The transition from Apple’s ecosystem to Xiaomi devices is a popular move that thousands of users make every year to gain more freedom and functionality for less money. But the new owner immediately faces the question: how to transfer all data from iPhone to iPhone to Xiaomi, while preserving the structure of information, contacts and media files? Fortunately, modern technology allows you to make this process as smooth and fast as possible, minimizing the loss of time.
Unlike the old days, when changing platforms threatened to lose call and message history, today there are specialized tools. Data migration can be done in several ways, from using a proprietary Mi Mover app to working with cloud services. It is important to understand that a full copy of the system is impossible due to the differences in the architecture of iOS and Android, but basic user data is carried without problems.
In this article, we will take a look at all the synchronization methods available, explain the intricacies of working with iCloud and Google Drive, and tell you what to do with paid applications. You will learn how to prepare both smartphones for the procedure to avoid errors and interruption of connection. It is critical before starting the process to make sure that both devices are on Wi-Fi and connected to the same network.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before running any portability tool, you need to configure both smartphones correctly. On iPhone, you should make sure all important data is synced with iCloud, as this often acts as an intermediate buffer. Check the settings in the Settings menu → [Your name] → iCloud and make sure the sliders opposite contacts, calendar and notes are active. This will create a backup that you can access in the event of a crash.
On the Xiaomi side, preparation includes upgrading the MIUI or HyperOS operating system to the latest version. Older versions of firmware may contain bugs that interfere with the correct connection over Wi-Fi Direct. It is also recommended to free up space in internal memory if you plan to carry a large amount of media files, although modern flagships usually have a sufficient supply.
- 🔋 Charge both smartphones to a minimum of 60-70%, The process can take a long time and drain the batteries.
- 📶 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or use the access point mode on one of them.
- 📲 Make sure your iPhone has a Safari browser installed and updated to work with the web versions of Google services.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to interrupt the data transfer process or switch between applications during migration, this may cause file damage or incorrect display of contacts in the phone book.
Another important step is to disable iMessage’s two-factor authentication on your iPhone if you plan to use it. SIM-- a card in a new phone, SMS-Codes from banks and services may continue to come to the old machine. → Messages and deactivate iMessage before retrieving SIM-map.
Using the Mi Mover application for wireless transfer
The most effective and official way to move data is to use the Mi Mover utility, which is designed specifically for migration from iOS to Android, and allows you to transfer contacts, photos, videos and even some system settings, and works on the principle of creating a local Wi-Fi network, which provides high speed transfer without using Internet traffic.
To get started, install the Mi Mover app on your iPhone from the App Store. On a Xiaomi smartphone, it's often built-in and is in the Tools folder or settings menu. Run the app on both devices. On Xiaomi, select Recipient and on iPhone, Sender. QR-code or connect to a created Wi-Fi network manually.
Once you have a connection, the interface will suggest you choose the types of data to copy, you can choose only the contacts or download the entire media library. The speed of transfer depends on the number of files and the quality of the Wi-Fi signal. When transferring large video files, the process can take from 30 minutes to several hours, so be patient and do not move far from the router.
- 📸 Photos and videos are transmitted in original quality, saving the shooting date.
- 📞 Contacts are imported into Google account or phone memory.
- 📅 Calendars and notes are synchronized if the appropriate format is selected.
It is worth noting that apps purchased from the App Store cannot be ported directly due to the closed Apple ecosystem.You will have to re-download them from the Google Play Market. However, if the application has a cross-platform version (for example, Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber), your chats can be saved provided you have the right backup inside the application.
Synchronization via Google Drive and iCloud
An alternative method that is often overlooked is using cloud storage as a bridge between platforms.Google Drive has great integration with iOS and allows you to download contacts, calendars and photos from the iPhone.This is especially handy if the wireless connection between phones is unstable or you want to create an additional backup in the Google cloud.
To implement this method, install the Google Drive app on your iPhone and log in to your Google account. In the app settings, select Backup. Here you can choose what to download: contacts, calendar events and photos. Once you complete the download on Xiaomi, you just need to log in to the same Google account when you first set up the system, and all data will automatically appear in the corresponding applications.
☑️ Checklist of Google synchronization
Special attention should be paid to photos. If you have iCloud connected, you can temporarily use the iCloud.com web version on your computer or Xiaomi browser to download the archive with photos. However, more elegantly, the bundle works: upload photos to Google Photos on your iPhone and then appear in the Xiaomi gallery, which ensures the continuity of your photo chronicle.
⚠️ Warning: Free space in Google account is limited to 15 GB. If your photo and video archive exceeds this volume, some of the data may not load, or you will need to temporarily expand the storage.
This method is also great for porting documents and files stored in Files to your iPhone. Just upload the right folders to Google Drive and they will be available on the new device immediately after authorization. This eliminates the need to search for a cable or configure complex network balloons.
Transfer of messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber
Special attention should be paid to the issue of correspondence in messengers, as this is perhaps the most important part of the data for most users. With Telegram and Viber problems usually do not arise: just install the application on Xiaomi, enter the phone number, and the entire history of correspondence will be downloaded from the servers automatically. Telegram stores the entire history in the cloud, and Viber allows you to back up Google Drive directly from the settings on the iPhone.
WhatsApp is more complicated because of its different backup systems: iPhones store backups in iCloud and Android in Google Drive. Direct transfer via Mi Mover may not work for chat history. The official way requires using a Lightning-to-USB-C cable and the Move to Android app during Xiaomi's initial setup, but if the phone is already configured, you'll have to go for tricks.
One working method is to back up WhatsApp chat on your iPhone and send it to your email or save it to files, but this will only restore text, without media. Full transfer with media files often requires the use of paid third-party software on a PC that can convert iOS databases to Android format.
How to move WhatsApp without losing data?
Don’t forget two-factor authentication. When you sign in to WhatsApp on a new device, the system will ask for the code that will come to SMS, and can also request a 6-digit pin if you have previously installed it. Make sure you remember this code, otherwise access to the account will be restored after 7 days.
Comparison of data transfer methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have compiled a comparative table of the main methods, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the amount of data and the technical background of the user.
| Method | Speed. | What's transferable | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | Contacts, Photos, Videos, Files | Low. |
| Google Drive | Medium | Contacts, Calendar, Photos | Low. |
| PC + iTunes | Low. | Music, Video (conversion) | Tall. |
| Manual (Bluetooth) | Very low. | Only small files. | Medium |
As you can see from the table, Mi Mover is the most versatile solution for most scenarios, it doesn't require a computer and it works faster than downloading via mobile Internet. DRM-protection, none of the wireless methods will not help – you will need a computer and authorization in iTunes.
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Tip: If you use an Apple Music subscription, just download the Apple Music app from Google Play to Xiaomi and log in to your account. All your media library and playlists will be available instantly.
For users who are actively working with documents, the combination of Mi Mover for photos and Google Drive for documents will be optimal, which will allow you to delineate the flow of data and avoid confusion in the file system of the new smartphone.
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may encounter various technical difficulties during migration, and one of the most common problems is that the Wi-Fi connection is broken during the transfer of large files, often due to energy saving or an unstable signal, in which case the process can usually be resumed from the stoppage, but it is better to provide a secure service.