Changing a smartphone is always an exciting process, which is often overshadowed by the fear of losing important contacts, photos and application settings. The question arises especially acutely when a user switches from a device of one ecosystem to a device of another brand, for example, from regular Android to Honor or Realme. Fortunately, modern technologies make it possible to make this process as painless and fast as possible, taking only a few tens of minutes.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the current migration methods, from using built-in system utilities from manufacturers to proven methods through Google cloud services. You will learn how to save the folder structure, Wi-Fi passwords, and even the arrangement of icons on the desktop. The key condition for a successful transfer is that both devices have at least a 60% charge and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
We will look at the nuances of working with the MagicOS and Realme UI shells, which may differ from pure Android, which you might be used to. Understanding these differences will help you avoid common mistakes and loss of some data. Get ready for your new gadget to become a complete digital copy of the old one, but with improved performance and a fresh design.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before starting any information cloning operations, it is necessary to carry out basic preparation of both smartphones. This is a critical step that, if ignored, could result in process interruption or file corruption. Make sure Bluetooth and geolocation are turned on on both devices, as many systems use these to initially locate each other.
It's also worth freeing up space on the receiving device if its internal memory is almost full. Although modern compression algorithms work efficiently, having a free buffer of 5-10 GB guarantees smooth operation. Check the operating system versions: it is advisable that both devices have the latest available security updates.
- 🔋 Charge both smartphones to at least 60-70% or connect them to a power source.
- 📶 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network with high data transfer speeds.
- 🔒 Unlock screens and allow any access requests that may arise when launching applications.
⚠️ Attention: If you use a protective glass or film with strong reflections, you may have difficulties setting up the fingerprint or face scanner. It is better to temporarily remove the protection or ensure ideal lighting.
Remember to check the availability of physical space for files. If you plan to transfer a large media library, make sure that the target device has sufficient internal memory or supports microSD cards of the desired format.
Using the official Clone Phone application from Realme
For owners of smartphones Realme, as well as many models Oppo i OnePlus, the main tool is the application Clone Phone. This is a native utility that is deeply integrated into the Realme UI shell and allows you to transfer data even without access to the Internet, creating a direct Wi-Fi access point between devices.
The process begins with installing the application on your old smartphone, if it is not there. On a new Realme device, it is usually pre-installed in the Tools folder or accessible through Settings when you first launch it. After starting, you need to select the role of each device: “This is a new phone” and “This is an old phone.”
Next, the system will offer to scan the QR code that will appear on the screen of the new smartphone. This action will automatically connect the devices over a secure channel. After connecting, you will see a list of categories of data available for transfer.
- 📞 Contacts and call history are transferred completely, preserving even the duration of conversations.
- 📸 Photos, videos and audio recordings are copied preserving the original quality without compression.
- 📱 List of installed applications (APK files) are transferred, but you will need to log in to the accounts inside them again.
It is important to note that the transferred data is encrypted during transmission, which eliminates the possibility of it being intercepted by third parties. The copying speed can reach 40 MB/s, which is significantly faster than standard Bluetooth.
⚠️ Attention: When transferring to Realme UI version 3.0 and higher, some system settings of the old phone (for example, specific navigation gestures of third-party launchers) may not be applied automatically.
After selecting categories, the copying process will begin. Do not switch to other applications or lock the screen at this time, as this may interrupt the connection. Upon completion, you will receive a detailed report on the number of transferred files.
Migration to Honor using Phone Clone
Brand smartphones Honorworking on the shell MagicOS (formerly Magic UI) use their own solution called Phone Clone. This application is a de facto standard for Huawei and Honor devices and is highly stable when working with large amounts of data.
The app interface is as simplified as possible. On the new Honor you need to select “This is a new phone”, select the type of old device (Android/iOS) and follow the prompts. The application will automatically create a local Wi-Fi network, which you need to connect to from your old smartphone.
One of the unique features of Phone Clone is the ability to transfer not only files, but also system settings, such as alarms, notes, calendar and even voice recorder settings. This allows the user to feel “at home” immediately after turning on the new device.
- 📝 Notes and voice recordings are transferred in a native format that is easy to read on the new shell.
- 🏠 The desktop layout and widgets can be recreated if the launchers are compatible.
- ⚙️ System settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairs, migrate automatically.
It is worth considering that when switching from highly customized shells (for example, MIUI or OneUI) to MagicOS, the visual design of some elements may change due to differences in interface design.
Comparison of capabilities transfer tools
To make it easier for you to choose the appropriate method, we have prepared a comparative table of the main characteristics of the built-in utilities. It will help you understand which tool will best cope with your specific tasks.
| Characteristics | Realme Clone Phone | Honor Phone Clone | Google Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | High (up to 40 MB/s) | High (up to 50 MB/s) | Depends on the Internet |
| Transfer Wi-Fi settings | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transfer layout screen | Partially | Yes (within the ecosystem) | No (app list only) |
| Work without the Internet | Yes (local network) | Yes (local network) | No (network required) |
As can be seen from the table, specialized applications from manufacturers benefit in speed and depth of integration. However, the Google method remains a universal fallback option if proprietary utilities do not work for some reason.
Using the Google cloud is convenient because it does not require the physical presence of both phones nearby at the time of setup. It is enough to enter your login and password, and contacts with your calendar will be synchronized automatically.
Transfer via Google Account and cloud services
If you do not want to install additional applications or switch between brands that do not have compatible utilities, Google Account becomes a salvation. This is the basic Android mechanism that backs up key data in the cloud.
To activate this method on your old phone, you need to go to the settings, find the "Accounts" section and make sure that synchronization is enabled for all the necessary items: Contacts, Calendar, Notes (Google Keep), Photos (Google Photos). After this, the data is uploaded to Google servers.
On the new Honor or Realme, when you turn it on for the first time, just enter the same email address. The system will offer to restore data from a backup copy. You can choose which applications to download and which to skip.
- 📷 Photos and videos are stored in Google Photos in original or compressed quality (depending on the tariff).
- 📞 Contacts and calendar events are loaded instantly after authorization.
- 🔐 Passwords saved in Google Password Manager, are automatically filled in applications and the Chrome browser.
⚠️ Attention: Google backup does not save the contents of instant messengers (correspondence history of WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) in full without their separate settings. For WhatsApp, you need to make a backup inside the application itself before resetting.
This method is ideal for those who are used to “pure” Android and do not want to drag along system garbage from an old device. You receive a fresh installation of the system with your personal data, which often has a positive effect on performance.
Problem solving and common errors
During the process of data transfer, users often encounter technical difficulties. Understanding the nature of these problems allows you to quickly eliminate them. For example, if the transfer is interrupted by 99%, this is often due to lack of space or a change in the IP address on the local network.
Another common problem is the “invisibility” of devices. If the old phone does not see the new one, check to see if one of them has Incognito mode enabled in Wi-Fi or VPN. These functions mask the device on the network and block direct connection.
It is also worth mentioning the problem with authorization in banking applications. After transferring data to a new device, banks may require re-binding of the device or login via SMS for security purposes. This is normal practice and not a transfer error.
In rare cases, on Honor devices without Google services (older models), it may be difficult to recover data from Google Drive. In such cases, it is recommended to use the application Phone Clone in "Other Android" mode.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the data be deleted from the old phone after the transfer?
No, the cloning process creates a copy of the data. Your old phone will remain in its original condition, and you can safely sell it or use it as a backup. Removal occurs only if you perform a Factory Reset yourself.
Is it possible to interrupt the transfer process and continue later?
Most modern utilities, such as Phone Clone and Clone Phone, do not support the "pause and resume" function in the middle of the process. If the connection is interrupted, you will most likely have to start copying the selected category again. However, already copied files are usually not duplicated, but are checked for integrity.
Will the history of WhatsApp and Viber messages be transferred?
For WhatsApp and Viber, standard application transfers often copy only the APK file itself. To save correspondence, you need to create a backup copy inside the messenger on your old phone (in Google Drive or locally), and then restore it the first time you launch it on your new phone. Realme and Honor have direct chat transfer functions that are worth trying first.
What to do if the new Honor device does not have Google services?
Modern Honor smartphones (released after 2021) are again equipped with full Google services. If you have an older model without GMS, use the Phone Clone app to transfer contacts, photos and files. Applications will have to be downloaded through the AppGallery or Petal Search store, and the data synchronized through your Honor account.