Switching to a smartphone with a different operating system often raises fears of losing important contacts, photos or correspondence history. However, modern technology allows you to migrate from iOS to the Android platform as smoothly and painlessly as possible. Owners of Xiaomi devices are in a particularly advantageous position thanks to built-in tools specifically designed to import data.
The process of transferring information does not require deep technical knowledge or contacting a service center. It is enough to prepare both gadgets, install the necessary software and follow a clear algorithm of actions. In this article, we will discuss all the steps in detail, including the nuances of working with instant messengers and cloud storage.
Preparing devices for synchronization
Before starting the procedure, it is critical to ensure stable power to both devices. The process of transferring large amounts of data can take a considerable time, especially if you plan to transfer gigabytes of photos and videos. A discharged battery at the most inopportune time can interrupt the connection and damage the archives.
You also need to make sure that both smartphones have Wi-Fi enabled. While some methods use a direct connection, a stable internet will speed up the download of apps from stores. Check the availability of free space on the new Xiaomi: the amount of internal memory should exceed the size of data on the iPhone.
- 📱 Charge both smartphones to a minimum of 60-70%.
- 📶 Connect devices to a single Wi-Fi network or make sure that mobile communication is stable.
- 💾 Free up space on your new device by deleting temporary files.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to interrupt the data transfer process or switch between applications during migration, this may lead to corruption of files.
Using the Mi Mover app for migration
The most effective and official way to transfer is the Mi Mover utility, which is pre-installed on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI or HyperOS shell. iPhone owners need to download a similar app from the App Store.
Once installed, run the program on both devices. On the new smartphone, select Receiver and on the old iPhone, Sender. The application will create a secure Wi-Fi hotspot that you need to connect to. The password is usually displayed on the screen of the receiving device.
The interface allows you to flexibly configure the types of data you transmit, you can choose only contacts and calendars, or you can copy all the media files in their entirety, and the system automatically filters out duplicates and optimizes the folder structure for the Android file system.
- 🔄 Select “I send” on iPhone and “I accept” on Xiaomi.
- 🔗 Scan it. QR-code or enter the confirmation code manually.
- 📂 Check the data categories for transfer.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
What to do if the connection breaks?
Comparison of data transmission methods
Beyond the proprietary solution, there are alternative migration options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the amount of data and the version of the operating system on your iPhone.
Using cloud services like Google Drive or Google Photos is great for those who don’t want to use direct cable or Wi-Fi connections between devices, but it requires a stable and fast Internet link.
| Method | Speed. | Conditions required | It's best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | Appendix on both devices | Complete migration of the system |
| Google Drive | Medium | Google account, Internet | Contacts and calendars |
| Computer (iTunes) | Low. | PC, cable, software | Backup |
| Send Anywhere | Tall. | Annex, 6-digit code | Separate files |
Local transmission via Mi Mover is usually faster, as data flows directly between devices via Wi-Fi Direct, bypassing external servers, and this is especially true when transferring heavy video files in high resolution.
💡
The data transfer rate directly depends on the distance between the devices and the absence of interference in the radio channel.
Transfer of contacts, calendar and notes
The most important part of any smartphone is personal information, and the easiest way to sync your contacts and calendar entries is through your Google account, so you have to go to your iPhone settings and add a Google account, enabling the synchronization of the relevant items.
If you prefer to use standard Apple apps like Notes or Reminders, porting them can be difficult as they have no direct counterparts in the Android ecosystem, in which case it is recommended to use the iCloud web version on your computer to export data in.vcf or.csv format.
Once exported, the file is easily imported into Google contacts via a browser, and notes can be copied manually or used by third-party cross-platform applications such as Evernote or Notion, installing them on both devices before switching.
- 📇 Add your Google account to your iPhone settings (Mail, Contacts, Calendars).
- ☁️ Turn on sync and wait for the process to complete.
- ✅ Sign in to the same account on the new Xiaomi.
⚠️ Note: When synchronizing a calendar, you may create duplicate events if you have previously manually entered them on a new device.
Migration Multimedia: Photos and Videos
Photos and videos take up the lion's share of any user's memory, and you can use the Mi Mover described above, which preserves the original quality of files, and the alternative is the Google Photos app, which automatically backs up media files in the cloud.
If you use iCloud, you can download the iCloud for Windows app on your PC, download photos and then upload them to your smartphone, but it's a time-consuming method. It's much more efficient to use the Download and Sync feature in the Google Photos app on iOS.
Once you have finished downloading on your iPhone, just log in to the app on Xiaomi and the entire gallery will be available.To store large amounts of data in original quality, you may need to buy additional space on Google One.
It is important to note that live photos can be converted to static images or short video files when transferred, depending on the migration method chosen.
Transfer of messages and call history
Transferring SMS history and calls from iOS to Android is one of the most difficult tasks because of Apple's closed system.Standard tools often can't extract this data directly. However, the Mi Mover app in recent versions has learned to work with some types of messages.
The situation is similar for call history: direct conversion of the call database is impossible without specialized software. In most cases, users start with a clean slate in this section, which is not critical for further work.
WhatsApp offers an official method of transferring chats, so when Xiaomi initially set up (or after resetting to factory settings), the system itself will suggest moving data from the iCloud backup.
WhatsApp settings on iPhone → Chats → Backup chats → Create a copyThen, on the new device, when you install the app, select recovery from copy.This process requires both phones to be connected to the same network or use a Lightning-USB-C cable with an adapter.
⚠️ Note: WhatsApp history transfer is only possible when you first set up your phone or after a complete reset.If you’ve already used the new Xiaomi, you’ll have to do a reset.
Set up a new smartphone Xiaomi
After successful data transfer, you need to make a basic system setup for comfortable operation. First of all, check the system updates by going to the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. This will ensure that drivers are up to date and security errors are corrected.
Adjust biometric protection. Fingerprint scanner or face unlock on Xiaomi work quickly and reliably. Don't forget to also configure control gestures if you're used to navigating without buttons, like on your iPhone.
- 🔒 Set up PIN and biometrics in the Passwords and Security section».
- 🎨 Personalize your desktop and widgets.
- 🔄 Check the synchronization of accounts.
💡
Use the Classic theme or install a launcher that mimics iOS if Apple’s visual style is more familiar to you.
Learn new shell features like Second Space for separating personal and work data, or One Hand Mode, which makes managing large screens more convenient.