Changing the ecosystem from iOS to Android, especially Xiaomi smartphones, often causes users to fear losing important data. Switching from an iPhone to a device with a MIUI or HyperOS shell has become much easier thanks to built-in tools and third-party solutions. Modern methods allow you to copy contacts, photos, videos and even call history without loss of quality.
The migration process requires both devices to be prepared, because operating systems have different file structures, you will need to back up and choose the most convenient way to transfer information, and in this article we will discuss in detail all available methods, from the official application to the cloud services.
It’s important to understand that some of Apple’s system settings and apps are not directly analogous to Android, but most of the popular services are available on the Google Play Store. The right sequence of steps will help avoid confusion and save important data.
Preparing devices for migration
Before starting the transfer process, make sure that both smartphones have sufficient battery power, preferably more than 50%. Low charge can interrupt the transfer of files, which will damage the archives or improperly copy contacts.
The second critical step is to check the space available on the new Xiaomi: the memory of the new smartphone should exceed the amount of data you plan to transfer from the iPhone. If the memory is not enough, some of the data will have to be deleted or transferred selectively.
Wi-Fi on both devices is also required, and for fast data transfer, it is recommended to use a 5GHz network if the router supports this standard, which will significantly speed up the synchronization process compared to the usual 2.4GHz band.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Use of the Mi Mover app
The official and most reliable way is to use the built-in Mi Mover tool, which is pre-installed on all modern Xiaomi smartphones and is available for download on iPhone via the App Store, which allows you to transfer contacts, messages, photos, videos and music wirelessly.
To start the process, open the app on your new Xiaomi device and select "I am the recipient" mode. QR-code that you need to scan with your iPhone camera after you install the Mi Mover app. Once you connect your devices via Wi-Fi Direct, you can select data categories to transfer.
It's worth noting that the app can't port the apps themselves because of the differences in Android and iOS, but it successfully copies multimedia files and personal data, and the speed of the transfer depends on the amount of data and the quality of the wireless connection.
What if Mi Mover can’t see the iPhone?
Synchronization through Google Account
The most universal method for Android users is sync through a Google account, which is ideal for transferring contacts, calendars and notes. You need to download the Google app on your iPhone and log into your Google acc and enable sync of the desired items.
Once synced to your iPhone is complete, log in to the same account on the new Xiaomi when you first set up or through your system settings. All your contacts and calendar events will automatically appear in the respective MIUI or HyperOS apps.
This method is especially useful if you plan to use Google services as a primary on your new device, and it provides continuity with your email and task scheduler without the need for cables or additional software.
Important: Syncing photos through Google Photos can take a considerable time with a large amount of media files, it is recommended to connect to stable Wi-Fi and leave the application running in the background.
Transferring Multimedia through Computer
If wireless methods seem slow or unstable, use your computer as an intermediate, allowing you to control every file and guarantee you can copy heavy video files without compression, you'll need a Lightning cable to connect your iPhone and a USB-C cable for Xiaomi.
Connect your iPhone to your computer and copy the photo and video folder to your hard drive. Then connect Xiaomi and select File Transfer Mode (MTP). Move the copied data to the DCIM/Camera folder or create a new folder for imported files.
For Windows and macOS users, the process may be different. On a Mac, you may need to install Android File Transfer drivers or use the OpenMTP app to properly display the Android file system.
Use this method if you need to transfer files of specific formats or if the data volume exceeds 50-100 GB. The wired connection provides maximum stability and speed independent of interference in the air.
⚠️ Note: When you copy through a computer, the folder structure may change. iPhone albums may not be saved as separate folders, and all photos will be in one common directory.
Working with WhatsApp and messengers
Transferring WhatsApp’s history is one of the most difficult tasks when changing platforms, and WhatsApp officially allows you to transfer chat history from iPhone to Android, but this requires resetting the new device to factory settings or using a Lightning cable – USB-C.
If you're setting up a new Xiaomi from scratch, follow the on-screen instructions when you first set up. The system will suggest moving data from your iPhone by connecting it with a cable, which is when WhatsApp chats migrate.
Alternatively, the Chat Transfer feature is used inside the WhatsApp app itself on both devices, so both smartphones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and the iPhone app must be updated to the latest version.
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Before you migrate WhatsApp, make sure to back up to iCloud on your iPhone and make sure it's complete.This is your insurance in case the migration process fails.
Other messengers, such as Telegram or Viber, store their correspondence history on their servers. Just log in to the account on the new device, and all chats will be downloaded automatically. Viber may need to back up to Google Drive through the application settings on the iPhone.
Table of comparison of transfer methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have compiled a comparative table of the main characteristics of each method, and pay attention to the speed and type of data being transmitted.
| Method | Speed. | Data types | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | Photos, videos, contacts, text messages | Low. |
| Google Account | Medium | Contacts, calendar, mail. | Low. |
| Computer | Very high. | All files, media. | Medium |
| WhatsApp (cable) | Tall. | The history of chat, the media | Tall. |
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may encounter various technical difficulties during the transfer process, and one of the problems is that the Wi-Fi Direct connection is interrupted when using the Mi Mover, which often happens when the iPhone is power-saving or the screen goes out.
Another problem is that contact names or message encoding are not displayed correctly, and this is solved by re-synchronizing through Google Contacts or using standard.vcf export formats for a phone book.
If apps don’t install automatically, check the region of your Google Play account.Some apps popular in your region may not be available in the default store if the account region doesn’t match your current location.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the data transfer process, even if it seems to be suspended. Interruption can damage the file system or lose some data on the new device.
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Successful data transfer depends on connection stability and battery power. Don't save time on preparation to avoid repeating the procedure.
Set up a new smartphone after migration
Once you've completed the data transfer, you'll need to make a number of adjustments to make your work more comfortable, first check the alarm clocks, because they might not be moving, and you'll also need to set up biometric protection and link your bank cards to Google Pay or Mi Pay.
It is recommended to update all applications through the GetApps store or Google Play to current versions, this will ensure the security and stability of the system. Check the notification settings, as they work differently in MIUI than in iOS.
Don’t forget to remove portable Apple apps that don’t work on Android, such as iMovie or GarageBand. Instead, you can find great counterparts in the app store.