Changing the ecosystem from iOS to Android, particularly Xiaomi or Redmi devices, often causes users to worry about losing important information. The transition from Apple’s closed system to a more flexible Android requires understanding the specifics of file systems and data formats.
In this article, we will take a look at all the migration methods available, from official manufacturer utilities to cloud services, how to keep folder structure, instant messenger correspondence and, most importantly, passwords and accounts, and how to prepare for the transfer process properly will take less time than the procedure itself, but ensure that there are no errors.
Don't rely on randomness or hope that synchronization will happen by itself after the first download. There are several critical stages, such as disabling iMessage and checking for free space, the ignoring of which can lead to loss of data or blocking of data. SIM-maps on the new device.
Preparing iPhone and Xiaomi for migration
The first step is to prepare both devices physically and software. Make sure your Xiaomi Redmi is at least 60-70% charged, as the process of transferring large amounts of data via Wi-Fi Direct can significantly consume battery power. On an iPhone, it is also advisable to have enough charge so that the device does not go into sleep mode at a critical moment.
Both smartphones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network if you plan to use the wireless method. Although cable speeds are higher, wireless connectivity provides greater compatibility between iOS and Android without having to find specific Lightning-to-USB-C adapters.
It is important to check the amount of free memory on the target device. If the iPhone is 100 GB occupied and Redmi is only available 64 GB, the process will end in error. Clear unnecessary files in advance or use cloud storage to archive heavy video files that are not critical for instant access.
⚠️ Before starting the procedure, be sure to turn off iMessage on your iPhone, SMS-Messages from other iPhone users may continue to arrive on the old device rather than the new Xiaomi, due to the number being tied to Apple ID.
Check for operating system updates on both gadgets. On iPhone go to Settings → Main → Software Update, and on Xiaomi in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Current firmware versions contain corrections for data protocol errors.
☑️ Checklist before kick-off
Use of the Mi Mover app
The most effective and native way to transfer is the official Mi Mover app, developed by Xiaomi engineers specifically for migration from other platforms. It is pre-installed on all modern devices of the brand and available in the App Store for iOS. The utility allows you to transfer contacts, messages, call history, photos, videos, music and even installed applications (where possible).
The process starts with running the app on both devices. On the iPhone, select the role "Sender" (Sender), and on Xiaomi Redmi - "Receiver". The application will create a temporary secure Wi-Fi network that you need to connect to from the old device. The password for the connection is usually displayed on the screen of the new smartphone.
Once the connection is established, the system will prompt you to select data categories to transfer. Mi Mover will automatically scan the contents of the iPhone and prompt you to choose what exactly you want to see on your new Redmi.
What should I do if the transmission is interrupted?
Transfer speeds are directly dependent on the amount of data being transmitted and the quality of the wireless connection. 50 GB of data can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, during which time device screens should remain active and applications should remain deployed.
| Type of data | Support for Mi Mover | Transfer nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Complete. | Imported to Google Contacts |
| Photo/Video | Complete. | The original quality is maintained |
| Messages (SMS) | Partial | Text only, no attachments |
| Annexes | Limited. | Free from Mi GetApps/Play Market |
| Wi-Fi passwords | No. | Manual input required |
Synchronization through Google Account
An alternative and fundamental method is to use the Google ecosystem, which, because Android is based on Google services, allows for the deepest integration of data with the new operating system, and to do so, you need to install Google Drive, Google Photos and Gmail apps on your iPhone.
In Gmail or through the standard iOS settings (Settings → Mail → Add an account → Google), add your Google account. Make sure the sync settings activate the switches for Contacts, Calendars and Notes, which will allow you to move the organizer and address book without using third-party software.
For photos and videos, Google Photos is the best option. Launch your iPhone app, log in to your account and enable Autoboot. All media files will start to be copied to the cloud. On the new Xiaomi, it’s easy to log in to the same account, and the entire gallery will be available instantly, taking up a minimum of space on the internal drive thanks to the “Saving Space” feature.
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Expert advice: If you have mobile traffic charged, turn on the option “Backup only over Wi-Fi” in Google Photos settings, so as not to spend the limits of the mobile operator during migration.
This method is especially useful for those who are planning to change the platform again in the future or are afraid of physical data loss. Cloud storage acts as a reliable buffer. However, it is worth considering that Google’s free space is limited to 15 GB, so large archives may require buying additional space or selective download.
Transfer of messengers: WhatsApp and Telegram
Special attention should be paid to the migration of messengers, as they store the history of correspondence in encrypted form. Telegram does not require complex manipulations: just install the application on Xiaomi, enter the phone number and confirmation code. All correspondence history, channels and groups will be automatically downloaded from the messenger servers.
WhatsApp is more complicated due to different backup systems (iCloud on iOS and Google Drive on Android), the official way involves using the function "Chat port" inside WhatsApp itself when you first install it on Android. When you start WhatsApp on Redmi, select the Android system and ask the app to scan. QR-code from the iPhone screen or connect to a single network.
If the automatic port didn’t work, you can use third-party utilities on your PC, but they are often paid and don’t guarantee 100% success. The most reliable free method is to back up iCloud on your iPhone and then, if you have WhatsApp’s Data Portability feature for Android, restore from that copy. However, direct recovery from iCloud to Google Drive is not natively supported without an intermediate step.
⚠️ Note: Local WhatsApp backups with iPhones can’t just be copied to Android. They have different encryption structures. Use only official in-app portability methods when you first set up.
Once successfully transferred, be sure to check the integrity of media files in chat rooms. Sometimes large video files may not download immediately and require re-uploading from the cloud or manual forwarding.
Hand-made File and Multimedia Management
Not all files are convenient to transfer through the cloud or Mi Mover, especially if you are talking about specific documents or files inside applications. To manually manage the file system on Xiaomi, use built-in Explorer. Connect your iPhone to your computer, copy the folder with documents, and then transfer them to Redmi.
However, there is a more elegant solution for wireless file transfer, using the FTP protocol or HTTP over Wi-Fi. The Xiaomi file manager (Conductor) has a function "Remote management" or "FTP". By running it, you will receive an address (for example, ftp://192.168.1.5:2121), which can be entered in the browser on the iPhone (via the file application that supports the network) or on a computer located on the same network.
This method allows you to directly pull files from your iPhone’s memory and toss them into Redmi memory at high speed, bypassing the cloud storage’s size constraints on a single file, especially for 4K resolution video files that can weigh several gigabytes.
For music and books, you can use cloud drives (Yandex.Disk, Cloud Mail.ru), which have convenient applications for both platforms. Upload files to the iPhone in the cloud application, and on Xiaomi just download them for offline access.
Solution and troubleshooting
Users often experience typical migration problems, and one of the most common is the Mi Mover connection error. If devices can't see each other, try turning off mobile internet (4G/5G) on both smartphones, leaving only Wi-Fi.
Another problem is that there are some apps that are not available in the Play Market store or GetApps on the new device, because of regional restrictions or because the app is removed from the store. APK-files downloaded from trusted sources, or find analogues in third-party directories.
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The key to successful migration is not to try to copy everything in one way: divide data: contacts and calendar through Google, photos through Mi Mover or Google Photos, and documents by hand.
If contacts are not displayed correctly after transfer (for example, all in the same line or with country codes), go to the Contacts app on Xiaomi, select Settings → Import / Export → Import from device memory, or repeat sync with Google by selecting the correct coding (usually UTF-8).
What to do if passwords are not transferred?
Can I transfer purchases in apps?
Should I reset Xiaomi before the transfer?
The final step is to check the basic functions of the phone, the Internet and the cameras. SIM-The card is correctly identified and VoLTE is activated if your operator supports this technology.