How to quickly and securely transfer data from Huawei to Xiaomi: all the ways of 2026

Why Data Transfers between Huawei and Xiaomi Need a Special Approach

The transition from Huawei to Xiaomi is not just a brand change, but a transition between two different ecosystems with unique limitations, unlike data transfer within the same brand (e.g., from iPhone to iPhone), where users are faced with nuances: From the lack of native synchronization tools to the compatibility of backup formats, the main difficulty lies in the fact that Huawei uses its own cloud platform Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), Xiaomi relies on Google services and its own Mi Account ecosystem.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of data transfer – from standard (cable, Bluetooth) to specialized (Mi Mover application and cloud services), and also reveal a unique life hack using a temporary Google account to bypass Huawei restrictions on models without services. Google (e.g. Huawei) P50 Pro or Mate 50: Each method tested on real devices in 2026, with the latest updates MIUI and EMUI.

1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Data Transfer

Before you start transferring files, you need to follow a few critical steps on both smartphones, neglecting them can lead to data loss or failures in the process.

On Huawei:

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50% – some methods (such as Wi-Fi Direct transmission) consume a lot of power.
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version EMUI/Magic UI through settings → System and updates: Older versions may not have key export functions.
• 🔒 Make sure the screen lock is disabled on the device (PIN, pattern lock – it can interrupt the transfer process.
• 📡 Enable Developer Mode (7 taps by build number in About Phone) and activate Debugging by USB, If you plan to use the cable.

On Xiaomi:

• 🧹 Reset to factory settings (optional) if you want to avoid conflicts with existing data.
• 🔌 Use the original cable USB-C (Micro-USB adapter on older models – cheap cables may not support data transfer mode.
• 📦 Free up enough memory space, for example, to transfer 64 GB of photos and videos will require at least 70-80 GB of free space on Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: If your Huawei is running HarmonyOS (not yours) EMUI), Huawei’s standard Phone Clone app may not recognize Xiaomi as a target device, in which case use alternative methods from Section 3 or 4.

2. Method 1: Data transmission via cable (USB OTG adapter)

The most reliable and fastest method is to connect smartphones directly with a cable.

• 🔌 USB-C — USB-C cable (if both devices are modern) or adapter USB-C → Micro-USB for older Xiaomi models.
• 📱 On Huawei: Enable File Transfer Mode (MTP) customized USB-connection.
• 🛠️ On Xiaomi: Activate USB-debugging (in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI tap 7 times).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Huawei to Xiaomi with a cable. On Xiaomi, select Host mode if you request it.
2. On Huawei, unlock the screen and confirm trust in the connected device.
3. Open Explorer on Xiaomi - in the section USB-The device will appear folder with Huawei data.
4. Copy the required files (photos in the DCIM, Video in Movies, contacts in vCard in memory of Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: Not all Huawei models support Host mode. If Xiaomi does not recognize the device, try connecting both smartphones to your computer and transfer files via your PC.

Connected the cable to both devices|

Selected the File Transfer Mode on Huawei|

I unlocked the screen on both phones.|

Checked the available folders in Xiaomi Explorer|

Copy the data into the correct directories (DCIM, Downloads, etc.)-->

Method 3: Using the Mi Mover app (the official Xiaomi tool)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi's proprietary solution for migrating data from other devices, and it supports transferring contacts, messages, photos, videos, and even some settings.

• ✅ Works with most Huawei models (except for HarmonyOS 3.0 devices)+).
• ❌ Does not transfer installed applications (only their data, if the application is already installed on Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection or a direct connection via an access point.

How to use Mi Mover:

1. Download Mi Mover from Google Play to Huawei (if you have Google services) or from the official Xiaomi website (.apk file).
2. Run the app on both devices. On Xiaomi, select Me New User; on Huawei, select Send Data.
3. Scan it. QR-code from the Xiaomi screen on Huawei or connect via the access point.
4. Select data types for transfer (contacts, media files, notes) and confirm the transfer.

💡

If Mi Mover can’t see your Huawei, try temporarily disabling the firewall or VPN Also check that Huawei has enabled developer mode and Wi-Fi debugging (in the developer settings).

4. Method 3: Cloud Services – Google Drive, Huawei Cloud and Mi Cloud

Cloud storage is convenient for carrying large amounts of data, but requires a stable Internet connection.

Google Drive (Universal Method)

It is suitable for all devices, even if Huawei does not have Google services (for example, on the Mate 40 Pro).

1. On Huawei, upload files to Google Drive via your browser (if there is no app).
2. On Xiaomi, log in to the same Google account and download files.

Restrictions: Only 15 GB is available for free. For large volumes, you will have to buy space or use alternatives.

4.2. Huawei Cloud → Mi Cloud for users of the Huawei ecosystem)

If you have been using Huawei Cloud, you can export your data from the following:

1. On Huawei, open the Huawei Cloud and back up (Backup) → Make a copy).
2. Download the archive to your computer via the web version of Huawei Cloud (cloud.huawei.com).
3. Upload files to Mi Cloud (i.mi.com) and sync with Xiaomi.

Temporary Google account to circumvent restrictions

This method is relevant for Huawei owners without Google services (for example, the 2021-2026 model on HarmonyOS): Create a new Google account on your computer, upload data from Huawei to it through a browser, and then download it to Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: When using Huawei Cloud, please note that free storage is limited to 5 GB. To transfer photos in original quality, you will need a paid subscription.

5. Method 4: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct - when there is no cable

If you don't have a cable or the cloud isn't available, you can use wireless technology, which is suitable for transferring small files (up to 1-2 GB), because the speed is limited.

5.1. Transmission via Bluetooth

A simple but slow way:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. Connect Huawei and Xiaomi (input the same one) PIN-code, if required).
3. On Huawei, select files → Share. → Bluetooth → Choose Xiaomi.
4. Confirm acceptance on Xiaomi.

Speed: ~1–2 MB/s. 1 GB of data will take 10–15 minutes.

5.2 Wi-Fi Direct (faster than Bluetooth)

A faster alternative:

1. On Xiaomi, activate Wi-Fi Direct in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On Huawei, connect to the Xiaomi hotspot.
3. Use any file manager (e.g. Files by Google) to transfer data.

Speed: up to 10-15 MB/s (depending on the model).

💡

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct are only suitable for transferring small files. Use a cable or cloud for a media library or backup.

6. Method 5: Third-Party Apps – Clone Phone, SHAREit, Send Anywhere

If the standard methods don't work, third-party tools come to the rescue, and we tested three of the most reliable ones.

Selection recommendations:

• 🚀 For maximum speed: Send Anywhere (using direct Wi-Fi channel).
• 📱 To port applications: Clone Phone (saves application data).
• 🌍 For cross-platform transfer: SHAREit (works even between Android and iOS).

⚠️ Note: When using SHAREit, turn off mobile internet on both devices – the application can download unnecessary data in the background.

7. Transfer of specific data: contacts, SMS, applications

Some types of data require a separate approach, and let's go through them in detail.

Contacts

The most reliable way:

1. On Huawei, export your contacts to.vcf via Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Export to device.
2. Transfer the file to Xiaomi in any convenient way (cable, cloud).
3. On Xiaomi, import contacts through Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Import from the device.

7.2. SMS call history

Use the SMS Backup & Restore app:

1. Install the app on Huawei and create a backup.
2. Transfer the backup file to Xiaomi.
3. Install the same app on Xiaomi and recover the data.

7.3 Applications and their data

Unfortunately, move the installed applications (APK) It's not directly possible because of the differences in architecture and signatures:

• 📥 Save application data (such as saving in games) through Helium or built-in backup features.
• 🔄 Reinstall apps on Xiaomi from Google Play and recover data.
• 📦 For system applications (such as Gallery or Notes), use backups via Mi Cloud.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix them:

If neither method worked, try resetting the network settings on both devices (Settings). → System system → Network resetting. This often solves connection problems.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions