How to transfer data from Honor to Redmi: a complete guide with photos, contacts and applications

The transition from a smartphone Honor to Xiaomi Redmi is not only a change of brand, but also the migration of all important data: from contacts and photos to messages and application settings. Many users encounter problems with such a transfer: notes are lost somewhere, accounts are lost somewhere, and sometimes the process drags on for hours. This article will help you avoid common mistakes and choose the optimal migration method depending on your tasks.

We will consider both official methods from Xiaomi and Huawei (brand owner Honor until 2020), and universal solutions that work on any Android devices. We will pay special attention to the nuances of transferring between different shells - Magic UI (Honor) and MIUI (Redmi), which often create conflicts during synchronization. You will also find a table comparing methods by speed, security and supported data types.

If you are moving from Honor 8X to Redmi Note 12 or from Honor 50 to POCO X5 — doesn't matter. The main thing is that both devices work on Android, which means you have at least 5 transfer methods. Let's start with preparation - this stage is often skipped, although it saves hours of time!

1. Preparing phones for data transfer

Before you rush to look for cables or download applications, follow these 4 mandatory steps. They will eliminate 90% of compatibility problems and lost files:

• 📱 Update the software on both phones. On Honor check Settings → System → Software update, on Redmi — Settings → About phone → MIUI update. Older versions of Android (below 10) may not support modern transfer protocols.
• 🔋 Charge both devices to at least 50%. Transferring data via cable or Wi-Fi Direct will drain your battery faster than you'd expect. Interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to loss of some files without the possibility of recovery.
• 🧹 Clean up unnecessary files. On Honor run Optimizer → Cleanup, on Redmi — Security → Cleanup. There is no point in transferring junk files (cache, duplicate photos) - they will take up space and slow down the process.
• 🔐 Synchronize critical data with the cloud. Upload contacts, calendars and notes to Google Account or Huawei Cloud (if used). This is insurance in case of failure.

On Honor s Magic UI 4.0+ there is a built-in data export function - Settings → System → Transfer data. On Redmi a similar tool is called Settings → Advanced → Transfer data. If these items are not present, your model is too old for direct transfer - use alternative methods from the following sections.

⚠️ Attention: If the Honor function is enabled Application protection (in Magic UI), some files may be blocked for transfer. Disable it Settings → Privacy → Application protection before transferring.

2. Official method: Mi Mover from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi for migrating data from other Android devices. It is pre-installed on all Redmi/POCO and supports transfer from Honor, Samsung, Oppo other brands. The main advantage is saving the folder structure and metadata (for example, albums in the Gallery).

How it works Mi Mover:

1. On Redmi run the application Mi Mover (you will find it in the folder Tools or through search).
2. Select I am the recipient (on Redmi) and I sender (on Honor).
3. The QR code scanner on Honor will read the code from the screen Redmi - this will create a direct Wi-Fi channel.
4. Select the types of data to transfer (contacts, SMS, photos, videos, audio, applications).
5. Confirm the transfer. The process will take from 10 minutes (for 5 GB) to 1 hour (for 50+ GB).

Method limitations:

• ❌ Not transferred: system settings (wallpapers, sounds, brightness), data of some applications (for example, saves in games), notes from branded notepads Honor.
• ❌ On Honor s Magic UI 3.0 and lower may not work due to the outdated Wi-Fi Direct protocol.
• ❌ When transferring more than 30 GB, communication interruptions are possible - use a cable (method 3).

Data type	Mi Mover	Google Account	OTG cable	PC (via USB)
Contact	✅	✅	❌	✅ (export to VCF)
SMS/MMS	✅	❌	❌	✅ (applications like SMS Backup)
Photo/video	✅ (with folder structure)	✅ (Google Photos)	✅	✅
Applications (APK)	✅ (without data)	❌	✅	✅ (via ADB)
Calls/log	✅	❌	❌	✅ (export to CSV)

⚠️ Attention: If storage encryption is enabled on Honor data-i="145">will not be able to read the files. Decrypt the device before transferring or use the method from a PC. Settings → Security → Encryption), Mi Mover will not be able to read the files. Decrypt your device before transferring or use the PC method.

Disable VPN on both phones|Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (or use a hotspot access)|Close all background applications, especially instant messengers|Check the free space on Redmi (should be 20% more than the amount of data being transferred)-->

3. Transfer via OTG cable: fast and reliable

If you do not have time to set up Wi-Fi or the amount of data exceeds 30 GB, direct connection via OTG cable is the best choice. This method works even on older models Honor (for example, Honor 7A) and does not require the Internet. You will need:

• 🔌 OTG cable (Type-C → Type-C or MicroUSB → Type-C, depending on the phone connectors).
• 📱 File Manager on both phones (for example, Total Commander or built-in Files to MIUI).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect Honor to Redmi via OTG cable. On the screen Honor select the mode File transfer (MTP).
2. To Redmi open the file manager - in the section Storage a folder with data Honor.
3. Copy the necessary files (folders DCIM for photos, Download for downloads, Pictures for images) to internal memory or SD card Redmi.
4. To transfer contacts export them to a file .vcf via Contacts → Settings → Export to Honor, then import to Redmi.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Transfer speed up to 40 MB/s (2-3 times faster than Wi-Fi).
• ✅ Works on any version of Android.
• ✅ You can selectively copy only the necessary folders.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Not transferred SMS, call logs, application settings.
• ❌ Requires the purchase of an OTG cable (cost from 200 ₽).

4. Cloud services: Google vs Huawei Cloud

If you have stable Internet, synchronization via the cloud is the most universal way. It is suitable for transfer contacts, calendars, notes, photos and even some settings. Let's consider two options: Google Account (universal) and Huawei Cloud (if you used it on Honor).

4.1. Transfer via Google Account

This method works if Honor has been linked Google Account and synchronization is enabled. How to check:

1. On Honor go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Make sure synchronization is enabled for Contacts, Calendar, Google Photos.
3. On Redmi add the same Google account to Settings → Accounts → Add account.
4. Wait for automatic synchronization (may take up to 15 minutes).

What will be transferred automatically:

• 📇 Contacts (including groups and tags).
• 📅 Calendars and reminders.
• 📷 Photos and videos (if used Google Photos with auto-download).
• 🎵 Music and books (if purchased in Google Play).

4.2. Transfer via Huawei Cloud (if used on Honor)

If on Honor you used Huawei ID and the cloud Huawei Cloud, you can export data from there:

1. On Honor open Settings → Huawei ID → Cloud.
2. Select Backup and create an archive (turn on Contact, Messages, Notes).
3. On Redmi install the application Huawei Mobile Cloud from APKMirror (it is missing in Google Play).
4. Login in the same Huawei ID and restore the data.

⚠️ Attention: The application Huawei Mobile Cloud may conflict with MIUI due to restrictions on background activity. After data recovery, delete it to avoid battery drain.

How to transfer passwords from Huawei Browser to Redmi?

On Honor, export passwords to an HTML file via Huawei Browser → Settings → Passwords → Export. On Redmi, import them into Google Chrome or Xiaomi Browser via Settings → Passwords → Import.

5. Transferring applications and their data

Standard methods (like Mi Mover) transfer only APK files of applications, but not their data (for example, saves in games or messenger settings, use:

5.1. Backup via ADB (for experienced)

This is the most reliable way to transfer all data installed. applications, including cache and settings. You will need a PC with ADB Tools:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f honor_backup.ab
adb restore redmi_backup.ab

Step by step:

1. Connect Honor to the PC, turn on USB debugging.
2. Run the first command to create a backup.
3. Connect Redmi and execute the second command to restore.

5.2. Applications for transferring data

If ADB seems complicated, use specialized utilities:

• 📲 Clone Phone (from Xiaomi) - transfers applications with data, but requires root access to Honor.
• 📲 Titanium Backup - the most powerful solution, but only works on rooted devices.
• 📲 Helium is a free option without root, but does not support all applications.

For most users, the best option is manually transfer data of critical applications:

• 🎮 Games: use linking to Google Play Games or Facebook.
• 💬 Messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram i Viber has a built-in export of chats.
• 📊 Financial applications: take screenshots or export statements to PDF.

6. Transfer via PC: reliable, but longer

If you have a computer (Windows, Mac or Linux), transfer via USB gives maximum control over the process. This method is suitable for:

• 🖥️ Large amounts of data (50+ GB).
• 🔍 Selective copying of specific files.
• 🛠️ Data recovery after failure.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect Honor to the PC via USB, select the mode File transfer.
2. Copy the desired folders (DCIM, Documents, Music) to your hard drive.
3. Disconnect Honor, connect Redmi and transfer the files back.
4. For contacts export them to .vcf via Outlook or Google Contacts.

For Mac use Android File Transfer (official utility from Google). On Linux, mount devices via MTP or gvfs.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ You can edit files before transferring (for example, convert videos).
• ✅ There are no volume restrictions (unlike clouds).
• ✅ Suitable for devices with a damaged screen (control via PC).

⚠️ Attention: If storage encryption is enabled on Honor the PC will not be able to read files without entering a password. Decrypt the device Settings → Security → Encryption before connecting.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, errors may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem	Cause	Solution
Mi Mover does not see Honor	Outdated version of Mi Mover or Magic UI	Update Mi Mover via APKMirror or use an OTG cable
Photos transferred without dates	Mi Mover does not save EXIF metadata	Use Google Photos or transfer via PC
Applications are not installed on Redmi	Incompatibility of Android versions or architecture (ARM/x86)	Download APK from APKMirror or update the application via Google Play
Wi-Fi Direct cuts out	Weak signal or background applications	Go to airplane mode on both phones except Wi-Fi
Contacts are duplicated	Synchronization with both Google and Huawei Cloud	Disable Huawei Cloud synchronization on Redmi

If, after transferring to Redmi appeared lags or overheating, check:

• 🔄 Background processes: in Settings → Applications → Autorun disable unnecessary apps.
• 🗑️ Cache: clear it in Settings → Storage → Clear cache.
• 🔋 Battery: if the phone is fast is running low, calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Is it possible to transfer data from Honor to Redmi without the Internet?

Yes, use OTG cable or direct connection via PC. Also works Mi Mover in Wi-Fi Direct mode (Internet is not needed, but a Wi-Fi module is required).

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

Depends on the game:

• If the game is linked to Google Play Games, Facebook or your own account (for example, MiHoYo for Genshin Impact), the saves will be transferred automatically after installing the game on Redmi.
• If the game is offline (for example, Minecraft), use Titanium Backup (requires root) or manually copy the save folder (usually /Android/obb or /Android/data).

Why do some applications not work after transferring to Redmi?

Possible reasons:

• Redmi works on a different processor architecture (for example, Honor on Kirin, and Redmi on Snapdragon). Some APK files may not be compatible.
• Background activity restrictions apply. Allow autostart for problematic applications in MIUI Restrictions on background activity apply. Allow autostart for problematic applications in Settings → Applications → Permissions.
• The application requires Google Serviceswhich may be disabled on some models Redmi for China. Install Google Installer from APKMirror.

How to transfer SMS from Honor to Redmi?

Methods for transferring SMS:

1. Mi Mover: transfers SMS automatically (if selected in the settings).
2. SMS Backup application & Restore:
   1. On Honor install the application, make a backup copy.
   2. Move the backup file to Redmi.
   3. Install the same application on Redmi and restore the SMS.
3. Export to XML:
   1. On Honor via SMS Organizer (from Microsoft) export SMS to a file.
   2. On Redmi import via the same application.

Is it possible to transfer data from Honor to Redmi if the first phone is broken (does not turn on)?

If Honor does not turn on, but responds to connecting to a PC (vibrates or is detected as a device), try:

1. Remove SD card (if the data was on it) and insert into Redmi.
2. Connect to PC in Recovery mode:
   1. Hold Volume up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
   2. Select Mount /system or ADB Sideload.
   3. Via adb pull /sdcard/ copy data to PC.
3. Contact a service center to extract data using JTAG or Chip-off (expensive, but effective in case of physical damage).

If the phone does not respond at all, data recovery is unlikely without professional equipment.