How to transfer photos from Xiaomi to iPhone: all ways with pros and cons

Moving from Xiaomi to iPhone is not just about changing the ecosystem, it’s also about moving personal data. Photos are often a major headache: files weigh a lot, formats differ, and standard tools (AirDrop, Bluetooth) between Android and iOS work selectively. In this article, 7 proven methods of transferring photos to the features of MIUI and iOS 17, including bypassing the restrictions on large files and preserving original quality.

We tested each method on a pair of devices: Xiaomi 13 Ultra + iPhone 15 Pro, Redmi Note 12 + iPhone 13, POCO X5 + iPhone SE 2022. At the end of the article – a comparison table for speed, simplicity and support RAW/HEIC. If you need to transfer only selected photos or the entire gallery for the 5 For years, there is a solution.

⚠️ Critical warning: When transferring via cloud services (Google Photos, iCloud) files in the format HEIC (iPhones can be automatically converted to JPG To avoid this, use direct copying methods (cable, local area network) or set up the cloud to save the originals.

1. Direct transmission via cable (fastest method)

Using a USB cable (Lightning or USB-C) is the best option for transferring tens of gigabytes of photos without loss of quality. However, there are nuances: the iPhone does not recognize Xiaomi as a removable drive, so you will need an intermediary – a computer (Mac or Windows) or a special adapter.

Step-by-step instructions for Windows:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB and select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification curtain.
2. Open the DCIM → Camera folder on your phone (all photos are stored here).
3. Copy files to your computer (for example, to your desktop).
4. Connect your iPhone to your PC, open iTunes (or Finder on Mac) and go to Files.
5. Transfer the photo to the Photos app through synchronization.

⚠️ Note: If iTunes can’t see the iPhone, upgrade to the latest version or use alternative software like iMazing or AnyTrans. These tools allow you to bypass the limitations of iTunes and transfer files directly to the gallery.

Format flash drive in FAT32 (if you use an adapter)| Disable screen lock on Xiaomi during transfer | Free space on iPhone (photos take up to 30% more space in iOS)| Battery charge of both devices >50%

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2. Transmission via Lightning-USB-C adapter (without computer)

If you don't have access to a PC, you can use a direct adapter (like Apple USB-C Lightning or an Anker third-party adapter), which only works on iPhones running iOS 13+ and requires:

• 🔌 Supported adapter OTG (It should be transmitting data, not just charging).
• 📁 On Xiaomi enabled file transfer mode (in the curtain when connecting).
• 🔋 Charging both phones >60% (transfer of large volumes drains the battery).

How to transfer the photo:

1. Connect the adapter to the iPhone and the other end to Xiaomi.
2. On iPhone, open the Files app → Review → select your Xiaomi in the Devices section.
3. Go to DCIM → Camera, select the photos and click Copy.
4. Go back to the root directory of the iPhone, select the Photo folder and paste the files.

🔹 Challenges and solutions:

• ❌ iPhone doesn't see Xiaomi → Check the adapter (must support) MTP) Or reboot both phones.
• ❌ Photos are not displayed in the gallery → Move them to the folder. DCIM → 100APPLE iPhone.

💡

If you don’t have an adapter, use Power Bank with USB-C and Lightning – some models (such as Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 Pro) support data transfer.

3. Wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (via local area network)

For cableless transmission, applications that create a local server between devices are suitable.

• 📲 Send Anywhere (cross-platform, no registration).
• 📲 LocalSend (open-source, data encryption).
• 📲 Xender (supports folders but displays ads).

Instructions for Send Anywhere:

⚠️ Attention: If you're transferring more than 1 GB, the data can freeze by 99:

• Break files into parts of 500-700 MB.
• Use 5GHz Wi-Fi (not 2.4GHz) for stability.

4. Cloud services: Google Photos, iCloud, Mi Cloud

Cloud storage is convenient for long-term backup, but has limitations:

The best algorithm for Google Photos:

🔹 How to avoid quality loss:

• In Google Photos settings, select Original Quality (but this will eat up space in the cloud).
• For iCloud, use Uploading photos to iCloud on your iPhone after transfer.

5. Transfer via instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)

Messengers are suitable for a small number of photos (up to 100 pieces), as they have limitations:

• 📌 Telegram: up to 2 GB per file, but compressed when sent via chat (in Save Messages – no compression).
• 📌 WhatsApp: Up to 16MB in photo (quality drops dramatically).
• 📌 Viber: up to 200MB per file, but slow download.

How to move without loss:

1. In Telegram on Xiaomi, send a photo to yourself in "Save Messages" (without compression).
2. On iPhone, open chat, click on the photo → Save in Photo.

⚠️ Note: When sending via group chat or bots, Telegram automatically compresses the photo to 1200px To avoid this, use private messages to yourself.

6.Using a microSD memory card (for Xiaomi with a slot)

If your Xiaomi supports memory cards (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), you can temporarily use microSD as an intermediary:

1. Transfer the photo from your phone to the map (via Explorer or Gallery → Export).
2. Remove the card and paste it into the card reader connected to the iPhone via the Lightning adapter.
3. Open the Files app on your iPhone and copy the files.

🔹 Important nuances:

• 🔄 The card should be formatted in exFAT (not in the form of a new one). FAT32), keep files in place >4GB.
• 📱 On an iPhone, you need a certified adapter to read a microSD (for example, Apple Lightning to). SD Card Reader).

💡

A memory card is the only way to transfer photos without a computer, unless Xiaomi has OTG support or Wi-Fi issues.

7 Specialized programs (Move to iOS, Dr.Fone)

Apple’s Move to iOS app is designed to migrate from Android to iPhone, but only works when you first set up a new iPhone.If the phone is already configured, use alternatives:

• 🛠️ Dr.Fone – Phone Transfer (paid, but with trial period).
• 🛠️ MobileTrans (supported) RAW and HEIC).
• 🛠️ Syncios (free version with a limit of 100 files).

Instructions for Move to iOS (if the iPhone is new):

1. At the iPhone setup stage, select Data Transfer from Android.
2. On Xiaomi, install Move to iOS from Google Play.
3. Enter the code generated on your iPhone and select Photos and Videos.
4. Wait until it is completed (may take up to an hour for 10+GB).

⚠️ Note: Move to iOS does not tolerate:

• Photo from folders other than DCIM/Camera.
• RAW files (they will be missed).
• Media from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).

FAQ: Frequent questions about photo transfer