How to transfer data from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways 2026

Switching from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi smartphone 9 β€” It's not just about changing the operating system, it's about moving all the important data -- contacts, photos, messages and apps -- and many people fear this process, because it's complicated or risky. 30-40 minutes, and all data remain intact and secure.

The main problem is that iOS and Android use different storage formats, such as iCloud backups not compatible with Google Account and photos in the format of storage. HEIC It will not open on most Xiaomi devices without converting, but manufacturers have provided several official and alternative migration methods, which we will discuss in detail below.

In this article you will find:

  • πŸ”Ή 5 proven methods of data transfer (including wireless and wired)
  • πŸ”Ή Step-by-step instructions with screenshots and explanations for Redmi 9
  • πŸ”Ή Common errors and how to avoid them (for example, why notes or call history are not transferred)
  • πŸ”Ή Xiaomi Optimization Tips After Switching From iPhone

If you have already started the transfer process and are faced with difficulties, use the section. FAQ At the end of the article, where the answers to typical questions are collected.

1.Preparation for the transfer: what to do on the iPhone

Before you start migrating, you need to prepare your iPhone to save time and prevent data loss. Start by checking the space: if your device has less than 10% of memory, some porting methods may not work properly.

Mandatory steps:

  • πŸ“± Update iOS to the latest version (check in Settings) β†’ Mainstream β†’ Update of software: Older versions may not support modern data protocols.
  • πŸ”’ Turn off Find My iPhone (in Settings) β†’ Apple ID β†’ Find iPhone. Without that, you can't back up your iTunes.
  • πŸ“ Backup to iCloud or to your computer (via iTunes/Finder). It's crash insurance.
  • πŸ”„ Convert photos from HEIC into JPEG, If you're planning to move them over the cable, you can do that in Settings. β†’ Select Automatically instead of High Performance.

⚠️ Note: If you use two-factor authentication for Apple ID, Make sure you have access to a trusted device or phone number. When transferring some data (such as passwords from iCloud Keychain), confirmation may be required.

To speed up the process, prepare in advance:

  • πŸ”Œ Lightning-to-USB-C cable (if you use wired method) The original cable from Apple is preferable - cheap analogues may not support data transfer.
  • πŸ’» Computer with iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) if you plan to transfer data over backup.
  • πŸ“Ά Stable Wi-Fi connection (for wireless methods) download/unload speed should be at least 5 Mbps.

Update iOS to the latest version

Turn off Find My iPhone

Backup to iCloud or PC

convert HEIC-photo JPEG (if necessary)

Prepare a Lightning-to-USB-C cable or computer-->

The easiest and most reliable method is to use the official application β€œMove to iOS” (Move to iOS in the opposite direction is not suitable!), This method is supported by Xiaomi and allows you to transfer:

  • πŸ“ž Contacts
  • πŸ“· Photos and videos (up to 25 GB)
  • πŸ’¬ Communications (SMS/MMS, Not iMessage)
  • 🎡 Music and ringtones (without) DRM)
  • πŸ“… Calendars
  • πŸ“ Safari bookmarks

Step-by-step:

  1. On Xiaomi Redmi 9 go to Settings β†’ Google β†’ Backup and disable automatic recovery (if enabled).
  2. Download the β€œSwitch to Android” app from the App Store to your iPhone.
  3. On Redmi 9, select Data Import when you first turn on. If the phone is already configured, reset it to factory settings (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting settings).
  4. On iPhone, open the app, select Start and scan QR-code that will appear on Xiaomi.
  5. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (created automatically).
  6. Select the data to transfer and wait for the process to be completed (can take up to 1 hour depending on the volume).

⚠️ Attention: If the transfer is interrupted, start over again. Partially copied data may be duplicated or corrupted. Also make sure that Redmi 9 has enough space - the application creates a temporary folder with data.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… Wireless transfer without a computer.
  • βœ… The structure of folders with photos is preserved.
  • βœ… Supported by most Xiaomi models (including the Redmi 9).

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Applications are not portable (only their data if installed on Android).
  • ❌ iMessage and FaceTime are not synced.
  • ❌ You will need to reconfigure your email accounts and some system settings.

Wireless (via the annex)

Wire (via cable)

Through the computer (iTunes/Google Drive)

Manual transfer (single-handed)

I haven't decided yet.-->

3. Method 2: Transfer via cable (USB-OTG)

If you don’t have Wi-Fi access or data is more than 25GB, use the wired method using a Lightning-to-USB-C cable and adapter. USB-OTG. This method is faster than wireless and is suitable for transferring large files (for example, video to the Internet). 4K).

What you need:

  • πŸ”Œ Apple's original Lightning cable.
  • πŸ”— adapter USB-C to USB-A OTG (for Redmi 9).
  • πŸ’» The Explorer app on Xiaomi (already preinstalled).

Instructions:

  1. Connect iPhone to Redmi 9 via adapter OTG. On the iPhone will appear the request Trust this computer? – click Trust.
  2. On Xiaomi, open the β€œConductor” and select USB-side-menu.
  3. Go to the file. DCIM (Photo/video) or Contacts (if you exported contacts to.vcf).
  4. Copy files into internal memory or SD-Redmi 9 map.
Type of dataWhere is stored on the iPhoneWhere to copy on Redmi 9
Photos/videoDCIM β†’ 100APPLEInternal Memory β†’ DCIM β†’ Camera
ContactsExport to.vcf via iCloudInternal Memory β†’ Download
Music.Mediatheque β†’ Music (without music) DRM)Internal memory. β†’ Music
DocumentsFiles. β†’ On my iPhone.Internal Memory β†’ Documents

Important: Files in format HEIC It will not open on Xiaomi without additional apps. HEIF Viewer from Google Play or convert them in advance via Photos on iPhone (click Select) β†’ Export β†’ JPEG).

⚠️ Warning: Don't turn off the cable while copying - this can damage files.If Xiaomi can't see the iPhone, try another adapter OTG or restart both devices.

πŸ’‘

If photos are displayed sideways after transfer, use the Google Photos app to automatically rotate. upload the images to the cloud, then download them back to Redmi 9.

4. Method 3: Transfer via iCloud and Google Account

If you use iCloud regularly, you can sync your basic data with your Google Account and then restore it to Xiaomi Redmi 9.

How to transfer contacts:

  1. On iPhone go to Settings β†’ Apple ID β†’ iCloud and Enable Contacts.
  2. Open iCloud.com on your computer, log in to your account and export your contacts to the.vcf file (cog icon) β†’ Export vCard).
  3. On Redmi 9, import the file through Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Imports/Exports β†’ File-based import.

How to transfer photos:

  • πŸ“€ Upload photos from iCloud to your computer (via iCloud.com or iCloud for Windows).
  • πŸ“₯ Upload them to Google Photos (via the web version or mobile app).
  • πŸ”„ On Redmi 9, enable autosynchronization in Settings β†’ Google β†’ Backup β†’ Google Photo.

For calendars and notes:

  • πŸ“… Calendars: Export from iCloud to.ics and import to Google Calendar.
  • πŸ“ Notes: Use the Apple Notes Exporter app (available in the App Store) to convert to.pdf or.txt.

⚠️ Note: If you have two-factor authentication enabled in iCloud, you may need a hardware key or confirmation code to export data. β†’ Apple ID β†’ Password and security.

What if Google Photos doesn’t upload videos?
If the video is in format MOV or HEVC Do not upload photos to Google, convert them to MP4 Using the Video Converter app (available from the App Store).The alternative is to upload files to Google Drive and then open them through the Gallery on Xiaomi.

5. Method 4: Transfer over a computer (iTunes) + Xiaomi PC Suite)

For users who prefer complete control of the process, a computer-based method is suitable, allowing you to transfer almost all data, including music, books, and some application settings.

What you need:

  • πŸ’» Computer with iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS).
  • πŸ”Œ Cables for connecting iPhone and Redmi 9.
  • πŸ“¦ Xiaomi Program PC Suite (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

  1. Create a backup of your iPhone in iTunes/Finder (encrypted if you need to save passwords).
  2. Install Xiaomi. PC Connect Redmi 9 to your computer.
  3. In the program, select Backup. β†’ Restore and specify the path to the backup file of the iPhone (it has the extension.ipsw or.backup).
  4. Select data for transfer (contacts, messages, media files) and wait for completion.

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ Not all data can be transferred (for example, call history or iOS settings).
  • ❌ Music with DRM (purchased from the iTunes Store, not copied.
  • ❌ The process can take several hours with a large amount of data.

Alternative transfer programs:

  • πŸ”Ή iMazing (paid but supports more formats).
  • πŸ”Ή Syncios (Free version with limitations).
  • πŸ”Ή Dr.Fone – Phone Transfer (plagiaristic but simple interface).

πŸ’‘

Use the official software (iTunes and Xiaomi) PC Suite) for minimal risk of data loss: third-party programs may contain advertisements or malicious code.

Method 5: Manual transfer of individual data types

If you only need to transfer certain data (like just photos or messages), you can do it manually, which takes longer, but gives you complete control over the process.

Portability of photos and videos:

  • πŸ“€ Use Google Photos: Install the app on your iPhone, enable autoload, then log in to the same account on Redmi 9.
  • πŸ“€ Alternative: Upload files to Cloud Mail.ru, Yandex Drive or Dropbox, and then download them to Xiaomi.

Transfer of contacts:

  • πŸ“‡ Export contacts from iCloud to.vcf and send the file to your email or via Telegram.
  • πŸ“‡ On Redmi 9, open the file via Contacts or Gmail.

Message transfer (SMS/MMS):

  • πŸ’¬ Use the app. iSMS2droid (It converts the iTunes backup to an Android-readable format.
  • πŸ’¬ Alternative: Take screenshots of important correspondence and save them to Google Keep.

Portability of annexes:

  • πŸ“± Most popular apps (WhatsApp, Instagram, Spotify) are available on Android. Install them again from Google Play.
  • πŸ“± To transfer application data (for example, save in games), use social media accounts or cloud services (for example, Facebook for Candy Crush).

Transfer of notes:

  • πŸ“ If you’ve used Apple Notes, export them to.pdf via Share β†’ Seal. β†’ Save it in the Files.
  • πŸ“ Alternative: copy the text of notes in Google Keep or Microsoft OneNote.

πŸ’‘

To transfer passwords from iCloud Keychain, use the Bitwarden password manager or 1Password. Export passwords from Safari to.csv and import them to a new app.

7.Setup Xiaomi Redmi 9 after data transfer

After the data transfer is successful, Redmi 9 should be optimized for a more comfortable experience, and here are the key settings to check:

Accounts and synchronization:

  • πŸ”„ Go to Settings. β†’ Accounts and sync and add all the services used (Google, Microsoft, Facebook, etc.).
  • πŸ”„ Enable automatic sync for Contacts, Calendar and Google Photos.

Safety:

  • πŸ”’ Set up the unlock by fingerprint (Settings) β†’ Password and security β†’ Fingerprint).
  • πŸ”’ Enable Smart Lock to automatically unlock in secure locations (such as at home).
  • πŸ”’ Install Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator for two-factor authentication.

3. Performance optimization:

  • ⚑ Enable Performance Mode (Settings) β†’ Special facilities β†’ Performance mode).
  • ⚑ Turn off animation to speed up the interface: activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI in About Phone), then in Developer Settings, install Windows Animation = 0.5x.

Personalization:

  • 🎨 Set a theme from the theme (GetApps) β†’ Topics).
  • 🎨 Set up Always On Display (Settings) β†’ Screen. β†’ Always On Display).
  • 🎨 Change the order of the icons on the desktop: press your finger on the screen β†’ Screen settings.

Savings in battery charge:

  • πŸ”‹ Enable Ultra-Saving Mode (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Savings regime).
  • πŸ”‹ Turn off background activity for unnecessary applications (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions β†’ Auto Run).
  • πŸ”‹ Adaptive brightness (Settings) β†’ Screen. β†’ Adaptive brightness).

After setting up, check the main functions:

  • πŸ“ž Phone calls (especially if you have a history).
  • πŸ“§ Mail and notification.
  • 🎡 Music and video playback.
  • πŸ“· Camera and gallery.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Contacts are not tolerated.Contacts saved in the account SIM-Maps, not iCloudExport contacts with SIM on the iPhone, then repeat the transfer
Photos don't open on XiaomiHEIC format is not supportedConvert to JPEG on an iPhone or install HEIF Viewer on Android
The β€œSwitch to Android” app doesn’t find XiaomiDevices connected to different Wi-Fi networksReboot both devices and reconnect
No messages from iMessage are transferrediMessage is tied to Apple ID It does not sync with Android.Turn off iMessage in Settings β†’ Messages and use SMS/MMS
Xiaomi doesn’t see iPhones through cableUnoriginal cable or adapter OTGTry another cable or connect via a computer

If none of these methods worked, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reset Redmi 9 to factory settings and repeat the transfer.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware on Xiaomi to the latest version (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).
  • πŸ”„ Contact Xiaomi Support via the official website or chat in Mi Community.

πŸ’‘

If some data is missing after transfer to Xiaomi, check the folder MIUI β†’ Backup β†’ AllBackup is in internal memory.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

πŸ”Ή Can I transfer applications from iPhone to Xiaomi?
Direct app portability is not possible because of different operating systems. However, you can: Install Android versions of apps from Google Play (most popular services are on both platforms); migrate application data (for example, save in games) through cloud services or social media accounts; Use iOS emulators (for example, iEMU), but they work unstable.
πŸ”Ή Why are photos displayed sideways after transferring?
This is because iPhone and Android handle orientation metadata differently (EXIF). Solutions: Use Google Photos, which automatically rotates your photos when you upload. Install the Rotate Image Fix app from Google Play. Manually rotate your photos in the standard Xiaomi Gallery.
πŸ”Ή How to transfer music from Apple Music to Xiaomi?
Music purchased or downloaded through Apple Music is protected DRM It's not directly copied: 🎡 If you have purchased tracks, find them at the Mediatheque. β†’ Buy and upload to your computer via iTunes, then transfer to Xiaomi. 🎡 For tracks from Apple Music: record them on another medium