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

The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is not just a change of gadget, but a complete migration of digital life: contacts, photos, notes, messages and even app settings, many users fear this process, considering it difficult or risky. In fact, transferring data from iOS to Android (particularly to Xiaomi, Redmi or other devices). POCO) It’s much easier thanks to built-in tools and third-party services.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current migration methods, from the official Mi Mover app to cloud services like Google Drive and iCloud, and learn how to transfer not only basic data (contacts, photos), but also more complex elements: call history, iMessage messages, application data and even Wi-Fi settings.

Important: The procedure may vary depending on the Xiaomi model (e.g. Xiaomi 14 vs Redmi Note 12) and the version. MIUI. We have taken these nuances into account and have provided universal instructions that work on most devices in 2020-2026.

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

Before you start migrating, take a few critical steps to save time and prevent data loss.

On the iPhone:

• 🔄 Update iOS to the latest version (Settings) → Mainstream → Update of Software: Older versions may not support modern transfer protocols.
• 🔒 Turn off Find My iPhone (Settings) → [Your name] → Find it. → Without that, many transfer methods will be blocked.
• ☁️ Make sure you have enough space in iCloud (if you plan to use the cloud).Free 5GB runs out quickly when backing up.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. Transferring large amounts of data (such as video) over the mobile Internet can take hours.

On Xiaomi:

• 📱 Reset the device to factory settings (if it's new) and it'll avoid conflicts with previous data. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 🔋 Charge the battery at least 50%. data transfer can take from 10 minutes to several hours.
• 📡 Enable Developer Mode (optional, but useful for debugging). To do this, tap 7 times on the Build Number in Settings → The phone.
• 🛡️ Disable Mi Cloud (if you don't plan to use it). → Accounts. → Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Note: If you already have data on Xiaomi (for example, you used your phone before transferring), back it up via Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset: After the migration, the old data will be deleted!

2.Official method: Mi Mover app

Mi Mover is a proprietary tool from Xiaomi for data transfer from iOS and Android.It works on the principle of point-to-point (without the cloud) and supports:

• 📞 Contacts (including groups and tags)
• 📷 Photos and videos (without loss of quality)
• 💬 Communications (SMS and iMessage in text format)
• 📞 Call history
• 📁 Files from "Download" and "Documents"
• 🌐 Wi-Fi settings (passwords will be saved)

How to use Mi Mover:

1. Download the app on your iPhone from the App Store.
2. On Xiaomi, open Settings → Memory. → Data portability (or find Mi Mover in the app menu).
3. Select the “I am a new user” option on Xiaomi and “Send data” option on iPhone.
4. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or create an access point on Xiaomi.
5. Scan it. QR-code from the screen Xiaomi on the iPhone.
6. Select the data to transfer and wait for the process to be completed.

Install Mi Mover on iPhone|Turn off Find My iPhone|Charge both devices >50%|Connect to a single Wi-Fi network|Free up space on Xiaomi (minimum) 2x portability)-->

Limitations of Mi Mover:

• ❌ Does not transfer applications (only their data if the application is already installed on Xiaomi).
• ❌ Does not support the transfer of notes from Apple Notes.
• ❌ It can be “hung” on large amounts of data (>30GB. In this case, try breaking the transfer into parts.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Mover is interrupted during the Preparation phase, check if the transmission is blocked. VPN Or antivirus on your iPhone. Turn them off while you're transferring.

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If Mi Mover can’t see the iPhone, try connecting via the phone. USB-lightning-adapter→USB-C. This will require a data-enabled cable (not all charging cables are suitable!).

3. Alternative method: transfer via Google Drive

If Mi Mover doesn’t work or you prefer cloud solutions, use Google Drive.This method is versatile and suitable for porting to any Android device, including Xiaomi.

Instructions for iPhone:

1. Download Google Drive from the App Store.
2. Sign in to your Google account (preferably the same one you use on Xiaomi).
3. Slap the icon "+" → "Backup".
4. Select the data to copy: 📞 Contacts (will be synced with Google Contacts) 🗓️ Calendars (Apple Calendar) → Google Calendar) 📷 Photos and videos (save in Google Photos)

"To make a copy"

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. When you first turn on, select the “Recover Data” option and log in to the same Google account.
2. If the phone is already configured, go to Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronize and enable synchronization for the desired data.
3. For photos and videos, open Google Photos and wait for the media files to download.

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Google Drive is suitable for carrying basic data (contacts, photos, calendars), but does not replace Mi Mover for full migration (messages, call history, Wi-Fi settings).

4.Transfer iMessage and WhatsApp messages

One of the hardest aspects of moving from iOS to Android is migrating message history. There are no official tools for that, but there are workarounds.

Method 1: Transfer iMessage via mail

1. On your iPhone, open the Messages app.
2. Choose a dialogue, tap on the contact → "Chat exports" → "Post".
3. Send the story to your email (e.g. Gmail).
4. On Xiaomi, open the email and save the attachment (.txt or.pdf file).
5. ⚡ Transfer speed depends on the Wi-Fi network (up to 10-20 MB / s).

Method 3: Using a computer (most reliable)

• 🖥️ Connect your iPhone to your PC/Mac Copy the photo through the Internal Storage → DCIM) Image Capture (on Mac).
• 📁 Connect Xiaomi to PC in "File Transfer" mode" (MTP) And move the media to the folder. DCIM/Camera.
• 🔄 Alternative: Use iTunes (Windows) or Android File Transfer (Mac) to manage files.

Method 3: Through SIM-card if there are few contacts)

• 📱 On iPhone: Settings → Contacts → Imports SIM-Contacts (if contact is already available) SIM).
• 🔄 Or: Export your contacts to the SIM In Settings → Contacts → Export on SIM (It doesn’t work on all iPhone models).
• 📲 Put it in. SIM Xiaomi and import contacts through Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM.

⚠️ Note: When transferring contacts via Google or iCloud, check if they are duplicated. On Xiaomi, doubles can be combined manually: open Contacts" → "Contact management" → "Combining and correcting".

7. Transfer of applications and their data

Unfortunately, it is not possible to directly transfer installed applications from iOS to Android, as these operating systems use different file formats (.ipa vs.apk).

• 📥 Reinstall apps from Google Play.
• ☁️ Recover application data (if they support cross-platform synchronization).
• 🔄 Transfer game saves through Google Play Games or Facebook accounts.

How to transfer application data:

What can't be transferred:

• ❌ Apps purchased from the App Store (you will have to buy them again on Google Play).
• ❌ Data from non-cross-platform applications (e.g., some banking applications).
• ❌ System application settings (Apple Health, Apple Pay, etc.).

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Before you delete your iPhone apps, check if they support data exporting, for example, Apple Health can upload data in a format. XML through settings → Health → Export data.

8.After the transfer: setup Xiaomi for a comfortable work

Data portability is only half the battle, and to make Xiaomi really convenient, make a few additional adjustments:

1. Optimize the battery

• 🔋 Turn off Auto Start for unnecessary applications: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
• ⚡ Enable Adaptive Charging (to save battery capacity): Settings → Battery → Battery settings.

2. Set up notifications

• 🔔 V MIUI Default notifications can be duplicated. Turn off unnecessary in Settings → Notifications and status bar.
• 📱 For important applications (such as WhatsApp), turn on "Pop-up notifications".

3. Personalize the interface

• 🎨 Install theme from the Mi Theme Store (available in Settings) → Registration).
• 🔄 Set up "Gestes" for navigation: Settings → Display. → Full screen mode.

4. Set up security.

• 🔒 Enable "Application Lock" for sensitive data: Settings → Password and security → Application lockdown.
• 🛡️ Activate "Virus Protection" in Settings → Security.

5. Move data from the clouds

• ☁️ If you’ve used iCloud Drive, download your files to your PC and upload them to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 📁 For Dropbox or OneDrive, install the relevant apps on Xiaomi and sync your data.

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If you lack the usual gestures from your iPhone (like swiping down to search), install the Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher from Google Play.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving from iOS to Xiaomi