How to transfer data from Xiaomi to iPhone 7: 5 proven ways

The transition from Xiaomi to iPhone 7 is not only about changing the ecosystem, but also about transferring all the data we have accumulated: photos, contacts, messages, and even notes, which many users fear because of the risk of losing information or compatibility issues, but moving data between Android and iOS in 2026 has become easier thanks to official tools and third-party solutions.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working migrations, including using the Move to iOS app, cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud), manual transfer over the computer, and even specialized backup programs.

It is important to consider that the iPhone 7 (released in 2016) has restrictions on the iOS version - the most available version to date depends on the modification (iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus).This affects compatibility with some portability methods, such as Move to iOS, which requires iOS 15.5 or later. If your iPhone 7 has not been updated for a long time, first check the current version in Settings → General → About this device.

It's also worth evaluating the amount of data you're carrying in advance, and if you're using Xiaomi over 32 GB (the base memory of the iPhone 7), you'll either have to clear the space or use cloud services for temporary storage, and in the table below, you'll see a comparison of methods for speed and reliability.

1.Preparation for the transfer: what to do on Xiaomi and iPhone 7

Before you start migrating, make sure to follow a few steps on both devices, which will prevent data loss and speed up the process.

On Xiaomi:

1. Update your firmware to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update). This is important for compatibility with Move to iOS.
2. Clear cache and unnecessary files (use the built-in Security or Cleanup app).
3. Check the space available – a backup will require at least 10-15% of the amount of data occupied.

On the iPhone 7:

• 🔄 Reset the device to factory settings (Settings) → Mainstream → Reset → Erase content and settings. This is necessary for Move to iOS to work properly.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to minimum. 50% — transference process may take 1-2 hour.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (preferably 5 GHz to speed up transmissions).

⚠️ Note: If you already have data on your iPhone 7, you will have to delete it before transferring it. Backup to iCloud or on your computer via iTunes (macOS) / Finder (Windows).

Pay special attention to account authorization. On Xiaomi, untie the device from the Mi Account (if you plan to sell a phone), and on iPhone 7, create an Apple ID in advance if you don't already have one. Without it, you can't use iCloud, the App Store, or other Apple services.

2. Method 1: Move to iOS – Apple’s Official Solution

Move to iOS is an Apple app that automatically transfers contacts, messages, photos, videos, email accounts, calendars, and even some Android settings to the iPhone. It only works when you first set up the iPhone 7, so you need to use it right after you reset.

Step-by-step:

1. On iPhone 7, when you first turn on, select Set up manually → Transfer data from Android.
2. On Xiaomi, download Move to iOS from Google Play and open it.
3. On the iPhone will appear code of 6-10 digits – enter it on Xiaomi.
4. Select data to transfer (you can mark everything or select individual categories).
5. Wait until it's done. Time depends on the amount of data and the speed of Wi-Fi.

What's transferable:

• 📞 Contacts (including contact groups and photos).
• 💬 Communications (SMS and MMS, But not messages from messengers like WhatsApp).
• 📷 Photos and videos (in original resolution, but without albums).
• 📅 Calendars and reminders.
• 📧 Email (account settings, but not the emails themselves).
• 🎵 Bookmarks from the browser (Chrome only).

What's NOT tolerable:

• ❌ Apps (only list to download from the App Store).
• ❌ Music and audio files (except iTunes purchases).
• ❌ Wi-Fi settings and passwords.
• ❌ Data from some Chinese apps (e.g. WeChat).

⚠️ Note: If the iPhone 7 is under 15.5, Move to iOS may not work.Update the device via Settings → Mainstream → Update the software or use alternative methods.

Reset iPhone 7 to factory settings|Download Move to iOS on Xiaomi|Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network|Charge both phones to a minimum of 50%|Free up space on the iPhone (minimum) 2x portability)-->

3. Method 2: Transfer through Google Account (contacts, calendars, mail)

If Move to iOS is not suitable (for example, because of an older version of iOS), you can transfer basic data through a Google Account.This method works for contacts, calendars, mail and notes, but is not suitable for photos, videos or messages.

Instructions:

1. On Xiaomi, open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Make sure that sync is enabled for Contacts, Calendar and Gmail.
3. On iPhone 7, go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts → Add an account → Google.
4. Enter your Google Account details and enable sync for the desired categories.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Fast (data synced in minutes).
• 🔄 Automatic update (changes on one device will affect another).
• 🆓 Free of charge (no additional programs required).

Limitations:

• ❌ No photos, videos, messages and applications are transferred.
• ❌ Possible problems with Cyrillic contacts (check the encoding).
• ❌ On iPhone 7, Google contacts will be displayed separately from iCloud.

💡

If contacts are not synced, check the time and date settings on both devices – they should match real time. Also try to disable and enable sync again in your Google Account.

4. Method 3: Porting Photos and Videos to Google Photos or iCloud

Photos and videos usually take up the most space, so it’s better to use cloud services to migrate them. Consider two options: Google Photos and iCloud.

Option 1: Google Photo

1. On Xiaomi, set up Google Photos and log in to your account.
2. Enable autoboot: Photo → Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
3. Wait until the download is complete (you can speed up the process by connecting to Wi-Fi).
4. On iPhone 7, install Google Photos from the App Store and download the necessary files.

Option 2: iCloud

1. On Xiaomi, upload a photo to iCloud via your browser (icloud.com).
2. Use the upload photo function in the Photos section.
3. On iPhone 7, enable sync: Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Photos → iCloud Photos.

Comparison of methods:

If you have more than 15GB of photos, consider buying an extra space on Google One (from 139 GB). ₽/100GB per month or iCloud+ (59 ₽/50GB per month, alternatively, transfer via computer (see next section).

5. Method 4: Manual transfer via computer (Windows/Mac)

If cloud services are not suitable (for example, due to slow Internet or a lot of data), you can use the computer as an intermediary, which is universal and works even on iPhone 7 with any version of iOS.

Step 1: Copy data from Xiaomi to your computer

• Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable.
• Select file transfer mode (File transfer or MTP in notification curtain).
• Copy the folders you need (DCIM for photos, Downloads for downloads, etc.) to your hard drive.

Step 2: Transfer data to iPhone 7

• For Windows: Install iTunes (if not already installed). Connect your iPhone 7 and open it to iTunes. Go to Photos and check the folders for sync.

Mac

1. Connect your iPhone 7 and open the Finder.
2. Select the device in the side menu and go to the Photo tab.
3. Specify folders for copying and click Apply.

You can use iTunes (for purchases) or programs like WALTR 2 (for a fee, but supports any formats) to transfer music and videos. Contacts and calendars are easier to sync through Google Account (see Method 2).

⚠️ Note: When synced via iTunes, all existing data on the iPhone 7 will be replaced with the data you download.If the device already has important information, first back up to iCloud.

Method 5: Third-party transfer programs (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized programs, which are paid, but offer advanced features, such as transferring WhatsApp, Viber or data from applications.

Popular programmes:

• 🔹 MobileTrans (from Wondershare) – transfers contacts, messages, photos, videos, apps and even data from social networks. ₽.
• 🔹 Dr.Fone – Phone Transfer – supports portability between Android and iOS, including the iPhone 7. Cost: from 1,490 ₽.
• 🔹 Syncios is a free version with restrictions, paid from 29.95$.

Advantages of third-party programs:

• ✅ Transfer of data from messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram).
• ✅ Keeping a call history and SMS.
• ✅ Selective transferability (e.g., only last year’s photo).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Free (free versions have restrictions).
• ❌ Risk of data loss in case of incorrect use.
• ❌ Requires installation on the computer.

💡

Third-party programs are convenient for transferring data from messengers and social networks, but their use is justified only with a large amount of information.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When transferring data from Xiaomi to iPhone 7, there may be errors, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Move to iOS does not find code

• 🔹 Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (preferably 5GHz).
• 🔹 Reboot both phones and try again.
• 🔹 Turn it off. VPN or proxy on Xiaomi.
• 🔹 Check that the iPhone 7 is enabled Bluetooth.

Problem 2: Photos moved but not displayed in the gallery

• 🔹 Go to Settings. → Photo and include iCloud Photo.
• 🔹 Wait 5-10 minutes – sometimes synchronization takes time.
• 🔹 Check the folder Recently deleted in the Photos app.

Issue 3: Contacts are duplicated

• 🔹 Open the Settings. → Contacts → Accounts and disable sync for unnecessary accounts.
• 🔹 Use the function of Combine contacts in the Contacts app.
• 🔹 Reset the synchronization and set it up again.

Problem 4: There is not enough space for iPhone 7

• 🔹 Remove unnecessary apps or photos (Settings) → Mainstream → iPhone storage).
• 🔹 Move some of the data to iCloud (enable iPhone Storage Optimization in Photo Settings).
• 🔹 Use cloud services to store rarely used files.

Problem 5: WhatsApp messages are not moved

• 🔹 Use the official WhatsApp Chat Transfer feature (requires backup on Google Drive).
• 🔹 For older versions of WhatsApp, use programs like Backuptrans.
• 🔹 Export important chats manually through Chat Export (no media files).