Migration from one smartphone to another always causes a certain amount of anxiety among users, especially when it comes to the transition between ecosystems of different manufacturers. Transferring data from Honor to Samsung is a task that is solved quite effectively thanks to the developed operating system tools Android and the South Korean giant's own software. Modern technologies make it possible to save not only contacts and photos, but also the folder structure, alarm settings and even the location of icons on the desktop.
The moving process becomes especially relevant given changes in the policy of Huawei and Honor regarding Google services, which makes the transition to devices with full support for GMS (Google Mobile Services) a logical step. You don't have to manually rewrite numbers or re-download hundreds of applications one by one. All you have to do is choose the right synchronization method, be it wireless or cable, and trust the automated algorithms. Below we will analyze in detail all the nuances of this procedure.
The main advantage of switching to the platform Samsung is the presence of a pre-installed tool Smart Switch, which is designed specifically for seamless migration. Unlike universal cloud storage, this application can interpret specific source settings and adapt them to the new One UI shell. This means that your notes, call history, and even some system application settings can be transferred correctly, minimizing the time required to initially set up a new device.
Preparing devices for the migration process
Before the active phase of the migration begins, it is critical to prepare both smartphones. This is not just a formality, but a necessary condition for the stable operation of data transfer algorithms. Make sure that on both devices - both the old Honorand the new Samsung - the battery level is at least 50-60%. The system cloning process can be power-intensive, especially when transferring large amounts of media via Wi-Fi Direct.
Also check the amount of free space on the target device. The amount of available memory Samsung should exceed the amount of data you plan to transfer from Honor. It is recommended to delete unnecessary cache files or duplicate photos on your old phone in advance to speed up the process. If you are using a microSD memory card, you can physically move it to the new device, which will save time on copying heavy files.
⚠️ Attention: Do not start the transfer process if one of the devices has power saving mode enabled. It can limit the operation of network modules or the processor, which will lead to a broken connection and a migration error.
Make sure that both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network if you plan to use the wireless method, or prepare a high-quality USB-C to USB-C cable (or a USB-C to micro-USB adapter if yours Honor equipped with an older connector). The quality of the cable directly affects the speed of transferring gigabytes of information. A bad wire can reduce the speed significantly or cause constant connection breaks.
☑️ Preparing to transfer data
Using the Samsung Smart Switch application
The main tool for solving your problem is the application Smart Switch. On new smartphones Samsung it is preinstalled by default and is often located in the folder with system utilities or in the settings when you first start it. On the device Honor you will need to download it from the store Google Play or through the official Samsung website if the app store is not available. This software is the de facto standard for migration to devices of this brand.
After installation, run the application on both phones. On the new Samsung select the role “Data Recipient” (Receiver), and on Honor select the role “Sender”. The app will automatically prompt you to select the connection type. For maximum speed and stability, it is recommended to use a cable connection, but the wireless mode also shows excellent results when transferring contacts and messages.
The application interface is intuitive: after establishing a connection, the system will scan the old device and display a list of data categories available for transfer. You can select exactly what you need with checkboxes: calls, messages, contacts, images, videos, music, documents, home screen settings, alarms and, of course, installed applications. The algorithm itself will determine which applications are compatible with the new system.
- 📲 Contacts and calls: Absolutely all entries from the phone book and detailed call history with dates and duration are transferred.
- 📸 Media files: Photos and videos are saved in original quality, the structure of albums can also be changed saved.
- 📱 Applications: Most free applications from Google Play will be automatically downloaded and installed on the new device.
- ⚙️ Settings: Wi-Fi network settings, alarm clocks, voice recordings and widget locations are transferred.
If you have a lot of photos (more than 50 GB), it is better to transfer them in parts or use a cable, since wireless transfer of such a volume can take several hours and drain the battery.
Cable connection versus wireless transmission
The choice of data transfer method depends on your priorities: speed or convenience. A cable connection via a port USB-C is the most reliable method. It provides maximum channel throughput and does not depend on interference on the air or congestion of the wireless network. This is an ideal option for transferring heavy video files in 4K resolution or large archives of documents.
The wireless method, powered by technology Wi-Fi Direct, creates a direct connection between two devices, bypassing the router. This is convenient because no additional accessories are required. However, the speed may fluctuate depending on the distance between the phones and the presence of other active wireless devices nearby. This method is ideal for transferring only contacts and settings.
| Comparison parameter | Cable connection (USB) | Wireless connection (Wi-Fi) |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | High (up to 40-50 MB/s) | Average (depending on the signal) |
| Stability | Maximum, no interruptions | Possible interruptions due to interference |
| Convenience | Requires a cable/adapter | Does not require wires |
| Battery consumption | Minimal (can be charged) | High on both devices |
When using a cable Samsung often suggests using the original adapter that comes with some flagship models. If you don't have one, any high-quality cable that supports data transfer (not just charging) will do. Please note that some cheap cables are designed only for power and will not transfer a single byte of information.
Nuances of transferring applications and authorization
Although Smart Switch is able to transfer icons and application files themselves, it is important to understand the difference between transfer “body” of the app and its data. Most modern applications, especially banking and social networks, do not allow you to transfer session data and logins to a new device for security reasons. You will have to re-enter your passwords and go through two-factor authentication.
Particular attention should be paid to instant messengers, such as WhatsApp or Telegram. For Telegram there are no problems, since the entire history is stored in the cloud. To WhatsApp you need to create a local backup copy or a copy in Google Drive on the old one in advance Honor. When you first launch the messenger on Samsung the system will offer to restore the history from this copy. Without this step, you will receive a clean application without correspondence.
⚠️ Attention: Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.) will require re-linking the device. In some cases, you may need to call support or wait for a security period if the system notices a sudden change in hardware.
Games with progress often use their own accounts (for example, Supercell ID, VK Play, Google Play Games). Make sure your progress on your old phone is synced to the developer cloud. Simply transferring an application file via cable will not save your achievements in offline games unless they are linked to a cloud profile. Check for the presence of a cloud icon in the game settings before migrating.
What to do if the application is not installed after the transfer?
If after migration you see the application icon, but it does not start or is written “Not Installed”, this means that the app is incompatible with the version of Android on the new Samsung or is not available in the region of your Google account. In this case, delete the icon and download the application again from the Galaxy Store or Google Play.
Transferring contacts and synchronizing Google accounts
The most reliable way to save contacts is to link to an account Google. If your Honor contacts are saved in the phone memory or on a SIM card, the first step should be to synchronize them with the Google cloud. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google and make sure that the slider next to the “Contacts” item is active. After this, all numbers will appear in your address book on any device where you enter your login.
When setting up a new one Samsung you will enter the same Google account. The system will automatically pull up all contacts, mail, calendars and notes Google Keep. This happens in the background, regardless of work Smart Switch. However, using Samsung's proprietary utility also allows you to transfer contacts saved in the device's memory, which for some reason were not synchronized with the cloud.
Don't forget about your account Samsung. Creating it on a new device will provide access to additional ecosystem functions, such as “Device Search,” Samsung Cloud cloud storage for backing up home screen settings, and the ability to synchronize with other brand gadgets. This is not necessary for basic operation, but significantly expands the functionality of the smartphone.
- 🔑 Google Account: The main key to restoring contacts, mail and calendar.
- 📞 SIM card: Outdated, but working method for transferring only numbers without additional data.
- ☁️ VCF file: Yes export all contacts into one file and transfer it via Bluetooth or instant messenger.
Synchronization via a Google account is the most reliable method for contacts, since it does not depend on the physical state of the old phone and works automatically when you log in.
Solving common problems and errors when migration
During the migration process, users may encounter a number of typical problems. One of the most common is that the process freezes at a certain percentage (for example, 90%). Most often this is due to the transfer of a large number of small files or an error in a specific application. In this case, do not panic and reboot your phones immediately. Try deselecting the problematic data category and starting the transfer again without it.
Another common problem is the “not enough space” message, even if the memory is free. This may be due to the fact that the file system of the new phone reserves space for system needs or cache. Free up an additional 2-3 GB by Samsungby deleting temporary files or transferring some content to a memory card before starting the procedure.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and operating system versions are constantly updated. If you encounter an error that is not in the instructions, check the latest requirements on the official Samsung support site or in the "Help" section inside the Smart Switch application.
If the transfer is interrupted due to low battery or loss of connection Smart Switch usually allows you to continue where you left off, rather than starting over. However, for this feature to work correctly, it is important not to manually delete already transferred data on the new device until the entire process is completed. Wait for the final report on the successful completion of the operation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Will my passwords from Wi-Fi networks be transferred?
Yes, the Smart Switch application can transfer saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords. Once connected, you can automatically connect to known networks without re-entering the security key, which is convenient when moving.
What will happen to the data in Huawei Cloud if I switch to Samsung?
Data from Huawei Cloud is not transferred directly to the Samsung or Google ecosystem. You need to log into Huawei Cloud on your old phone (or via the web version) in advance, download important files (photos, contacts) to the device, and then transfer them to the new phone via Smart Switch.
Is it possible to transfer data if the screen of the old Honor is broken?
If the sensor does not work, but there is an image, you can try connecting a USB mouse via an OTG cable for control. If the screen is completely black, but the phone turns on and USB debugging was enabled previously, it is theoretically possible to extract data via a PC, but Smart Switch in this case may not work correctly without confirmation on the screen.
Will information be deleted from the old phone after the transfer?
No, the transfer process via Smart Switch works on the principle of copying. All your data will remain on the old one Honor safe and sound. You can erase them manually only after you make sure that the new one Samsung works correctly.
How long does a complete data transfer take?
The time depends on the amount of information. For a standard set (contacts, messages, 1000 photos, 20 applications), the process takes from 15 to 30 minutes via cable. If you are transferring 100 GB of videos and photos, this may take 1 to 2 hours.