How to switch from iPhone to Xiaomi: a complete guide to migration

Changing the ecosystem is always stressful, especially when you’ve been used to the logic of iOS and Apple’s services for years. However, modern Xiaomi smartphones offer such an advanced MIUI or HyperOS interface that many users decide to take this step for greater freedom, customization and better working with the file system. The transition process requires preparation, but it is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance.

You have to solve several tasks: transfer contacts, photos, applications and, most importantly, get used to the new navigation. Unlike Apple devices, there are no strict restrictions on installing software from third-party sources or working with files as a flash drive. Android on board Xiaomi gives you complete control over the device, but requires an understanding of the basic principles of operating system.

The key is not to panic and act consistently, and the critical step is to disable iMessage and FaceTime before retrieval. SIM-iPhone cards, otherwise you may lose some of them. SMS We'll take a look at each step in detail below, so that your migration is as smooth as possible without losing important data.

Preparing iPhone for the move

Before you pick up a new smartphone, you need to get your old one in order. First of all, check for iOS updates. Often bugs in older versions of the operating system interfere with the correct synchronization of contacts or calendar with Google cloud services. Go to Settings → Main → Software update and install the latest available version.

Then you need to clear up space and clean up the storage. Delete the apps you no longer use, and check the gallery's "Recently Deleted" folder. This will speed up the backup process and help you understand how much data you really need to carry. Also make sure you remember the Apple ID password, as it may be necessary to turn off the Find iPhone feature.

Make a full backup on iCloud or on your computer via iTunes/Finder. This is your insurance in case something goes wrong. Even if you plan to use Google cloud services, there will be no local copy.

⚠️ Note: Do not reset your iPhone to factory settings until you are fully sure that all data is successfully displayed on the new Xiaomi and works correctly.

Setting up a Google account and Mi Account

The foundation of the new ecosystem will be two accounts: Google and Mi. Without a Google account, you won’t get access to Play Market, YouTube and contact sync; register a new account or use an existing one if you have one. Enter the relevant field when you first turn on Xiaomi.

The second key element is Mi Account, which is the equivalent of the Apple ID in Xiaomi, which is required for the Mi Cloud to work, to find the device, to use the theme, and to sync notes and voice recorders, and it takes a couple of minutes to create an account and only requires a phone number or an email.

After registering both accounts, the system will suggest setting up sync, enabling synchronization of contacts, calendar and notes with Google, and using Mi Cloud for system settings and backups, which will provide dual protection for your data.

• 📧 Google: The Key to Services and Applications.
• 🌩️ Mi Account: System Integration and Xiaomi Cloud.
• 🔒 Security: Be sure to enable two-factor authentication.

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Use different passwords for Google and Mi accounts, but write them down to a safe place or use a password manager to avoid losing access when you change your device.

Methods of transferring data from iOS to Android

There are several ways to migrate data, and the choice depends on what you want to migrate, and the simplest and most official method from Google is the “Move to iOS” app, which is available on the iPhone App Store, and creates a temporary Wi-Fi network between devices and transmits contacts, message history, photos and videos, as well as free apps available on Google Play.

Xiaomi users, however, often prefer the proprietary Mi Mover app. It can be pre-installed on a new phone or downloaded from the App Store. Mi Mover often works more stable with Xiaomi devices, allowing you to transfer not only media files, but also some system settings. You run the app on both devices, scan it. QR-code and wait for the process to end.

For those who are used to the Google ecosystem, sync through Google Photos and Google Contacts is a great option. Install Google Photos on your iPhone, log in to your acca and enable download. All your pictures will automatically appear in the gallery on Xiaomi. Contacts sync if you select a Google account in your email settings on your iPhone and enable the Contacts slider.

Working with messengers: WhatsApp and Telegram

Transferring your WhatsApp history is a separate and often painful topic. The official method is now built into the Android setup process itself. When you set up the new Xiaomi, the system will suggest migrating data from your iPhone. If you choose this path, WhatsApp will suggest moving the chats. This will require you to connect your iPhone with a cable (Lightning to) USB-C) use QR-code that will appear on the screen of Xiaomi.

It’s important to understand that WhatsApp backups in iCloud are not compatible with Google Drive directly.You can’t just restore the backup from iCloud to Android.You need to use a special migration tool during the initial setup of the phone or the “Move Chats” function inside WhatsApp itself on the new device while the old one is still on the app.

With Telegram, things are simpler. Since the history of correspondence is stored on the messenger servers, you just need to install the application on Xiaomi and log into your account by phone number. All your chats, channels and media files (except for secret chats) will be downloaded automatically. Secret chats are tied to a specific device and are not portable.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove WhatsApp from your iPhone until you have fully verified that all of your correspondence history is correctly displayed on the new Xiaomi.

Alternatives to Apps from the App Store

One of the biggest fears of the transition is losing your favorite apps. Most popular services (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, banks) have Android versions. However, some apps may be paid for on the App Store and free (with ads) on Google Play, or vice versa. Your purchases in iOS are not automatically transferred to Android, because they are different stores.

You'll have to re-download all the software you need from the Google Play Market. Pay attention to the apps that are connected to the Apple ecosystem: iWork (Pages, Numbers), iMovie, GarageBand. There are great analogues for them. Instead of iWork, use Google Docs/Sheets or Microsoft Office. iMovie is easily replaced by a built-in Xiaomi editor or CapCut.

Banking applications deserve special attention. Unlike iOS, where applications are strictly moderated, it is important to download software on Android only from official sources. For Russian users, the situation with banks may vary depending on the current restrictions, so check in advance whether your bank application is in the Play Market or you need to download it from the bank's website.

• 📄 Office: Google Docs, Microsoft 365, WPS Office.
• 🎬 Video: CapCut, VN Editor, InShot.
• 🎨 Graphics: Canva, Adobe Express, PicsArt.

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Most paid subscriptions in apps (such as Spotify Premium or YouTube Premium) are cross-platform, but check this in the settings of a particular service.

Interface setting and getting used to MIUI/HyperOS

Once you move the data, you'll come across a new interface. Xiaomi doesn't have a home button in the classic sense unless you turn on the button mode. It uses gesture control by default, which is very similar to iOS: a swipe from the bottom up to access the desktop, a swipe stop in the middle for the menu of running apps.

Shell MIUI (Or the new HyperOS, which offers a huge customization experience, you can change themes in their entirety, including icons, fonts and sounds, through the Themes app. Unlike iOS, you can install widgets of any size anywhere on the screen, not just in a grid. → Wallpaper and personalization".

An important feature is the aggressive operation of the system with background applications to save battery. If you notice that messengers do not send notifications on time, go to Settings → Apps → Settings → Special features (or just find the application in the list) and allow auto-start and work in the background. This is critical for stable notifications.

Don't be afraid to experiment with settings. Xiaomi gives users far more rights than Apple. You can clear the cache with a single click, use a second space to separate work and personal life, and adjust quick-access gestures. Adaptation takes a couple of days, and then you don't want to go back.

⚠️ Warning: When installing themes from unverified third-party launchers sources, be careful: they may contain ads or work unstable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)