How to transfer data from Honor to Xiaomi: Contacts, photos, messages and apps

Moving from Honor to Xiaomi is not just a brand change, it’s also a need to transfer all the important data. Even if both devices run on Android, the differences in shells (Magic UI for Honor and MIUI for Xiaomi) can create unexpected complications. In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways to transfer data, from standard Google tools to specialized applications, and also warn of common errors that can lead to loss of information.

The main problem with brand migration is that shell backups are incompatible, for example, backups created through HiSuite won't open in Mi Mover (similar to Xiaomi), so universal solutions like Google Account or third-party utilities often prove more reliable, and we tested each method on Honor 90 and Xiaomi 13T devices — all instructions are relevant for 2026.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

Before you start migrating, follow the mandatory preparatory steps on both devices, which will minimize the risk of data loss and speed up the process:

• 🔋 Charge both phones to at least 50% – transfer can take up to 1 hour with a large amount of data.
• 📶 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (or use a mobile hotspot.
• 🧹 Free up space on Xiaomi: Delete unnecessary files if the internal memory is less than 10 GB.
• 🔐 Make sure that the screen lock is disabled on Honor (or you know the password) – some methods require unlocking during the process.

Pay special attention to applications with two-factor authentication (for example, banking or instant messengers). Transferring SMS with a confirmation code may not work – save backup codes in advance or untie accounts from your phone number.

⚠️ Note: If data encryption is enabled on Honor (check Settings) → Security → Encryption, wireless transfer via Mi Mover or Google can end in error. In this case, use the cable. USB-C — USB-C (adapter).

2. Method 1: Transfer through Google Account (universal method)

The most reliable and cross-platform way is to sync through Google Account, which is suitable for transferring:

• 📇 Contacts (including groups and notes)
• 📅 Calendars and reminders
• 📎 Notes from Google Keep
• 📷 Photos and videos (if you have autoloaded in Google Photos)
• 🎵 Music and documents from Google Drive

However, the method has limitations: it does not carry SMS, call log, application settings and files not uploaded to the cloud.

1. On Honor, open Settings → Accounts → Google and select your profile. Make sure that sync is enabled for all the categories you want (contacts, calendar, etc.).
2. Start manual synchronization: tap three dots in the upper right corner → Sync now.
3. On Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select Recover Data and log in to the same Google Account. If your phone is already set up, go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Restore Data.
4. Select a backup with Honor (it will be marked with the device model and date). Confirm the recovery.

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If no contacts have appeared after recovery, check Settings → Accounts → Google → Contacts, if the option “Show contacts from this account” is enabled.

Method 3: Using Mi Mover (Official Xiaomi Software)

Mi Mover is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi for transferring data from other Android devices, it supports Wi-Fi Direct transmission (without the Internet), and even works with phones from other brands, including Honor.

• 📲 Transfer SMS, Call logs and applications (including their data).
• 🔌 No cable required (but cable speeds up the process).
• 📁 Keeps the structure of folders for photos and documents.

Step instructions:

Install Mi Mover on Honor (download APK with APKCombo)|

Open Mi Mover on Xiaomi (preinstalled)|

Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network|

On Honor, select "I am the sender" and on Xiaomi, "I am the recipient" |

Scan the scanner on Xiaomi scan QR-Honor-screen code-->

After connecting, select data types to transfer.

• 🚫 Do not interrupt the process – this may result in the loss of some files.
• 🔄 If the transmission is 99% down, restart both devices and try again.
• 📥 Applications are transferred in the form APK-Files – after the reboot, Xiaomi will offer to install them.

⚠️ Note: Some Honor models (e.g. Honor) 8X Honor 10 Lite) Mi Mover may not see files in the folder DCIM/Camera Because of Magic's limitations UI. Solution: manually move the photo to the Downloads folder before the penosom.

Method 3: Transfer over PC (for large amounts of data)

If you have more than 50 GB of data (like a RAW photo collection or 4K video), wireless methods may not work well, and then you'll be more secure with a computer as an intermediary.

• 🖥️ PC Windows/macOS and free disk space.
• 🔌 Cables. USB-C — USB-A (adapter).
• 📂 File Manager (e.g., Total Commander or Standard Explorer).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Honor to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode. If your phone is not identified, install HiSuite drivers from the official website.
2. Copy all the folders you need (DCIM, Downloads, Pictures, etc.) to your PC hard drive. Use an archiver (e.g., 7-Zip) to speed up the data, compress it to.zip.
3. Disable Honor, plug in Xiaomi, and transfer files back. If MIUI can't see the folder, create them manually through the file manager.
4. To transfer SMS and call logs, use Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).Export data to Honor to.xml, then import to Xiaomi.

5. Method 4: Third-party applications (SHAREit, Send Anywhere, Clone Phone)

If standard methods don't work (for example, because of an outdated version of Android on Honor), use specialized applications.

Recommendations for use:

• 🔗 For SHAREit and Send Anywhere, both phones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The alternative is to create an access point on Xiaomi and connect Honor to it.
• 📡 Send Anywhere allows you to send files through a six-digit code — convenient if you don't have Wi-Fi. On Honor, select Send, on Xiaomi, Get, and enter the code.
• 📱 Clone Phone even copies Wi-Fi settings, but may not work on new Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 14).

⚠️ Note: Applications like SHAREit often request access to Contacts, SMS Before installing, check the permissions in Google Play — some clones of these utilities contain advertising software.

Method 5: Transfer through OTG-storage SD-map

If you don’t have access to a PC or stable Wi-Fi, use an external drive:

• 📱 OTG-flash drive (with connector) USB-C or microUSB + adapter).
• 💾 SD-card (if both phones support memory card slots).

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect. OTG-Flash drive to Honor and copy all the necessary files to it (use a file manager, for example, Files by Google).
2. Securely remove the drive and connect it to Xiaomi.
3. Move files to internal memory. For photos and videos, it is recommended to use the DCIM/Camera folder to show them in the gallery.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Maximum security – data is not transmitted over the network.
• ⚡ High speed (up to 40 MB/s per USB 3.0).
• 📦 Suitable for very large files (such as movies or game backups).

Disadvantages:

• 💰 Purchase required OTG-adapter (cost from 300) ₽).
• 📁 I can't stand it. SMS, Contacts and applications – only files.

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OTG-The drive is the only way to transfer data if the Honor Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module is broken.

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and we have collected the TOP-5 errors and ways to solve them:

If neither method worked, try resetting your settings to Xiaomi and repeat the transfer from a clean system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability from Honor to Xiaomi