Why data transfer between Xiaomi and Huawei requires a special approach
The transition from Xiaomi to Huawei is not just a change of gadget, but a transition between two ecosystems with fundamentally different approaches to synchronization. Unlike transfer within the same brand (for example, from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14), here you will find nuances: from the lack of compatibility of proprietary cloud services (Mi Cloud vs Huawei Cloud) to restrictions on the transfer of certain types of files through standard protocols. Even if both devices support USB OTG, the transfer speed can vary by 2-3 times due to the difference in the firmware MIUI and EMUI.
Another trap is account binding, for example, backups of messages from Mi Messages will not be restored in the standard Huawei Messages app, and data transfer via Google Account can be blocked if Huawei does not have Google services installed (relevant to models after 2019), in this article we will analyze all working ways of porting to 2026, including workarounds for devices without GMS, and give a checklist to verify the integrity of data after migration.
Method 1: Transmission via USB cable (the fastest method)
Using a USB-C-USB-C cable (or a Xiaomi adapter with Micro-USB) remains the most reliable way if both phones support USB OTG. Transfer speeds reach 40–60 MB/s (versus 5–10 MB/s over Wi-Fi), and the risk of data loss is minimal. However, there are pitfalls: some Huawei models (such as the Mate 50 Pro) require unlocking the File Manager to record from external devices.
Step-by-step:
- 🔌 Connect both phones with cable. On Xiaomi, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) plug-in.
- 📱 On Huawei, open a File Manager → Local vault. → USB-The device (may be called Xiaomi).
- 📁 Set aside the folders for transfer: DCIM (Photo/video), Downloads, Pictures. For contacts, export them to.vcf via Contacts → Settings → Exports.
- ⚡ Copy files into Huawei memory. For applications, backups through Mi Mover (only for the user) APK-file).
Developer mode is enabled on both phones (if necessary)
The cable supports data transfer (not just charging)
Memory encryption disabled on Xiaomi (Settings → Security)
Freely. ≥20% of Huawei memory for temporary files-->
Method limitations: Not to be tolerated:
- 🔄 System application settings (such as themes) MIUI).
- 📱 Data from some games (e.g., progress in Genshin Impact is tied to your account, not your device).
- 🔐 Passwords from Mi Security (should be exported separately to Google Password Manager or 1Password).
💡
If Huawei doesn't see Xiaomi through the cable, try connecting the phone to a PC and copying files through the computer as an intermediary.
Method 2: Cloud Transfer (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Huawei Cloud)
Cloud services are convenient for remote porting, but it is important to consider the limitations of each provider. For example, Mi Cloud provides only 5 GB for free, and Huawei Cloud provides 15 GB, but with a binding to a Chinese account for some functions. Google Drive is universal, but on Huawei without GMS you will have to install it through AppGallery or APK.
| Service | Max. Free seat. | What's transferable | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | 15GB | Photos, videos, contacts, calendars | Google services are needed on Huawei |
| Mi Cloud | 5GB | Contacts, SMS, notes, photos | Not compatible with Huawei Cloud |
| Huawei Cloud | 15GB | Photos, videos, contacts, records | Requires Huawei ID, no sync with Mi Cloud |
| Yandex Disk | 10GB | Any files. | Slow loading of large videos |
Instructions for Google Drive (the most versatile option):
- On Xiaomi: Upload files to Google Drive via the app or web version.
- On Huawei: 📥 Install Google Drive via AppGallery (search for “GDrive"). 🔑 Sign in to the same Google account as Xiaomi. 📂 Download files to your phone memory.
How to Transfer Contacts through Google Account
⚠️ Note: If Huawei does not have Google services, backups of Google Photos or Google Contacts will not be automatically restored.In this case, export the data manually through Export VCF (Contacts) or download archives through the browser.
Method 3: Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth
The method is suitable for small amounts of data (up to 1-2 GB), since the transfer speed over Bluetooth 5.0 rarely exceeds 2-3 MB / s, and Wi-Fi Direct can work unstable due to the difference in firmware.
How to transfer data over Wi-Fi Direct:
- 📶 On Xiaomi: Settings → Connection and sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.
- 🔗 On Huawei: Settings → Wireless networks → Wi-Fi Direct and select your Xiaomi device.
- 📁 Use the File Manager on Xiaomi to send files (select the file manager). → Send. → Wi-Fi Direct).
Speed optimization:
- 📡 Move both phones closer to the router (if you use a local area network).
- 🔋 Charging both devices ≥50% (transmission consumes a lot of energy).
- 🚫 Close the background apps (especially instant messengers and games).
On the USB cable.
Google Drive (Mi Cloud) and Google Drive (Mi Drive)
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct
Through the computer
Another way.-->
⚠️ Note: When transferring files via Bluetooth >50MB can break down into pieces, leading to errors. Use.zip format for photos and videos (archive before sending).
Method 4: Use of third-party applications (SHAREit, Xender, Mi Mover)
Specialized data applications often offer faster speeds than standard protocols, thanks to optimized compression algorithms, such as SHAREit can transfer files at up to 20 MB/s over Wi-Fi, and Mi Mover can even transfer data from some applications (such as WhatsApp).
- 🛡️ Security: Some applications (such as Xender) request access to contacts and SMS.
- 📦 Limitations: Mi Mover only works with Xiaomi devices (but you can transfer data to an intermediate phone).
Step-by-step instructions for SHAREit:
- Install SHAREit on both phones (download AppGallery for Huawei).
- On Xiaomi: select Send → Select Files → Click Connect to the Device.
- On Huawei: Choose Get and Scan QR-Xiaomi screen code.
- Wait for the transfer to be completed (don’t interrupt the connection!).
💡
Apps like SHAREit or Xender create a temporary Wi-Fi network, so turn off mobile data on both phones to avoid additional traffic.
Method 5: Transfer over a computer (for large volumes or backups)
If you need to move tens of gigabytes (like a 4K video collection or game backups), your computer will be the most reliable intermediary, and this method is also useful if:
- 🔌 Huawei doesn't work. USB OTG.
- 📡 There is no stable Wi-Fi for cloud synchronization.
- 🔄 You need to sort files before transferring them.
Algorithm of action:
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB and copy the data to a folder on the drive.
- Connect Huawei and transfer files back. Use TeraCopy (a free Windows utility) to speed up.
- For contacts and SMS, use programs like MobileTrans (for a fee) or My Phone Explorer (for free).
Advantages of the method:
- 💾 Ability to create a full backup before transfer.
- 🔍 Easy to filter out unnecessary files (e.g., app cache).
- 🛠️ You can recover data even if something goes wrong.
Checklist: what to do after transferring data
File transfer is only half the battle, and to make sure that everything goes well, follow these steps:
Compare the number of photos in the gallery on both phones
Check contacts (especially groups and linked accounts)
Make sure that the video is played (sometimes codecs are lost)
Launch key applications (WhatsApp, banking applications)
Set up notifications and permissions for portable applications-->
Typical problems and their solutions:
- 📸 Photos not displayed: Check the folder DCIM/.thumbnails — Sometimes the thumbnails don't get updated.
- 📞 Contacts are duplicated: Use the Connect Contacts feature in the Contacts app on Huawei.
- 🎮 Games do not keep progress: Sign in to your game account (e.g. Google Play Games or Mi Account).
⚠️ Note: If you have moved data through Mi Mover or similar tools, check the folder. MIUI/Backup/AllBackup on Huawei – sometimes files are stored there in encrypted form and require manual recovery.