Changing your smartphone is always accompanied by the question of saving accumulated information, especially when moving between ecosystems. Users who change Huawei devices to Xiaomi devices are often afraid of losing important contacts, correspondence history or personal photos. Modern technology allows you to migrate data as quickly as possible without using a computer, relying solely on the built-in functionality of gadgets.
The transfer process depends on the version of the Android operating system and the availability of Google services on the original device. Owners of older Huawei models with preinstalled GMS have more opportunities for synchronization than users of new devices with HMS. However, there are several universal methods that ensure the safety of your digital assets.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can copy information, from cloud storage to direct Wi-Fi connections, how to avoid the typical mistakes when you port WhatsApp and why standard MIUI tools are often more effective than third-party applications.
Preparing devices before data migration
Before starting the procedure, make sure that both smartphones are ready to work. Charge Huawei and Xiaomi to at least 60%, as active transmission of large amounts of data can significantly consume battery power.
Be sure to connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network. Wireless speed directly affects copy time, especially if you plan to carry gigabytes of photos and videos. Make sure both screens have Data Transfer or Bluetooth enabled if the method you choose requires them to be used.
On Xiaomi’s device, it is recommended to create or sign in to a Mi Account in advance, which will synchronize key system settings and make it easier to recover data in case of unforeseen crashes. On the Huawei side, it is worth checking the relevance of backups in the cloud to have a rollback point.
⚠️ Warning: Do not start the transfer process if the power saving mode is on on the Huawei phone.The system can forcibly break the connection to save charge, which will damage the files.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Using the Mi Mover application for wireless transfer
The most effective and native way to migrate for Xiaomi owners is the Mi Mover utility, which is pre-installed in the Tools folder on most MIUI models and optimized to work with the file system of new smartphones, which allows you to transfer contacts, messages, call log, photos, music and even some system settings.
To get started, run Mi Mover on both devices. On the new Xiaomi, select "I'm the recipient" and on the old Huawei, "I'm the sender." The app will create a local access point that you'll need to connect to through scanning. QR-code-in.
Once the connection is established, the system will suggest selecting data categories to copy, you can customize the list in detail, eliminating unnecessary cached files or system debris, the process takes place over a direct Wi-Fi Direct channel, so the transfer speed is much faster than through Bluetooth.
- 📱 It supports the transfer of contacts from internal memory and SIM-map.
- 📷 Photos and videos are copied with metadata and shooting date saved.
- 📝 Communications SMS and MMS They are completely transferred, maintaining the structure of the dialogue.
- ⚙️ The alarm clock and blacklist settings can also be migrated.
What if Mi Mover doesn’t see Huawei?
Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services
If your Huawei is equipped with Google services, the easiest way to do this is to sync through the cloud, which is ideal for contacts, calendar events, and notes, because data is tied to an account, not a particular device, and you don't have to search for cables or install additional programs.
Go to Huawei Settings on the Settings path → Users and accounts → Google. Make sure the switches opposite Contacts, Calendar and other desired items are activated, and click the Sync button. After that, all data will be uploaded to the servers of the Corporation.
On the new Xiaomi, you just need to log into the same Google account when you first set up or through the Settings menu. → Accounts and syncs: The system automatically tightens all stored data. For photos, you can use the Google Photos app by enabling Autoupload».
| Type of data | Google's method | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Autosynchronization | Limit 25,000 contacts |
| Photo/Video | Google Photo | 15GB free of charge |
| Files. | Google Drive | Manual loading required |
| Passwords. | Google Smart Lock | Chrome and apps only |
It's important to consider that Google's free storage is limited to 15 gigabytes. If you have a lot of photos in original quality, the space can run out quickly, in which case it's worth considering a paid subscription or using alternative methods for heavy files.
Data transfer via computer and USB-cable
Using a PC is the most reliable method for transferring heavy files, such as videos to a computer. 4K It doesn't depend on the speed of the Internet or the stability of the wireless modules on the smartphone. USB Access to the file manager on the computer.
Connect Huawei to your computer and select USB File Transfer (MTP) mode. Copy the required folders (usually DCIM, Download, Music) to your hard drive. Then disconnect the old phone and connect Xiaomi by transferring the files to the appropriate directories.
Windows users are comfortable with Mi PC Suite, although it may not support all models. In most cases, the standard operating system conductor can do the job faster and without installing any extra software.
- 💻 Allows you to copy data from multiple old phones at the same time.
- 🗂️ It allows you to sort and clean files before downloading to a new phone.
- 🛡️ Ensures data safety even in case of network failures or battery discharge.
When you copy large amounts of data via USB, you may have a timeout error, in which case you'd better copy files in small portions, like 5-10 gigabytes at a time, which will reduce the load on the memory controller and prevent the freeze.
⚠️ Attention: When extracting USB-Always use the Safe Device Removal feature on your computer operating system.Abrupt shutdown can damage your smartphone file system.
Migration of messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber
Messengers require special attention, as their correspondence history is often stored locally. WhatsApp on Huawei requires a backup. If you have Google services, select Settings → Chats → Backup Chats → Google Drive. If there are no services, create a local copy and transfer the file msgstore.db.crypt manually.
On Xiaomi, install WhatsApp and log in to the same phone number. When you first start up, the app will offer to restore a history from the cloud. If you used a local backup, place the backup file in the WhatsApp/Databases folder before installing the application or immediately after, but before registration.
Telegram and Viber are easier. Telegram stores its history entirely in the cloud, so it’s easy to log in. Viber requires you to back up to Google Drive or locally, the process is similar to WhatsApp, but often goes more stable thanks to the smaller database size.
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To transfer WhatsApp without Google Drive, use the “Export Chat” feature in the dialog settings, you can send your correspondence history to your email or other messenger as an archive.
Solving and eliminating errors
There may be technical difficulties in migrating due to differences in Android versions or shells. If the Mi Mover gives a connection error, try restarting both devices and disabling the VPN.
A common problem is that some apps are missing on the new device if they have been removed from Google Play. In this case, use the built-in GetApps store or official developer sites to install them. APK-Be careful with download sources so you don't bring malicious code.
If contacts are not displayed correctly (duplicate or unnamed) after transfer, go to the Contacts app on Xiaomi, select settings and the “Joint Duplicates” function. Also check which account is showing entries by switching the filter to “All Contacts”.
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The most common mistake is trying to migrate system applications. Never copy Android system files from your old phone to a new one, this can lead to unstable MIUI operation.
After successful completion of all procedures, it is recommended to perform a complete reset of network settings on the new device if there are problems with the Internet, which will clear old Wi-Fi and Bluetooth configurations that could have migrated from Huawei and conflict with Xiaomi modules.