The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is not only about changing the ecosystem, but also the need to transfer all the important data: contacts, photos, videos, notes and even message history. Many users fear this process, considering it difficult or risky. In fact, there are several proven ways to transfer information between iOS and MIUI devices, each of which is suitable for different types of data and levels of technical training.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for data transfer, from standard tools from Apple and Xiaomi to third-party applications that can cope with the task even without a computer. You will learn how to preserve the quality of photos, not lose the history of chats in instant messengers and avoid typical synchronization errors.
Important: the transfer process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of data and the method chosen, and we recommend that you prepare both devices in advance: charge them at least 50%, connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (if required), and free up enough space on Xiaomi for new files.
1.Official way: Mi Mover app from Xiaomi
The most reliable and recommended method by the manufacturer is the use of the proprietary Mi Mover tool, which is pre-installed on all modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 9) and allows you to transfer most types of data directly over the wireless network, the main advantage is the support for transferring SMS history, call logs and even some system settings, which are not offered by third-party solutions.
How it works:
- 📱 Make sure that the latest version of iOS is installed on the iPhone (at least iOS 9.0). MIUI 9 or newer.
- 🔗 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (or create an access point on Xiaomi).
- 📲 On Xiaomi, open Settings → The phone. → Data Transfer (Mi Mover).
- 🍎 On your iPhone, scan it. QR-code that appears on the Xiaomi screen, or enter PIN-manually.
Once connected, you can choose which data to transfer. Here's what Mi Mover supports:
| Type of data | Is it supported? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | ✅ Yes. | Transferred in full, including profile photos |
| Photographs and videos | ✅ Yes. | No loss of quality, but large files can be transferred for longer |
| SMS and MMS | ✅ Yes. | Including attachments (photos, videos) |
| Call magazine | ✅ Yes. | History of the last 6 months is preserved |
| Annexes | ❌ No. | Only links to apps are transferred to Google Play |
⚠️ Note: If the iPhone enabled the function of Optimization of storage photos (Settings) → Photos, some originals can be stored in iCloud. Before transferring them to the device: go to Photos → Albums. → Recently deleted and make sure all files are available offline.
Charge both devices at least 50% | Connect to the same Wi-Fi | Free up space on Xiaomi (at least 20% of the data portable) | Disable VPN on both devices | Check that the iPhone is disabled mode "Do not disturb"
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2.Moving over iCloud: Cloud Bridge between Ecosystems
If you already have a backup in iCloud, you can use it to migrate data to Xiaomi, a method that is particularly convenient for contacts, calendars and photos, but has limitations: for example, message history and some system settings are not portable, but you do not need to install additional applications — standard tools from Apple and Google are enough.
Step-by-step:
- On iPhone, go to Settings → [Your name] → iCloud and make sure that sync is enabled for the data you want (contacts, photos, notes, etc.).
- On your computer, open your browser and log in to iCloud.com under your Apple ID account.
- Export data: 📇 Contacts: Open the Contacts section, highlight everything (or what you need) and click on the gear → Export vCard. 📅 Calendars: In the Calendar section, select the calendar you want. → gear → Export. 📷 Photos: Select the required files → Click on the cloud with the arrow down (download archive).
Xiaomi
- 📎 Contacts (.vcf) and calendars (.ics) can be imported through Google Contacts or Google Calendar.
- 🖼️ Upload photos and videos to Google Photos or simply copy them to your device memory.
For calendars and notes, the process is similar, but with some nuances:
- 📅 Calendars: When you add Google Account to your iPhone, turn on sync for Calendars. on Xiaomi, they will appear in the Google Calendar app.
- 📝 Notes: Apple Notes don't sync directly to Google Keep. To move notes, export them to Google Keep PDF Files on iPhone and upload to Xiaomi.