Data port from iPhone to Xiaomi: a complete guide with nuances for Redmi/POCO

Switching from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone (be it Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 The question often comes with the question: how to transfer all data without loss? Contacts, photos, notes, messages and even call history – all of these can be saved, but the methods are different from the usual Apple ecosystem. In this article, we will analyze 7 working methods taking into account the features of the MIUI limitations of iOS.

The main problem is that iOS is closed: unlike Android, where data is easily exported through adb or file manager, iPhone requires workarounds. For example, direct transmission via Bluetooth or NFC will not work here - you need cloud services, cables or specialized applications. We tested all methods on current firmware MIUI 14/15 and iOS 16/17 so you can choose the best option for your tasks.

1. Transfer via Mi Mover – official solution from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary data migration tool built into MIUI firmware, which supports transferring contacts, messages, photos, videos and even some apps (if they are on Google Play).

• 📱 It only works on new smartphones. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (at first on) or after resetting to factory settings.
• 🔌 Requires the original Lightning cable→USB-C (Adapter or adapter – cheap analogues may not work.
• ⚠️ Does not transfer data from iCloud (only local files on iPhone).
• 🚫 Does not support the transfer of WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers.

How to use:

1. On iPhone, open Settings → Apple ID → iCloud and turn off finding your iPhone (required!).
2. On Xiaomi, when you first start, select Data Transfer → iOS.
3. Connect your smartphones with a cable and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. On the iPhone will be a request for trust device — confirm.

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Mover is stuck in the Preparation phase, check the cable or restart both devices.

Disable Find iPhone in iCloud|Charge both smartphones >50%|Use the original Lightning cable→USB-C|Release. >1 GB of memory on Xiaomi-->

2. Cloud transfer via Google Drive (for contacts, photos, calendars)

If Mi Mover doesn’t work (like your smartphone is already set up), use Google Drive. This method is universal and works even on older iPhone models. 6s/SE. The main advantage is that data is synchronized automatically and is available on any Android device.

Instructions:

1. On iPhone, install Google Drive from the App Store.
2. Sign in to your Google account (the same as Xiaomi).
3. Go to the menu → Settings → Backup and select data types (contacts, calendars, photos).
4. Click Start Backup and wait until it is completed.
5. On Xiaomi, add the same Google account to Settings → Accounts and enable sync.

Important: For photos and videos in original quality, only 15GB per account is available for free. If more data is available, consider using Mi Mover or physical cable.

Less than 5GB|5-20 GB|20–50 GB|More than 50GB-->

3. Transfer photos and videos through a computer (the most reliable way)

If you have a lot of media (e.g. 100+GB of HEIC photos), the best option is to use a PC or Mac as an intermediary, which guarantees 100% quality and works even with corrupted files.

Step-by-step instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and unlock it.
2. In Explorer, go to This Computer → [iPhone Name] → Internal Storage → DCIM.
3. Copy folders with photos (100APPLE, 101APPLE, etc.) to the hard drive.
4. Connect Xiaomi and move your files to the DCIM/Camera folder.

For the Mac:

1. Use Photos (Photos.app): import media from your iPhone, then export to your folder.
2. Connect Xiaomi via Android File Transfer and transfer files.

⚠️ Attention: Files.HEIC (The default photo format on iPhone will not open on Xiaomi without conversion. Use an online converter or CopyTrans program HEIC for Windows.

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Before copying, check the files for duplicates using the Duplicate Cleaner program – this will save space on Xiaomi.

4. Messages (SMS/iMessage) and call history

Transferring SMS and iMessage is one of the most difficult tasks, and there are no official tools from Apple or Xiaomi for this, but there are workarounds:

• 📱 Through iTunes/iMazing: Back up your iPhone in iTunes, then extract it. SMS using iMazing or iExplorer (paid). CSV Import to Xiaomi through SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🔄 Through SIM-map: Move it. SMS on SIM (on iPhone: Settings → Communications → Transfer to SIM), Then paste it into Xiaomi. Minus is a 250 message limit.
• ☁️ Through iCloud + Third-party services: Export data from iCloud (via the web version), then download it manually to Xiaomi.

iMessage cannot be transferred – these messages are tied to Apple ID and do not sync with Android. Alternative: before switching to Xiaomi, disable iMessage in Settings → Messages so you do not lose SMS from iPhone users.

5. Transfer of applications and their data

Apps from the App Store are not ported directly to Xiaomi, but you can:

1. Find analogues in Google Play: Most popular apps (WhatsApp, Instagram, Spotify) are also on Android. Install them on Xiaomi and log in under the same account - the data will be automatically pulled up.
2. If the game supports cross-platform (e.g. Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile), link it to Facebook/Google/Mi Account.
3. Use APK: For unique iOS apps (like GarageBand), look for unofficial APKs on 4PDA or XDA forums, but it’s not secure.

List of applications that cannot be moved:

• 🎮 Apple Arcade (not on Android).
• 📊 Apple Health (alternatively Google Fit or Mi Fitness).
• 💳 Apple Pay (Xiaomi uses Google Pay or Mi Pay).

6.Alternative methods: SHAREit, Send Anywhere and AirDroid

If standard methods don’t work, try third-party wireless applications:

How to use (Send Anywhere):

1. Install the app on both devices.
2. On iPhone, select files and click Send.
3. A 6-digit key is generated or QR-code.
4. On Xiaomi, enter the key or scan the QR – the transfer will begin automatically.

⚠️ Note: When transferring large files (>1 GB) Wi-Fi Direct may interrupt communication. Use these applications only for small data or as a backup option.

7.Setup Xiaomi after data transfer

After successful data transfer, follow these steps for optimal performance:

• 🔧 Disable unnecessary services: Go to Settings → Accounts and delete duplicate accounts (for example, if contacts are synced through both Google and Mi Account).
• 📁 Organize files: Use Xiaomi Files (File Manager) to sort media by folder (DCIM, Downloads, Music).
• 🔄 Set up backup: Enable automatic copying in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• 🛡️ Check Security: Install Google Authenticator or Mi Security for Two-Factor Authentication.

If some apps are unstable after the transfer (for example, WhatsApp has not restored the history), try:

1. Remove and reinstall the application.
2. Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → [Application Name] → Storage.
3. Check permissions in Settings → Privacy → Application permissions.

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After transferring the data, be sure to update MIUI to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update) – this will fix possible compatibility errors with files from iOS.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring from iPhone to Xiaomi