Data portability from Huawei to Xiaomi via Google: full guide 2026

Why is Google the best way to move?

The transition from Huawei to Xiaomi is often accompanied by the question: how to save all the important data — contacts, photos, correspondence and app settings? Many users fear losing information when changing a brand, especially if it is a different ecosystem. Fortunately, Google accounts solve this problem: it works on both devices and allows you to synchronize most data automatically.

In this article, we will explore the step-by-step transfer of data through Google services, from Huawei preparation to Xiaomi setup, learn what types of files can be transferred, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if syncs are stalled, and also unique nuances for Huawei models with a high-performance network. EMUI 12+ Xiaomi on HyperOS, which are not mentioned in the standard instructions.

Important: the method is suitable for any model – from Huawei P60 Pro up to Redmi Note 13, but there are exceptions, for example, if Huawei has Chinese versions of firmware without Google services (GMS), It's going to take a detour.

What data can be transferred through Google?

Google accounts do not sync everything, but they cover 80% of critical information, and here is a complete list of supported data types:

• 📇 Contacts – including groups, contact notes and profile photos.
• 📅 Calendars and Events (including Google Calendar Reminders).
• 📧 Gmail emails and settings – subscriptions, tags, filters.
• 📱 Apps and their data (only those that support backup in Google Drive).
• 📸 Photos and videos from Google Photos (if autoload is enabled).
• 📝 Notes from Google Keep.
• 🎵 Music and podcasts from YouTube Music (if used by this service).
• 📍 Locations and history of visits from Google Maps.

What is NOT automatically transferred:

• 🚫 SMS and MMS — They need a separate backup (see section on alternative methods).
• 🚫 Calls and their history.
• 🚫 Files outside of Google folders (such as browser downloads or documents at the root of memory).
• 🚫 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, gestures).

If you need to move everything without exception, including SMS And the files, you can look at alternative ways, like Mi Mover (an app from Xiaomi) or third-party utilities like Clone Phone, but note that they require the devices to physically connect to each other.

Huawei Preparing for Data Transfer

Before you start syncing, make sure your Huawei is ready for the procedure.

Check the version. EMUI (Settings → The phone)

Connect to a Google account (if not already connected)

Enable synchronization for all necessary services

Clear the cache of Google Play Services (Settings) → Annexes)

Backup in Google Drive (if necessary)

Check the free space in Google Account (at least 5 GB for photo)

Disable battery optimization for Google Play Services-->

Pay special attention to the synchronization item to include:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Choose your account (or add a new one if you don’t have one).
3. Click Account Sync and activate all switches.
4. To back up applications, go to Settings → System system → Backup → Backup copy in Google Drive.

If your Huawei has firmware without Google services (for example, on Chinese models like the Mate 50 Pro), you will have to use a workaround:

1. Install Google Installer (APK can be found 4PDA).
2. Log in to your account through your browser.
3. Download Google One or Google Photos manually (files) APK).

Warning: If you use two-factor authentication (2FA) at Google, make sure you have backup codes or access to an authenticator application.

Transferring data to Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Now that Huawei is ready, we move to Xiaomi.The process of setting up a new device is as automated as possible, but there are nuances for different versions. MIUI/HyperOS.

Step 1: Initial setup of Xiaomi

When you first turn on, Xiaomi will offer to restore data. Select the option "Restore from backup" and log in to the same Google account that was used on Huawei.

Step 2: Selecting Data for Recovery

The system will show a list of available backups. Choose the latest (by date) and tick the desired categories:

- Contact.

- Annexes (if necessary)

- Wi-Fi settings

Photos and videos (if uploaded to Google Photos)

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If Xiaomi doesn’t offer to restore data when you first turn on, go to Settings → Google → Backup and start the process manually.

Step 3: Waiting and checking

The transfer time depends on the amount of data:

Contacts and calendars – 1-2 minutes.

Applications – up to 10 minutes (depending on the speed of the Internet).

Photos and videos – up to a few hours (if there are many).

After completion, check:

• 🔍 Have contacts been opened in the Contacts app.
• 📅 Did events appear in the calendar.
• 📱 Are apps installed from the backup (they will appear on the home screen or in the menu).

Note: If you are using Xiaomi on HyperOS (new 2026 models), the recovery interface may be different.

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Backup and Reset.
2. Choose Restore with Google Drive.
3. Log in and follow the clues.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with proper preparation, failures can occur, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

If none of these methods worked, try an alternative method:

1. Download the Huawei archive with data through Settings → Google → Backup → Download the data.
2. Transfer the archive to Xiaomi via USB-cable.
3. Unpack and import files manually (e.g., contacts through the VCF-file).

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If Xiaomi doesn’t see the Google backup, check that both devices are using the same account, and users sometimes log in by mistake under different emails.

Data Transfers Without Google: Alternative Ways

If syncing via Google is not possible for some reason (for example, Huawei does not have a sync with Google). GMS), use other methods:

• 📲 Mi Mover (from Xiaomi) is the official Wi-Fi Direct data transfer application that works without the cloud, but requires physical proximity of devices.
• 🔄 Clone Phone (from Huawei) is an analogue of Mi Mover, but from Huawei. SMS and call logs.
• ☁️ Cloud Services – Upload files to Yandex Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive, then download to Xiaomi.
• 💻 Computer as a middleman – copy files from Huawei to PC, then to Xiaomi via USB.

For transfer SMS and call history use specialized applications:

• SMS Backup & Restore (Saves Messages in the Reservations) XML And it's restoring it to a new device).
• Super Backup (supports calls, SMS applications).

Note: When using third-party utilities, check application permissions. Some programs (such as ShareIt) request access to contacts and messages, which may not be secure.

Optimizing Xiaomi after data transfer

After a successful transfer, it is recommended to follow several steps for optimal operation of the new device:

1. Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications and clear cache for Google Play Services, Contacts and Calendar.
2. Set up Autoupload Photos: Open Google Photos and enable Backup and Sync (if necessary).
3. Application verification: Some programs (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) require additional authorization. Launch them and log in.
4. Update: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest patches.

If you notice that Xiaomi has started to slow down after the transfer, try:

• Disable auto-run of unnecessary applications (Settings) → Battery → Auto-start).
• Limit background activity for underutilized programs.
• Perform a reset of the system cache (Settings) → Memory. → Cleanup → Kesh).

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To speed up up the upload of photos to Google Photos on the new Xiaomi, connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi and temporarily turn off the background data restriction for this application.

Security: How to protect data during transfer

Transferring data between devices is always a risk of leakage, and follow these rules to minimize threats:

• 🔒 Use secure networks – avoid public Wi-Fi when synchronizing.
• 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication in your Google account (if not already enabled).
• 🗑️ Remove old backups after transfer – they may contain outdated data.
• 📱 Reset your Huawei settings before selling or transferring (Settings) → System system → Reset).

If you are transferring data via a computer:

• Use encrypted archives (for example, ZIP password-wise).
• Check your PC for viruses before connecting your phones.
• Turn off the debugging. USB after the transfer is completed.

Note: If you sell or transfer Huawei to another person, it is not enough to simply delete your Google account. → System system → Reset → Delete all data, otherwise the new owner will be able to recover your data through factory tools.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions