How to transfer photos and videos from iPhone to Xiaomi: all the ways 2026

The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to the safety of personal photos and videos. Many users are afraid of losing quality images taken with Apple’s camera, or facing format compatibility problems. In practice, the process of transferring media files between the iOS and Android ecosystems is much easier than it seems – the main thing is to choose the right method.

In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to transfer photos and videos from iPhone to Xiaomi (including models Redmi, POCO and flagship series), taking into account the features of each technique: speed, quality, the need for additional devices and even the ability to bypass the limitations of iCloud. From classic cable connection to little-known life hacks using instant messengers - you will find a solution for your tasks.

We will focus on the problem of quality loss when transmitting via instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram automatically compress video) and show how to avoid this.

1. Transfer over Lightning-USB cable (fastest way)

Using physical connectivity remains the most reliable method, especially when it comes to transferring tens of gigabytes of photos in original quality.

• ⚡ Lightning-USB Type-C Cable (or adapter if your Xiaomi has a microUSB connector)
• 💻 Computer (Windows/Mac/Linux) or OTG-direct-connector
• 📂 Explorer (on Xiaomi) or Files (on iPhone)

If you connect your iPhone to your computer for the first time, unlock your device and confirm your PC trust in a pop-up window. Windows may require you to install an Apple Mobile Device Support driver (downloaded automatically via iTunes). Macs don't need additional drivers — the system recognizes the iPhone as a removable drive.

Turn off iCloud Photos on iPhone (Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Photos)

Connect your iPhone to your PC and unlock it

Open the DCIM folder on your iPhone through Explorer

Copy files to your computer or directly to Xiaomi (via OTG)

Check the integrity of files after copying-->

For direct transmission without a computer, use OTG-Adapter (e.g. Xiaomi Type-C to Lightning). Connect your iPhone to Xiaomi via an adapter, then in the Files app on Xiaomi select USB-device → iPhone → DCIM. This is where all the photos and videos are stored in the original resolution. DCIM/Camera on the Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: When copying through OTG Avoid interrupting the process, which can cause file damage "USB-Device not supported, try using Mac or Windows as an intermediary.

2. Transfer via cloud services (iCloud, Google Photos, Mi Cloud)

Cloud services are convenient because they don’t require cables and allow you to move files gradually, but each solution has a nuance: iCloud limits free storage to 5 GB, and Google Photos from 2021 does not provide unlimited space for high-quality photos.

To transfer via iCloud:

1. On iPhone, turn on Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Photos → Upload to My Photo Streams.
2. On Xiaomi, open your browser and go to iCloud.com, log in.
3. Select a photo, click "Download" (cloud icon with a down arrow).

For Google Photos:

• 📱 Install the app on your iPhone and enable autosynchronization.
• 🔄 On Xiaomi, log in to the same Google account and wait for sync.
• ⚠️ In Google Photos settings, select “Original Quality” or the videos will be compressed to 1080p.

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If you have a slow Internet connection, upload photos to Google Photos at night or use a mobile network with unlimited rates. To speed up, turn off syncing other data (for example, Google Drive).

3. Use of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber)

Messengers seem to be a simple solution, but they are only suitable for transferring a small number of files. The main drawback is automatic compression. For example, WhatsApp reduces the resolution of a photo to 1600 pixels on the long side, and video compresses to 720p. Telegram is better in this regard: when sending through Files (not as media), the quality is preserved, but there is a limit of 2 GB per file.

How to transfer without loss of quality:

1. In Telegram, create a chat "Saved Messages" or a personal chat with yourself.
2. Click "Clip" → "File" and select a photo / video from the gallery.
3. On Xiaomi, download files from the chat in the original resolution.

There are no alternatives for WhatsApp and Viber — they always compress media. If you only need to transfer a few files and the quality is not critical, this will work. For larger volumes, you better choose another method.

⚠️ Note: When you send metadata via messengers (date of shooting, geotags) may be lost. If it is important, use specialized applications like PhotoSync.

Telegram

WhatsApp

Viber

Other

I do not use messengers to transfer files.-->

4. Specialized applications (Send Anywhere, SHAREit, Xiaomi Mover)

Applications for transferring files between devices are often touted as a one-stop solution, but not all are equally effective.

• 📲 Send Anywhere - transfers files over direct Wi-Fi or through the cloud. speeds up to 10 MB / s, there are no limits on file size. Supports the preservation of original quality and metadata.
• 🔄 SHAREit is a popular app, but since 2023, it has been running a lot of ads, with a top speed of 20MB/s, but requires a connection to a single Wi-Fi network.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mover is the official application from Xiaomi for data migration, supports the transfer of not only media, but also contacts, messages.

Instructions for Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both devices.
2. On your iPhone, select files and click "Send".
3. 6-digit code is generated or QR-code.
4. On Xiaomi, enter the code or scan the QR – the transfer will begin automatically.

Xiaomi Mover is convenient when you first set up your smartphone: when you select the option "Import data" in the master settings, the system will offer to connect to the iPhone via cable or Wi-Fi. However, after completing the initial setup, this application becomes useless.

5. Transfer over a computer using iTunes/Finder

This method is suitable for users who regularly sync iPhones with iTunes (or Finder on Macs with macOS Catalina and later), the advantage of being able to selectively export albums and playlists, but the process is more time-consuming than direct transmission via cable.

Step-by-step instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
2. In the Devices section, select your iPhone.
3. Go to the tab "Photo" and tick "Sync photo".
4. Select a folder to export (for example, on the desktop) and click "Apply".
5. After syncing, copy files from the selected folder to Xiaomi.

On Mac with macOS Catalina and newer:

1. Connect your iPhone and open the Finder.
2. In the side menu, select your iPhone.
3. Go to the tab "Photo" and enable synchronization with the selected folder.

This is useful if you already use iTunes for backup, but for a one-time transfer, it is easier to use direct copying through Explorer, as described in the first method.

6. Alternative methods: AirDrop + Mi Drop, mail, FTP-server

If standard methods do not fit, you can use less obvious, but sometimes more convenient options:

• 🌐 FTP-Server on iPhone: Apps like FileExplorer let you run FTP-Server on iPhone. Connect to it with Xiaomi through any FTP-client (e.g. Solid Explorer).
• ✉️ Email: Suitable for transmission 1-2 Send the letter to yourself with the attachment, then download it to Xiaomi.
• 📡 AirDrop + Mi Drop: iPhone supports AirDrop, and Xiaomi – Mi Drop (built into Security) → Unfortunately, these technologies are incompatible, but you can use Mac or Windows as an intermediary: first send files from your iPhone to your computer via AirDrop, then from your computer to Xiaomi via Mi Drop.

For FTP-server:

1. Install FileExplorer on your iPhone.
2. Launch it. FTP-server in the application (to be issued) IP-port).
3. On Xiaomi, open Solid Explorer → Network Storage → FTP.
4. Enter data from FileExplorer and connect.

These methods require more action, but can help in situations where other methods are not available (for example, no cable or slow Internet).

What to do after the transfer: optimize storage on Xiaomi

After successfully transferring files to Xiaomi, it is important to organize them correctly so as not to clog up the memory of the smartphone.

• 🗃️ Sort by album: In the Xiaomi gallery (Photos) create albums by event or year. → "Add to the album" → "Create a new one".
• ☁️ Cloud Backup: Set up autosynchronization with Google Photos or Mi Cloud to avoid losing files when you reset your phone.
• 🗑️ Remove duplicates: Use apps like Files by Google or CCleaner to find repetitive photos.
• 📱 Memory Optimization: In Xiaomi Settings, Go to Memory → Clean and remove gallery cache.

If Xiaomi has little space, transfer some of the photo to a microSD card (if the slot is supported by the model).

1. Open the files. → highlight the photo folder.
2. Click "Move" and select microSD.
3. In the camera settings (Settings → Camera → Storage), set saving new photos to the memory card.

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After you migrate, make sure that the file creation dates on Xiaomi match the original ones. If the dates are lost, use applications like EXIF Editor to recover metadata.

FAQ: Frequent questions about photo and video transfer