Changing the ecosystem from iOS to Android, in particular to Xiaomi smartphones, is often associated with technical difficulties, the main of which is the preservation of digital history. WhatsApp uses fundamentally different cloud storage for backups: iCloud for Apple and Google Drive for Android. Because of this architectural difference, standard recovery from the cloud when changing the platform is impossible without the use of special tools.
Users need to understand that simple synchronization via phone number is not enough, that the cryptographic keys used to encrypt backups across systems are incompatible, and that is why successful transfer requires the creation of a special local file or the use of an official migration tool that converts the database structure.
In this guide, we will detail the current ways to transition, which allow you to save not only text messages, but also media files.The process requires care and follow steps in strict sequence to avoid losing important data or damage the structure of the application on a new device.
Preparation of devices and software version verification
Before starting the procedure, it is critical to make sure that both the old iPhone and the new Xiaomi are ready to go. On Apple’s device, you need to update the iOS operating system to the latest available version, as older versions may contain errors in the function of exporting chats. A similar requirement applies to Android: make sure that the shell MIUI or HyperOS updated.
The use of a 4G/5G mobile network is not recommended due to possible connection instability and a large amount of data transmitted, especially if there are many photos and videos in the archive.The battery charge on both gadgets should be at least 60%, or it is better to keep them on charge during the process.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the data transfer process or lock smartphone screens until the operation is complete. Interruption can damage the database file, after which recovery will become impossible.
Also on the new Xiaomi phone, WhatsApp should be installed, but it does not need to be initially registered in it, the application must be in the initial launch state or be reinstalled completely to accept imported data without conflict versions.
Method One: Official Mi Mover Tool
Xiaomi has developed its own Mi Mover app, which is the preferred way to migrate data, and it's built into the system and optimized for MIUI shells, and it allows you to transfer not only contacts and photos, but also application data, including the history of messengers' correspondence.
To get started, open the app on both devices. On iPhone, it can be downloaded from the App Store if it's not pre-installed. On Xiaomi, the app is in the Tools folder or in the system settings. Select the role of the device: on the old phone, click "I'm the sender" and on the new phone, "I'm the recipient."
After the scan. QR-Go to the category of "App Data" or "Apps." Search the WhatsApp list and make sure the tick is active. The system will warn you that the application on the receiving device will be overwritten with data from the old phone.
- 📱 Make sure that Xiaomi has the same or newer version of WhatsApp than iPhone.
- 🔋 Connect both devices to a power source as the process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
- 📶 Do not switch between tabs and do not open other heavy apps during transfer.
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If Mi Miver doesn’t see WhatsApp, try uninstalling the app on Xiaomi, clearing the Mi Mover cache, and restarting both smartphones before trying again.
Method Two: Local Backup through Chat Settings
If Mi Mover is not possible for some reason, there is an alternative method based on local backup, which requires a Lightning-to-USB cable (or adapter) to connect directly, or using the “Move to Android” feature inside WhatsApp itself, if it is available in your version of the app.
Modern versions of WhatsApp on iOS have a built-in migration feature. To activate it, go to the chat settings on iPhone: → chat → Transfer chats to Android. Follow the instructions on the screen. You will be prompted to scan. QR-code that will appear on the screen of the new Xiaomi when you first set up or in the WhatsApp app.
This method creates an encrypted file that is not visible to the user in the file system directly, but is automatically recognized by the Android application. Importantly, during the transfer, both phones will be unavailable for use, since they operate in direct Wi-Fi Direct connection mode.
What to do if the process is 90% frozen?
Step-by-step instructions for data recovery
Once the transfer file is created and transferred to a Xiaomi device, the recovery phase begins, which is the most critical point, requiring accuracy. Make sure that the new phone uses the same phone number and Google account that you plan to use all the time.
Launch WhatsApp on Xiaomi. Go through the phone number verification process. Once the number is confirmed, the system will automatically detect the local backup file created in the previous steps.
Click Restore. Don't click Skip, otherwise the data will be lost, and it will be extremely difficult to recover from that file without resetting the application. The process of unpacking and integrating messages into the SQLite database can take time depending on the size of the archive.
☑️ Checklist of successful recovery
Once you have completed the recovery, click Next. Your chats will appear in the list. Please note that some statuses (reviewed status updates) may not be transferred, as these are temporary data, but the main correspondence and groups are saved completely.
Compatibility table and system requirements
To perform a successful operation, your devices must meet certain technical criteria, and the following table helps determine software version compatibility and storage requirements.
| Parameter | iPhone (Source) | Xiaomi (Receiver) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum OS | iOS 15.5 and higher | Android 11 and higher | In older versions, the function may not be available. |
| WhatsApp version | The latest from the App Store | The latest from Google Play | Critical for format compatibility |
| Free seat | Not required | 2 times the size of the backup | To unpack temporary files |
| Account. | Apple ID | Google Account | Must be active on the device |
If your Xiaomi is running an older version of Android (below 11), you may need to upgrade your system first via the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update.Without this step, modern WhatsApp database encryption techniques may not be supported.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
Users may encounter various technical problems during migration, and one of the most common mistakes is to say, “Can’t restore backup,” which often happens if a new database has already been created on a new device when the application is first installed.
In this case, you need to completely remove WhatsApp from Xiaomi, clear the application data in the Android settings (Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Storage → Clear Data) and start the recovery process again. Only a clean installation ensures that the system will look for an external import file, not a local blank template.
⚠️ Note: If you use two-factor authentication on WhatsApp, make sure you remember PIN-It may be required when you log in on a new device, and it will not be possible to reset it without waiting 7 days.
Another problem may be the lack of media files when saving text correspondence, which indicates that when creating a backup on the iPhone was not enabled option “Including video” or the space on the Xiaomi drive at the time of recording. Full transfer is possible only if the amount of free memory on the receiving device exceeds the size of the backup at least 1.5-2 times.
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The main key to success is the use of current versions of applications on both devices and the availability of a stable Wi-Fi connection throughout the process.