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

Why Data Transfers Between Brands Aren’t So Easy

The transition from Huawei to Xiaomi is not just a smartphone change, but a migration between two different ecosystems. Unlike the transition within the same brand (like the Redmi Note 10 to the Xiaomi 13T), here you will find nuances: from a closed EMUI file system to the features of backup in MIUI. Even standard tools like Google Account do not always cope with the transfer of SMS, notes or call history.

The main problem is the lack of a universal solution: Huawei is actively promoting its own services (Huawei Mobile Cloud, Huawei Share), and Xiaomi is betting on Mi Mover and integration with Google. As a result, the user has to combine methods or look for workarounds, for example, WhatsApp port requires a separate procedure, and photos in original quality are not always transmitted through the cloud.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer data, from official utilities to manual methods using a PC, learn how to save contacts, messages, photos, videos and even application settings without loss or duplicates, and also what data can not be transferred fundamentally (spoiler: this applies to some EMUI system settings).

Method 1: Mi Mover – the official solution from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a built-in utility in Xiaomi designed to migrate data from other Android devices.It supports transferring contacts, SMS, photos, videos, audio, documents and even some applications (without their data). However, there are limitations: the utility does not work with iOS and may not recognize some Huawei models due to the features of EMUI.

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

• 📱 On Xiaomi go to Settings → The phone. → Mi Mover (or use search by settings).
• 🔄 Select the option "This is the new phone).
• 📲 On Huawei, install the Mi Mover app from Google Play (if it’s not available, download it). APK from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🔗 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network and follow the instructions on the screen.

Important: Mi Mover cannot stand:

• 🚫 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.
• 🚫 Data from certain applications (such as WhatsApp or banking programs).
• 🚫 System files and cache.

Charge both phones at least 50% | Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network |Free space on Xiaomi (at least 10% of the data portable) | Disconnect VPNs and firewalls

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⚠️ Note: If Huawei is installed EMUI 12+, You may need to temporarily disable the Privacy function. → Data protection, as it blocks access to certain files.

Method 2: Transfer to Huawei Mobile Cloud + Google Account

This is a good method if you’ve been using Huawei’s cloud and want to avoid having your phones connected directly, and the idea is to upload data to Huawei Mobile Cloud first, and then sync it to a Google Account, which you then link to Xiaomi.

Steps:

1. On Huawei, go to Settings → Huawei ID → Cloud and make sure all the data you need (contacts, photos, notes) is synced.
2. Export contacts from Huawei Cloud to.vcf (via the web version of the cloud on PC).
3. Import.vcf to Google Contacts.
4. On Xiaomi, add the same Google Account and enable contact sync in Settings → Accounts.

For photos and videos:

• 🖼️ Download the archive from Huawei Cloud on PC.
• 📁 Upload files to Google Photos (via the web version or mobile app).
• 🔄 On Xiaomi, enable autosynchronization Google Photos.

💡

If you have a lot of photos, use the "Backup" feature in Google Photos with the choice "Original Quality". This will retain the resolution, but quickly exhaust the free space. Alternatively, transfer over the OTG cable (see Method 4).

Method 3: Manual transfer via PC (most reliable)

If you need to move a lot of data (e.g. 50+GB) or don’t trust cloud services, the best option is to use a computer, which ensures that files are safe and allows you to selectively copy only the right ones.

Instructions:

1. Connect Huawei to your PC via USB-cable and select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Copy folders: DCIM (photos and videos) Downloads (downloads) Pictures, Music, Documents

.vcf

Contacts

Huawei

SMS Backup & Restore

Xiaomi

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Complete control of data.
• ✅ No volume limit.
• ✅ You can filter out unnecessary files.

⚠️ Note: When you copy your Android folder (where app data is stored), some files may not open on Xiaomi due to differences in architecture. EMUI and MIUI. For example, saving games or settings Huawei Health will likely be incompatible.

Method 4: Using OTG cable (without PC)

If you don’t have a computer on hand, you can do it. OTG-cable (or adapter) USB-C to USB-C). This method is suitable for transferring files directly between phones, but requires additional accessory.

Step-by-step:

1. Buy it. OTG-plug-in USB-C (for Huawei and Xiaomi).
2. Connect Huawei to Xiaomi via cable.
3. Xiaomi will have a notification about the connected device – select File Transfer.
4. Use any file manager (such as Files by Google or built-in Explorer) to copy data.

What can be transferred:

• 📷 Photos and videos (folders) DCIM, Pictures).
• 🎵 Music and documents.
• 📄 APK-Application files (but not their data!).

Limitations:

• ❌ Contact and SMS Not to be transferred (require separate backups).
• ❌ Transfer speed is lower than through PC.
• ❌ Some files may not be copied due to restrictions EMUI.

💡

OTG cable is the fastest way to transfer large files (like video to 4K), but does not replace a full backup.

Method 5: Third-party applications (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, you can use specialized programs, for example:

• 🔄 Clone Phone (from Xiaomi) – Mi Mover alternative with advanced features.
• 📱 Smart Switch (from Samsung, but works with other brands).
• 🖥️ MobileTrans (paid but supports transfer of WhatsApp, Viber and other messengers).
• 📎 Send Anywhere – transfer files over Wi-Fi without limiting the scope.

Example of MobileTrans use:

1. Install the program on your PC and connect both phones.
2. Select data for transfer (contacts, messages, multimedia).
3. Start the process and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Note: Third-party apps may request access to personal data. Check developer reviews and reputation before using.For example, Wondershare's MobileTrans has good ratings but requires payment for the full version.

What data cannot be transferred (and why)

Despite all the efforts, some data cannot be transferred from Huawei to Xiaomi because of differences in firmware and ecosystems.

• 🔒 System settings: themes, gestures, energy saving modes EMUI inconsistent MIUI.
• 🏋️ Huawei Health data: Training history, steps and other metrics tied to Huawei account ID.
• 🎮 Save Games: If the game doesn’t use a cloud sync (like Google Play Games), progress will stay with Huawei.
• 📡 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings: Network passwords and associated devices are not exported.

Partially solvable problems:

• 📱 Annexes: Possible to be moved APK-files, but their data (such as Instagram cache or settings) VLC) They'll probably throw themselves away.
• 📞 Call log: exported only through third-party utilities (e.g. Call Logs Backup & Restore).

If this data is critical, consider using both phones in parallel for a week or two until you have manually carried everything you need.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer