How to transfer data from Huawei to Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The move from Huawei to Xiaomi is not just about brand change, but also about the migration of personal data — photos, contacts, messages, and even app settings — and many users fear losing important information or spending hours manually transferring files. In fact, the process can be automated using built-in tools. MIUI and EMUI, and third-party services.

In this guide, we will discuss 5 working methods for data transfer – from the official Xiaomi Migration application to cloud services and physical transmission via cable. Why some files may not be copied, how to avoid sync errors, and what to do if Huawei doesn’t recognize the new Xiaomi USB-OTG. All instructions are relevant for devices from 2020 to 2026, including models with HarmonyOS and HyperOS.

Before you start, check two key points: free space on your new smartphone (data from Huawei) P50 Pro 256 GB may not fit in the Redmi Note 12 128 GB) and the firmware version – on older builds MIUI 12 may not have a wireless migration function.

1.Official method: Xiaomi Migration app

The most reliable method is the use of Xiaomi Migration, which is preinstalled on all new Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO. The app supports porting from Huawei, Samsung, Oppo and other Android devices, but there are nuances: some Huawei models (for example, the Mate 40 Pro) require pre-enabled Developer Mode.

How it works:

• 📱 On Xiaomi, open Settings → The phone. → Data portability (or find the Migration app in the menu).
• 🔄 Select the option “From another Android” and follow the hints on the screen.
• 📶 On Huawei, download Xiaomi Migration from AppGallery or APKMirror (if it’s not in the store).
• 🔗 Connect devices via Wi-Fi Direct or QR-code (some Huawei firmware may require manual input) IP-address).

Advantages of the method: the structure of folders is preserved, transferred SMS/MMS, Call logs and even some system application settings (such as Mi Browser or Gallery), but applications from Huawei AppGallery will not be installed automatically, only their data (caches, logins).

⚠️ Note: If Huawei has enabled the Privacy Protection feature (in Settings) → Security, Migration can block access to contacts. Turn it off before transferring it.

Disable battery optimization for Xiaomi Migration|

Allow access to files and contacts|

Connect to Wi-Fi (transfer takes up) ~10-15 GB of traffic)|

Charge both phones at least 50 times%-->

2. Transfer via cable USB-OTG: fast and without internet

If you don’t have stable Wi-Fi or data takes up hundreds of gigabytes (e.g. video in the Internet) 4K Huawei P60 Pro, the best option is a physical connection through USB-OTG. It's gonna take a while:

• 🔌 adapter USB-C → USB-C (or USB-A → USB-C, If you are on Xiaomi Type-A connector).
• 📂 File Manager on both devices (e.g. Mi File Manager or Huawei Files).
• ⚡ Charging – the process can take 30+ minutes with a lot of data.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Huawei to Xiaomi via an adapter. On the Huawei screen, select File Transfer Mode (not Charge Only!).
2. On Xiaomi, open Mi File Manager and go to the section "USB-device".
3. Copy the right folders (DCIM for photo, downloads for downloads) to internal memory or SD-Xiaomi.
4. To transfer contacts, export them to.vcf file on Huawei (Contacts) → Settings → Export and import to Xiaomi.

The main advantage of the method is 100% control over which files are copied. SMS, Call logs and application settings, and specialized utilities like Super Backup & Restore (available on Google Play and APKMirror) will be suitable for this).

⚠️ Note: On some Huawei models (e.g. Nova 10) when connected via USB-OTG You may have a device not identified error. Solution: reboot both smartphones and reconnect by selecting mode "MTP".

Wi-Fi (Xiaomi Migration)|

Through cable. USB-OTG|

Cloud services (Google Drive, Huawei Cloud)|

Manual (one file per file)|

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3. Cloud services: Google Drive, Huawei Cloud and Mi Cloud

If you have access to the Internet and Google or Huawei accounts, cloud migration may be the easiest solution.

Google Drive (Universal Method)

Suitable for all devices, but requires a Google account on both smartphones.

1. On Huawei, open Google Drive and click “Backup”.
2. Select data types (contacts, photos, SMS) Please note that WhatsApp messages are reserved separately through the messenger settings!
3. On Xiaomi, log in to the same Google account and restore data to Settings → Google → Restore.

3.2. Huawei Cloud → Mi Cloud for users of the Huawei ecosystem)

If you have used Huawei Cloud for backup, you can export data from there:

• 🌐 Go to cloud.huawei.com from PC.
• 📥 Download the archive with data (photos, contacts, notes).
• 📤 Upload files to Mi Cloud via web or mobile app.

Mi Cloud (Contacts and Notes Only)

Xiaomi offers its own cloud storage, but it supports a limited data set.

1. On Huawei, export your contacts to a.vcf file.
2. Send the file to the mail or upload to Mi Cloud via the browser.
3. On Xiaomi, import contacts from the file in the Contacts app.

Cloud services are convenient but have limitations: Google Drive provides only 15 GB for free, and Huawei Cloud can block access to data when you change your account region, and you can not transfer applications through the cloud – only their data (for example, save games).

4. Applications and their data portability: what works and what doesn’t

One of the most difficult aspects of migration is to save the installed applications and their settings. APK-The file between Huawei and Xiaomi is not possible due to the differences in the firmware architecture:

4.1. Save data of games and applications

For most games (such as Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile) and applications (e.g. Spotify, Telegram) data is stored in cloud services:

• 🎮 Games: Link your account to Google Play Games, Facebook or a developer service (e.g. miHoYo for Genshin Impact).
• 💬 Messengers: Telegram and Viber chats sync to the cloud automatically. For WhatsApp, use a local copy (see spoiler above).
• 🎵 Music/video: Spotify, YouTube Music and Netflix keep the story on their account.

4.2. Transfer APK-Files (for experienced users)

If you need to move installed applications (for example, rare utilities from Huawei AppGallery), use the manager. APK:

1. Install it on Huawei. APK Extractor (available on APKMirror).
2. Export. APK-files of the required applications in the folder.
3. Copy the folder on Xiaomi and install the applications manually (allowing installation from unknown sources in Settings). → Security).

It’s important to understand that not all apps will work on Xiaomi, for example, Huawei’s proprietary utilities (Huawei Health, Petal Maps) may require services. HMS Cores that aren't in MIUI. In such cases, look for analogues in Google Play or Mi App Store.

💡

Before transferring applications, check their compatibility with MIUI It's on APKCombo. APK-Huawei AppGallery files are optimized for devices only HMS And they may not be running on Xiaomi.

5. Transfer of specific data: SMS, call logs, passwords

Some types of data require special attention because they are not carried over by standard methods.

5.1. SMS and MMS

To back up messages, use:

• 📱 SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play) SMS into XML-A file that can then be restored to Xiaomi.
• 🖥️ My Phone Explorer (for PC) The program copies SMS through USB Supports exports in various formats.

Call logs

Call logs are carried over through:

• 📞 Call Logs Backup & Restore (similar to the same) SMS).
• 📧 Export to.csv via Google Contacts (if calls are synced to your account).

Saved passwords and autocomplete data

If you used Huawei Browser or Chrome to save passwords:

• 🔑 In Chrome, passwords sync with your Google account. Just log in to it on Xiaomi.
• 🌐 In Huawei Browser: Export passwords to file via Settings → Passwords. → Export and import them to Mi Browser or Chrome on a new device.

For two-factor authentication (2FA) You can migrate backup codes from apps like Google Authenticator:

1. Exports QR-codes from Authenticator on Huawei (if the function is supported).
2. Manually enter private keys in Google Authenticator or Mi Authenticator on Xiaomi.

💡

Do not rely on automatic password transfer and SMS — This data is often lost when you change firmware. Always back it up manually!

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users encounter problems, and here are the most common errors and ways to correct them:

If none of these methods worked, try alternative tools:

• 🛠️ Clone Phone (from Xiaomi) – similar to Migration, but with advanced settings.
• 📦 Send Anywhere – transfer files in a direct link without clouds.
• 🔄 Smart Switch (from Samsung) – despite the brand, it works with Huawei.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Huawei with HarmonyOS 4.0+, Some migration applications (such as Smart Switch) may not recognize the device. ADB or manually transported through cable.

7. data transfer from blocked or damaged Huawei

This is even more complicated if Huawei is not switched on, locked with a pattern lock, or has a damaged screen.

7.1. data extraction through ADB (unlockable)

If Huawei has previously been enabled to debug USB, You can connect to the device through ADB:

adb pull /sdcard/path to PC

This command will copy all the data from the internal memory to the computer, and then you can transfer it to Xiaomi.

7.2.Use of Huawei HiSuite (official utility)

HiSuite allows you to control your device via PC even when the screen is locked (if previously allowed to connect):

1. Install HiSuite from the official website.
2. Connect Huawei to your PC and select “Backup”.
3. Save the data to your computer and then transfer it to Xiaomi.

Extraction SD-cards (if the data is stored on it)

If photos and files were stored on a microSD, just remove the card from Huawei and paste it into Xiaomi. SD-The card is not saved – only media files.

As a last resort, if Huawei is completely faulty, contact a service center to extract data via a chip-off (direct memory reading).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions