The transition from Huawei to Xiaomi Redmi is not just about changing the brand, but also the need to transfer all the important data: contacts, photos, messages and even app settings. Many users fear this process, thinking it is complex or fraught with loss of information. In fact, modern smartphones offer several convenient ways to migrate, and manufacturers care about compatibility between platforms.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of data transfer โ from standard tools Xiaomi and Huawei to universal solutions through cloud services and third-party applications. SMS, Call history, media and even Wi-Fi passwords, and avoid common errors in file transfers. 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and flagships of the Huawei series P/Mate.
If you've tried to migrate data and you've had problems (e.g., you can't see some files or applications have not recovered), there's a section at the end of this article that addresses common errors, and we'll compare the speed and reliability of each method in the table to help you choose the best option for your situation.
Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start
Before you start migrating, check out two key points:
- ๐ฑ The battery charge on both phones should be at least 50%, the data transfer can take from 10 minutes to an hour (depending on the volume), and the discharge in the process will lead to a failure.
- ๐ถ Stable Internet connection (if you use the cloud): With a weak Wi-Fi or mobile signal, files may be transmitted with errors or not completely.
- ๐ Original. USB-Cheap, uncertified cables often do not support data transmission mode (MTP).
- ๐ Backups. Even if you transfer data directly, create a backup on Huawei through Settings. โ System system โ Backup.
Pay special attention to the amount of free memory on Xiaomi Redmi. If the old phone is 64 GB, and the new one is only free 30 GB, the transfer will end in error.
- ๐๏ธ Delete unnecessary files (app cache, photo take, old videos).
- ๐ Move some of the data to SD-Map or cloud (e.g. Google Photos for media files).
- ๐ฎ Turn off syncing games (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile if they take up a lot of space.
โ ๏ธ Note: If Huawei has enabled Application Protection (Settings) โ Security, some data (such as Wi-Fi passwords or notes) may not be transferred.
Method 1: Direct Cable Transfer (Mi Mover)
Mi Mover is the official app from Xiaomi that automatically detects data on Huawei and transfers it to Redmi.This method is suitable for most models (including the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ Huawei P50) supportive:
- ๐ Contacts and call history
- ๐ฌ Communications (SMS/MMS)
- ๐ท Photos and videos (including Huawei Gallery albums)
- ๐ต Music and audio files
- ๐ฅ Installed applications (without data, only APK)
- ๐ก Wi-Fi settings (passwords)
Step-by-step:
- Download Mi Mover on Xiaomi Redmi from the App Store (if it's not in firmware). Huawei doesn't need to install anything.
- Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi or activate the access point on Redmi.
- On Xiaomi, open Mi Mover, select I Recipient.
- On Huawei go to Settings โ System system โ Data portability (or use Huawei Phone Clone if installed).
- Select I sender and scan. QR-Redmi screen code.
- Wait for the data scan to be completed and confirm the transfer.
Transmission time depends on the volume:
| Data volume | Approximate time | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5GB | 5-15 minutes | Use 5GHz Wi-Fi to speed up |
| 5-20 GB | 20-40 minutes | Connect the phones to charge. |
| 20โ50 GB | 40-90 minutes | Use the cable. USB-C โ USB-C (if maintained) |
| More than 50GB | 1.5-hours--3 hours | Break the transfer into parts (for example, media first, then applications) |
โ ๏ธ Note: If the Mi Mover is โhangingโ during the connection stage, check if the firewall or the firewall is blocked. VPN On Huawei, temporarily turn off Privacy Protection in your security settings.
Charge both phones up to 50%+
Connect to a single Wi-Fi network (or enable an access point)
Download Mi Mover on Xiaomi Redmi
Shut down. VPN and a firewall on Huawei
Free up space on Xiaomi (at least 10% more data portable)-->
Method 2: Transfer over cloud services (Google Drive, Huawei Cloud)
If direct portability fails (for example, because of firmware incompatibility), use cloud storage, which is universal, but requires more time and space in the cloud.
Option A: Google Account (for contacts, calendar, email)
Google sync is the most reliable way to transfer contacts, calendar events and email, and it works even if the phones are not connected to the same network.
- On Huawei, open Settings โ Accounts โ Google.
- Enable synchronization for Contacts, Calendar and Gmail.
- Wait for the sync to be completed (check in Google Contacts via browser).
- On Xiaomi Redmi, add the same Google account and enable sync.
Important: if Huawei account was used ID Instead of Google, the contacts could be saved to Huawei Cloud, in which case export them to the file first. VCF (see option B).
Option B: Through Huawei Cloud (for media and backups)
Huawei Cloud allows you to create a full backup of your phone, including:
- ๐ธ Photo and video (in original quality)
- ๐ Documents and notes
- ๐ Browser bookmarks
- ๐ฎ Data from certain games (if supported)
Instructions:
- On Huawei, go to Settings โ Huawei ID โ Cloud โ Backup.
- Select the data to copy and click Reserve.
- Once completed, download the archive to your computer via cloud.huawei.com.
- Transfer files to Xiaomi Redmi via Explorer or Google Drive.
Limitations:
- โ Free storage โ only 5 GB (for more subscriptions are required).
- โ Not all data is restored on Xiaomi (e.g. system application settings).
๐ก
If you have a lot of photos, use Google Photos with Free up space on Huawei. After transferring to Xiaomi Redmi, all photos will automatically be uploaded to the gallery.
Method 3: Third-party applications (SHAREit, Xender, Send Anywhere)
If standard methods don't work (for example, because of outdated firmware), use specialized applications. They transmit data over Wi-Fi Direct, which is faster than cloud services.-3 decision:
| Annex | Speed. | Supported data | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHAREit | โก Up to 20MB/s | Photos, videos, music, apps (APK), contact | It requires installation on both phones. There's advertising. |
| Xender | โก Up to 15MB/s | Any files, folders, contacts (through export) VCF) | Simple interface, but sometimes "loss" the connection. |
| Send Anywhere | โก Up to 10MB/s | Files of any type, including archives | You can transfer data via 6-digit code without Wi-Fi. |
How to transfer data via SHAREit:
- Install SHAREit on both phones from Google Play or AppGallery.
- On Huawei, select Send, on Xiaomi Redmi - Receive.
โ ๏ธ Note: When transferring applications through third-party services, only transfers are made APK-files, but not their data (for example, save in games or configure messengers). For a full transfer, use Backup in the applications themselves (for example, in WhatsApp or Telegram).
What to do if Shareit doesnโt see Xiaomi Redmi?
Method 4: Manual transfer (one type of data)
If you only need to transfer certain data (like just contacts or photos), use the manual method. It takes longer, but gives you complete control over the process.
Deferral of contacts
Export your contacts to the.vcf file:
- On Huawei, open contacts โ Settings โ Imports/Exports โ Exports to the vault.
- Select a VCard file and save it to internal memory.
- Transfer the file to Xiaomi Redmi via Bluetooth, Google Drive, or cable.
- On Redmi, import contacts: Contacts โ Settings โ Imports/Exports โ Imports from.vcf.
Portability of photos and videos
The most reliable way is through Google Photos:
- On Huawei, install Google Photos and enable Backup.
- Wait for all media files to download (check at photos.google.com).
- On Xiaomi Redmi, log in to the same Google account and enable sync.
The alternative is to carry the cable manually:
- Connect Huawei to your computer in File Transfer mode (MTP).
- Copy the folders. DCIM and Pictures on PC.
- Connect Xiaomi Redmi and paste the files into the same folders.
Deferral of communications (SMS/MMS)
To transfer SMS, use the SMS Backup & Restore app:
- Put it on both phones.
- On Huawei, create a backup: Backup โ Local Backup.
- Transfer the backup file to Xiaomi Redmi.
- On Redmi, restore messages: Restore โ Select a file.
๐ก
Manual transfer is good if you only need to save a fraction of the data or the standard methods didn't work, and the main advantage is that you control each step, minus, takes longer.
6. Transfer of applications and their data
Transfer installed applications is the most difficult, as:
- ๐ฑ APK-files are easily transferred but without data (e.g. saving games).
- ๐ Some applications (such as banking) require re-authorization.
- ๐ซ Huawei system apps (like Huawei Health) wonโt work on Xiaomi.
How to transfer applications as fully as possible:
- List of Apps: Export the list through App Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
- Application Data: Use built-in backup in the apps themselves (e.g. WhatsApp: Settings) โ chat โ Backup copy).
- Games: Link your account to Google Play Games or Facebook to keep progress.
For transfer APK-file:
- Use it on Huawei. APK Extractor (from Google Play) to extract installed applications.
- Move it. APK Xiaomi Redmi and install them manually (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings) โ Annexes โ Special rights).
โ ๏ธ Note: Some apps (e.g. Huawei Mobile Services) wonโt work on Xiaomi due to firmware differences.
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.-5 errors and ways of correcting them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover doesn't see Huawei | Different versions of Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz) or firewall lock | Connect both phones to the same 2.4GHz network or turn off the firewall on Huawei |
| Transfer "hangs" by 99% | Lack of space on Xiaomi Redmi or damaged files | Free up space on Redmi or break up the transfer into parts (for example, first photo, then app) |
| Contacts are not tolerated. | Contacts saved in Huawei Cloud, not Google | Export contacts to.vcf manually (see section 5) |
| Applications not restored | Xiaomi has disabled the installation from unknown sources | Permission to install APK In Settings โ Annexes โ Special rights |
| Photos moved but not displayed in the gallery | Files copied to the wrong folder or no read rights | Move the files to the folder DCIM/Camera and reboot the phone. |
If none of these methods worked, try an alternative method:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Transfer data to your computer via cable and then to Xiaomi Redmi.
- ๐ Use it. SD-card (if both phones support it).
- ๐ง Send yourself important files via email (for small volumes).