How to Transfer Data from iPhone to Xiaomi: A Complete 2026 Guide

The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is not only about changing the ecosystem, but also about migrating all the important data — contacts, photos, messages and apps — that many users fear, because it's difficult or risky, and actually, with the right approach, it takes 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount of information and the method they choose.

The main problem is that Apple and Xiaomi use different storage formats, such as iCloud backups that are not compatible with the data storage system. MIUI, Apps from the App Store will have to be reinstalled through Google Play, but there are universal tools — both built into the operating system and third-party — that simplify the process. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of transfer, including those that work even without a computer.

It is important to consider that some data (such as call history or notes) may not be automatically transferred, and additional actions will be required, and we will also tell you how to avoid loss of information and what to do if something goes wrong.

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

Before you start migrating, you need to prepare your iPhone for data transfer, which will avoid errors and speed up the process.

First, update iOS to the latest version. To do this, go to Settings. → Mainstream → Update: Up-to-date version of the system ensures compatibility with modern portable tools. Secondly, check the free space on the device - it may take up to a few minutes to create a backup. 5-10 GB.

It is further recommended that:

• 🔒 Unlock iPhone and disable Find iPhone in Settings → Apple ID → iCloud (this will be required for some transfer methods).
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network – especially if you plan to use cloud services.
• 🔋 Charge both devices to at least 50% or connect to charging during the process.
• 📱 Make sure that Xiaomi has the latest version installed MIUI (checked in the settings → The phone. → Updating the system).

⚠️ Note: If you use two-factor authentication for Apple ID, Make sure you have access to a trusted phone number or device. Without that, you won't be able to turn off Find your iPhone or confirm your exit from iCloud.

You also need to decide in advance what data you want to transfer, for example, messages from iMessage will not be transmitted directly, they will have to be exported manually through third-party utilities, but contacts, photos and calendars are ported without problems.

Method 1: Transfer via cable (direct connection)

The fastest and most reliable method is the use of USB-cable with adapter (if Xiaomi has a connector) USB-C, It's not like you need any extra software, you need some standard tools. MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Connect your iPhone to Xiaomi using a cable. Xiaomi will be notified "Connected" USB-Device" - select "File Transfer" (or MTP).
2. The iPhone will be asked to “Trust this computer?” and confirm (“Trust”).
3. Open the Files app (or any file manager) on Xiaomi and go to the section "USB-device".
4. Copy the folders you need (DCIM for photos, Downloads for downloads) to Xiaomi’s internal memory.

This is the best way to transfer photos, videos and documents, but it won't allow you to transfer contacts, messages or app settings. It will require other methods.

⚠️ Note: If your iPhone is locked with a password, some files (such as those from the Photos app) may not be available for copying.Unlock your device before connecting.

Transfer speed depends on the version USB-On modern Xiaomi (for example, Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) s USB 3.2 10 GB photos are copied for 5-7 On older models, the process can take up to 20 minute.

iPhone unlocked and trusts Xiaomi|

Xiaomi has enabled file transfer mode (MTP)|

Original or certified cable used |

There is enough battery on both devices.-->

Method 2: Transfer over Google Drive (Cloud)

If you don't have a cable or you prefer wireless methods, you can use Google Drive, which is a way to transfer contacts, photos, calendars and some settings.

Steps for iPhone:

1. Install the Google Drive app from the App Store.
2. Sign in with the same Google account you use on Xiaomi.
3. Click on the icon "+" → "Download and select files to transfer.
4. For Contacts: Go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts. → Add an account → Google and sync contacts with Google Contacts.

Steps for Xiaomi:

1. Sign in to the same Google account in Settings → Accounts and synchronization.
2. Open Google Drive and download the downloaded files.
3. Contacts will automatically appear in the phone book after synchronization.

The advantage of this method is that data is available on any device connected to your Google account, but the free cloud only offers 15 GB of space, so you may need to buy extra space for a large amount of photos.

💡

If you have a lot of photos, use the "Free space" feature in Google Photos after downloading.This will remove the originals from your iPhone, but leave them in the cloud, saving space.

Method 3: Using Mi Mover (Official Xiaomi App)

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi designed to transfer data from other smartphones, including the iPhone, and it supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos and even some applications (if they are on Google Play).

How to use:

1. Download Mi Mover on Xiaomi from the App Store (if it is not in the firmware).
2. On your iPhone, install the Mi Mover Sender app (available from the App Store).
3. Run Mi Mover on both devices and select “I am the sender” on your iPhone and “I am the receiver” on Xiaomi.
4. Scan it. QR-code from the screen Xiaomi on the iPhone to connect.
5. Select data for transfer and confirm the transfer.

Mi Mover works over Wi-Fi Direct, so both devices must be nearby.The transfer speed depends on the Xiaomi model: on flagships (for example, Xiaomi). 13T) process 5-10 on budget models (e.g. Redmi) 12C) — before 20 minute.

⚠️ Note: Mi Mover does not port data from some Apple system applications, such as Health or Wallet, and there may be problems with porting messages if they are stored in iCloud instead of on the device.

If the app doesn’t find an iPhone, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📶 Connect to a single Wi-Fi network.
• 🔒 temporarily disable the firewall or VPN.

5. Method 4: Transfer via SHAREit or similar applications

If standard methods don’t work, you can use third-party file transfer applications like SHAREit, Xender or Send Anywhere that support cross-platform data sharing and often cope where embedded tools fail.

Instructions for SHAREit:

1. Install SHAREit on both devices from the App Store and Google Play.
2. On iPhone, select “Send” and on Xiaomi, “Get”.
3. Scan it. QR-code or connect via Hotspot.
4. Select the files and confirm the transfer.

Advantages of this method:

• 🚀 High transmission speed (up to 20 MB/s).
• 📁 Support for any type of file, including APK archives).
• 🔗 There are no limits on volume (unlike cloud services).

However, there are drawbacks: some applications (such as SHAREit) can display ads or request unnecessary permissions, and they do not transfer system data (contacts, messages, settings), only user files.

💡

SHAREit-type applications are ideal for transferring large files (video, archives, music), but they do not replace the full migration of system data.

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

If you need to migrate the fullest amount of data, including music, books and app backups, you can use a computer. This will require iTunes (or Finder on macOS) and the program Xiaomi. PC Suite.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and back up to iTunes (File) → Devices → Create a backup copy).
2. Download and install Xiaomi PC Suite from the official website.
3. Connect Xiaomi to your computer and open Xiaomi PC Suite.
4. In the Backup section, select Restore from iTunes and specify the path to the backup file.

This method allows you to transfer:

• 📞 Contacts and call log.
• 📅 Calendars and reminders.
• 🎵 Music and video (if not protected) DRM).
• 📖 Notes (in.txt format).

But there are nuances:

• 🔒 Backups of iTunes are encrypted – without a password, you will not recover data.
• 📱 Not all data can be transferred correctly (for example, settings of some applications).
• 🖥️ You need a computer with Windows or macOS.

If Xiaomi PC Suite does not recognize backup, try converting it to a universal format using iMazing or iExplorer.

7. Application portability: what you need to know

Unfortunately, apps from the App Store cannot be directly migrated to Xiaomi, but there are several ways to save data or find analogues:

1. reinstallation via Google Play:

• 📱 Find the app in Google Play and install it on Xiaomi.
• 🔑 If the application supports authorization (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram), sign in under the same account – the data will be downloaded automatically.

2. Transfer of game saves:

• 🎮 If the game supports cloud-based saves (e.g., through Google Play Games or Facebook), link an account on a new device.
• 🔄 For games without the cloud (for example, some offline projects), you can manually copy save files from the Documents folder on the iPhone to a similar folder on Xiaomi (root access is required).

3. Alternatives to popular applications:

For some applications (like WhatsApp), there are specialized portability tools, such as Dr.Fone or Backuptrans. They are paid, but allow you to save the chat history.

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have difficulties.

Problem 1: Xiaomi doesn’t see iPhone when connected via cable

• 🔌 Try another cable (original or certified).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📱 On Xiaomi, turn on Debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers.

Problem 2: Contacts are not tolerated

• 📞 Make sure your contacts are synced with Google Contacts, not just iCloud.
• 🔄 Manually export contacts in.vcf format via Settings → Contacts → Exports to iPhone.

Issue 3: Photographs moved but not displayed in gallery

• 🖼️ Check the folder. DCIM in the file manager Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the gallery doesn’t update right away.
• 📂 Use the Google Photos app to scan folders.

Issue 4: Messages are not carried

For transfer SMS/iMessage Third-party utilities such as iMazing or AnyTrans are paid, but you can export messages in.csv or.html format.

⚠️ Note: If you have used iMessage, disable it before switching to Xiaomi, otherwise messages from other Apple users may not reach. → Messages and deactivate iMessage.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting your network settings to Xiaomi (Settings) → Wi-Fi and networking → Additionally. → Network resetting. Sometimes it solves connection problems.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions