How to transfer photos from iPhone to Xiaomi: all methods with detailed instructions

Sharing photos between smartphones across different ecosystems — iOS and MIUI — is often a headache for users. While both devices support modern data sharing standards, Apple’s limitations (such as not supporting FTP or SMB out of the box) and Xiaomi’s firmware features create additional barriers. In this article, we’ll discuss 7 working methods for transferring photos from iPhone to Xiaomi, from the classic (via the cloud) to the little-known (using the local network), and give recommendations on how to choose the best way depending on the amount of data and Internet speed.

We will focus on common errors that occur during transfer, such as why AirDrop does not see Xiaomi, how to circumvent the restriction on sending large files via Telegram, or what to do if iCloud requests two-factor authentication on an untrusted device.

1. Transfer via cloud services: iCloud, Google Photos, Mi Cloud

Cloud storage is the most versatile way to do this, and it doesn’t require a physical connection, but there are nuances to every service: iCloud automatically compresses photos when you download from your iPhone, unless you turn on the “Save Originals” option, and Google Photos will limit free storage of high-quality images to 15 GB from 2021.

For Xiaomi, the best solution is Mi Cloud, but it only supports the JPEG format and has a limit of 5 GB for free accounts. If you need to transfer photos in original quality (for example, HEIC or RAW), you should use Google Drive or Yandex Drive with manual sync settings.

• 📱 iCloud: Upload your photos to iCloud.com → Log in to Xiaomi via browser → Download it. Minus: Apple demands. ID and a stable Internet.
• 🌐 Google Photos: Enable auto sync on iPhone → Install the app on Xiaomi → Download albums. Plus: supports Live Photos.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: upload photos through the Gallery app on Xiaomi → Share a link to the iPhone. Limit: maximum file size is 200 MB.

⚠️ Note: When using iCloud on Xiaomi via the Safari browser, you can block downloading archives larger than 1 GB. Solution: use Chrome or Firefox browser in Desktop mode".

2. Direct Wi-Fi transmission: LocalSend, Snapdrop, Feem

If you don't have access to the cloud or are concerned about privacy, local Wi-Fi solutions are a great alternative. Apps like LocalSend or Snapdrop create a temporary network between devices without requiring registration, the main advantage is the transfer speeds of up to 10-15 MB / s (depending on the router), which is 2-3 times faster than cloud services.

To set up:

1. Connect both smartphones to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Install LocalSend from the App Store (for iPhone) and Google Play (for Xiaomi).
3. On iPhone, select a photo → “Share” → LocalSend → select Xiaomi from the list of devices.

• 🔄 Snapdrop: works via browser (open snapdrop.net on both devices). Plus: no need to install apps.
• 📶 Feem: supports the transfer of folders in whole, but requires registration.

Connect both devices to the same network |Disable VPN on iPhone and Xiaomi|Close background applications using the Internet |Check battery (minimum 30%)

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3.Use of AirDrop and Alternatives for Xiaomi

AirDrop is Apple's proprietary protocol for fast file transfer, but it doesn't work with Android devices, including Xiaomi.

1. Through Mac: If you have a MacBook, take a photo of it via AirDrop, then transfer it to Xiaomi via cable or through Android File Transfer.
2. AirDrop Emulation: Apps like AirDroid or Xender mimic the work of AirDrop, but require installation on both devices.

Xiaomi also has Mi Drop (built into MIUI), but it only works between devices in the same ecosystem (e.g. Xiaomi → Redmi).

4.Cable transmission: Lightning → USB-C or OTG-adapter

Physical cable connection is the most reliable method for carrying large amounts of data (e.g. 100+GB photos).

• 🔌 iPhone uses Lightning connector, and Xiaomi — USB-C Or Micro-USB (older models). OTG-adapter (e.g. Lightning to) USB-C).
• 🖥️ Xiaomi should be enabled File Transfer mode (MTP) customized USB-connection.
• 📁 The iPhone doesn’t appear as a removable drive on Android, so you’ll need an intermediate device (PC, Mac, or even a Smart one). TV).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer, unlock it, and confirm your trust in the device.
2. Copy the photo to a folder on your PC (for example, through Explorer or iTunes).
3. Disable your iPhone, connect Xiaomi in MTP mode and transfer the files back.

⚠️ Note: When you connect your iPhone to Windows via iTunes, the Apple Mobile Device driver is automatically installed USB Driver. If it's damaged, Xiaomi may not recognize the device. Solution: reinstall the driver through Device Manager.

5. Transfer via messengers: Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber

Messengers are convenient for transferring a small number of photos (up to 50-100 pieces), but have strict restrictions:

To maintain the original quality in Telegram:

1. Select a photo in the iPhone gallery.
2. Click Share → Telegram → select Saved Messages chat.
3. Instead of the “Send as a photo” button, select “Send as a file”.

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If you want to transfer a lot of photos via WhatsApp, archive them to ZIP on your iPhone (use the Files app) and then send them in a single file.

6 Specialized applications: Xender, SHAREit, Send Anywhere

Applications for file sharing between platforms often offer faster speeds than clouds, but can contain ads or collect data, such as SHAREit being removed from Google Play in 2020 due to privacy concerns (later returned with an updated policy).

Comparison of popular applications:

• 📲 Xender: speeds up to 20 MB/s, supports HEIC, But you need to connect to one Wi-Fi network.
• 🔗 Send Anywhere: generates 6-digit code for connection, works without the Internet (via Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🌍 Files by Google: Sharing feature allows you to send files without installing additional apps.

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For maximum transfer speed, choose Wi-Fi Direct applications (such as Send Anywhere) that create direct communication between devices bypassing the router, which reduces latency.

7. Computer Transfer: iTunes, Explorer, Third Party Utilities

If you have access to a Mac or a Windows PC, your computer can be a middle ground for photo transfer, and this method is especially useful if you need to:

• 🔄 convert HEIC into JPEG (Viewing photos on Mac).
• 📂 Sort photos by dates or albums before the penos.
• 🔒 Encrypt archives with personal photos.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your iPhone to your PC, unlock it, and confirm trust.
2. Open This Computer → Find the Apple iPhone → Go to the Internal Storage → DCIM folder.
3. Copy the desired photos to the hard drive, then connect Xiaomi in MTP mode and transfer the files.

For Mac, use Photo or Image Capture:

Open “Image Capture” → select your iPhone from the side menu → specify the folder to save → click “Import All”.

FAQ: Frequent Questions and Problem Solutions