Transferring data from an old smartphone to a new one is a task that every user faces when changing a device. If you are moving from Android to Huawei (or between brand models), the cloning process may seem complicated due to the features of the EMUI or HarmonyOSfirmware. Unlike a standard backup via Google, there are nuances here: from restrictions on the operation of Google services to specific tools from Huawei.

Many users lose contacts, photos or application settings simply because they choose the wrong transfer method. For example, copying files via a USB cable does not save game accounts or message history, and cloud services may not support some formats. In this article we will analyze 5 working methods of cloningincluding official Huawei utilities, third-party apps and manual methods - taking into account all the pitfalls.

You will learn:

  • 🔹 How the built-in function works Phone Clone from Huawei and why it does not always copy all the data.
  • 🔹 What applications (like Clone Phone or Samsung Smart Switch) are compatible with Huawei devices on EMUI 13+.
  • 🔹 How to transfer data without lossif the new phone does not have Google services (models with HarmonyOS).
  • 🔹 What to do, if cloning is interrupted or the devices do not “see” each other.
📊 What brand of phone are you cloning from? data on Huawei?
Samsung
Xiaomi
Google Pixel
Other Android
iPhone

1. Official method: Phone Clone from Huawei

Phone Clone is Huawei’s proprietary data migration utility, pre-installed on most brand devices. It works on a point-to-point basis (from phone to phone) via Wi-Fi Direct, without the need for an Internet connection. The main advantage is support. transfer application accounts, including VK, Telegram and some games.

To use Phone Clone:

  1. Open the application on both phones (on the old one - select "This is an old phone", on the new one - "This is a new phone").
  2. Scan the QR code from the screen of the new device with your old phone.
  3. Select the types of data to transfer: contacts, messages, photos, applications, etc.
  4. Wait for the process to complete (may take from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the volume).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with HarmonyOS (for example, Huawei Mate 50 or P60) Phone Clone may not transfer data from applications linked to Google services (for example, Gmail or Google Photos). In this case, you will need an additional backup via your Google account before start of cloning.

Charge on both phones > 50%|Disable VPN and firewalls|Make sure there is enough memory on the new phone|Close all background applications-->

2. Cloning via Google Account (for devices with EMUI)

If your Huawei firmware is installed EMUI (and not HarmonyOS), you can use a standard backup via Google account. This method is suitable for transferring contacts, calendars, notes, photos (if synchronization is enabled in Google Photos) and some application settings.

Instructions:

  1. On your old phone, go in Settings → Accounts → Google and enable synchronization for all the necessary data.
  2. On the new one Huawei add the same Google account to Settings → Users and accounts.
  3. Wait for automatic synchronization (may take up to 24 hours for large amounts of data).

⚠️ Attention: This method does not transfer SMS, call log, application files (for example, game saves) and some system settings. They will require a separate backup via Phone Clone or third-party utilities.

Data type Phone Clone Google Account Application side
Contact ✅ ✅ ✅
SMS/MMS ✅ ❌ ✅
Photos ✅ ✅ (via Google Photos) ✅
Applications and their data ⚠️ Partially ❌ ✅ (for example, Titanium Backup)
Call log ✅ ❌ ✅

3. Third-party applications for cloning

If the built-in tools cannot cope (for example, they do not transfer data from a specific application), you can use specialized apps. Below are proven options compatible with Huawei:

  • 📱 Clone Phone (from Xiaomi, but works with most Android) - copies contacts, SMS, photos, videos and even some application settings. Supports EMUI i HarmonyOS.
  • 🔄 Samsung Smart Switch —despite the name, it can transfer data to Huawei via a USB-C adapter (requires an OTG cable). Works best with contacts and media files.
  • 💾 Titanium Backup (requires root) —the most powerful solution for transferring all application dataincluding game saves. Suitable for advanced users.
  • ☁️ Dr.Fone — Phone Transfer is paid software for PC that clones data through a computer. It even supports moving from iPhone to Huawei.

⚠️ Attention: When using Titanium Backup or similar tools with root access On Huawei devices with HarmonyOS, system modification protection may be triggered, which will block some functions (for example, Huawei Pay). Before use, check compatibility with your model.

How to transfer data from iPhone to Huawei?

To proceed from iPhone to Huawei use Phone Clone with an additional Lightning-to-USB-C adapter (included with new Huawei). On iPhone you will need to temporarily disable iCloud Drive and allow access to contacts/photos. The process takes up to 2 hours due to Apple encryption. Not all data (for example, notes or voice messages) will be transferred correctly.

4. Manual data transfer via PC

If automatic methods do not work (for example, due to firmware incompatibility), you can copy the data manually via a computer. This method takes more time, but guarantees control over each file.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect the old phone to the PC via a USB cable and enable file transfer mode (MTP).
  2. Copy the folders to the computer:
    • DCIM (photos and video)
    • Downloads (downloads)
    • Pictures, Music, Movies (media files)
    • Android/data and Android/obb (data of games and applications)
  • Connect a new one Huawei and transfer the files to the same folders.
  • For contacts, export them to a file .vcf via the app "Contact" on the old phone, then import it on the new one.

    • 💡 Useful advice: To avoid losing application data (for example, progress in games), before manually transferring, make a backup through the applications themselves. For example, in WhatsApp this is done in the chat settings (Chats → Backup copy), and in VK by exporting data in your personal account.

    💡

    If the new Huawei is not detected by the computer, install drivers HiSuite from the official Huawei website. This will also allow you to use a proprietary file manager for convenient transfer.

    5. Features of cloning on HarmonyOS

    Devices Huawei on HarmonyOS (for example, Mate 60, P60 Pro) have limitations due to the lack of Google services. This affects the cloning process:

    • 🚫 Do not work backups via Google Account (except for contacts if they were synchronized earlier).
    • ⚠️ Phone Clone may not transfer data from applications that depend on from Google Play Services (for example, Google Maps or Gmail).
    • 🔧 Recommended workaround:
      1. Make a backup on your old phone via Google Photo and Google Contacts.
      2. Export data in formats .vcf (contacts), .ics (calendar).
      3. Transfer files to Huawei via Phone Clone or manually, then import them through standard applications.

      • ⚠️ Attention: On HarmonyOS some applications (for example, WhatsApp or Instagram) may require you to manually re-enter your account even after transferring data. This is due to the absence of Google Play Services, which are responsible for authorization.

      💡

      On HarmonyOS, the priority cloning method is Phone Clone + manual export of critical data (contacts, calendar) to universal formats. Google cloud services cannot be used, but you can use Huawei Cloud (if it is available in your region).

      6. Solving cloning problems

      Common errors and ways to resolve them:

      Problem Possible cause Solution
      Devices do not see each other Wi-Fi Direct or VPN is disabled Reboot both phones, disable VPN, enable Wi-Fi Direct in settings
      Cloning is interrupted Weak Wi-Fi signal or low charge Connect both phones to charge, use a USB cable for direct connection (if supported)
      Applications are not transferred HarmonyOS limitations or lack of memory Transfer only application data (APK can be downloaded again from AppGallery)
      Photos were transferred in low quality Compression when transferring via Phone Clone Use manual transfer via PC or cloud without compression

      If none of the methods worked, try reset settings on a new one Huawei (after backup!) and repeat cloning. Sometimes conflicts arise due to previously installed applications or settings.

      7. What to do after cloning?

      Data transfer is only half the battle. After cloning:

      1. Check the integrity of the data: open photos, launch key applications, make sure that contacts are displayed correctly.
      2. Update applications: even if they have been transferred, some may require updating via AppGallery or Petal Search.
      3. Set up synchronization: connect accounts Huawei ID, Yandex or other cloud services for automatic backup in the future.
      4. Optimize memory: delete duplicate photos or unnecessary APK files that may have been copied along with the data.

      💡 Useful advice: On HarmonyOS some system applications (for example, Huawei Browser or Petal Maps) may offer to import data from the old phone when you first start it. Don't miss these tips!

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Huawei cloning

      Can I clone a phone if the new Huawei does not have Google Play?

      Yes, but with restrictions. Phone Clone will transfer basic data (contacts, photos, SMS), but applications that depend on Google Play Services (for example, Gmail or Google Maps), will have to be installed manually through AppGallery or third-party sources. Data from these applications may not be transferred.

      How long does cloning take?

      Time depends on the amount of data and method:

      • Phone Clone: 10–60 minutes (10 GB of data ≈ 30 minutes).
      • Google Account: from 1 hour to 24 hours (depending on Internet speed).
      • Manual transfer via PC: 15–40 minutes (excluding copying time).

      Will saves from games be transferred (for example, Genshin Impact or PUBG)?

      It depends on the game:

      • If the game is linked to an account (Google Play Games, Facebook, MiHoYo), the saves will be restored after logging in.
      • If the data is stored locally, use Titanium Backup (requires root) or manual backup folders Android/obb.

      On HarmonyOS some games may not launch due to lack of Google Play Services —check compatibility in advance.

      Is it possible to clone a phone without Wi-Fi?

      Yes, there are three option:

      1. Via USB cable (you need an OTG adapter for direct connection of phones).
      2. Via PC (copy data to a computer, then to a new phone).
      3. Via mobile data (for example, download a backup in Huawei Cloud or Yandex Disk, then download to a new phone).

      Why do some applications not work on Huawei after cloning?

      The reasons may be different:

      • The HarmonyOS missing Google Play Servicesrequired for some applications (for example, Snapchat or Pokémon GO).
      • Applications are not updated (check the versions c AppGallery).
      • Data conflict (try reinstalling the application).

      Solution: update the phone software (Settings → System update) and applications, if necessary, install alternatives (for example, Petal Maps instead of Google Maps).