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

Contents

• Why migrating data from iOS to Android is not difficult
• Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start
• Method 1: Mi Mover – the official solution from Xiaomi
• Method 2: Transfer over iCloud (without a computer)
• Method 3: Use of the computer (Mac/Windows) full-back
• Method 4: Third-party applications – when standard methods don’t work
• Method 5: Manual transfer of individual data types
• Typical Problems and How to Solve Them
• Frequent Questions (FAQ)

The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is not just a change of gadget, but a transition between two different ecosystems: iOS and Android, a move many users fear for the risk of losing important data: photos, contacts, messages or even call history. However, in practice, transferring information from the iPhone to Redmi, POCO Mi takes no more than 30 minutes if you know the right tools.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways to migrate data, from the official Mi Mover solution to manually copying via cloud services, and focus on migrating messages from iMessage to Xiaomi (the only type of data that is often lost when you switch), and learn how to avoid mistakes, such as why Xiaomi can’t see an iPhone through Mi Mover or how to circumvent iCloud’s restrictions on data export.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

Before you start the transfer, follow 4 mandatory steps to save time and prevent data loss:

1. Update both devices: iPhone should have the latest version of iOS, Xiaomi should have fresh firmware MIUI (Check in the settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
2. Clear the memory on Xiaomi. Make sure it's at least free. 10-15 GB is critical for transferring large amounts of data (photos, videos).
3. Charge both phones to at least 50%. The process can take up to an hour, and discharging in the middle of the transfer will cause a failure.
4. Get the cables ready. Mi Mover will need you. USB-C/Lightning cable (or adapter), for computer — USB-cable.

If you are migrating data from your iPhone to Xiaomi for the first time, we recommend using Mi Mover (method 1). If you already have a backup in iCloud or Google Account, move to method 2 or 5. For complete control of the process (for example, if you need to transfer only photos for the last year), method 3 with a computer will suit.

⚠️ Note: If your iPhone is enabled Find iPhone (Settings) → Apple ID → Find it, disable it before connecting to Xiaomi via Mi Mover. Otherwise, iOS will block data transfer over the Internet. USB.

Method 1: Mi Mover – the official solution from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a standard app on all Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO, It's a computer that allows you to move data from your iPhone without a computer:

• 📞 Contacts (including groups and contact notes)
• 📷 Photo and video (in original resolution)
• 💬 Messages (SMS and iMessage, but no attachments)
• 🎵 Music and ringtones (unless protected) DRM)
• 📅 Calendars and reminders

However, Mi Mover does not tolerate:

• 🔒 Passwords from iCloud Keychain (use Google Password Manager)
• 🎮 Data from games and some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram)
• 📱 System settings (wallpaper, shortcuts, widgets)

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi, open the Mi Mover app (if not, download from Google Play).
2. Select I get the data → iPhone.
3. On the iPhone, open the App Store and download the Mi Mover app (it’s free).
4. Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network or use it. USB-cable (needs a Lightning adapter) → USB-C).
5. On the iPhone in the Mi Mover app, select data types to transfer and click Start.
6. Wait until the process is complete (it can take 10 to 60 minutes depending on the amount of data).

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi doesn't see the iPhone through Mi Mover, check: Is Find iPhone disabled (see above). If you use the original cable (non-Chinese adapters often don't support data transfer.

Method 2: Transfer over iCloud (without a computer)

If you have a backup in iCloud, you can transfer some of the data to Xiaomi without connecting to a computer.

• 📞 Contacts (export to Google Contacts)
• 📷 Photos and videos (via Google Photos)
• 📅 Calendars (synchronization with Google Calendar)
• 📍 Notes (only if saved in iCloud Notes)

How to transfer contacts from iCloud to Xiaomi:

1. On your computer, open iCloud.com and log in.
2. Go to the Contacts section and highlight all contacts (Ctrl)+A).
3. Click on the gear in the lower left corner and select Export vCard.
4. Save the.vcf file to your computer.
5. Open Google Contacts, click Import and upload the file.
6. On Xiaomi, add your Google Account to Settings → Accounts and enable contact synchronization.

How to transfer photos and videos:

Install the Google Photos app on your iPhone, log in and enable Backup and Sync. Once you have finished downloading, all media files will be available on Xiaomi via the same app. Note that Google Photos compresses photos at a free rate (up to 16 MP). To maintain original quality, use paid storage or method 3 with your computer.

💡

If you have a lot of photos, then you can sort them by album in Google Photos before you transfer them, and on Xiaomi, they will automatically split into folders, and you won't have to do it manually.

Method 3: Use of the computer (Mac/Windows) full-back

This method gives maximum control over the data being transferred and is suitable if:

• You have a lot of data (over 50 GB).
• You want to transfer sample files (for example, only photos for 2023).
• Mi Mover or iCloud are not working for technical reasons.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (or Finder on your Mac).
2. Create a local backup copy (File) → Devices → Create a backup copy).
3. Download iMazing or AnyTrans (free versions with restrictions).
4. In the program, select Export Data and specify the folder on the computer.
5. Connect Xiaomi to your computer in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
6. Transfer the exported files to the smartphone memory.

Instructions for Mac:

On Mac, you can do without third-party programs:

1. Connect your iPhone and open the Finder.
2. In the Shared Files section, copy the necessary data (photos, music) to the folder on the Mac.
3. Connect Xiaomi and transfer files via Android File Transfer.

💡

The computer method is the only way to transfer the full history of calls and messages with attachments (photos, videos, voice).

Method 4: Third-party applications – when standard methods don’t work

If none of the above methods work, use specialized applications. They are useful in cases of:

• 🔄 You need to transfer data selectively (for example, only WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 📶 No access to a computer or stable Wi-Fi.
• 🔧 Mi Mover gives an error (for example, "I failed to connect").

Top.-3 Applications for data transfer from iPhone to Xiaomi:

1. Send Anywhere (free, no registration) 📲 It works via Wi-Fi Direct (no internet required). 📁 Transfers files of any type (photos, videos, documents). 🔒 Encrypts data when transferring. How to use: Install the app on both phones, select files on your iPhone, generate a 6-digit code and type it into Xiaomi.
2. Shareit (free but with advertising) 🎮 Supports the transfer of game data (e.g., progress to the game) PUBG Mobile). 📶 It works via an access point (if there is no Wi-Fi). 📥 Can port apps (but not everyone will work on Android).
3. Copy My Data (paid, $4.99) 📞 Transfers contacts, calendars, photos and notes. 🔄 It works via Wi-Fi or USB. 📱 Keeps the folder structure.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications, never transmit data over public Wi-Fi networks (such as at a cafe or airport). Attackers can intercept files. Use a mobile hotspot or home Wi-Fi.

Method 5: Manual transfer of individual data types

If you only need to transfer certain data (such as music or documents), it's easier to do it manually.

1. Music and playlist transfer:

• 🎵 If music is purchased from iTunes, download the tracks to your computer (File) → Library → Organize a library).
• 📁 Copy files in format.mp3 or.m4a Xiaomi in the Music folder.
• 🎧 For playlists, use Spotify or YouTube Music – they sync between devices.

Transfer of documents (PDF, Word, Excel):

• 📄 Upload files to Google Drive or Dropbox from iPhone.
• 📥 On Xiaomi, install the appropriate application and download files.
• 📂 Alternative: Connect your iPhone to your computer and copy files via iTunes or Finder.

Transfer of notes:

• 📝 If notes are stored in iCloud Notes, export them via iCloud.com as.pdf or.txt.
• 📋 For Google Keep: Install the app on your iPhone, create new notes, and sync with Xiaomi.

Password transfer:

• 🔑 Export passwords from iCloud Keychain to.csv (Settings) → Passwords. → Export passwords).
• 🔐 Import them to Google Password Manager or Bitwarden on Xiaomi.

💡

If you use 1Password Or LastPass, just install these apps on Xiaomi and log in – all passwords are synced automatically.

Typical Problems and How to Solve Them

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

What if the data is not fully transferred?

1. Check the space available on Xiaomi – if it is less than 10%, the transfer may be interrupted.
2. Reboot both phones and repeat the process.
3. If you use Wi-Fi, switch to Wi-Fi. USB-cable (it's more stable).
4. Update your Mi Mover, iTunes or Google Photos apps to the latest version.

💡

If contacts are lost after transferring to Xiaomi, check if sync with Google Account is included in Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)