Transferring data from Honor to Xiaomi: a complete guide with step-by-step instructions

Why data transfer between Honor and Xiaomi requires a special approach

The transition from Honor to Xiaomi is not just a smartphone change, but a migration between two different ecosystems. Unlike data transfer within the same brand (like Redmi to POCO), there are nuances associated with the proprietary protocols Huawei Share (on Honor) and Mi Share (on Xiaomi), these technologies are not always directly compatible, which forces users to look for workarounds.

Adding to the complexity is the lack of a universal standard for wireless data transfer between Android devices of different brands. For example, Samsung’s Quick Share works only with Samsung and Google devices, and Xiaomi and Honor use their own solutions. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of data transfer, taking into account the limitations of MIUI and Magic UI, including little-known methods for large file volumes (50+ GB).

Method 1: Using Mi Mover is the official solution from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is an integrated application in Xiaomi designed to migrate data from other Android devices, and it supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos and even some settings.

• 📱 It only works for Xiaomi with MIUI 9 and newer (check the version in Settings) → The phone).
• 🔌 Requires cable. OTG adapter USB-C to USB-C (For new models of Honor and Xiaomi).
• ⚠️ Does not transmit installed applications (only their data, if the application is already installed on Xiaomi).

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi, open the Mi Mover app (if not, download from Google Play).
2. Select I get the data → Android.
3. On Honor, connect to the created access point Xiaomi (password will appear on the screen Xiaomi).
4. Select the data types to be transferred and confirm the start of the process.

⚠️ Note: If Data Protection is enabled on Honor (Settings) → Security, Mi Mover can block access.

Charge both phones at least 50% | Disable VPN on both devices | Make sure Xiaomi has enough memory | Turn off power saving mode

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Method 2: Transfer via Google Account (for contacts, calendars, and notes)

Sync through Google Account is the most reliable way to transfer contacts, calendar events and Google Keep notes. The advantage of the method is that the data is automatically updated on the new device, and the disadvantage is a limited amount (for example, photos in Google Photos are compressed at a free tariff).

How to move:

1. On Honor, go to Settings → Accounts → Google and enable sync for the right categories.
2. Wait for the sync to complete (check Google Contacts on the web version).
3. On Xiaomi, add the same Google account and enable sync.

⚠️ Note: If your Honor contacts are saved in the Huawei Cloud, you must export them to the Huawei Cloud first. VCF-File (via Contacts) → Settings → Import/Export) and then upload to Google Contacts.

Through the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)|On cable (OTG, computer)|Wireless (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct)|With third-party applications (SHAREit)|I do not carry data-->

Method 3: Wireless transmission via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct

If the data volume is small (up to 1-2 GB), you can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, which do not require additional accessories, but have speed and stability limitations.

Comparison of protocols:

• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct: speeds up to 25 Mbps, but often breaks off when signal is weak.
• 🔵 Bluetooth: speeds up to 2 Mbps, suitable only for contacts and small files.

Instructions for Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On Honor, activate Wi-Fi Direct in Settings → Wi-Fi → More
2. On Xiaomi, do the same and select the Honor device from the list.
3. Confirm the connection on both phones and select the files to transfer.

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Before transferring large files via Wi-Fi Direct, turn off Adaptive Wi-Fi (in Wi-Fi settings) on both phones to avoid automatically switching to mobile data.

Method 4: Transfer over a computer (for large amounts of data)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (for example, a collection of photos in RAW or video in 4K), the most reliable way is to use the computer as an intermediary, which eliminates the risk of data loss due to a connection break and allows you to check the integrity of files before copying to Xiaomi.

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Connect Honor to your computer via USB-cable and select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Copy the required folders (DCIM, Downloads, Pictures) to the hard drive of the computer.
3. Connect Xiaomi and transfer the data to the appropriate folders (for example, photos in /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera).

⚠️ Note: When copying the Android folder (with application data) to Xiaomi, there may be a permission conflict. To avoid errors, use Total Commander with root rights or transfer only user files (for example, save games from the root). /Android/data/...).

Method 5: Third-party applications (SHAREit, Xender, Send Anywhere)

Applications like SHAREit, Xender or Send Anywhere promise high transfer speeds (up to 20 MB/s), but have hidden disadvantages:

• 🛡️ Security: Some applications (e.g. SHAREit) collect user data (according to Trend Micro 2020 research).
• 📡 Stability: when transferring files >5 GB possible connection breaks.
• 📱 Compatibility: on Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ Access to the storage may be blocked.

Recommendations for use:

1. Install the app on both phones from Google Play (not from third-party sources!).
2. On Honor, select Send mode, on Xiaomi - Receive.
3. Connect to a single Wi-Fi network or create an access point on Honor.
4. Select the files and confirm the transfer.

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For maximum security, use Send Anywhere, which encrypts data using the TLS protocol and does not require registration. The code for transmission is generated randomly and lasts only 10 minutes.

Solving problems in data transmission

Even if you follow the instructions, you can get errors, and here are the typical scenarios and their solutions.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (below 20%) may interrupt the process).
• 📶 Internet connection stability (for cloud-based methods).
• 🛠️ Availability of updates MIUI magic UI (In Settings → Updating the system).

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer from Honor to Xiaomi