The transition from Huawei to Xiaomi is not just about brand change, but also about migrating all your data, from contacts and messages to photos and app settings, which many users fear, thinking it will take hours or lead to loss of important information, and in fact, with the right approach, data transfer takes 15 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the files and the method chosen.
The main problem with changing Android devices is different shells: Huawei’s EMUI and Xiaomi’s MIUI. They store backups and settings differently, so standard Google tools (like Backup & Restore) often don’t work properly. In this article, we’ll break down 5 working ways to transfer data, including official utilities, cloud services and manual methods. You’ll find out which option is right for your case, whether it’s transferring 10 GB photos or just a contact list.
Before you start, check out two key points:
- Huawei must have at least 20% battery charge (when using cable or Wi-Fi Direct).
- On Xiaomi, make sure that the latest version of MIUI is installed (relevant for proper Mi Mover operation).
1.The official way: Mi Mover by Xiaomi
Mi Mover is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi that allows you to transfer data from most Android devices, including Huawei. It supports Wi-Fi Direct transmission (without the Internet) and works even with phones on EMUI 9.0+. The main advantage is that not only files are saved, but also the settings of some applications (for example, WhatsApp or Viber).
How to use:
- 📱 Install Mi Mover on both phones: [link to Google Play for Huawei](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xiaomi.mimover) and pre-load to Xiaomi (usually the utility is out of the box").
- 🔗 On Xiaomi, select “I receive data” and on Huawei, “I send data".
- 📶 Connect to a single Wi-Fi network or use a Huawei hotspot (if no router is available).
- 📁 Select data types for transfer: Contacts, SMS, Photos, video, audio or applications.
⚠️ Note: If storage encryption is enabled on Huawei (Settings) → Security → Encryption, Mi Mover won't be able to read files. Disable encryption before transfer!
The speed of transmission depends on the amount of data:
| Data volume | Transfer time (Wi-Fi Direct) | Transfer time (via router) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 GB | 10-15 minutes | 15-25 minutes |
| 5-10 GB | 20-30 minutes | 30-45 minutes |
| 10-20 GB | 35-50 minutes | 50–70 minutes |
| More than 20GB | Not recommended | Use a cable or PC |
Shut down. VPN both phones|Close all background applications|Connect both devices to charging|Check the free space on Xiaomi (should be 1.5 times the amount of data transferred)-->
2.Transfer via OTG cable: fast and without internet
If you don’t have stable Wi-Fi or data takes up more than 20GB, the best option is to connect directly via an OTG cable.
- 🔌 adapter OTG (Type-C or Micro-USB depending on the Huawei model).
- 📱 Cable for connecting Huawei to Xiaomi (usually Type-C – Type-C).
- 📂 File Manager (e.g. Files by Google or standard Explorer on Xiaomi).
Step-by-step:
- Connect Huawei to Xiaomi via the OTG adapter. On the Huawei screen, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- On Xiaomi, open the file manager and go to the section "USB-device".
- Copy the folders you need (DCIM for photos, Downloads for downloads, WhatsApp for messenger backups) to Xiaomi’s internal memory.
- To transfer contacts and SMS, export them to.vcf and.xml files respectively (instruction below).
⚠️ Note: Not all Huawei folders will be visible on Xiaomi due to file system differences.If photos are not displayed, check hidden folders or use Total Commander with root permissions (not recommended for beginners).
💡
If it's cable OTG It doesn't recognize, try rebooting both phones or using a different adapter. OTG-cables often do not support data transfer, only charging.
3. Cloud services: Google Drive, Huawei Cloud and Mi Cloud
Cloud storage is a universal way of transfer, but it requires stable Internet and free space in the cloud.
(a) Google Drive (universally but slowly)
- 📤 On Huawei: Go to Settings → System system → Backup and backup your Google Account.
- 📥 On Xiaomi: When you first turn on, select “Restore from backup” or do it manually in Settings → Google accounts → Recovery.
Minus:
(b) Huawei Cloud (only for Huawei account holders)
- 🌥️ On Huawei: Go to Settings → Huawei ID → Cloud and enable synchronization of contacts, photos and notes.
- 📲 On Xiaomi: install the Huawei Cloud app and log in. download the files manually.
Minus:
5GB
(c) Mi Cloud (contacts and notes only)
- 📱 Export your Huawei contacts to.vcf (via Contacts) → Settings → Exports).
- 🖥️ Upload the file to [Mi Cloud](https://i.mi.com/) Browser, then sync with Xiaomi.
4. Computer Transfer: Reliable but Longer
If you need to move a lot of data (30+GB) or prefer to control the process, use a PC or laptop as an intermediary.
- 🎵 Music and playlists (e.g. from Huawei Music to Mi Music).
- 📁 Backup copies of applications (.apk and data via ADB Backup).
- 📊 Documents and archives.
Instructions for Windows/macOS:
- Connect Huawei to your PC via USB-cable and select the "File Transfer" mode".
- Copy the desired folders (DCIM, Pictures, WhatsApp, etc.) to the hard drive.
- Connect Xiaomi and transfer the files back. Use the Music folder for music, DCIM/Camera for photos.
- For contacts and SMS, use programs like MobileTrans or Dr.Fone (paid, but supported by Huawei and Xiaomi).
⚠️ Note: When copying a photo from DCIM Check that files don't have the.thumb extension - they're thumbnails, not originals. DCIM/Huawei/Camera.
How to transfer saved passwords from Huawei Browser to Mi Browser?
5. Applications and their data portability: what works and what doesn’t
The hardest part of migration is migrating installed applications and their data, and not all programs support backup, and some (e.g. banking) prohibit data transfers for security reasons.
(a) Apps from Google Play
(b) Huawei applications (AppGallery)
- 🚫 Most AppGallery apps are incompatible with Xiaomi (except for the universal ones). APK).
- 🔍 Check for analogues in Google Play or APKMirror.
- 📦 To transfer data (e.g. from Huawei Health to Mi Fitness), export the history to file and import manually.
(c) Social networks and messengers
| Annex | Method of data transfer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Backup copy in Google Drive | The same phone number is required. | |
| Telegram | Cloud synchronization | Chats are transferred, but not local files |
| Viber | Backup copy for SD-map | The.vcb file must be copied manually. |
| Synchronization through account | Only settings are transferred, no cache |
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To migrate these applications, always check if it supports backup, for example, Huawei Health allows you to export data to.zip, and Mi Fitness allows you to import it.
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are some of the most common solutions.
Mi Mover does not see Huawei
- 🔄 Reboot both phones and reconnect.
- 📶 Turn off power saving mode on Huawei (Settings) → Battery → Performance mode).
- 🔒 Make sure Huawei allows access to files for Mi Mover (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
(b) Photos moved but not displayed in Gallery
- 🔍 Check the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails — Sometimes the miniatures are not updated.
- 📂 Move the files to the folder DCIM/Camera and reboot the phone.
- 🛠️ Use the Rescan Media app from Google Play to force scanning of media files.
(c) Contacts are duplicated after transfer
- 📇 Open Contacts. → Settings → Combine duplicates.
- 🔄 Sync contacts with only one account (Google or Mi).
💡
If some files are missing after the transfer, check the Lost.DIR folder on Xiaomi's internal memory, which is where corrupted files get into when you copy.
7. Alternative methods: for advanced users
If standard methods don't work, you can use advanced tools, which require more time and skill, but give you complete control over the process.
(a) ADB Backup (full backup)
adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f /sdcard/huawei_backup.abThis team is building a full Huawei backup, including apps and data, to restore to Xiaomi:
adb restore /sdcard/huawei_backup.abMinus:
(b) Titanium Backup (requires Root)
- 🛠️ Install Titanium Backup on both phones (root access required).
- 📦 Create a backup on Huawei, copy the file on Xiaomi and restore it.
Risk:
(c) Fastboot (for firmware and full cloning)
This method is suitable if you want to completely copy the data section from Huawei to Xiaomi.
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
- 📁 Castomy recovery (e.g., bone recovery, TWRP).
- 🔧 Knowledge of commands for working with partitions (dd, fastboot flash).
⚠️ Warning: Misuse of Fastboot can result in loss of all data on Xiaomi or its “bricking”; this method is recommended only for advanced users!