Changing a smartphone is always stressful, not so much with buying a new gadget, but with the need to transfer a huge amount of accumulated information. Device owners who decide to move from the Honor ecosystem to Xiaomi (or vice versa) often face the question of how to synchronize two devices as quickly and without loss. Fortunately, modern technology allows you to make this process almost invisible to the user, saving all contacts, photos and settings.
The main difficulty lies in different shells of Android: MIUI (or HyperOS) Xiaomi and MagicOS Honor use their own cloud services and utilities for backup. Direct synchronization “out of the box” between their proprietary clouds is impossible, but there are proven bridges to allow you to transfer data. The key here is choosing the right method, which depends on the amount of information and the speed of the Internet connection.
In this article, we will take a look at all the current migration methods, from using embedded transfer applications to manually copying via PC. You will learn how to save folder structure, transfer Wi-Fi passwords and not lose your messaging history. The most reliable way to fully migrate is to use Mi Mover when you switch to Xiaomi, since it can even port even system settings and desktop layout. Let’s look at each method in detail.
Preparing devices for the synchronization process
Before you start any data porting tools, you need to do basic training for both smartphones, which will avoid connection errors and interruption of the process halfway. First of all, make sure that both devices — the old Honor and the new Xiaomi — are charged at least 50-60% of the battery.
It is also critical to check for space: If you plan to transfer all the data from your old phone, the memory of the new device should be ready to take that load, delete unnecessary cache files or temporarily move heavy video to your computer, and both smartphones should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network if you use cloud-based methods, or be in close proximity to each other for local protocols to work.
☑️ Preparation for synchronization
Don’t forget to also update the software on both gadgets to the latest available version. Manufacturers often release patches that improve the stability of wireless modules and fix bugs in system data utilities. Go to Settings → System → System Update and check for updates. This is a simple step that can save you hours of troubleshooting in case of compatibility issues.
Using the Mi Mover app to switch to Xiaomi
If your target device is a Xiaomi smartphone, Mi Mover is a proprietary utility that is designed specifically to migrate data from any Android device (including Honor) and iOS to your company’s gadgets, and works on the principle of creating a local Wi-Fi hotspot, which provides high speed transfer without using Internet traffic.
To get started, install the Mi Mover app on both smartphones. On your Honor device, you can download it from Google Play or the official AppGallery Store. On Xiaomi, it is often pre-installed in the Tools folder. Run the program on both phones. On the new Xiaomi, select Receiver and on the old Honor, Sender. QR-plug-in.
What if Mi Mover can't see an old phone?
Once you pair the devices successfully, you'll be asked to choose the types of data to transfer. Mi Mover allows you to flexibly configure this list: you can only transfer contacts and messages, or copy everything, including apps, music, video, and even system settings. The process is fast enough, but the speed can vary depending on the number of small files.
- 📲 The application automatically converts contact data into a format that is understandable. MIUI.
- 📸 Photos and videos are saved in original quality without compression.
- 📱 The list of installed applications will be downloaded from Google Play, but the data inside them (game cache, logins) may not be transferred without root rights.
- ⚙️ Wi-Fi settings and alarm clocks are often transferred automatically, saving time on manual settings.
It's important not to interrupt the process or switch to other applications while copying. The smartphone screen should burn, and the Mi Mover app should remain active. Once completed, you will receive a report on the number of successfully transferred files. If some data failed to copy, the program will suggest trying again or skipping it.
Sync through Google Account: a universal method
The most reliable and clean way to transfer personal information is to use the capabilities of Android itself through a Google account. Since both Honor (the new GMS models) and Xiaomi run on Android, this method ensures that your contacts, calendar and notes are available on any device after you sign in.
To start, make sure that the old Honor is fully synced with Google. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google and click Sync. Make sure that the ticks are in front of all the important items: Contacts, Calendar, Google Drive, Notes. If you have an old Honor without Google services, this method will not work, and you will have to use other options.
On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on or in the account menu, add the same Google account. The system automatically prompts you to restore data from the backup. Even if the phone is already configured, simply adding an account will start the process of tightening contacts and calendar events in the background. This takes from a few minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data.
💡
Use Google Photos to seamlessly transfer your photos. Turn on Autoboot on the old Honor, wait until the end, and all photos will appear in the gallery of the new Xiaomi automatically.
But there are limitations to this method: Google Accounts do not transfer installed apps (only a Play Market list), phone memory files, music, and program settings, and are ideal for “skeletoning” your digital life, but the files will have to be moved separately.
Manual transfer of files via PC and USB-cable
When it comes to gigabytes of photos, video archives and documents, wireless methods can be too slow. In such cases, the good old way of connecting to a computer remains the king of speed and reliability. USB-cable and computer with enough free space.
Connect Honor to your PC and select the USB File Transfer (MTP) mode. Copy all the required folders (DCIM, Pictures, Download, Documents, Music) into a separate folder on your computer's hard drive. Wait for the copy to finish, then disable the old phone and plug in Xiaomi.
Copy the stored data into the appropriate directories of the new smartphone. Android folder structure is standardized, so photos are best placed in the DCIM/Camera folder, and music in Music, which will allow the Xiaomi gallery and player to automatically detect and properly sort them.
⚠️ Note: When copying via PC, carefully monitor the process. Do not remove the cable while writing files, as this may cause damage to the file system or loss of some data. Use only original or certified cables.
It's also convenient because it allows you to "review" files, and when you're on a big computer screen, you can immediately delete duplicates, blurred photos, or unnecessary screenshots to keep the new device from clogging up, and it's a great way to start using a new gadget with a clean and structured media library.
Transfer of messages and call history
One of the most delicate tasks is to transfer SMS and call history. Standard Android tools often ignore this data when syncing through Google (although there is a separate option for SMS in the Google One backup settings).
A great solution is the SMS Backup & Restore app. Install it on both phones. On Honor, back up your messages and call logs by saving the file to Google Drive or locally. Then install the same app on Xiaomi, log in to the same account or transfer the backup file over Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct and select Restore.
Alternatively, the import/export function SIM-map, but it is only suitable for contacts and a very limited number of SMS, So it's not recommended as a primary method. Modern smartphones allow you to store thousands of messages. SIM-The map just can’t handle that much.
Once restored, check if the messages are displayed correctly. In some cases, due to differences in encoding or Android versions, the text may not display correctly, but such situations are rare. Call history should also appear in the standard Phone app, saving the dates and duration of the conversations.
Comparison of data synchronization methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a summary table comparing the main methods by key parameters, each of which has its own advantages depending on the specific situation and the type of data being transferred.
| Method | Speed. | What's transferable | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | Everything (files, applications, settings) | Low. |
| Google Account | Medium | Contacts, calendar, photo (via Photo) | Very low. |
| PC + USB | Very high. | Files, media, documents | Medium |
| Bluetooth | Very low. | Individual files, contacts | Low. |
As you can see from the table, Mi Mover is the most comprehensive solution for Honor bundle – Xiaomi. However, a combination of methods often gives the best result: for example, using Google for contacts and calendar, Mi Mover for applications and settings, and a PC for heavy video archives.
Don't rely on one method if you have critical data, always back up your computer before you start any manipulation, and this is a digital hygiene rule that will help you avoid any problems in the event of a software failure.