Owning two smartphones on different operating systems, such as Xiaomi’s Android and Apple’s iOS, often raises questions about compatibility. Users want to understand how to communicate, synchronize contacts and use devices in conjunction without losing functionality. This is a common situation where the main phone is Xiaomi and the tablet or second gadget is an iPhone.
Synchronization between these ecosystems is possible through cloud services and special intermediary applications. You don't need to be a technical specialist to set up photo sharing or Internet access. Modern communication protocols allow you to integrate devices deep enough to ensure comfortable use.
In this article, we will explore all the available ways of connecting, from data transfer on the first run to daily use of shared resources. You will learn about the nuances of messengers, cloud storage and the function of a personal hotspot.
Data transmission during initial configuration
The most important step is to migrate information first if you’re switching from one device to another or just want to combine archives, and Apple has developed a special app called Move to iOS, which is available on the Google Play store on Xiaomi smartphones, which allows you to securely transfer contacts, message history, photos and videos, as well as free apps.
The process begins with creating a temporary secure Wi-Fi network between devices. On an iPhone, you need to select “Move data from Android” during the initial setup or after a reset. On Xiaomi, you need to launch the application, enter the code and wait for the copy to be completed. The transfer speed depends on the amount of data and can take from 15 minutes to several hours.
☑️ Preparation for data portability
It is important to understand that some file formats may not be supported on the new system, for example, live wallpaper or specific MIUI widgets will not migrate to iOS. However, basic information such as the phone book and media files will be stored in full.
What should I do if the transmission is interrupted?
Synchronize your contacts and calendar through Google
One of the most reliable ways to keep contacts and schedule up-to-date on both devices is to use a Google account. Since Xiaomi runs on Android, all the default data is stored in your profile. You only need to add the same account to your iPhone through the standard system settings.
To do this, go to Settings → Mail → Add an account and select the Google logo. Enter your credentials and make sure the switches opposite Contacts and Calendar are activated. Once synchronized, all changes made from your Xiaomi phone will automatically display on your iPhone and vice versa.
- 📱 Open your settings on your iPhone and select Contacts».
- 🔄 Click on “Accounts” and add your Google account.
- ✅ Make sure that the contact sync slider is green.
- 📅 For the calendar, repeat the actions in the "Calendar" section» → «Accounts».
This method provides two-way communication, which is critical for business users: you can take a call or see a new event on a schedule, regardless of which phone you hold, and it runs in the background and uses almost no battery.
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Using native synchronization Google is the most stable method that does not require the installation of third-party software for contacts and schedules.
Sharing photos and videos through cloud services
For multimedia content that takes up a significant place in memory, local cable transmission is inconvenient. The best solution is cloud storage. Google Photos is the de facto standard for Xiaomi users, and its iOS app works superbly by providing access to your entire media library.
Install Google Photos on your iPhone from the App Store and log in to your acca. If you have autoloaded on Xiaomi, all new photos will instantly appear on your iPhone. This frees up space on your devices and creates a single memory database. Alternatively, Yandex.Disk or Dropbox, which also have automatic backup features.
⚠️ Warning: When using cloud services, watch out for storage rates.Google's free 15GB can run out quickly if you're shooting videos in 4K.
The quality of the photos you upload can be adjusted in the app settings. High quality compresses images to save space, while Original mode retains full detail. For most users, compressed photos look identical to the originals on the smartphone screen.
Using iPhone as a modem for Xiaomi
Frequent situation: on SIM-The iPhone card was left unlimited Internet, and Xiaomi traffic ended, in which case iOS allows you to distribute the Internet through the access point.
On iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Modem Modem and activate the Allow Others switch. Make sure the Maximum Compatibility option is enabled if Xiaomi doesn't see the network on the list of available ones. On Xiaomi phone, open the list of Wi-Fi networks, find your iPhone name, and enter your password.
Wi-Fi is the fastest, but energy-consuming connection. If you plan on a long session, like updating your system or downloading heavy files, you better use a cable. Connect your iPhone to Xiaomi via USB-Lightning (or USB-C if new models) cable. On the iPhone screen, you will see a request "Trust this computer?", which you must answer in the affirmative.
| Parameter | Wi-Fi hotspot | USB modem | Bluetooth tethering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Tall. | Maximum | Low. |
| iPhone battery consumption | High-pitched | Medium (loading) | Low. |
| Stability | Medium | Tall. | Low. |
| Convenience | Wireless. | Requires cable. | Tough setup |
When connected via USB, Xiaomi will define the network as a wired connection.This ensures stable ping, which is important for video calls or online games. Note that the carrier may limit the distribution of traffic, so check the terms of your tariff plan.
Synchronization of messages and calls
Unlike Apple’s ecosystem, where iMessage and FaceTime only work between Apple devices, cross-platform communication has limitations: Standard SMS and cellular calls are not synchronized directly between Xiaomi and iPhone native systems.
WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber are ideal for calls and video calls. By installing them on both devices and logging into the same account (for Telegram and Viber this is possible simultaneously, WhatsApp requires you to choose the main device), you will get access to the history of correspondence. Telegram is especially convenient due to the cloud storage of the entire message history.
There are aggregator apps like Pulse SMS or Mysms that allow you to stream SMS from Android to other devices, including iOS, via a web interface or a separate application. This requires you to install a client on Xiaomi and log in to your service account from your iPhone.
⚠️ Note: iMessage will never work on Xiaomi.All messages from iPhone users will come to you like regular green SMS or through messenger apps.
For full notification management, it’s recommended to set up your notifications to display on your smartwatch, if you have one, or use Notification Mirror in some launchers, although on iOS, the ability to customize notifications from other platforms is severely limited by Apple’s security policies.
Remote management and device search
Data security and the ability to find lost gadgets is a priority for any owner. For Xiaomi, there is a service Mi Cloud, and for the iPhone – Find My. Unfortunately, a single application that would allow the iPhone to manage Xiaomi (block, erase data, call) at the system level, does not exist due to the closedness of iOS.
However, you can use web interfaces. When you go from Safari to iPhone to i.mi.com, you can log into your Mi Account and track the location of your Xiaomi phone, turn on the beep or remotely block it. Similarly, from a browser on Xiaomi through icloud.com, you can find a lost iPhone.
- 🌐 Open your browser on any device.
- 🔑 Sign in to your Mi or Apple account ID respectively.
- 📍 Select the “Device Search” function in the menu.
- 🔒 If necessary, activate the loss mode or remote cleaning.
For deeper integration, some users use remote access apps like TeamViewer QuickSupport or AnyDesk. By installing a host on Xiaomi and a client on an iPhone, you can see and even control the Android screen, although the functionality can be limited to Android resolutions.
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Turn on Find Device in your Mi Account settings in advance, and without that option, even if you know your password, you can't remotely control your phone.