How to transfer data from iPhone to Xiaomi via computer: 5 proven ways

Why a computer is the best way to transfer data between iOS and Android

Moving from an iPhone to a Xiaomi smartphone is not just about changing the ecosystem, it's also about moving all the data you've accumulated: photos, contacts, messages and apps. Many users try to do it over the air through cloud services or specialized applications, but it often faces limitations in terms of volume, speed or compatibility. Using a computer as an intermediary solves these problems: you get full control over the process, the ability to selectively transfer and minimal risk of data loss.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer data from iPhone to Xiaomi via Windows or Mac, including official tools from Apple and Xiaomi, third-party programs and manual methods. You will learn how to avoid typical errors (for example, format incompatibility or transmission interruption), which file formats are best used for different types of data, and how to check the integrity of transferred information. Particular attention will be paid to transferring encrypted backups of iTunes – this method is often overlooked, although it allows you to save even the history of calls and notes.

Before you start, make sure that your computer has enough free space (at least 20-30 GB is recommended for a full backup), and Xiaomi has the latest version of MIUI installed - this minimizes the risk of conflicts when importing data. If you use a Mac, check the macOS version: macOS 10.7 or later is required to work with Android File Transfer.

Method 1: Transfer to iTunes (for Windows) or Finder (for Mac)

Apple’s official method is suitable for creating a full backup of the iPhone and then extracting the necessary data from it, which is reliable, but requires additional steps to convert formats (for example, the contact database.abbu to.vcf).

On Windows, you’ll need iTunes (download from the official website), on Mac with macOS Catalina and later with a built-in Finder. Connect your iPhone to your computer via the original Lightning cable (using uncertified cables can lead to the error “This accessory is not supported”>).

• 📱 Step 1: Open iTunes (or Finder on Mac) and unlock your iPhone by confirming your computer’s trust.
• 💾 Step 2. In the Overview section, select "Create a copy now." To save passwords and application data, select "Encrypt a backup" (remember to write down your password!).
• 🔍 Step. 3. After completing the reservation, find a folder with a copy: Windows: C:\Users\[Your name]\Apple\MobileSync\Backup\ Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
• 📁 Step 4: Use iMazing or iExplorer (free limited versions) to extract data from the backup to readable formats.

⚠️ Note: If you have selected an encrypted copy but have forgotten your password, it will not be possible to restore it. Apple does not provide tools to reset your password backups.

Make sure there is enough space on your computer|Disable antivirus (can block access to iTunes files)|Use the original Lightning cable|Write the password from the encrypted copy to a secure location-->

Method 2: Using the Xiaomi PC Suite (official tool)

Xiaomi PC Suite is a proprietary software from the manufacturer that makes it easy to transfer data from iOS to Android. The program automatically converts file formats and offers selective transfer (for example, only contacts or only photos). However, it does not work with all iPhone models - check compatibility on the official website.

Download and install Xiaomi PC Suite (available for Windows 7/10/11). Connect both devices to your computer: iPhone via Lightning, and Xiaomi via USB-C. On Xiaomi smartphone, turn on Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to activate developer mode).

• 🔗 Step 1. Launch Xiaomi PC Suite and select "Data Transfer".
• 📱 Step 2. From the source list, select "iOS device" and confirm trust on your iPhone.
• 📋 Step 3. Mark the data types to transfer (contacts, messages, multimedia) and click "Start".
• ⏳ Step 4: Wait until the process is complete (time depends on the amount of data) Xiaomi will receive a notification of successful import.

⚠️ Attention: If Xiaomi PC Suite does not recognize iPhone, update iTunes to the latest version – the program uses Apple drivers to communicate with the device.

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If the transfer is interrupted, don't turn off the devices! restart Xiaomi PC Suite and try again. If you make repeated mistakes, try another one. USB-port.

Method 3: Manually carry through conductor (for photos, videos, and music)

If you only need to transfer multimedia files (photos, videos, music), you can do without third-party programs. This method is the fastest and does not require installing additional software, but is only suitable for files stored in standard iPhone folders (Camera Roll, Downloads, etc.).

On Windows, the iPhone will show up as a regular flash drive in "This Computer," but with limited access - you'll only see the DCIM (photos and videos) and Books folder (if you have downloaded books). On a Mac, use Android File Transfer (for Xiaomi) and Image Capture (for iPhone) to access files.

• 🖥️ Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and unlock it. In the window that appears, select "Trust this computer".
• 📂 Step 2. Open the folder. DCIM iPhone, where you store all the photos and videos. Copy the files on your computer.
• 📱 Step 3: Connect Xiaomi to your computer and drag the copied files to the folder DCIM or Pictures on a smartphone.
• 🔄 Step 4: Disable Xiaomi and check the files in the gallery. If the photos don't show, reboot your phone.

To transfer music, use the Music folder on Xiaomi, but note that files in.m4a format (standard for iTunes) may not play in a standard player. Install the VLC or Poweramp application on Xiaomi to support all audio formats.

Method 4: Transferring contacts through Google Account (universal method)

Syncing your contacts through Google Account is one of the most reliable ways, because data is stored in the cloud and automatically updated on all devices, which is suitable even if you do not have a computer, but with a PC the process is faster and avoids synchronization errors.

On iPhone, go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts → Add an account → Google. Enter your Google account details (if not, sign up) and enable Contact Sync. On Xiaomi, add the same account to Settings → Accounts and Sync.

• ☁️ Step 1. On iPhone, export your contacts to Google Contacts (synchronization can take up to 10 minutes).
• 🔄 Step 2. On your computer, open contacts.google.com and check that all contacts have downloaded.

⚠️ Note: If your iPhone contacts are duplicated (for example, due to sync with iCloud and Google at the same time), combine them before transferring).

Synchronization through Google Account|Export/import of.vcf file|Manual input|Specialized programmes-->

Method 5: Transfer messages and call histories through third-party programs

Messages (SMS/iMessage) and call history are the most difficult to transfer data due to the differences in storage formats of iOS and Android. Standard tools (such as Xiaomi PC Suite) often do not fully transfer them or with errors.

• 📲 iMazing (paid, $40) – supports iMessage export to.csv or.pdf, as well as call history.

Let’s look at the Backuptrans example:

1. Download and install Backuptrans from the official website.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer and wait for the program to read the data.
3. In the "Messages" section, select the messages to transfer (can be filtered by date or contact).
4. Click "Export to Android" and connect Xiaomi (requires to enable Debugging by Android) USB).
5. Wait for the transfer to complete and check the messages in the standard Messages app on Xiaomi.

Important: port iMessage to Android is possible only in the form of a text file - you can not continue correspondence in Messages from Google. To exchange messages between iOS and Android after transfer, use messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram.

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Messages from iMessage are ported to Android only as an archive. Use cross-platform messengers to further exchange messages with iPhone users.

Solving Common Errors in Data Transfer

Even when following instructions, users often face problems: the computer can't see the iPhone, data is not fully transferred or synchronization errors occur, and let's look at the most common cases and ways to solve them.

If none of these methods worked, try an alternative approach:

1. Back up your iPhone in iCloud (Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Backup in iCloud).
2. On Xiaomi, use the Copy My Data app (available on Google Play) to download data from iCloud.
3. Log in to your Apple ID and select data to transfer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer from iPhone to Xiaomi