Moving from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is a crucial step, especially when it comes to transferring the history of correspondence to WhatsApp. Unlike backup within the same ecosystem (for example, from iPhone to iPhone), migration between iOS and Android requires a special approach. The main problem is that WhatsApp backups on iCloud and Google Drive are incompatible – they can not simply be “copyed” from one device to another.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of transfer (including the official from Meta and alternative methods), evaluate their pros and cons, and also warn against typical errors. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with Xiaomi devices, from checking the version of MIUI to configuring access rights. If you plan to upgrade to the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Xiaomi 14 Ultra or any other model of the brand, here you will find step-by-step instructions tailored to the specifics of the firmware.
1.Official method: Meta’s “Switch to Android” tool
Since 2022, Meta (owner of WhatsApp) has been offering an official solution for transferring chats between iOS and Android – the Move to iOS utility (for reverse porting) and its analogue for Android.
- 📱 It only works on new Android 12 devices.+ and MIUI 13+.
- 🔄 Requires Xiaomi reset to factory settings (data erased!).
- ⚡ Supports transfer of only personal chats (groups and media – partially).
- 🔗 Lightning cable required → USB-C (adapter).
It takes 15 to 40 minutes depending on the amount of data, and it's important that you reconfigure all your accounts and apps after you migrate to Xiaomi, which means you're going to reset the system completely.
Make sure your iPhone has WhatsApp version 2.22.10.70 or later.|
Download the “Switch to iOS” app from Google Play| on Xiaomi
Connect both devices to charging (energy-intensive process)|
Free up at least 5 GB of memory on Xiaomi |
Take a photo or write down two-factor authentication codes (2FA)-->
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If you have Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, the official method may not work, in which case use alternative methods (see section 3).
2. Transfer through iCloud backup: step-by-step instruction
This method is suitable if you don’t want to reset Xiaomi before the factory settings. It involves manually extracting the backup from iCloud and converting it to an Android-compatible format, you will need a computer (Mac or Windows) and special utilities.
Steps:
- Backup on iPhone: Open WhatsApp → Settings → Chat → Backup Chat → Create a copy. Make sure the copy is saved to iCloud.
- Download backup to your computer: Use tools like iMazing or iExplorer (paid) to export the msgstore.db.crypt14 file from your iCloud backup.
- Decode the database: Using WhatsApp Key/DB Extractor (available on GitHub), extract the encryption key from your iPhone and decode the database file.
- Convert to Android: Use WhatsApp Viewer or Backup Extractor to convert the file to.crypt12 (Android format).
- Download to Xiaomi: Place the resulting file in the /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases folder on Xiaomi, then install WhatsApp and restore the chats from the local copy.
Why is it that local copy recovery does not work?
⚠️ Attention: This method requires technical skills, errors in the decoding stage can lead to data loss. If you are not sure, use the official method or contact a specialist.
Alternative methods: third-party applications
If the official method is not suitable, and manual conversion seems difficult, you can use third-party tools.
| Annex | Cost | Xiaomi support | Portable data | Need root? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr.Fone — WhatsApp Transfer | From $39.95. | Yes (MIUI 12+) | Chat, media, voice. | No. |
| Backuptrans | From $29.99. | Yes (all versions) | Chats, attachments, stickers | No. |
| iCareFone Transfer | From $25.95. | Yes (possible errors on MIUI 14) | Chats, media (no call history) | No. |
| MobileTrans | From $39.99. | Yes (requires MIUI Optimization shutdown) | Full history (except payments) | No. |
When using third-party utilities, watch out for:
- 🛡️ Data security – some programs can send your chats to the developer’s servers.
- 📱 Compatibility with MIUI — Xiaomi often needs to disable the function MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings.
- 🔄 Version Relevance – Utilities must support the latest WhatsApp updates.
Official instrument from Meta|
Through backup iCloud|
With the help of third-party software (Dr.Fone, Backuptrans, etc.)|
I haven't decided yet)|In other ways.-->
4. Transfer of media files: photos, videos and documents
Even if the chats are moved, media files (photos, videos, voice messages) can remain on the iPhone.
Method 1: Through Google Photos
- On your iPhone, install Google Photos and enable automatic download.
- Wait for all media from WhatsApp (the WhatsApp Media folder) to sync.
- On Xiaomi, log in to the same Google account and download files.
Method 2: Direct Wi-Fi transmission
Use apps like Send Anywhere or Xender:
- 📲 On iPhone, select files in the WhatsApp Media folder (can be found through Files) → On my iPhone).
- 📤 Send them to Xiaomi on QR-code or through the generation of a link.
- 📥 On Xiaomi, save files to a folder /WhatsApp/Media.
⚠️ Note: If you are migrating media files after chat recovery, WhatsApp may not display them in correspondence. To fix this, rename the files according to the template:
WA{chat number}-{date}_at_{time}.jpg]Example: WA1234567890-20260515_at_143022.jpg.
5. Typical errors and their solutions
When migrating WhatsApp from iPhone to Xiaomi, users often face the following problems:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Can't recover backup copy" | WhatsApp version mismatches or corrupted file | Update WhatsApp on both devices to the latest version. Recreate backup on your iPhone. |
| Chats moved, but no media | Media files were not backed up or synced. | Move the media separately (see section 4) or check your iPhone backup settings. |
| The app “Switching to Android” does not see the iPhone | Cable problems, USB-port-to-port MIUI | Try another cable, turn on USB Debugging on Xiaomi and allow data access. |
| The “Not Enough Memory” Error on Xiaomi | Backup copy too large or there is little space on the device | Free up space on Xiaomi (at least 5-10 GB) or break up the transfer into pieces (chats first, then media). |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 🔒 Two-factor authentication – if enabled, can block portability.
- 📶 Internet connection – both devices must have stable Wi-Fi.
- ⏳ Last Backup Time – If the copy is old, you can’t restore it.
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If the transfer is frozen during the Preparation phase, do not interrupt the process and do not leave the application. On Xiaomi with MIUI, this can take up to 1 hour - wait for completion or restart both devices if the wait exceeds 2 hours.
6.Move other WhatsApp data: calls, settings, stickers
In addition to chat rooms and media, WhatsApp has other data that can be transferred:
- 📞 Call history: Officially not portable, but you can export a list of contacts with notes about calls through iCloud and import them to Xiaomi.
- ⚙️ Notification settings: Configure again in WhatsApp Settings → Notifications. On Xiaomi, also check permissions in Settings → Annexes → WhatsApp → Notifications.
- 🎨 Stickers and GIF: Save your favorite stickers to your favorites on your iPhone, then send them to yourself on Xiaomi as files and add them back to WhatsApp.
- 🔐 Two-factor authentication (2FA): Turn it off on your iPhone before porting it or write backup code. After transferring it, turn it back on Xiaomi.
⚠️ Note: If you used WhatsApp Business on your iPhone, migrating to a regular WhatsApp on Android will result in loss of business profile data. In this case, export your customer base manually first (via Settings). → Tools for business → Exports of clients).
7.Optimize WhatsApp on Xiaomi after the port
After successful transfer, it is recommended that:
- Set up AutoSave Media: Go to WhatsApp Settings → Memory → AutoSave Media and select which files will automatically download to Xiaomi.
- Clear cache: In Xiaomi Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Memory → Clear cache. This will free up space after the transfer.
- Turn off battery optimization: To make sure notifications arrive on time, add WhatsApp to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All apps → WhatsApp → No restrictions.
- Set up a backup to Google Drive: In WhatsApp Settings → Chat → Backup → Create a copy to Google Drive. Select frequency (daily, weekly) and Google account.
On Xiaomi with MIUI, it is also useful:
- 🔕 Shut down. MIUI Optimization in the developer settings (if there are problems with notifications).
- 📴 Allow auto-run for WhatsApp in Settings → Annexes → WhatsApp → Auto-start.
- 🔊 Set notification priority in Settings → Notifications → Priority notifications.