The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is not just a change of gadget, but a complete migration of digital life. Photos, contacts, messages, apps and even settings – all this must be carefully transferred to avoid losing important data. Many users are wary of this process because of the difference between the iOS ecosystem and the iOS ecosystem. MIUI, But actually, the transfer can be done quickly and without loss.
In this article, we’ll break down 5 working ways to shift data from iPhone to Xiomi – from official tools to workarounds for specific files (such as notes or call history). You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes, what programs to use for different types of data, and what to do if standard methods don't work. FAQ-A block with answers to the most frequent questions about migration.
Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start
Before you start migrating, make sure both devices are ready to go, which will save time and prevent data loss.
On the iPhone:
- 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50% – the process can take up to an hour.
- 🔄 Update iOS to the latest version through Settings → Mainstream → Update of the PO.
- 📱 Free up space: If your iPhone has less than 1GB of free space, delete unnecessary files.
- 🔒 Turn off Find iPhone in Settings → [Your name] → Find it. → Find an iPhone.
On Xiaomi:
- 📱 Make sure the smartphone is new or reset to factory settings (if not, back up your current data).
- 🔌 Connect to stable Wi-Fi – for the transfer of large amounts of data (photos, video) it is critical.
- 📦 Install the latest updates MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi already has a Mi Account but you don’t remember the password, don’t start the transfer. First restore access, otherwise you risk blocking the device after resetting.
Important: On Xiaomi models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro) additional software may be required to work correctly with iCloud files. Check compatibility in advance on the official Mi Mover website.
2. Method 1: Official Mi Mover application (the simplest method)
Mi Mover is a proprietary tool from Xiaomi that automatically transfers most data from the iPhone to the new smartphone.
- 📞 Contacts (including groups and tags)
- 📷 Photo and video (in original resolution)
- 💬 Messages (SMS and iMessage, but no attachments)
- 📅 Calendars and reminders
- 🎵 Music and ringtones (unless protected) DRM)
How to use:
- Download Mi Mover on Xiaomi from Google Play (if it is not in the firmware).
- On your iPhone, install the Move to iOS app from the App Store (yes, it works both ways!).
- On Xiaomi, select Settings → Additionally. → Mi Mover.
- Follow the on-screen instructions: connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network and scan QR-code from Xiaomi on iPhone.
- Select data types to transfer and wait for completion.
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Mover is stuck in the “Data Preparation” phase, check if it is blocking. VPN Or firewalls on your iPhone. Turn them off and try again.
The speed of transmission depends on the amount of data:
| Data volume | Approximate transfer time | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5GB | 10-20 minutes | Use 5GHz Wi-Fi to speed up |
| 5-30 GB | 30-90 minutes | Connect both devices to charging |
| More than 30GB | 1.5-hours--3 hours | Transfer data at night or use a cable |
Charge both devices|Connect to a single Wi-Fi network|Shut down. VPN iPhone|Make room for Xiaomi|Install the latest updates-->
Method 2: Transfer over iCloud (for large amounts of data)
If you have a lot of photos, videos or documents, it is better to use iCloud as an intermediate storage method.
- 📸 All photos and videos from Photos (including Recent and Favorite Photos)
- 📄 Files from Files and Notes
- 📅 Calendars and contacts (if synced with iCloud)
Step-by-step:
- On iPhone go to Settings → [Your name] → iCloud and enable sync for the data you need (e.g. Photos, Contacts).
- Wait for the download to be completed in iCloud (check in Settings) → [Your name] → iCloud → Storage management).
- On Xiaomi, open your browser and go to iCloud.com, log in with Apple data ID.
- Select the files you need and download them to your device (for example, photos can be downloaded from the archive).
- Unpack the archives and transfer the files to the appropriate folders (DCIM For photos, Downloads for documents).
For contacts and calendars:
- 📇 Export contacts from iCloud in.vcf format (on iCloud, select Contacts) → ⚙️ → Export vCard).
- 📅 Export calendars to.ics through Calendar → Common → Export the calendar.
- On Xiaomi, import files through Contacts → ⋮ → Imports/Exports → File-based import.
⚠️ Note: If you have two-factor authentication on Apple ID, To log in to iCloud.com with Xiaomi, you will need to generate the application code in the account security settings.
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If you have a slow Internet connection, download data from iCloud piece by piece, like photos from 2023, then photos from 2022, etc. This will reduce the risk of a connection breakdown.
Method 3: Using cable and PC (for tech-savvy)
If you prefer a wired connection or you don't have stable Wi-Fi, you can transfer data over a computer.
- 🎬 Big video files (4K, Slow Motion)
- 🎮 Game saving (if stored locally)
- 📂 Any user files (PDF, ZIP, APK)
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows or Mac
- ⚡ Lightning Cable (for iPhone) and USB-C/Type-C (Xiaomi)
- 📁 Programs: iTunes (for Windows) or Android File Transfer (for Mac)
Instructions:
- Connect your iPhone to your PC and unlock it. In the question "Should you trust this computer?", choose Trust.
- Open Windows or Finder (Mac) and find the folder with your iPhone data (usually Internal Storage). → DCIM photo).
- Copy the desired files to your computer (for example, in a folder). D:\iPhone_Backup).
- Connect Xiaomi to PC in File Transfer mode (in the notification curtain, select) USB file transfer).
- Transfer files from your PC to Xiaomi to the appropriate folders: DCIM/ Camera – for photo and video Downloads – for music documents – for audio files
To transfer contacts and messages via PC:
- 📇 Use iTunes to export contacts: Device → Information → Synchronize contacts with → Google Contacts.
- 💬 For messages, install iMazing or AnyTrans (paid programs, but with a trial period).
How do you move the game saves?
5. Method 4: Transfer applications and their data
Unfortunately, it is not possible to directly migrate installed applications from iOS to Android due to the difference in architecture.
- 📥 Install analogues of applications from Google Play.
- 🔄 Transfer application data (for example, progress in games or settings messengers).
- 💳 Link the same accounts (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Spotify).
How to transfer data from popular applications:
| Annex | Mode of transfer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Backup copy in iCloud → Recovery from Xiaomi via Google Drive | The same phone number is required. | |
| Telegram | Authorization by number → data are synchronized automatically | Media files need to be re-downloaded |
| Spotify | Log in to the same account → Playlists and saved tracks will be downloaded | Offline tracks will have to be downloaded again |
| Google Authenticator | Transportation through exports/imports QR-codes (in the application settings) | Do it before you drop your iPhone! |
To transfer game saves:
- 🎮 If the game supports Google Play Games or Facebook, sign in to Xiaomi.
- 🖥️ For local saves (such as Minecraft or Stardew Valley), copy files via PC (see spoiler above).
⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. banking) may require re-authorization on a new device. ID Touch. ID.
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Most cross-platform applications (messengers, social networks, streaming services) transfer data through the cloud, the main thing is to use the same account to log in.
Method 5: Alternative programs (for specific data)
If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities, which are paid, but often offer advanced features:
For full transfer (including messages and call history):
- 📱 MobileTrans (from Wondershare) - carries SMS, MMS, call log, apps.
- 📱 Dr.Fone – Phone Transfer – Supports WhatsApp, Viber, Kik.
- 📱 Syncios is a free version with limitations, but it is suitable for contacts and media files.
For the transfer of notes and documents:
- 📝 Apple Notes → export notes to PDF Files on iPhone, then transfer to Xiaomi.
- 📝 For Google Keep or Evernote, just log in to your new device.
For the transfer of music:
- 🎵 If you buy music from iTunes, use Apple Music on Android.
- 🎵 For local tracks, copy them via PC (see Method 3).
Example of working with MobileTrans:
- Install the program on your PC and connect both phones.
- Select Phone Transfer Mode → Phone to Phone.
- Specify the iPhone as the source, Xiaomi as the receiver.
- Check the data types and click Start.
⚠️ Note: Before using third-party software, check reviews from the past 6 months. Some utilities (e.g. Shareit) may contain advertising software.
7.What to do after the transfer: setup Xiaomi
When the data is transferred, it remains to optimize the work of the new smartphone:
Account settings:
- 📧 Add a Google account to your Settings → Accounts and synchronization.
- 🔑 Link Mi Account to Xiaomi Cloud and features like Find Your Device.
- 🎵 Sign in to streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Premium).
Storage optimization:
- 📁 Moving photos and videos can take up a lot of space. Use the gallery. → Albums. → Optimizing storage for compression.
- 🗑️ Remove duplicate files with Files by Google or CCleaner.
Personalization:
- 🎨 Install wallpaper and themes through Themes (preinstalled app).
- 🔊 Customize the sound: Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality (turn on Hi-Res audio for headphones).
- 🔒 Set up face unlock or fingerprint in Settings → Password and security.
Checking the transferred data:
- 📞 Open Contacts and make sure all numbers are in place.
- 📷 Check the Gallery for all photos and videos (especially Favorites and Hidden Albums).
- 💬 Run messengers and check the history of messages.
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After transferring the data, reset the cache to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Clear the cache, it'll speed up the system.
8. Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with a careful transfer, there can be difficulties, and here are the most common ways to eliminate them:
Problem 1: Mi Mover doesn't see iPhone
- 🔄 Reboot both devices.
- 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (e.g., a mobile access point).
- 🔌 Try using the cable connection via Lightning-to-USB-C adapter.
Problem 2: Photos moved but not displayed in Gallery
- 🔍 Check the folder. DCIM through the Explorer (File appendix).
- 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes MIUI Not immediately indexing new files.
- 📁 Move files to Pictures or Downloads folder.
Problem 3: Messages from iMessage are not transferred
- 💬 iMessage messages are not carried in standard ways. Use iMazing or Dr.Fone.
- 📱 Alternative: Take screenshots of important correspondence and save them as photos.
Problem 4: Apps are not installed from Google Play
- 📱 Check the region of your Google account (some apps are not available in certain countries).
- 🔄 Clear the Google Play cache in Settings → Annexes → Google Play Store → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 📲 Install. APK-manual files (e.g. via APKMirror) if the application is critical.
Problem 5: Fast battery discharge after transfer
- 🔋 Turn off synchronization of unnecessary accounts in Settings → Accounts and synchronization.
- 📴 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Battery mode.
- 🔄 Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
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If after the transfer Xiaomi began to slow down, check the use of memory in Settings → The phone. → Memory. It might be indexing the files that have been transferred -- wait 1-2 hours.