.
πŸ“Š Which migration method do you find most convenient?
Mi Mi Miver (official annex)
Google Account (Cloud)
Manually via PC
Bluetooth (for small volume)

Transfer of multimedia and documents via PC

For users who are used to working with the file system and prefer complete control over the process, the ideal option is to use a personal computer, which is especially relevant if you want to transfer gigabytes of video to the computer. 4K Or huge archives of documents that are inconvenient to drive through the air. USB-cable and select file transfer mode MTP noticeably.

Copy the required folders (DCIM, Pictures, Download, Documents, Music) to your computer’s hard drive. Once you’ve finished copying, disable your old phone and connect your new Xiaomi. Move the files to the appropriate directories of the new device, ensuring that no bytes of information are lost or compressed by cloud-based algorithms.

It's important to remember folder structure. Some applications, like voice recorders or document scanners, only look for files in strictly defined directories. Put folders with media files in the root of internal memory or in standard system folders (like DCIM for photos) so that the new phone gallery indexes them immediately. If you just create an "Old Photo" folder at the root, the gallery may not recognize the content as photos.

⚠️ Warning: When copying via PC, be sure to use the Safe Device Removal feature before disabling the cable.Abrupt shutdown can damage the smartphone file system.

Nuances of application and message portability

Porting installed apps is one of the most delicate things. While Mi Mover can copy application installation files (APKs), the data inside them (logins, game progress, correspondence) often stays on the old device or requires separate synchronization. For instant messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram, you need to use built-in chat backup features.

On WhatsApp on Huawei, back up Settings β†’ Chats β†’ Backup by selecting Google Drive. On the new Xiaomi, when you first install the app, it will offer to restore your message history from the cloud. For banking applications and secure services, data portability is impossible for security reasons – they will have to be reconfigured and logged in.

SMS messages and call logs are usually carried smoothly through Mi Mover or third-party utilities like SMS Backup & Restore. If you use a standard messaging app, all the conversations will look as if they were not interrupted once you have been transferred. However, if you have used specific launchers or shells on Huawei (EMUI), some visual themes may not appear correctly on the MIUI or HyperOS shell.

Problems with Two-Factor Authentication
If you are porting data, remember that 2FA codes from Google Authenticator apps are not automatically transferred.Be sure to export the codes or link phone numbers before resetting your old phone to restore access.

Decision (frequently asked questions)

To conclude, we will consider the most common questions that users have when changing the brand of a smartphone. Understanding these nuances will help to avoid common mistakes and save time.

Can I transfer data if I don’t have Google Services on Huawei?
Yes, it is possible. The lack of Google Services (GMS) on new Huawei models does not prevent you from using the Mi Mover app, as it works over a local Wi-Fi connection. You can also use Bluetooth or PC transmission. Contacts can be uploaded as a VCF file and imported to a new phone.
Will the layout and vocabulary of the input remain during the transfer?
Partially. If you use a standard Google keyboard and you're logged in to your account, the vocabulary and input history are synced through the cloud. System keyboards may not migrate the learned words unless you use specialized system backup tools.
What if Mi Miver can't see an old phone?
Make sure both devices are enabled with GPS (geolocation), as Android is a requirement to find devices nearby, and check if the antivirus does not block the creation of a local network.
Should I drop the new Xiaomi before the transfer?
If you have already set up a new phone as a new one and are using it for a few days, it is best to reset to factory settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Reset) before using the Mi Mover.

πŸ’‘

The most complete and quick result is a combination of methods: Mi Mover for system and applications, plus manual copying of heavy media files via a PC to ensure the safety of the originals.