How to download photos from iPhone to Xiaomi: all ways for 2026

Sharing photos between smartphones in different ecosystems — Apple and Xiaomi — is often a headache for users. While both companies offer advanced synchronization solutions, direct file transfer between iOS and MIUI is not always intuitive. In this article, we will discuss current 2026 methods that work even for older iPhone 6s and new flagships Xiaomi 14 Ultra, taking into account the features of the latest operating system updates.

The main problem is that Apple uses a closed ecosystem with proprietary protocols (like AirDrop), and Xiaomi is focused on open Android standards. This means that direct transmission over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct is often blocked at the software level. However, there are workarounds, from cloud services to specialized applications, which we will discuss in detail below. It is important to consider not only the speed of transfer, but also the safety of metadata (filming dates, geotags) that can be lost with some methods.

1. Transfer via AirDrop + Xiaomi Quick Share (new method 2026)

With the release of MIUI 15, Xiaomi introduced support for the Quick Share protocol (similar to Google’s Nearby Share), which is partially compatible with Apple’s AirDrop, which only works on iOS 17+ and Xiaomi devices based on Android 14 (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro, Redmi Note 13 Pro+).

To take advantage of this method:

• 📱 Activate AirDrop on iPhone: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen → hold the block with the network → Turn on AirDrop and select "For All" mode".
• 🤝 On Xiaomi, open Settings → Connection and sharing → Quick Share and enable visibility for all devices.
• 📤 Select photos in the iPhone gallery, click "Share" → Select Xiaomi device from the list of available recipients.
• 🔄 On Xiaomi, confirm the receipt of files (may require input) PIN-code if the devices are connected for the first time).

⚠️ Note: This method works unstable on custom firmware devices (e.g. Xiaomi.EU). If the transfer is interrupted, try to reduce the number of photos in a single send (optimally, up to 50 files at a time).

2.Use of cloud services: Google Photos vs Mi Cloud

Cloud storage remains the most versatile way to transfer photos, as it does not depend on the device's operating system, but each service has nuances:

To be transmitted via Google Photos:

1. Install the app on both devices.
2. On iPhone, upload photos to the album (click Share → Save to Google Photos).
3. On Xiaomi, open the same Google account and download files through the Photos menu" → "Library".

⚠️ Note: If you are using Mi Cloud, please note that Xiaomi services may be blocked IP-address from certain regions, in which case upload photos through VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Warp).

Direct transmission via cable (Lightning → USB-C)

Physical cable connection is the most reliable method, especially if you need to transfer a large number of photos (for example, archives over several years).

• 🔌 Lightning adapter → USB-C (Official from Apple or certified by Anker).
• 📱 Xiaomi with support OTG (All models after 2018).
• 💻 File management application (e.g., Xiaomi Files or Solid Explorer).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your iPhone to Xiaomi via an adapter. The iPhone will be asked, "Trust this computer?"
2. On Xiaomi, open the notification "USB-Device is connected" and select "File Transfer mode".
3. In Explorer, go to DCIM → 100APPLE (or 101APPLE if there are many photos).
4. Copy the files to the Pictures folder on Xiaomi.

🔹 The advantage of the method is that all metadata is saved (including Live Photos if you copy the entire folder).

🔸 Disadvantage: Transfer speed is limited by version USB. For example, on the iPhone 12 (USB 2.0) and Xiaomi 11T Pro (USB 3.2) maximum speed shall be ~40 MB/s.

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If Xiaomi doesn’t see the iPhone through OTG, try using the original Apple cable – many cheap adapters don’t support the Made for iPhone (MFI) protocol.

4. Wireless transmission through intermediary applications

If clouds and cables don't fit, you can use specialized applications that create a local network between devices.

• 🌐 Send Anywhere - Wi-Fi Direct transmission without registration. generates 6-digit code for pairing.
• 🔗 Snapdrop is a web service (works through a browser) does not require installation, but you need a stable network.
• ☁️ Feem -- creates a local network, even without the Internet. Supports folder transfer.

Example from Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both devices.
2. On iPhone, select photos → click “Send” → generate code.
3. On Xiaomi, enter this code in the "Get" field.
4. Confirm the transmission on both devices.

⚠️ Note: When transmitting via Snapdrop, turn off VPN On both devices, the service determines the local IP-addresses, and VPN can block the connection.

5. Transmission via computer (Mac/Windows)

If you have access to a PC or Mac, this method guarantees 100% transfer success, especially for large archives.

• 💻 Computer with iTunes (for Windows) or Finder (for Mac).
• 🔌 Cables for connecting both smartphones.
• 📁 Folder for temporary storage of photos.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your iPhone to your PC and unlock it. In iTunes, confirm your trust in the device.
2. Open This Computer → Find the Apple iPhone → Go to the Internal Storage → DCIM folder.
3. Copy the folders you want (e.g., 100APPLE) to your desktop.
4. Connect Xiaomi in File Transfer mode and transfer the photos to the Pictures folder.

🔹 For Mac: Use Photos to import from iPhone, then connect Xiaomi and drag files through Finder.

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Computer transmission is the only way to save Live Photos in their original format (with video), and other methods often convert them to static images.

6. Alternative methods: Email, Messengers, Social networks

These methods are suitable for transferring a small number of photos (up to 20-30 pieces), but have limitations:

• ✉️ Email - You can send an archive (ZIP) Up to 25 MB (Gmail) or 50 MB (Mail.ru) is suitable for documents, but not for documents. RAW-photo.
• 💬 Telegram – unlimited cloud chat, but image compression (maximum 10MB per file in high quality).
• 📱 WhatsApp – Strongly compresses photos (up to) 1600px long-sided).
• 📘 VK/OK – you can upload to an album and download to Xiaomi, but metadata is lost.

🔸 Important: When sending through messengers photos lose EXIF-data (date, geolocation, camera settings) If it is critical, use other methods.

7. Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even if you follow the instructions, you may have a problem, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi is making an error when transmitting via cable "USB-Device not identified, try it:

1. Reboot both devices.
2. Connect your iPhone to another port (if you use a hub).
3. Update the firmware on Xiaomi (some versions of MIUI 14 had an OTG bug).

FAQ: Frequent questions about sharing photos