How to transfer data from a Samsung phone to Huawei: a complete guide

The transition from Samsung Galaxy to a smartphone Huawei is not only a change of brand, but also the migration of all personal data: from contacts and photos to call history and application settings. Many users fear that the transfer process will be difficult or incomplete, especially given the differences in the ecosystems of Samsung and Huawei. In practice, there are at least 5 reliable synchronization methods, each of which is suitable for different types of data and levels of technical training. One UI (Samsung) and EMUI/HarmonyOS (Huawei). In practice, there are at least 5 reliable synchronization methods, each of which is suitable for different types of data and levels of technical training.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from official utilities (Samsung Smart Switch and Huawei HiSuite) to universal solutions via Google Account or physical connection via cable. We will pay special attention transferring data without losing quality (for example, photos in the original resolution) and bypassing restrictions associated with the lack of Google services on new Huawei models. If you have already tried to transfer data and encountered errors, there is a section at the end of the article with solutions to problems.

1. Preparing for the transfer: what you need to do before you start

Before you begin migration, complete a few critical steps. This will help avoid data loss or conflicts between systems.

Step 1. Check device compatibility. Most methods work on all smartphones Samsung (starting from Galaxy S6) and Huawei (including models on HarmonyOS, for example, Mate 50 or P60). However, for Huawei without Google services (for example, Mate 40 Pro or later), some methods will not be available - we will warn you about this in the relevant sections.

Step 2. Free up space on the target device. Transfer 64 GB of photos to Huawei with 16 GB of free space will lead to a failure. Check the amount of data on Samsung in Settings → Accounts and archiving → Memory and, if necessary, clear Huawei of unnecessary files.

Step 3. Charge both phones to 50% or more. The transfer process can take from 10 minutes to several hours (depending on the amount of data and method). Interruption due to low battery may cause file corruption.

• 📱 On Samsung: Update Smart Switch to the latest version in Galaxy Store or Google Play.
• 🔄 On Huawei: Install HiSuite (if you plan to use this method) from AppGallery.
• 🔌 Cables: Prepare original USB cables type C-C or adapter OTG (if you will transfer by wire).
• 🌐 Internet: Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (for wireless methods).

⚠️ Attention: If Huawei there are no Google services (models after 2019), transfer via Google Account or Smart Switch may be limited. In this case, give priority to the method with HiSuite or physical cable.

2. Method 1: Transfer via Samsung Smart Switch (official solution)

Samsung Smart Switch is a proprietary data migration utility that supports transfer to devices of other brands, including Huawei. The method is suitable for transferring:

• 📞 Contacts, call history, SMS/MMS
• 📷 Photos and videos (in original quality)
• 🎵 Music, documents, notes (including Samsung Notes)
• 📱 System settings (wallpapers, sounds, some network parameters)

However, applications it will not be possible to transfer - only their data (for example, game saves, if the application is already installed on Huawei).

Step-by-step guide:

1. On Samsung open Smart Switch (if not, download from Google Play).
2. Select Send data → Wireless transfer (or Cableif you are using a wire).
3. On Huawei install Smart Switch from Google Play (if you have Google services) or use a browser to download the APK from the official Samsung website.
4. On Smart Switch on Huawei select Get data → Android.
5. Confirm the connection on both devices (if wireless method, enter the PIN code).
6. Select data types to transfer and wait completion.

Transfer speed via cable: ~500 MB/min. Via Wi-Fi: ~200 MB/min (depending on the router).

Is the latest version of Smart Switch installed on both phones?

Are the devices connected to the same Wi-Fi (for wireless transfer)

Is there enough space on Huawei for the received data

Are power-saving modes disabled on both smartphones-->

⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei (for example P50 Pro) Smart Switch may not display the option to receive data. In this case, use the method with HiSuite (section 3) or physical cable (section 5).

3. Method 2: Transfer via Huawei HiSuite (an alternative for devices without Google)

Huawei HiSuite is an analogue Smart Switch, but from Huawei. The utility is optimized for working with EMUI/HarmonyOS and supports transfer even to devices without Google services. Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Works on all models Huawei, including new ones (for example, Mate 60).
• 📂 Transfers applications (APK files) and their data (if the application is compatible with Huawei).
• 🔌 Supports cable connection and Wi-Fi.

How to transfer data:

1. Download HiSuite to PC from Huawei official website and install.
2. Connect Samsung to your computer via a USB cable (in file transfer mode).
3. In HiSuite select Backup → Create a backup copy and mark the required data.
4. After copying is complete, disconnect Samsung and connect Huawei.
5. In HiSuite select Recovery → Restore from backup and specify the created file.

Important: HiSuite does not transfer SMS and Call log directly. For this data, use Google Account (section 4) or specialized applications like SMS Backup & Restore.

Data type	Smart Switch	HiSuite	Google Account
Contact	✅	✅	✅
Photo/video	✅ (original quality)	✅ (original quality)	✅ (compression possible)
Applications	❌ (data only)	✅ (APK + data)	❌
SMS/calls	✅	❌	✅
System settings	✅ (partially)	❌	❌

4. Method 3: Synchronization via Google Account (universal method)

If both devices have Google services, this method will be the simplest. It is suitable for transferring:

• 📞 Contacts, calendar, notes (via Google Keep)
• 📷 Photos and videos (via Google Photos, but with possible compression)
• 🎮 Application data (if they support synchronization with Google)
• 📍 Location history (if included in Google Maps)

How to transfer:

1. To Samsung go to Settings → Accounts and archiving → Backup and recovery → Data archiving.
2. Enable archiving for Google Drive and select data (contacts, calendar, photos and etc.).
3. On Huawei add the same Google Account to Settings → Users and accounts.
4. Restore data from the archive: Settings → System → Recovery and reset → Data recovery.

Restrictions:

• 🚫 Google Photos compresses images if you run out of cloud space (only 15 GB free).
• 🚫 Not all system settings (for example, wallpaper or notification sounds) are synchronized.
• 🚫 Applications cannot be transferred - only their data (if the application installed on Huawei).

5. (without PC)

If you do not have a computer or Wi-Fi, the most reliable way is a physical connection via OTG cable (or adapter USB-C to USB-CThis method guarantees:

• 🔒 100% data safety (no compression, as in). cloud services).
• ⚡ Maximum speed (up to 1 GB/min when using USB 3.0).
• 📁 Transfer any files, including hidden application folders.

What you will need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C to USB-C or adapter OTG + standard cable.
• 📱 File manager (for example, Files by Google or built-in My file on Samsung).

Instructions:

1. Connect Samsung to Huawei via cable. On Samsung select mode File transfer (MTP).
2. On Huawei open the file manager and find the connected one Samsung in the section Devices or USB.
3. Copy the required folders:

   /DCIM/ - photos and videos
   /Downloads/ - downloads
   /Pictures/ - images from instant messengers
   /WhastApp/Media/ - media files from WhatsApp

4. For transfer contacts export them to a file .vcf on Samsung (Contacts → Settings → Export) and import them to Huawei.

⚠️ Attention: When copying application folders (for example /Android/data/), some files may not open on Huawei due to differences in Android architecture. Transfer only media files and documents.

How to transfer game saves?

To transfer game saves (for example, from Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), copy the game folder from /Android/data/[package_name] to Samsung and paste it in the same place on Huawei. Make sure that the game version on both devices is the same!

6. Method 5: Transfer via a memory card or flash drive

If you have microSD card or USB flash drive with an adapter OTG, this method will be the simplest solution for transferring large files (videos, music, documents). Advantages:

• 💾 Does not require Internet or special apps.
• 🔄 Suitable for devices without Google services.
• 📂 You can transfer data in portions (for example, photos today, music tomorrow).

How to transfer:

1. Insert the memory card into Samsung and copy the necessary files to it via the file manager.
2. Remove the card and insert it into Huawei (or connect a flash drive via OTG).
3. Copy the files to the internal memory Huawei.

To transfer contacts and SMS use applications like Super Backup & Restore:

1. Install the application on Samsung and create a backup copy contacts/SMS to a memory card.
2. Move the card to Huawei, install the same application and restore the data.

Limitation: memory cards of format exFAT (more than 32 GB) may not be read on older models Samsung or Huawei. In this case, format the card in FAT32 (but files larger than 4 GB are not supported).

7. Solving problems when transferring data

Even if you follow the instructions, errors may occur. and their solutions:

Problem	Cause	Solution
Smart Switch does not see Huawei	Lack of Google services on Huawei	Use HiSuite or a physical cable
Photos were transferred in low quality	Compression in Google Photos or instant messengers	Transfer originals via cable or HiSuite
HiSuite does not recognize Samsung	Outdated USB drivers on PC	Update HiSuite and drivers via Manager devices
Applications are not transferred	Different processor architectures (Samsung — ARM, some Huawei — Kirin)	Install applications again from AppGallery or APK
The transfer is interrupted at 99%	Low space on Huawei or low battery	Clear memory on the target device and charge both phones

If none of the methods worked, try alternative applications:

• 📲 Clone Phone (from Huawei) - specialized for transferring from Android to Huawei.
• 📲 Send Anywhere - transferring files via Wi-Fi Direct without restrictions on size.
• 📲 Xender —wireless transfer at high speed (up to 40 MB/s).

8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

❓ Is it possible to transfer data from Samsung to Huawei without a computer?

Yes, there are three ways without a PC:

1. Via Smart Switch via Wi-Fi (if on Huawei there is Google Play).
2. Via cable OTG (direct connection Samsung to Huawei).
3. Via a memory card or flash drive.

The most reliable of them is cable OTGas it does not depend on the Internet and app compatibility.

❓ Will Wi-Fi passwords be transferred from Samsung to Huawei?

No, Smart Switch and HiSuite do not transfer passwords from Wi-Fi. To avoid entering them again:

1. On Samsung open Settings → Wi-Fi, click on your network and select Share (PIN code or fingerprint required).
2. Take a photo of the QR code and scan it on Huawei in the menu Settings → Wi-Fi → Add network → Scan QR code.

❓ Why are transferred photos not displayed on Huawei?

Possible reasons and solutions:

• 📂 Photos copied to hidden folder: check /DCIM/.thumbnails or use a file manager with display of hidden files.
• 🔍 The folder is not indexed: reboot Huawei or manually update the media library in Gallery (click on the three dots → Update).
• 🚫 Incompatible format: if the photos are in HEIC (iPhone format), convert them to JPG on Samsung before transfer.

❓ How to transfer WhatsApp from Samsung to Huawei?

WhatsApp does not support direct transfer between Android devices of different brands. But there is a workaround:

1. On Samsung make a backup copy. chats: Whatsapp Settings → Chat → Backup.
2. Copy the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases to a PC or memory card.
3. Install WhatsApp on Huawei, but do not run it.
4. Move the folder Databases to the same location on Huawei.
5. Set to Huawei the same user name and phone number as were on Samsung, and restore chats at the first start.

⚠️ Media files (photos, videos) are transferred separately - copy the folder /WhatsApp/Media.

❓ Is it possible to transfer data from Samsung to Huawei via Bluetooth?

Technically yes, but it is extremely inconvenient:

• 🐢 Transfer speed: ~1-2 MB/s (transferring 1 GB will take ~15 minutes).
• 📁 Limit on file size (usually up to 50 MB at a time).
• 🔄 You need to confirm each file manually.

Bluetooth is only suitable for transferring several contacts or small documents. For the rest, use the methods from this article.