How to transfer data from Android Huawei to Xiaomi Redmi: complete guide

The transition from a smartphone Huawei to Xiaomi Redmi is not only a change of brand, but also the migration of all important data: from contacts to call history. Many users are afraid of losing photos, messages or application settings when changing devices. In practice The transfer process can be completed in 15-40 minutes if you prepare in advance and choose the optimal method.

Difficulties often arise due to differences in firmware: Huawei uses shell EMUI, and Xiaomi — MIUI. These systems handle backups and synchronization differently. For example, the standard one Google Account does not always correctly transfer SMS from Huawei, and the proprietary application Mi Mover may not recognize some files from EMUI. In this article we will look at all working methods from cloud services to wired connections, and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes.

If you've never transferred data between Android devices before, don't worry: most of the processes are automated. The main thing is not to skip preparing both smartphones (charging, freeing up memory, checking compatibility of Android versions). Please note: some methods require a stable Internet connection (for example, uploading a backup to the cloud), while others require USB cable with OTG support (for direct transfer).

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1. Preparing devices before transferring data

Before you begin migration, you need to complete several critical steps on both smartphones. Neglecting preparation may lead to failures during the transfer process or loss of some data.

On Huawei check:

• 🔋 Battery charge level - at least 50% (during a wired transfer, discharge may interrupt the process).
• 📱 Android version: go to Settings → About phone. For correct operation Mi Mover requires Android 5.0 and higher.
• 🗑️ Free space: free up at least 2–3 GB on the internal storage, if you plan to create a local backup.
• 🔒 Disable the screen lock (PIN, pattern) - this will speed up access to files when connected via USB.

On Xiaomi Redmi execute:

• 📲 Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About phone → System update.
• 🔌 Connect to Wi-Fi - this will be required to download the application Mi Mover (if it is not preinstalled).
• 🛠️ Enable Developer mode and activate USB debugging (path: Settings → About phone → MIUI version — tap 7 times, then return to Advanced settings → For developers).

⚠️ Attention: If firmware Huawei the standard export of contacts via EMUI 10.0 and belowis installed on VCard can save them in encoding that is unreadable for MIUI. In this case, use cloud services (see section 3).

We also recommend make a list of critical datathat need to be transferred:

• 📞 Contacts and call log
• 💬 Messages (SMS/MMS) and messenger chats
• 📷 Photos, videos and documents
• 🎵 Music and downloads
• 📱 Application settings (for example, game saves)

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2. Method 1: Transfer through the proprietary Mi Mover application - an official tool from

Mi Mover - official tool from Xiaomi, optimized for migrating data from other Android devices. It supports transfer contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio, documents and even some application settings. However, there are nuances: the application may not work correctly with Huawei based on EMUI 12+ due to restrictions on access to system files.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download Mi Mover on both smartphones:
   • On Xiaomi Redmi: usually preinstalled (look in the folder Tools).
   • On Huawei: download APK from the official website Xiaomi (check the support section for your model Redmi).
2. Open the application on both devices and select roles:
   • On Huawei: I am an old phone.
   • On Xiaomi: I am a new phone.
3. Connect devices via Wi-Fi:
   • On Xiaomi a QR code will appear - scan it with your camera Huawei.
   • Or connect to the access point created Redmi (the password will be displayed in Mi Mover).

Select the data to transfer and confirm the start of the process.

Pros method:

• ⚡ Fast - transferring 10 GB takes ~20–30 minutes.
• 🔄 Supports most file types.
• 🔌 Does not require a cable (works via Wi-Fi).

Disadvantages and restrictions:

• 🚫 Does not transfer applications and their data (only APK files without saves).
• 📶 Requires stable Wi-Fi - if the connection is lost, the process is interrupted.
• 🔒 On Huawei s EMUI 12+ Call history may not be displayed.

⚠️ Attention: If Mi Mover hangs at the "Data Preparation" stage, restart both devices and reconnect. If the problem persists, use alternative methods (see section 4 or 5).

Download Mi Mover on Huawei|Charge both phones >50%|Connect to the same Wi-Fi network|Disable VPN and firewalls|Free up space on Xiaomi (>10 GB)-->

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3. Method 2: Cloud services (Google Drive, Huawei Cloud, Mi Cloud)

Cloud storage — a universal transfer method that does not depend on the phone model. Main advantage — the data is saved on the Internet, and you can restore it to Xiaomi Redmi at any time. However, each service has limitations on the amount of free storage and the type of files supported.

Let's compare three popular clouds:

Service	Free volume	Supported data	Limitations
Google Drive	15 GB	Contacts, calendars, photos (via Google Photos), documents	Does not save SMS, application settings, call log
Huawei Cloud	5 GB	Contacts, SMS, photos, videos, notes, call log	Requires account Huawei ID. Not all data is exported in a readable format MIUI format
Mi Cloud	5 GB	Contacts, SMS, photos, videos, recordings, system settings	Does not import data from other clouds (only from devices Xiaomi)

Instructions for Google Drive (recommended option):

1. On Huawei:
   • Open Settings → System → Backup.
   • Select Google backup and sign in to your account.
   • Activate backup for contacts, calendars, photos (Google Photos) and applications.
2. On Xiaomi Redmi:
   • When you turn it on for the first time, select Restore from backup and log into the same account Google.
   • Or go in Settings → Google Accounts → Data Recovery.

To transfer SMS and call logs use third-party applications, for example SMS Backup & Restore:

• 📲 Install the application on Huawei, create a backup copy.
• 📤 Save the file to Google Drive or send by email.
• 📥 To Xiaomi download the file and restore the data through the same application.

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4. Method 3: Direct transfer via cable (USB OTG)

Wired connection is the most reliable method for transfer large amounts of data (from 20 GB or more). It does not depend on Internet speed and allows you to transfer files in original quality. However, you will need USB OTG cable (or an adapter) to connect two smartphones.

What you will need:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C — USB Type-C with OTG support (or an adapter USB-A — USB-Cif the Huawei connector Micro-USB).
• 📱 The Xiaomi Redmi must be enabled USB debugging (see section 1).
• 🔋 The charge of both devices is at least 70%.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect Huawei to Xiaomi Redmi via OTG cable.
2. On Xiaomi in the notification panel, select the mode File transfer (MTP).
3. Open Explorer on Xiaomi —in the section Devices the internal memory folder will appear Huawei.
4. Copy the necessary files (folders DCIM, Downloads, Pictures etc.) on Redmi.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Transfer speed - up to 40 MB/s (2-3 times faster than Wi-Fi).
• 📁 Transfer files without compression (important for 4K video or RAW photos).
• 🔒 There is no risk of data loss if the connection is lost.

Disadvantages:

• 🔌 OTG cable required (not always available) hand).
• 📱 Does not transfer contacts, SMS and application settings (files only).
• 🛠️ On some models Huawei you need to manually allow access to folders through Settings → Security → Access files.

⚠️ Attention: If, when connecting Xiaomi does not see Huawei, check:

• OTG cable must support data transfer (not all chargers cables are suitable).
• On Huawei in the USB settings, select File transferrather than Only charging.

How to transfer applications with saves?

To transfer applications with data (for example, progress in games) use:

1. Helium (requires root access to Huawei).
2. Swift Backup (works without root, but requires USB debugging).
3. Built-in backup function in games (for example, Google Play Games for saves).

Without root access, only APK files (without data) can be transferred.

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5. Method 4: Transfer via computer (Windows/Mac)

If you have access to a PC or laptop, this method allows fully control the process to avoid compatibility problems. Suitable for transferring all types of data, including application backups.

What you will need:

• 💻 Computer with USB ports.
• 🔌 Two cables for connecting smartphones (or one with a splitter).
• 📂 Backup app (optional): HiSuite (for Huawei) or Mi PC Suite (for Xiaomi).

Instructions:

1. Connect Huawei to your computer and copy all important files (photos, videos, documents) to a separate folder.
2. To transfer contacts and SMS:
   • Use HiSuite (official software from Huawei) to create a backup copy.
   • Export contacts to a file .vcf (via Contacts → Import/Export).

Connect Xiaomi Redmi and transfer the copied files.

Import contacts via Contacts → Import to Redmi.

Advantages:

• 🖥️ Full control over processes (you can selectively transfer files).
• 🔄 Ability to convert formats (for example, .vcf to .csv).
• 📁 Suitable for large volumes (100 GB or more).

Disadvantages:

• ⏳ Takes more time (you need to connect both phones one by one).
• 💻 Requires a computer.
• 🛠️ For backup SMS may require third-party software.

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6. Method 5: Transfer through third-party applications (SHAREit, Xender, Send). Anywhere)

If standard methods do not work, universal file sharing applications come to the rescue. They create local network between devices and transfer data without the cloud or cable. Popular options: SHAREit, Xender and Send Anywhere.

Comparison of applications:

Application	Speed	Size limit	Additional functions
SHAREit	Up to 20 MB/s	No (depending on device memory)	App transfer, garbage cleaning
Xender	Up to 10 MB/s	No	Group transfer (up to 5 devices)
Send Anywhere	Up to 15 MB/s	No	Data encryption, transfer via link

Instructions for SHAREit:

1. Install SHAREit on both smartphones from Google Play (or APK for Huawei without Google services).
2. On Huawei select Sendto Xiaomi — Receive.
3. Select files to transfer and confirm the connection.
4. Wait for completion (the screen will display progress).

Pros:

• 🌐 Does not require internet (works via Wi-Fi Direct).
• 📲 Supports all types of files, including APK.
• 🔒 Simple interface (suitable for beginners).

Cons:

• 📶 Speed depends on the version of Wi-Fi on smartphones.
• 🚫 Does not transfer contacts and SMS (files only).
• 📱 On Huawei without Google Play you need to download the APK from the official website SHAREit.

⚠️ Attention: Applications like SHAREit often request access to contacts, location and storage. Before installation, check the permissions in Settings → Applications and disable unnecessary ones.

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7. Solving common problems

Even when following the instructions, users encounter common errors. Let's look at the most common problems and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Mi Mover does not see Huawei

• 🔹 Check what's on Huawei enabled Developer mode and USB debugging.
• 🔹 Reboot both devices and reconnect.
• 🔹 Update Mi Mover to the latest version.

Problem 2: Contacts or SMS are not transferred

• 🔹 Export contacts manually via Contacts → Import/Export → Export to file .vcf.
• 🔹 For SMS use SMS Backup & Restore (see section 3).
• 🔹 Check that the Huawei contacts are saved in Google accountand not in memory phone.

Problem 3: Wi-Fi transmission is interrupted

• 🔹 Connect to another network (for example, a mobile hotspot).
• 🔹 Disable it on both phones Power saving mode.
• 🔹 Place the devices closer to each other (within 1 meter).

Problem 4: Xiaomi does not see files after transfer

• 🔹 Check the folder Internal Storage → MIUI → Backup → AllBackup (for backups).
• 🔹 If files are copied manually, use Explorer na Xiaomi to search.
• 🔹 For photos and videos check the folder DCIM → Camera.

What to do if the photos are missing after the transfer?

If the photos are not displayed in the gallery Xiaomi, but the files are on the device:

1. Open Explorer and check the folder Pictures or DCIM.
2. Restart the phone - sometimes the gallery does not is updated immediately.
3. Install an alternative gallery (for example, Google Photos) and check the display.
4. If the files are damaged, try restoring them via DiskDigger (requires root).

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8. FAQ: Frequently asked questions about data transfer

🔹 Is it possible to transfer data from Huawei to Xiaomi without the Internet?

Yes, the following are suitable for this:

• Direct transfer via OTG cable (section 4).
• Applications like SHAREit or Xender (section 6).
• Transfer via computer (section 5).

All these methods do not require an Internet connection.

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

Game saves are transferred only if:

• The game supports cloud synchronization (for example, through Google Play Games or developer account).
• You use specialized tools like Helium (requires root) or Swift Backup.

Standard methods (Mi Mover, Google Drive) transfer only APK files of games, but not their data.

🔹 Why transferred ones are not displayed on Xiaomi Redmi contacts?

Possible reasons:

• Contacts were saved in phone memoryand not in your Google account. Solution: export them to .vcf and import them to Xiaomi.
• On Xiaomi contact synchronization is disabled. Solution: go to Settings → Google Accounts → Contact synchronization.
• The file .vcf is damaged. Solution: open it on your PC via Outlook or Google Contacts and check the integrity.

🔹 How to transfer WhatsApp from Huawei to Xiaomi?

For transfer chats WhatsApp:

1. On Huawei create a backup copy of chats in WhatsApp Settings → Chat → Backup.
2. Copy folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases on Xiaomi Redmi (via cable or cloud).
3. Install WhatsApp on Xiaomi, log into the same account and restore chats from a local copy.

Important: file name The backup copy must be in the format msgstore.db.crypt14 (relevant for the latest versions).

🔹 Is it possible to transfer data from Huawei to Xiaomi if there is no Google Play on Huawei?

Yes, use:

• Huawei Cloud (export data to the cloud, then download to Xiaomi via a browser).
• Direct transfer via cable (section 4).
• Applications like Xender (install APK to Huawei manually).

To install APK on Huawei without Google Play allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.