How to transfer everything from iPhone to Xiaomi: contacts, photos, messages and applications

Moving from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is not only about changing the ecosystem, but also the need to transfer all the important data. Many users fear losing contacts, photos or notes when switching to Android, especially if they have never used devices on this platform before. Fortunately, Xiaomi offers several convenient ways to migrate, and some standard tools from Apple and Google make this process easier to a few clicks.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of data transfer, from the official Mi Mover app to manual export via iCloud and Google Drive, you will learn how to save not only media files, but also the history of calls, messages from iMessage, and settings of some applications.

If you’ve already purchased the new Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or another model, this guide will save you hours on manual file copying, and if you’re still planning to switch, you’ll know which data can be transferred automatically and which you’ll have to save manually.

1.Preparing iPhone for data transfer

Before migrating, you need to properly prepare your iPhone to avoid errors and data loss, a stage that is often missed, but critical to successful porting.

First, update iOS to the latest version. Older versions of the operating system may not support modern data protocols. Check the relevance in Settings → Main → Software Update. Also make sure that there is enough free space on the iPhone – some portability methods require temporary copies of files.

Second, back up via iCloud or iTunes/Finder (on macOS). This is insurance in case something goes wrong. Backup in iCloud is created in Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Backup iCloud → Backup. For local copy, connect your iPhone to your computer and use Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave and older).

Finally, disable iMessage and FaceTime to avoid problems with SMS delivery to the new number. This is done in Settings → Messages → iMessage (off) and Settings → FaceTime (off).If you don’t, messages from your iPhone can continue to arrive on your old device even after Xiaomi is activated.

• 📱 Update iOS to the latest version in Settings → Update of the PO
• ☁️ Create a backup in iCloud or on your computer
• 💬 Turn off iMessage and FaceTime to avoid losing it. SMS
• 🔌 Charge both devices by at least 50% – transfer may take time

⚠️ Note: If you are using two-factor authentication (2FA) through SMS, before transfer SIM-Make sure you have backup codes for accessing your accounts. Some services (such as WhatsApp or banking apps) may block access when you change device.

2.Official method: transfer via Mi Mover

Mi Mover is a Xiaomi-branded app that allows you to transfer most data from your iPhone to a new smartphone without a computer, and supports contact, message (including iMessage), photos, videos, calendars, and even some app settings, with the main advantage of not having to connect to the Internet (data is transmitted over a local Wi-Fi network).

To use Mi Mover, follow the following steps:

1. Install Mi Mover on Xiaomi. It's usually pre-installed. If it's not, download it from Google Play.
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or create an access point on Xiaomi and connect your iPhone to it.
3. Launch Mi Mover on Xiaomi and select the option “I’m a new user”.
4. On your iPhone, scan it. QR-code that will appear on the Xiaomi screen. This will open a web page with instructions.
5. Follow the prompts on both devices, and you will need to allow access to photos, contacts and other data on your iPhone.
6. You can choose the data to transfer and wait for the process to be completed. The time depends on the amount of information.

The Mi Mover transfer speed is about 10-15 MB/sec, so 30 GB of data will move in 30 to 40 minutes, and it is important not to interrupt the process or lock the screen on both devices.

Both devices are charged at least 50 times%|Xiaomi has enough free space|iPhone and Xiaomi are connected to the same Wi-Fi network|On the iPhone disabled mode "Do not disturb"|All requests for access to data are allowed-->

⚠️ Note: If the iPhone enabled the function of Optimization of photo storage (Settings) → Photos → Optimize iPhone Storage, so only thumbnails can be stored in the device's memory. Before transferring, turn off this option and wait for the originals to download.

3. Transfer over iCloud: Reliable but limited

If Mi Mover doesn’t work for some reason (e.g., Wi-Fi doesn’t work or the data is too big), you can use iCloud as an intermediate storage method, which is universal and works even if you don’t have physical access to your iPhone (you just need to know Apple ID).

The main drawback is the limitation of free storage in iCloud (5 GB). If you have more data, you either have to pay for additional space or transfer files in parts, and not all types of data can be exported through iCloud (for example, iMessage messages do not sync with Android).

Instructions for transfer via iCloud:

1. Sync data with iCloud on iPhone: Contacts: Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Contacts (include) Photo: Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Photo Photo → Download and save original Calendars: Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Calendars (insert)

Export data to Xiaomi

• Contacts: on Xiaomi, add iCloud account to Settings → Accounts → Add account → iCloud and sync contacts.
• Photo: Go to iCloud.com via your browser on Xiaomi, select photos and download them.

For contacts and calendars:

• 📇 Contacts: export them in.vcf format via iCloud.com (Contact section" → gear → "Export vCard and import to Xiaomi via Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports.
• 📅 Calendars: Export from iCloud in.ics format and import to Google Calendar on Xiaomi.