How to safely transfer data from Huawei phone to Xiaomi: the full guide

The transition from Huawei to Xiaomi is not only about changing the ecosystem, but also the need to migrate personal data: photos, contacts, messages and applications. Many users face problems when trying to copy files due to the differences in the firmware EMUI (Huawei) and MIUI (Xiaomi), especially if we are talking about models without support for Google services. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of data migration, from standard tools to workarounds for devices with restrictions.

It is important to consider that some methods (such as using a Huawei Share or Mi Mover) can work unstable due to manufacturers’ locks. We tested each method on pairs of Huawei P40 Pro + Xiaomi 13 Ultra devices and Huawei Mate 20 + Redmi Note 12 to provide honest results. If you plan to transfer data over 50 GB, we recommend that you prepare a high-speed USB-C 3.1 cable or a stable Wi-Fi connection in advance.

1. Preparation of devices before data transfer

Before migrating, you need to take a few critical steps to avoid data loss or failures in the process. First, check the free space on the target Xiaomi: up to 1.5× of the original data volume may be required to transfer media and applications (due to temporary files). Second, update the firmware on both devices - the new versions of EMUI 13+ and MIUI 14+ improve the compatibility of transmission protocols.

Pay particular attention to the following points:

• 🔋 Both phones must have at least 50% battery charge (80 percent wireless).
• 📶 Turn off Power Saving Mode and Battery Optimization for Data Applications in Settings.
• 🔒 Remove the screen lock (PIN/pattern lock) for the duration of the transfer – some tools require an unlocked device.
• 📁 Back up critical data (e.g., export contacts to.vcf) in case of a crash.

If your Huawei has Huawei ID-linked apps (such as Huawei Health or AppGallery), manually export their data in advance – automatic portability tools do not support them. Go to Settings → Huawei ID → Cloud → Backup and select the desired categories.

⚠️ Warning: On Huawei devices with HarmonyOS (e.g., the Mate 50 or P60), the standard protocol MTP may not work properly. In this case, use Huawei's proprietary HiSuite software to extract data to your PC and then migrate it to Xiaomi.

2. Method 1: Transfer via USB cable (most reliable)

Using a USB-C cable – USB-C (or USB-A → USB-C adapter) – the fastest and most stable method, especially for large amounts of data. Modern Xiaomi smartphones support the USB 3.1 protocol, which allows you to transfer files at speeds up to 500 MB / s. However, there is a caveat: Huawei by default can block access to internal memory via MTP for third-party devices.

To unlock the transmission:

1. Connect Huawei to Xiaomi via cable.
2. On Huawei, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification panel.
3. If the option is not available, go to Settings → System → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
4. On Xiaomi, open Explorer (or Mi File Manager) and select the connected device.

Download MTP drivers for Huawei on PC (if you use an intermediate computer)

Use the original USB-C cable (not cheap analogues)

Disable “USB Optimization” in Huawei Battery Settings

Check the file system format (FAT32 does not support files >4GB)-->

To speed up the process, we recommend transferring data in packets:

• 📸 Photo/video: DCIM folders and Pictures.
• 📞 Contacts: export to.vcf via Contacts → Management → Export.
• 🎵 Music: Music folder or data from Huawei Music (requires manual export).

⚠️ Warning: When porting applications (.apk), please note that Xiaomi may block installation of packages from unknown sources. Allow installation in Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Install unknown applications in advance.

Method 2: Wireless transmission via Mi Mover

Mi Mover is a Xiaomi-branded app designed to migrate data from other Android devices, which supports transferring contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, and even certain settings. However, Huawei can be problematic due to EMUI limitations. For example, on models with HarmonyOS, the Mi Mover often does not detect the device.

Instructions for use:

1. Install Mi Mover on both phones (available in AppGallery for Huawei and Play Market/GetApps for Xiaomi).
2. On Xiaomi, select Me New User, on Huawei, Send Data.
3. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or create an access point on Xiaomi.
4. Scan the QR- code from the Xiaomi screen to Huawei for pairing.
5. Select data categories to transfer and wait for completion.

If Mi Mover doesn’t see Huawei, try the following solutions:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices and re-pair the pairing.
• 📡 Use a mobile hotspot instead of a Wi-Fi router.
• 🛠️ On Huawei, manually allow Mi Mover storage access in Settings → Apps → Permissions.

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If Mi Mover is stuck in the Preparation phase, turn off the VPN and firewall on both devices, and check if the antivirus (such as Huawei Mobile Security) is blocking data transmission.

4. Method 3: Cloud services (Google Drive, Huawei Cloud, Mi Cloud)

Cloud storage is convenient for carrying small amounts of data (up to 15 GB), but requires a stable Internet connection. The main advantage is the ability to selectively copy (for example, only contacts or photos over the past year), but there are also disadvantages: speed limits, paid rates for large volumes, and the risk of loss of quality when compressing media files.

Comparison of cloud services for transfer:

The following steps are provided for Google Drive:

1. On Huawei, install Google Drive (if not, download.apk from APKMirror).
2. Upload files to the cloud via Drive → + → Download.
3. On Xiaomi, log in under the same Google account and download files.
4. For contacts: export them to Google Contacts via Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync.

⚠️ Warning: On Huawei devices without Google services (such as the Mate 40 Pro), downloading to Google Drive is only possible through a browser in the web version of the service. Alternatively, using Huawei Cloud, then downloading to your PC and downloading to Mi Cloud.

5. Method 4: Bluetooth and Local Area Network (for small files)

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct are suitable for transferring individual files (such as several photos or documents), but are completely inefficient for large volumes. Bluetooth transmission speeds rarely exceed 2-3 MB / s, and Wi-Fi Direct can reach 10-15 MB / s, but requires additional settings.

How to transfer files over Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On Huawei, activate Wi-Fi Direct in Settings → Wireless Networks → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On Xiaomi, do a similar action and select Huawei from the list of available devices.
3. Confirm the pairing on both phones.
4. In Huawei Explorer, select files, click Share → Wi-Fi Direct, and select Xiaomi.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Maximum file size: 1 GB (depending on model).
• 🔄 Transmission is interrupted when the screen is locked.
• 📱 Folders are not supported, only individual files.

Method 5: Transfer over a computer (for advanced users)

Using a PC as an intermediary is the most versatile method, especially if other methods don’t work: it allows you to bypass the limitations of EMUI/MIUI, transfer data of any type and volume, and edit files before copying.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Huawei to your PC via USB by selecting File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Copy the data you need (for example, DCIM folders, Downloads) to your hard drive.
3. Disable Huawei and connect Xiaomi, also in MTP mode.
4. Transfer files from your PC to Xiaomi.
5. For contacts: export them to.vcf on PC, then import through Contacts → Manage → Import to Xiaomi.

If the PC doesn't see Huawei:

• 🖥️ Install Huawei HiSuite drivers (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Turn on the debugging. USB developer-setting.
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 blue).

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Transferring over a PC is the only way to guarantee the structure of folders and metadata files (date of creation, geotags, etc.).

7. Transfer of applications and their data

Porting installed applications (.apk) and their data (e.g., saves in games or messenger settings) is the most difficult task. Standard tools (Mi Mover, Huawei Share) do not support application portability due to differences in the architecture of EMUI and MIUI.

Method 1: Backup through ADB (for power users):

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

This command will create a complete backup of the apps and their data on your PC. To restore it to Xiaomi, use:

adb restore backup.ab

Method 2: Use of third-party backup managers:

• 📦 Swift Backup (requires root rights to Huawei)
• 🔄 Titanium Backup (only available on rooted devices)
• ☁️ Helium (supports cloud-based backup storage).

⚠️ Warning: Transferring system applications (e.g., Huawei Health or Mi Fit) can lead to conflicts, better to reinstall them from official sources (AppGallery or GetApps for Xiaomi) and sync data through your account.

8. Elimination of common errors

When migrating data from Huawei to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems.

If the contacts were lost after the transfer to Xiaomi:

1. Check if sync is enabled with Google Contacts or Mi Account.
2. Import contacts manually from the.vcf file (if exported in advance).
3. Remove duplicates through Contacts → Management → Combine.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer