How to transfer data from Huawei to Xiaomi: all the ways 2026

Why Data Transfers Between Brands Are a Separate Task

The transition from Huawei to Xiaomi is not just a smartphone change, but a migration between two ecosystems with different approaches to data storage. Unlike the transfer within the same brand (for example, from Mi 11 to Redmi Note 12), here you will find nuances: from a closed EMUI file system to the peculiarities of working with cloud services Huawei Mobile Cloud and Mi Cloud. Even standard tools like Google Account or cable connection may not work as you expect.

The main problem is that Huawei has been using its own services instead of Google since the 2019 sanctions, and Xiaomi is deeply integrated with the Google ecosystem, which means that automatic transfer tools (such as Xiaomi’s Clone Phone) do not always correctly recognize data from Huawei. In this article, we will examine all the relevant ways – from universal to model-specific – and also warn against typical errors that can lead to data loss.

How long will it take? From 15 minutes (for basic contact transfer) to 2-3 hours (if you want to save your message history, application settings, and internal memory files), the method depends on the amount of data and device models, more details in the comparison table below.

Method 1: Transfer through Google Account (universal method)

This is the most reliable way for most users, but it only works if Huawei has Google Services installed (GMS).If your smartphone is released after May 2019 (for example, Huawei P40, Mate 40 or later), chances are that there are no GMSs - in which case skip this section and go to Method 2.

If you have Google services, follow the instructions:

1. On Huawei: go to Settings → Accounts → Google and make sure that sync for Contacts, Calendar and Photos is enabled (via Google Photos).
2. Open Google Photos, click on the avatar → Photo Settings → Backup and Sync and wait for the download to complete.
3. On Xiaomi: When you first turn on, select Restore Data from Google orlater to Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync.

⚠️ Note: If two-factor authentication is used on Huawei (2FA) For Google, you can turn it off or save backup codes before you move it. You may need to re-assign your phone number after you change your device.

Is Google Services Installed on Huawei?

Is there enough space in Google Drive (free 15 GB)

Is backup enabled in Google Photos

Are your contacts synchronized with your Google account?

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Method 2: Use Huawei Mobile Cloud + Mi Mover

If you don't have Google services on your Huawei, but you have a Huawei ID account, you can use Huawei Mobile Cloud storage, which is suitable for the P30, Mate 20 and later, and the main advantage is that you will not only save contacts and photos, but also keep notes, calendar entries and even customize some applications.

Step-by-step:

1. On Huawei, go to Settings → Huawei ID → Cloud → Backup and select the data to save (we recommend noting everything except the App – they are not compatible with Xiaomi).

For automatic transfer without a computer:

• 📱 Install Mi Mover app on Xiaomi (available in Mi App Store).
• 🔗 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network and select the option to Get with Android in Mi Mover.
• 📁 On Huawei, allow access to files and confirm transfer.

⚠️ Note: Mi Mover does not transfer data from Huawei Mobile Cloud directly, only files from internal memory. For contacts and notes, export them in.vcf and.zip formats, respectively, first.

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If Mi Mover doesn’t see Huawei, try turning on the developer mode (Settings → About Phone → Build Number – press 7 times) and activate Debugging over USB.

Method 3: Cable connection (for large data volumes)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes of photos, videos or music, the best option is to connect directly via a USB-C to USB-C cable (or adapter if the ports are different), which bypasses the limitations of cloud storage and works even without the Internet.

Instructions:

1. Connect Huawei to Xiaomi with a cable. On Xiaomi, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. On Huawei, in the connection notification, select File Transfer or USB-accumulator.
3. Open any file manager (such as Google Files) on Xiaomi and copy data from Huawei to the Internal Storage folder.

The transfer speed depends on the USB version:

⚠️ Note: If Huawei requests unlocking when connecting, enter a pattern lock or PIN. Some models (such as the Mate 50) require additional confirmation via Huawei. ID.

Through Google Account

Through a USB cable.

The cloud (Huawei Cloud, Mi Cloud)

With the help of special applications (Mi Mover, Clone Phone)

Another option-->

Method 4: Transfer over a computer (for full control)

If you need to sort files before transferring or save a backup to your hard drive, use a computer (Windows/Mac), a method that is suitable for transferring messages, call logs, and other data that is not copied in standard ways.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with USB-Ports and free space (recommended) ≥50GB).
• 🔌 Two. USB-cable (or hub, if there are few ports).
• 📂 Programs: Huawei HiSuite (for backup) and Mi PC Suite (for recovery).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Huawei HiSuite on your computer and connect Huawei. Create a backup (Backup → Select Data → Reserve).
2. Connect Xiaomi and install Mi PC Suite. Under Restore, select a backup file from Huawei.
3. If the Mi PC Suite does not recognize the file, use the File Manager to manually copy the DCIM folders (photos), Downloads (downloads), and Documents.

⚠️ Note: Huawei HiSuite encrypts backups. If you forget your password, it will be impossible to recover data. PIN (For example, 1234) and save it in a notebook.

Method 5: Wireless transmission over a local area network (Wi-Fi Direct)

If you don't have a cable or a computer, you can transfer data over the air, whether it's Wi-Fi Direct or a local network, which is slower than cable, but doesn't require any additional devices.

Instructions for Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On Huawei, activate Wi-Fi Direct in Settings → Wireless Networks → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On Xiaomi, enable Wi-Fi Direct in Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Connect devices to each other (code confirmation on both screens is required).
4. Use a file manager (such as Google Files) to transfer data.

For transmission over the local network:

• 📶 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 📲 Install the Send Anywhere or Xender app on Huawei.
• 🔄 Select files to send and generate 6-digit code.
• 📱 On Xiaomi, type this code in the same application for files.

Transfer speeds over Wi-Fi Direct are ~5-10 MB / s, over the local network - up to 20 MB / s (depending on the router). 10 GB of data will take ~1-2 hours.

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Wi-Fi Direct consumes a lot of power. Charge both phones to ≥50% or plug in to charge while transferring.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can make mistakes, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If neither method worked, try a factory reset on Huawei with pre-created backup via Huawei Backup.Sometimes this solves file system lock issues.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions