How to transfer data from Xiaomi to Honor 20: 5 proven ways

Why Xiaomi and Honor Data Transfers Need a Special Approach

The transition from Xiaomi to Honor 20 is not just a change of smartphone, but a transition between two different ecosystems. Whereas for devices of the same brand (for example, from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13), data migration almost automatically through MIUI Cloud, then when you change the manufacturer, there are nuances. Honor, despite its past affiliation with Huawei, now develops its own ecosystem Honor MagicOS, which is not always compatible with Xiaomi services.

The main problem is the lack of a universal tool for direct portability. For example, the Huawei Phone Clone (which is often recommended for Honor) may not recognize some Xiaomi models due to the limitations of MIUI. And a standard Google account, although synchronizing basic data, does not tolerate SMS, calls or application settings. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of porting to 2026, including bypassing typical errors that users encounter.

Method 1: Transfer over OTG cable (the most reliable method)

Using an OTG cable (or USB-C adapter → USB-C) is the most stable way, because it does not depend on Internet speed or the limitations of cloud services. It is suitable for transferring all types of data: contacts, photos, videos, music, documents and even some application settings.

You'll need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C → USB-C (or OTG-adapter + standard cable)
• 📱 Xiaomi and Honor 20 smartphones with a charge of at least 50%
• 🔒 Unlocked screens (passwords/graphics keys must be disabled during the transfer)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi to Honor 20 via cable. On Honor, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. On Xiaomi, open the Files app (or any file manager), find the DCIM (photo/video), Download (download), Pictures, etc. folders.
3. Select the files you need → click Copy → go to Honor 20 memory (shown as an external drive) → paste.
4. To transfer contacts, export them to the.vcf file via the Contacts app on Xiaomi, then copy that file to Honor and import.

The cable supports data transfer (not just charging)

Both phones have enabled file transfer mode.

Honor 20 memory is not filled (leave at least 10% of free space)

Antiviruses that can block access to files are disabled-->

⚠️ Note: If the Honor 20 isn’t displayed as a drive when you connect, check the developer settings on Xiaomi. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu).

Method 2: Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Honor Cloud)

Cloud portability is convenient if you have a slow cable or little space on your devices, but there are limitations to every service.

Recommended algorithm:

• 📁 Upload all files (photos, videos, documents) to Google Drive with Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Sync contacts and calendars through your Google account (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization).
• 💬 For transfer SMS use the app SMS Backup & Restore (Save backup to Xiaomi, then restore to Honor 20).

💡

If you have a lot of photos, turn on the "Original Quality" option in Google Photos (up to 15 GB free). After transferring, go back to "High Quality" to save space.

Method 3: Applications for migration (Phone Clone, SHAREit, Xender)

Specialized applications promise one-click transfer, but in practice, there are often compatibility issues.

1.Huawei Phone Clone (recommended for Honor)

Despite the name, the app works with the Honor 20.

• 📥 Install Phone Clone on both phones (you can download from AppGallery or AppGallery) APK-file).
• 🔄 On Honor 20, select This is a new phone, on Xiaomi - This is an old phone.

⚠️ If the Phone Clone doesn’t see Xiaomi, try it:

• Turn off VPNs and firewalls.
• Use the aircraft mode with Wi-Fi enabled (sometimes helps to bypass network conflicts).
• Install an older version of the application (e.g. 10.0.1 – checked for compatibility with MIUI 12-14).

2. SHAREit / Xender

These applications work on a principle P2P (regardless of the cloud, but have a file size limit (up to 20 GB per session (APK-What the Phone Clone doesn’t do with files.

The downside is low speed with a lot of data and advertising.

• 📶 Connect both phones to the same 5GHz Wi-Fi network.
• 🔋 Close all background applications.
• 📁 Transfer data in packets (for example, first photo, then video).

Cable.

Google Drive (iCloud)

Special applications (Phone Clone, Shareit)

Bluetooth or NFC

I can't stand it, I'm setting it up again.-->

Method 4: Transfer over Bluetooth (for small files)

Bluetooth is only suitable for transferring small files (up to 50 MB at a time) – contacts, a few photos or documents. For full migration, this method is ineffective due to low speed (maximum 2-3 MB / s on the Honor 20).

How to transfer contacts via Bluetooth:

1. On Xiaomi, open the Contacts app → More → Export / Import → Send Contacts.
2. Select contacts → press Bluetooth → select Honor 20 from the list of devices.
3. On Honor 20, confirm the.vcf file is accepted → open it → import contacts.

For photo and video:

• 🖼️ Open the file in the gallery on Xiaomi → Share. → Bluetooth.
• 📲 On Honor 20, accept the file (it will be saved in the Bluetooth or Download folder).

Method 5: Manual transfer via computer (for advanced users)

If you have a PC or a Mac, you can move data through it, which gives you more control over the process.

• 🖥️ Computer with USB-port.
• 🔌 Two cables (or one with a splitter).
• 📂 File Manager (e.g., Total Commander or Standard Explorer).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer → copy all the necessary files (DCIM folders, Download, Music, etc.) to the hard drive.
2. Disable Xiaomi, connect Honor 20 → transfer files to the appropriate folders.
3. To transfer SMS and calls, use the MobileTrans program (paid) or SMS Backup & Restore (free).
4. For applications, copy APK-file /data/app (Root rights are required or use APK Extractor.

⚠️ Note: When copying applications (.apk) take into account:

• Not all. APK-The files will run on the Honor 20 because of differences in the processor architecture (e.g. if Xiaomi is on Snapdragon and Honor 20 is on Kirin).
• Application data (e.g., save in games) is not portable – this requires a backup via Helium or Swift Backup (requires root).

💡

Transferring over a computer is the only way to save folder structure and file metadata (date of creation, photo tags).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users face typical problems, and here are the most common solutions.

If none of these methods worked, try a combination approach:

• 📁 Photo/video – via Google Photos.
• 📞 Contacts/SMS — through SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎵 Music/documents - by cable.
• 📱 Apps – Re-install from AppGallery or APKMirror.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions