Transferring data from Xiaomi to iPhone 13: 5 proven ways (2026)

The transition from Xiaomi to iPhone 13 is not only about changing the ecosystem, but also the need to transfer all the important data: contacts, photos, messages and even apps. Many users face problems when migrating due to the difference in operating systems (MIUI vs. iOS), but in fact the process can be made quick and painless.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer data, from the official Move to iOS app to manual methods using cloud services and a computer. Why some messages from Mi Messages may not be transferred, how to save your call history, and what to do if your iPhone does not see Xiaomi over Wi-Fi. FAQ error-response.

Regardless of your Xiaomi model (whether it’s Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11), the instructions below will work for any version of MIUI (including MIUI 14/15) and iOS 16/17 on the iPhone 13.

1. Preparation of devices before data perenosom

Before you start transferring, you need to follow several critical steps on both devices, and skipping either of them can cause crashes or loss of data.

On Xiaomi:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50% – the process can take up to 1 hour.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (mobile Internet will not work).
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Cash.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

On the iPhone 13:

• 📱 Reset to factory settings (if the phone is new, skip this step). → Mainstream → Removing or resetting iPhone → Erase content and settings.
• 🔌 Connect the charger – iPhone will not allow you to start transfer with a discharge below 20%.
• 🌐 Make sure the latest version of iOS is installed on the device.

⚠️ Note: If you already have data on the iPhone 13 (like you’ve been using it for a while), Move to iOS won’t work.

Charge both phones | Connect to Wi-Fi | Update MIUI and iOS |Reset iPhone (if not new) | Clear cache on Xiaomi-->

2. Method 1: Official Move to iOS app

The easiest and most recommended way for Apple is to use the Move to iOS app, which is free and available on Google Play, and the main advantage is to transfer most data without a computer, including:

• 📞 Contacts (including groups and contact notes).
• 📷 Photo and video (in original quality).
• 💬 Communications (SMS/MMS, But not messages from Mi Messages or Telegram).
• 📅 Calendars and reminders.
• 🎵 Music and books (if not protected) DRM).

Step-by-step:

1. On iPhone 13, when you first turn on, select Set up manually → Transfer data from Android.
2. On Xiaomi, install Move to iOS from Google Play and open it.
3. The iPhone will have a 6- or 10-digit code, type it into Xiaomi.
4. Select the data to transfer and wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If the transfer is interrupted, don’t run it again — wait for the error on the iPhone and start the process again. Re-start Move to iOS on Xiaomi without resetting the iPhone will lead to data duplication.

What will not go through Move to iOS:

• 📱 Applications (only their icons, the programs themselves will have to be installed from the App Store).
• 🔒 Passwords from Mi Account or Google Smart Lock.
• 📊 Screen settings, wallpaper, widgets.

Method 2: Transfer over Google Drive (for contacts, photos, calendars)

If Move to iOS doesn’t work or you want to transfer only individual data (like just contacts or photos), you can use Google Drive. This method is universal and works even after you have set up your iPhone.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Enable backup for: 📞 Contacts (synchronization with Google Contacts). 📅 Calendars (synchronization with Google Calendar). 📷 Photos and videos (via Google Photos).

Google Drive

Instructions for iPhone 13:

1. Go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts → Add an account → Google.
2. Enter your Google account details.
3. Enable synchronization for Contacts, Calendars and Notes.
4. To transfer photos, install the Google Photos app from the App Store and log in to the same account.

⚠️ Note: If you used Mi Cloud to back up your contacts, export them to Google Contacts first via mi.com, otherwise they won’t sync with your iPhone.

4. Method 3: Computer-assisted transfer (iTunes/Finder third-party)

If you have a Mac or PC, you can transfer data over a wired connection, which is suitable for large amounts of data (for example, 100+ GB photos) or if Wi-Fi is unstable.

Option 1: via iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac)

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable and copy the necessary files (photos, videos, music) to the folder on the PC.
2. Connect your iPhone 13 and open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
3. Select your iPhone from the device list and go to the Files section.
4. Move the files to the appropriate folders (for example, a photo in DCIM).

Option 2: AnyTrans or iMazing (paid programs)

• 🖥️ AnyTrans allows you to transfer: 📞 Contacts, messages, call logs. 📱 Annexes (APK It will not be transferred, but some programs will be stored). 🎮 Save games (e.g. from Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).
• 🔄 iMazing specializes in backups and data recovery.

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If you’re porting music, look for formats: iPhone doesn’t support.flac or.ape. Convert files to.mp3 or.aac via iTunes or Audacity.

5. Method 4: Manual transfer via messengers and mail

Some data is easier to manually transfer, especially if there are few data points, and this method is suitable for:

• 📎 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel – send it to your mail or via Telegram Saved Messages.
• 📌 Notes – export from Mi Notes to.txt and import into Apple Notes.
• 💬 Messages from instant messengers: WhatsApp: back up in Google Drive, then restore to iPhone. Telegram: all chats are synced through the cloud automatically. Viber: use the account transfer function in the settings.

How to transfer WhatsApp from Xiaomi to iPhone:

1. On Xiaomi, open WhatsApp → ⚙️ Settings → chat → Backup copy.
2. Create a backup in Google Drive.
3. Install WhatsApp on your iPhone and log in to the same account.
4. When requested, restore chats from Google Drive.

⚠️ Note: WhatsApp backups in Google Drive are not compatible with iCloud. If you have already backupd iCloud on your iPhone, you can’t recover data from Google Drive, you have to choose one source.

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Use Google Password Manager or 1Password to transfer passwords. iCloud Keychain’s built-in password manager does not automatically import data from Mi Account or Google Smart Lock.

Method 5: Transfer through SIM-map (contact only)

The oldest, but still working way is to transfer contacts through the Internet. SIM-This is good if you have few contacts (up to 250) and no Internet access.

Instructions:

1. On Xiaomi go to Contacts → ⚙️ Settings → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM-map.
2. Choose contacts for export (all possible) and wait until the end.
3. Extract. SIM-Map and paste it into the iPhone 13.
4. On iPhone, go to Settings → Contacts → Import contacts with SIM.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Only name and number are transferred (without photo, email, addresses).
• ❌ Contacts with multiple numbers do not work.
• ❌ Maximum of 250 contacts (depending on the number of contacts) SIM-map).

This method is convenient in extreme cases, but for a full transfer it is better to use other methods.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

• 🔌 Move to iOS doesn't see Xiaomi: Check that both phones are connected to the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network VPN and power saving mode on Xiaomi.

If none of these methods worked, try alternative programs:

• 🖥️ Syncios – a free utility for transferring data between Android and iOS.
• 🔄 MobileTrans – paid software with support for 20+ type.

8. What to do after the data transfer?

After a successful transfer, follow a few steps to make the iPhone 13 work optimally:

• 🔒 Set up Face. ID/Touch ID: Go to Settings. → Face ID and password.
• 📱 Update apps: Open the App Store → Account. → Update everything.
• 🔋 Optimize the battery: turn on the settings → Battery. → Battery health.
• 📡 Set up iCloud: Go to Settings → [Your name] → iCloud and enable synchronization for the data you need.

We also recommend:

• 🎵 Transfer music from Mi Music to Apple Music or Spotify.
• 📺 Set up Apple TV+, If you have used Mi Video.
• 📱 Install analogues of familiar applications (for example, Xiaomi Home) → Apple HomeKit).

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After the transfer, check your privacy settings on your iPhone: Many apps (such as WhatsApp or Instagram) will request access to your contacts, photos, and microphone again.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions