How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Honor: all ways of 2026

Why Data Transfer Between Xiaomi and Honor Is a Non-standard Task

Moving from Xiaomi (or Redmi/POCO sub-brands) to Honor is not just a gadget change, but a transition between two ecosystems with fundamentally different synchronization approaches. Unlike data transfer within the same brand (e.g. Mi 11 to Mi 13), here you will find nuances: from the lack of native Mi Mover tool on Honor to the limitations of Google Mobile Services on new models of the brand. In this article, we will discuss 5 workflows – from official utilities to workarounds for devices without GMS.

The main problem with users is that, starting in 2020, Honor uses its own ecosystem of Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), which blocks standard methods of transferring through a Google account. For example, if you try to transfer data from Xiaomi 12T to Honor 90 through backup in Google Drive, some applications (such as Petal Maps or AppGallery) simply will not recover.

Method 1: Official HiSuite utility (for Honor with HMS)

If your Honor is powered by Huawei Mobile Services (and these are all models after 2020, including the Honor 50, 60, 70, Magic series), then the most reliable way to use HiSuite proprietary software, similar to Xiaomi’s Mi PC Suite, but with support for data transfer between different brands, the utility is available for Windows and macOS.

How it works:

• 🖥️ Download HiSuite from the official website and install it on PC.
• 📱 Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable (file transfer mode).
• 🔄 In HiSuite, select the option Backup and mark the desired data (contacts, SMS, multimedia).
• 📲 Disable Xiaomi, connect Honor and select Restore.

The advantages of the method are that you keep the folder structure, you keep notes, call logs, and even some system application settings, but you also have disadvantages:

⚠️ Note: If data encryption is enabled on Xiaomi (Settings option) → Additionally. → Encryption), HiSuite may not see some files. Before transferring, disable encryption or use the method of using the OTG-cable (see Method 4).

Method 2: Mi Mover + OTG adapter (for models with Google)

If your Honor supports Google Mobile Services (like older models like the Honor 8X or Honor 10), you can use Xiaomi’s built-in Mi Mover tool, which is suitable for transferring contacts, photos, videos and even some apps (if they are on Google Play).

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi, open the Mi Mover app (if not, download from Google Play).
2. Select I sender and connect to Wi-Fi.
3. On Honor, install Mi Mover (only for GMS! devices).
4. Select I Receiver and Scan QR-Xiaomi screen code.
5. Confirm the data transfer and wait for completion.

Important point: this method will require OTG-Adapter, as Honor does not support direct Wi-Fi transmission via Mi Mover. connect the adapter to Honor and then connect it to Xiaomi cable USB-C → USB-C (or USB-C → MicroUSB, depending on the model).

Charge both phones up to 50%+

Disable VPN on both devices

Make sure there is enough memory on Honor

Use the original OTG-Adapter (Chinese cheap ones may not work)

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⚠️ Note: Mi Mover does not carry data from some applications (such as WhatsApp or Viber) and will require separate backups (see Method 5). HMS Core (e.g. Honor) Magic5 Pro).

Method 3: Google Drive vs Huawei Cloud

If you do not have a computer on hand or OTG-Cables, cloud services are the lifeline, but there are two scenarios, depending on the Honor ecosystem:

Option A: Honor with Google (Google Drive)

For models with Google Mobile Services (until 2020):

1. On Xiaomi go to Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Enable the option Download to Google Drive and select data (contacts, photos, SMS).
3. On Honor, log in to the same Google account and restore data when you first turn on or through Settings → System → Backup.

Option B: Honor without Google (Huawei Cloud)

For new models (Honor 80, Honor Magic V2, etc.):

1. On Xiaomi, upload files manually to Huawei Cloud via your browser (Huawei ID registration is required).
2. Use the web version of Huawei Cloud to upload photos/video.
3. On Honor, log in to Huawei ID and sync your data through Settings → Cloud.

Comparison of cloud services:

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If you have slow internet, archive your photo/video folders in ZIP on Xiaomi before uploading to the cloud, which will reduce the transfer time by 30-40%.

Method 4: Direct Cable Transfer (without PC)

The most versatile method that works on all Honor models is the use of the appliance. OTG-cable USB-You'll need an adapter that connects two smartphones directly:

• 🔌 OTG-adapter (e.g, USB-C (samka) → USB-A (samka)).
• 📱 Xiaomi Connection Cable (depending on port: USB-C or microUSB).
• 📲 File Manager on Honor (e.g. Files by Google or embedded Files).

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-Honor adapter.
2. Connect Xiaomi to the adapter cable.
3. On Xiaomi, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
4. On Honor, open the file manager in the section USB-The device will be a memory of Xiaomi.
5. Copy the required files (folders) DCIM, Download, Pictures, etc.) for internal memory or SD-Honor.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ It works without the Internet and computer.
• 📁 Transfer files of any type (including: APK and system backups).
• 🔒 No limits on volume (unlike cloud services).

⚠️ Note: Some Honor models (e.g. Honor) Magic4 Pro may not recognize Xiaomi as USB-storage device due to protocol conflict MTP. Try to connect Xiaomi in this case. PTP (for photo) or use an externally powered adapter.

Method 5: transfer specific data (contacts, WhatsApp, games)

Not all data is equally well-portable. Let's look at the nuances for different types of information:

Contacts and call log

The most reliable way is synchronization through the account:

• 📇 On Xiaomi: Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Export to.vcf (save file to memory card).
• 📱 On Honor: Import.vcf through the Contacts app.

WhatsApp and other messengers

For WhatsApp:

1. On Xiaomi, back up your WhatsApp Settings → Chat → Backup.
2. Copy /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases to Honor (via OTG or cloud).
3. Install WhatsApp on Honor, log in to the same account and restore chats.

For Telegram and Viber, it is enough to log into the account - the story is synchronized automatically.

Games and applications

If you need to make progress in games:

• 🎮 For games with Google Play Games support: Sign in to the same Google account on Honor.
• 🖥️ For non-cloud-saving games (such as Genshin Impact): copy the save folder (usually /Android/data) honor.

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To port these applications (such as passwords from Xiaomi Password Manager) use export to CSV or specialized managers like Bitwarden.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when you follow the instructions, users have problems, and we'll look at the most common ones.

Another common problem is the lack of space on Honor. Check the space in Settings before transferring. → If memory is scarce, transfer the files to the SD-card (if supported) or use compression:

• 📦 For photos/video: use Google Files (Cleanup option) → File compression).
• 🗃️ For documents: archive in ZIP through RAR for Android.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions