How to transfer data from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi: the full guide 2026

The transition from an iPhone to a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is not only about changing the operating system, but also the need to transfer all the important data. Contacts, photos, messages, notes and even apps need to be carefully moved to avoid losing a single byte of information. In 2026, the process was made easier thanks to built-in tools from Apple and Xiaomi, but many users still face difficulties, from format incompatibility to synchronization errors.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to migrate data, from the official Move to iOS app (which actually works the other way around!) to manual methods across cloud services and physical media, and focus on moving WhatsApp and Telegram messages without losing history, as this is one of the most painful points in the transition between ecosystems, and you’ll find a comparative data rate table for each method and a checklist for migration preparation.

If you’ve already tried to migrate data and you’ve got an error like “Device Unconnected” or “Files Unsupported,” don’t close the article – at the end there’s a section on solving 10 of the most common problems and problems. FAQ And for those of you who are just planning a transition, we've put together a survey to ask you what kind of data transfer you think is the most reliable way to move data?

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

Before you start migrating, make sure that both devices are ready for the process, and neglect of preparation is the main cause of data failures. Let's start with the iPhone:

• 📱 Update iOS to the latest version. Older versions may not support modern data protocols. Check the relevance at Settings → Mainstream → Update of the PO.
• 🔒 Turn off the screen lock (PIN, Face ID Touch. ID) Some methods require continuous confirmation of actions, which may interrupt the process.
• ☁️ Sync your data with iCloud even if you plan to use another method.This will back up in case of a crash. → [Your name] → iCloud → Backup.
• 🔌 Charge both devices to at least 50%. Data transfer can take from 10 minutes to several hours depending on the volume.

Now the Xiaomi Redmi preparation:

• 📲 Reset your smartphone to factory settings if it's new, and it'll eliminate any conflicts with existing data. Use Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 🌐 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. Many methods require an Internet connection to log in to cloud services.
• 🔐 Sign in to your Mi Account (or create one) to sync your contacts and notes through the Xiaomi ecosystem.
• 📁 Free up the memory. Make sure the device has enough space for the data to be received. → Memory.

⚠️ Note: If you use an iPhone with a jailbreak or Xiaomi Redmi with custom firmware, some transfer methods may not work. In this case, we recommend using a physical medium (flash drive) or a computer as an intermediary.

2.The official way: the application “Move to iOS” in the opposite direction

Yes, you heard right: Apple’s Move to iOS app, which is designed to transfer data from Android to iPhone, can be used in the opposite direction, and it supports the transfer of contacts, messages, photos, videos, bookmarks and even some settings.

Instructions:

1. On Xiaomi Redmi, download the Move to iOS app from Google Play (yes, it’s there!).
2. On iPhone go to Settings → Mainstream → Reset → Delete content and settings. This is a must-do step — without a reset, Apple will not allow data to be exported.
3. When you configure your iPhone as a new device, select “Move data from Android” and the connection code will appear.
4. On Xiaomi Redmi, open Move to iOS, enter the code and select data to port.

The speed of transmission depends on the amount of data and the stability of Wi-Fi, an average of 10 GB of photos is transferred in 20-30 minutes.

• ❌ Not portable: apps (only their data, if supported), call history, notes from Apple Notes.
• ⚠️ Problems: if the iPhone is enabled VPN or firewall, the connection may break.

3. Google Account Transfer: Contacts, Calendars and Mail

The most versatile way to sync contacts, calendars and emails is to use a Google account, which requires no additional apps and works even on older versions of iOS.

Step-by-step:

1. On iPhone, open Settings → Contacts → Accounts → Add an account → Google.
2. Enter your Google account details (or create a new one) and enable sync for Contacts, Calendars and Mail.
3. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes depending on the number of contacts).
4. On Xiaomi Redmi, add the same Google account to Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Add an account.
5. Turn on sync for the same data. Contacts and calendars will come automatically.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works without the Internet after the initial synchronization (data is stored in the account).
• ✅ Supports regular updates – changes on one device will affect another.
• ✅ Free and does not require third-party applications.

⚠️ Note: If you use iCloud to store contacts, export them to.vcf file via iCloud.com before syncing with Google. Otherwise, duplicates or data loss may occur in a sync conflict.

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If contacts are not synced, check if the Contact Sync option is disabled in your Google account settings on your iPhone. Also make sure to check the iOS privacy settings (Settings). → Confidentiality → Contacts) allowed access to Google.

4. Photo and video transfer: Comparison of cloud services

Photos and videos usually take up the lion's share of memory, so porting them requires special attention. Let's consider three main ways: through Google Photos, iCloud and physical media.

Recommended algorithm:

1. If you have less than 15 GB of photos → Use Google Photos (the easiest way to do this).
2. If 15GB → Download photos from iCloud to your computer and then transfer to Xiaomi Redmi via cable.
3. More 50 GB → Use a physical medium (flash drive with adapter) Lightning/USB-C).

To be moved through Google Photos:

1. On your iPhone, install the Google Photos app and log in to your account.
2. Enable backup: Photos → Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
3. On Xiaomi Redmi, install the same app and wait for sync.

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When transferring through Google Photos, select the option “Original Quality” to avoid image compression. Free storage in “High Quality” is limited to 15 GB and lowers the resolution of photos.

5. Message transfer: WhatsApp, Telegram and SMS

Messages are the hardest part of migration, especially when it comes to messengers, and let's look at each case separately.

WhatsApp: Official and Unofficial Ways

The official way (via Move to iOS):

• ✅ Transfers chat history, media files and settings.
• ❌ It only works when you first set up Xiaomi Redmi (after resetting).
• ⚠️ WhatsApp requires 2.22.7.74 or later on iPhone.

Informal method (through backup):

1. On your iPhone, back up WhatsApp in iCloud.
2. Use third-party software like Backuptrans or iMazing to extract chats from a copy.
3. Export the story to the file and import it to Xiaomi Redmi via WhatsApp (there is an import option in the chat settings).

5.2. Telegram: export and import of chats

Telegram allows you to export chats in.json format:

1. On iPhone, open the desired chat → … → Exports of history.
2. Choose the format JSON (for communications; or HTML (media-file).
3. Transfer the file to Xiaomi Redmi and import through Settings → Additionally. → Exports/imports.

5.3. SMS and MMS: Backup through iTunes

For SMS transfer:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and back up to iTunes or Finder.
2. Use iMazing or AnyTrans to extract SMS file.
3. Import on Xiaomi Redmi SMS via SMS Backup & Restore.

⚠️ Note: When you transfer WhatsApp through informal methods, data loss is possible if the chat history is greater than 5 GB. In this case, break the backup into parts or use cloud storage for intermediate storage.

6. Transfer of applications and their data

Unfortunately, it is not possible to directly migrate installed applications from iOS to Android due to the different operating systems.

• 📥 Save application data (such as game saves or settings) through developer accounts.
• 🔄 Find App Analogues in Google Play.
• 💾 Transfer documents (such as Excel or Word files) through the cloud.

Instructions for transferring these applications:

1. Check if the app supports cross-platform sync (e.g. Spotify, Netflix, most games).
2. If yes, sign in to the same Xiaomi Redmi account and the data will be downloaded automatically.
3. If not, try to find exporting features in the application settings (e.g. exporting bookmarks in the browser).

To transfer game saves:

• Use Google Play Games or Game Center accounts (if the game supports cross-platform play).
• For games without cloud sync (such as some single-player projects), try programs like Helium (requires root rights to Android).

List of popular iOS applications and their analogues on Android:

7. Direct Wi-Fi transmission: Assistant apps

If you don't want to use the cloud or the computer, you can transfer data directly over Wi-Fi using specialized applications.-3 decision:

7.1. Send Anywhere

The application allows you to transfer files of any type without size restrictions:

1. Install Send Anywhere on both devices.
2. On iPhone, select files and generate 6-digit code.
3. On Xiaomi Redmi, enter this code to receive files.

✅ Pros: no size restrictions, no registration required.

❌ Cons: speed depends on Wi-Fi (on average 3-5 MB / s).

7.2. SHAREit

Popular application for fast data transfer:

1. Install Sharet on both devices.
2. On iPhone, select Send mode, on Xiaomi Redmi – Receive.

⚠️ Note: Recent versions of SHAREit have introduced ads and file size restrictions (up to 20GB in the free version).

7.3. LocalSend

Open source software for transferring files over a local network:

1. Install LocalSend from the App Store and Google Play.
2. On the iPhone, select files and specify Xiaomi Redmi as the recipient.
3. Confirm Redmi.

✅ Pros: Open source, no advertising, supports files up to 1TB.

Transfer speed comparison (test on 5 GB of data):

• Send Anywhere: ~15 minute (5 MB/s).
• SHAREit: ~10 minute (8 MB/s).
• LocalSend: ~12 minute (7 MB/s).

8 Problem Solving: 10 Errors and Corrections

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

1. Error: “Unable to connect to the device” in Move to iOS Solution: Disable VPN and a firewall on both devices, make sure they're connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not mobile internet).
2. Photos in Google Photos are uploaded in low quality Solution: In Google Photos settings, select Original Quality over High Quality.
3. WhatsApp does not tolerate chat history Solution: Make sure there is enough space on the iPhone to back up to iCloud (requires free space that exceeds the chat size).
4. Contacts are duplicated after synchronization with Google Solution: On Xiaomi Redmi, use the Contacts app → Contact management → Combine the takes.
5. Assistant Apps (SHAREit, Send Anywhere) do not see the device Solution: Enable Developer Mode on Xiaomi Redmi and allow Debugging USB (Even if the cable is not connected).
6. iCloud does not allow you to download photos on PC Solution: Use the Google Chrome browser or Firefox – some iCloud features do not work in Safari.
7. SMS not imported through SMS Backup & Restore Solution: Make sure the.xml file is less than 50MB. If so, break it down into pieces.
8. Xiaomi Redmi doesn’t see the flash drive through OTG Solution: Check the file system of the flash drive - it should be FAT32 exFAT. NTFS unsupported.
9. When transferring files via computer, the solution is not copied: Update the drivers for iPhone via iTunes or Apple Mobile Device Support.
10. After the transfer, some contacts are lost Solution: Check if they were saved to your iCloud account or if they were not saved to your iCloud account. SIM-Export them separately.

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If none of these methods worked, try a phased migration: contacts first, then photos, then messages, which will reduce the load on the devices and reduce the risk of failure.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions