Changing the ecosystem from iOS to Android, particularly Xiaomi smartphones, often raises concerns about the safety of personal data. The transition process seems difficult only at first glance, but modern technology allows you to make migration almost invisible to the owner, the main task is to choose the right tool that will ensure the integrity of the folder structure and the quality of media files.
There are several proven synchronization methods, each with its own advantages depending on the amount of information you have, you can use cloud storage, direct Wi-Fi connection or specialized applications developed by manufacturers. It is important to understand that some types of data, such as passwords in a keychain or saved games without cloud profiles, may require special attention.
In this article, we will discuss how to transfer files from iPhone to Xiaomi using both standard tools and third-party solutions. We will explore the nuances of transferring large volumes of videos, contacts and calendar records. Following the instructions will allow you to start working with a new device without losing important memories and working documents.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most effective and native way to transfer data is to use the proprietary utility Mi Mover. This application is pre-installed on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running the MIUI shell or HyperOS. To get started, you need to find the program in the Tools folder or download it from Google Play to both devices if it is missing.
The data transfer process takes place over a direct Wi-Fi channel, which provides high speed and does not consume mobile traffic. Once the application is launched on the new phone, Xiaomi needs to select the role of Receiver, and on the iPhone – Sender. QR-code or connect to the created access point.
- 📲 Open your Wi-Fi settings on your iPhone and connect to the network created by your Xiaomi phone.
- 📂 Select data types to copy: contacts, messages, photos, videos and installed applications.
- ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed without turning off the device screens.
- 🔒 Make sure both smartphones are charged at more than 50% before starting.
⚠️ Note: When transferring via Mi Mover, do not interrupt the connection or switch to other applications, as this may lead to an error in file verification and the need to restart the process.
Importantly, Mi Mover automatically converts some data formats for Android compatibility, such as ringtones and wallpapers to the appropriate system folders, but messages from messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram require a separate backup procedure within the apps themselves.
Synchronization via Google Drive and iCloud
If direct porting is not possible for any reason, the best solution is to use cloud storage. Google ecosystem is perfectly integrated into Android, so downloading data through Google Drive is one of the most reliable methods. iPhones need to install the Google Drive app and log in under the same account that will be used on Xiaomi.
In the iOS app settings, you should activate the contact, calendar and photo backup function. Once you have downloaded to your iPhone, the data will automatically be available on your new device as soon as you enter your Google account, which is especially useful for those who plan to use Google Photo services as their main gallery.
| Type of data | Synchronization method | Transmission speed | Demands the Internet. |
|---|
| Contacts | Google Contacts | Instantly. | Yes. |
| Photos and videos | Google Photos / iCloud | Depends on the channel. | Yes. |
| Calendar | Google Calendar | Instantly. | Yes. |
| Files. | Google Drive | Medium | Yes. |
When working with iCloud, you can upload photos and contacts through a web browser on your computer, and then upload them to your Google account. This method is more time-consuming, but allows you to selectively control the contents of the archive. Remember that free space in Google Drive is limited to 15 GB, so large libraries may require a temporary subscription or cleaning of the unnecessary.
📊 Which way to transfer data is more convenient for you?
Direct connection (Mi Mover)
Through the Cloud (Google Drive)
Through computer (iTunes/Finder)
Bluetooth (slowly but working)
Using a PC as an intermediary is a classic method that gives you complete control of the file system. Windows users will need iTunes to access iPhone files, although a standard conductor is often enough to simply copy photos. By connecting an iPhone, you can copy DCIM folders and other media files to your hard drive.
Then you plug in a Xiaomi smartphone, which is displayed as an external drive in file transfer mode (MTP), and the data you've copied is simply dragged to the appropriate directories: photos in DCIM/Camera, music in Music, and documents in Download or Documents.
For macOS users, the situation is a little different, since the system is originally designed to work with Apple products. To transfer files to Android devices, you will need the Android File Transfer utility or OpenMTP. These programs allow you to see the structure of Xiaomi folders and manage files similarly to Finder.
- 💻 Connect your iPhone to your computer and allow access to data on your smartphone screen.
- 📁 Copy the necessary folders to the desktop or in a separate directory.
- 🔄 Turn off your iPhone and connect Xiaomi by selecting File Transfer Mode».
- 📥 Move the data to the appropriate Android system folders.
This is especially useful when transferring heavy video files to 4K, which can be downloaded over the cloud for a long time, and it is also convenient to audit files through your computer, removing duplicates and unnecessary debris before downloading to a new device.
What to do if your computer can’t see your phone?
If your Xiaomi computer doesn’t respond when you connect, check the cable — it should support data transfer, not just charging. USB-port on the back of your PC or reboot drivers in Device Manager. on the phone itself in the connection notification USB Select the "File Transfer" mode (MTP)». Contacts and calendars are often the most critical part of migration: In modern versions of iOS, contacts are synchronized by default with iCloud, but to move to Android, they are better exported to vCard (.vcf). It's a universal format that can be read by any address book. To export contacts, log into iCloud settings on your computer or through your browser on your phone. Select all contacts and click Export. Send the file to yourself by mail or save it to the Xiaomi file manager. When you open a file on a new device, the system automatically suggests you import entries into your phone book or Google account. With a calendar, the situation is similar: subscription to the iCloud calendar through your email and calendar settings on Android allows you to see events in real time. However, to fully transfer the history of events, it is better to use the sync function through the Google account, adding it to the calendar settings on the iPhone and selecting the copy of events. ⚠️ Before importing contacts, make sure that there are no duplicates in the Xiaomi phone book, otherwise, after the databases are merged, you may have double entries with the same names. After importing, it is recommended to check the correctness of the display of names and numbers, especially if you are moving from a very old version of iOS. Sometimes the formatting of numbers may differ and they will need to be manually corrected in the Contacts app». Transfer of messages and correspondence history Transfer of routine SMS and MMS Messaging from iPhone to Android is a challenge because of the closedness of the iOS file system. Standard Android tools can not directly read backups of messages from iOS. To solve this problem, you often have to resort to third-party software on your PC, for example, paid ulets like iCareFone or AnyTrans. For popular messengers, WhatsApp offers an official but limited way to transfer the history of correspondence. It only works when you first set up a new Xiaomi phone or after a complete reset.You’ll need a Lightning-to-USB-C cable (or adapter) and a Move to iOS app (paradoxically, but sometimes reverse logic is required) or using the Data Portability feature when you first launch. MIUI. For Telegram and Viber, the situation is simpler: Telegram stores the entire story in the cloud, so simply enter a phone number. Viber requires you to back up your experience in Google Drive (on Android) or iCloud (on iOS), but direct history transfer between different OSes in this messenger is not officially supported without the use of paid tools. 📱 For WhatsApp, use the Chat Transfer feature when you initially set up Xiaomi. ☁️ Telegram syncs everything automatically through the cloud. 💬 Viber requires a new backup, history may not be carried forward. 💳 SMS You can only transfer it to a PC using paid software, and it's important to understand that encryption of correspondence in modern messengers makes direct access to the database impossible without decryption keys that are tied to the operating system. Alternative methods and Bluetooth transmission If you don’t have a computer at hand and the Wi-Fi network is unavailable or unstable, you can use Bluetooth technology. Although the transfer speed over this protocol is extremely low (on average 1-2 Mbps), for small documents or multiple contacts, this method is quite suitable. To activate the function, you need to turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair. In the file manager of the iPhone (Files app), select a document, click Share and select Xiaomi device from the list of available. On the receiving side, you will need to confirm the request for a file. Another option is to use the local FTPV protocol or web manager. Applications like Documents by Readdle on iOS and MI File Manager on Android allows you to organize transmission over the local network, if both phones are connected to the same router, even without Internet access. ⚠️ Note: When transferring files over Bluetooth, large video files can be transmitted for hours, and the process itself is extremely sensitive to interference and distance between devices, a method that should be considered an emergency option. For regular use or transfer of gigabytes of data, it is categorically not suitable due to low bandwidth and high power consumption. 💡Use file sharing apps like Send Anywhere or SHAREit if the standard Mi Mover doesn't work for some reason - they often bypass protocol limitations better. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Can I transfer my apps and games from iPhone to Xiaomi. Apps purchased from the App Store are tied to an Apple account ID You can't transfer it to Google Play, you have to re-download the free versions or re-purchase them from the Google Play Store, if they're available there. Progress in games will only continue if the game supports cross-platform authentication (for example, through Facebook or a developer account).What to do with FaceTime and iMessage after the transition? FaceTime and iMessage services operate exclusively in the Apple ecosystem. On Xiaomi, their analogues are video calls via Google Duo (now Google Meet), WhatsApp, Telegram or Zoom. Before selling an old iPhone, be sure to turn off iMessage in your message settings, otherwise SMS Apple users may continue to come to the old phone. Is it safe to use third-party transfer software? Using proven programs from well-known developers (such as Wondershare, Tenorshare) is generally safe, but requires full data access rights. It is recommended that after you complete the transfer and check the files, immediately change the password from your Apple ID and Google account just in case. How to transfer passwords from the iCloud keychain bundle? Direct password transfer from iCloud Keychain to Google Password Manager is impossible. The easiest way is to install a Chrome browser on your iPhone, log in to your Google account and allow passwords to be saved. Then on Xiaomi just log in to the same account, and passwords are synchronized.