How to transfer photos from iPhone to Xiaomi

The shift from iOS to Android often raises questions, especially when it comes to privacy. The most valuable asset for most smartphone owners is a media library accumulated over the years. The transition to Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco devices requires understanding how to migrate these files efficiently and without loss of quality.

Fortunately, modern technology offers many solutions for synchronizing between different operating systems. You don't need to be an IT expert to do this, because manufacturers have provided convenient tools. In this article, we'll take a look at all the current methods, from embedded applications to cloud services.

The choice of the particular method depends on the amount of data you have and the speed of the Internet connection, and if you have hundreds of gigabytes of photos, wireless methods can take too long, and then you should consider using cables or local data transfer over Wi-Fi Direct.

Using the Mi Mover application for direct transmission

The most efficient and quickest way is to use the official tool from the manufacturer, Mi Mover, which is designed to migrate data to Xiaomi devices and allows you to transfer not only photos, but also contacts, messages and installed applications. The process begins with installing the program on both smartphones, after which the devices are connected directly via Wi-Fi.

When you run the app on your iPhone, you have to select the role "Sender" and on Xiaomi, "Receiver." QR-The code that needs to be scanned by the iPhone camera, the connection is established directly between devices without using Internet traffic, which allows high speed transmission of even large amounts of data.

Importantly, it may require additional permissions to work properly on iOS. Apple's security system may request confirmation of file transfers several times, which is normal.

⚠️ Warning: Do not block smartphone screens during transmission, as this may break the Wi-Fi Direct connection and interrupt the copying process.

The interface is intuitive: you just choose data categories to transfer. After selecting photos, click the "Send" button and wait for the process to be completed. Statistics show that the transfer rate is an average of 10-20 MB/s depending on the device model.

Synchronization through Google Photos

If you plan to actively use the Google ecosystem on a new device, Google Photos is the perfect bridge, and the good thing about it is that it doesn't require devices to be near each other when you're transferring, all you need is a Google account and a stable Internet connection on both devices.

On the iPhone, you need to download the Google Photos app from the App Store and log in to your account. In the app settings, you need to activate the autoload and sync function. After that, all new and old photos will start uploading to the Google cloud, from where they will be automatically available on your Xiaomi account after you log in to the same account.

There are two modes of download quality: High quality and Original. The first option allows you to store an unlimited number of compressed photos, and the second saves files in the original resolution, consuming space in the cloud storage. For most users, high quality compression is visually invisible.

Once you have finished downloading to your iPhone, pick up Xiaomi. When you first set up or through the gallery settings, log in to the same Google account. Your library will automatically appear, and you can download selected albums for offline access.

Transfer over cloud storage (iCloud and others)

Google’s own services can be alternative to universal cloud storage, such as Dropbox, Yandex.Disk or OneDrive, which works similarly to Google Photos: you download files from one device and download them to another, a method that is especially convenient if you already have a paid tariff with a large amount of space.

On your iPhone, install the app of your chosen cloud service and enable photo autouploads. Wait until the process is complete, which can take considerable time with a lot of data. Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi so you don't waste mobile traffic.

Then install the same app on Xiaomi and log in. You'll have access to all your files. The advantage of this method is cross-platform: you can access photos even from a computer or tablet at any time.

Transfer of files via PC or laptop

The classic method that never fails when dealing with huge archives of data is using a computer as an intermediate, which requires a Lightning cable (or USB-C for new iPhones) and a USB cable for Xiaomi, as well as a computer with a Windows or macOS operating system.

Connect your iPhone to your computer. If you're using Windows, you may need iTunes to correctly recognize your device, although a standard conductor is enough to access your photos. Copy the image folder to your computer's hard drive into a convenient directory.

Then turn off your iPhone and plug in Xiaomi. In file transfer mode (MTP), your smartphone will be defined as an external drive. Just drag and drop the previously copied photos into the DCIM/Camera folder or create a new folder at the root of the internal memory.

The good thing about this method is that you can actually do a file audit right away, delete duplicates, break photos down by album or years before you upload them to a new phone, and you have full control over the structure of the files on the new device.

⚠️ Note: When copying via PC, be sure to use secure device extraction before disabling the cable to avoid damaging the file system.

Use of third-party applications for transmission

There are many utilities in app stores that specialize in transferring files between different platforms, and popular solutions like Send Anywhere, SHAREit, and Xender use P2P technology to quickly transfer data, which often run faster than standard tools, but require applications to be installed on both devices.

The principle of operation of such programs is usually based on the generation of a six-digit code or QR-One device creates a channel, and the other connects to it. 30-40 MB/s, which is comparable to a wired connection.

However, be careful with the permissions that these apps require, many of which require access to all files, contacts and locations, and carefully read user terms and conditions before installing them.

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Expert advice: For a one-time transfer of a large amount of data, it is better to use Mi Mover or cable, and leave third-party applications for regular fast transfer of individual files.

Some file managers preinstalled on Xiaomi also have an integrated import feature from the iPhone. Check the Tools or Services section in the standard Explorer app. There may be an Import with iPhone option that will make it easier.

Solving problems in transfer

Despite the simplicity of procedures, users may encounter technical difficulties. Often the problem lies in file formats: the iPhone default shoots in the HEIC format, which may not open on older versions of Android or require conversion. Xiaomi usually handles this format automatically, but nuances can arise.

Another common problem is Wi-Fi connection interruption. Make sure both devices are on GPS and Bluetooth, as some transmission protocols use them to detect devices, and check if the phone is running an "Energy Saving" mode that may limit background activity.

If the transfer is stuck at a certain percentage, try restarting both smartphones and starting the process anew, sometimes by cleaning the cache of the overloader app or updating it to the latest version.

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The most reliable way to migrate large amounts of data is through a direct connection via Mi Mover, as it is independent of internet speed and ensures file integrity.

In conclusion, switching from iPhone to Xiaomi is a simple process, if you know the right tools, no matter what method you choose, your memories will stay intact, and the main thing is to take your time and follow the instructions for each particular method.