Changing the ecosystem from iOS to Android, particularly Xiaomi smartphones, often faces one major obstacle: the need to preserve the history of correspondence. Unlike normal contacts or photos, WhatsApp stores backups in different cloud storages: iCloud on iPhone and Google Drive on Android. This creates an artificial barrier that makes a standard process of data recovery impossible without special tools.
Fortunately, Google, in collaboration with the developers of the messenger, implemented an official portability function that is now available to Xiaomi users with a MIUI or HyperOS shell. The process has become much more transparent, but still requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Any deviation from the algorithm can lead to the fact that chats will remain on the old device, and on the new you will see an empty list of dialogs.
In this guide, we will discuss all the current methods of data migration, paying special attention to the nuances of working with Xiaomi devices. You will learn how to prepare both smartphones, which versions of the software are necessary and what to do if a standard scanner is used. QR-It is critical that both devices have the same or closest version of WhatsApp, and only if these conditions are met will the transfer be successful and without loss of investment.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before starting the procedure, make sure both smartphones are ready for intensive data processing. Transferring the history of correspondence, especially if you have hundreds of gigabytes of media files, requires a stable connection and sufficient amount of power. Charge your iPhone and Xiaomi to at least 80% or connect them to power sources, as the process can take from 15 minutes to several hours.
Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Mobile network use is not recommended due to potential connection instability and high traffic. Make sure the new Xiaomi smartphone has WhatsApp app installed from the official Google Play store or Mi GetApps. APK-files or versions from third-party sources.
On your iPhone, also check for the latest version of the messenger in the App Store. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, make sure that the phone number that the SMS codes will be coming to is active and is on the device you are using right now, which will speed up the verification process on the new gadget.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Official method through scanning QR-code
The most reliable and developer-supported way is to use the built-in export function, which requires no third-party software and works directly between devices. On Xiaomi’s new smartphone, when you first launch WhatsApp, select a language and press Accept and Continue. Enter the same phone number that was used on your iPhone.
Once you enter the number, the system will suggest moving the chat history. QR-On your iPhone, open WhatsApp, go to Settings. → chat → Transfer chats to Android. Click Start and scan the code with your iPhone camera. It's important not to close the app on both devices until the process is complete.
⚠️ Attention: During scanning QR-If you're not in the same position, you can turn off your iPhone screen and the connection may be interrupted. Don't panic, just unlock the device and make sure that the WhatsApp app is active in the background, but not completely folded.
If the scan is successful, the iPhone will start preparing the data and Xiaomi will receive it. The speed depends on the amount of your history. Once completed, Android will receive a notification of readiness. Click Ready to start the final setup and import media files.
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If the iPhone camera is not focused on QR-Try to increase the brightness of the screen on Xiaomi to the maximum and slightly reduce the distance between devices, but not closely.
Using the Mi Mover app for migration
Xiaomi owners have a unique advantage: the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed, and although it is primarily designed to migrate from other Android devices, in some versions of the firmware, it supports importing data from iOS. Launch the app on a new smartphone and select I Recipient status.
On iPhone, download Mi Mover from the App Store (if available for your regional version) or use an alternative method to create a local hotspot. However, it is worth noting that for WhatsApp this method is often less effective than native porting, since Mi Mover copies application files, but can not always correctly decode the SQLite database from iOS to Android format.
However, to transfer photos, gallery videos and contacts, it's the best tool. Choose the type of data you want to transfer and start the process. Make sure your iPhone allows local network access for the Mi Mover app, otherwise the devices won't see each other.
Why does Mi Mover not see WhatsApp chats?
Solving problems with Google Drive and iCloud
A common mistake users make is trying to restore backup from iCloud to Android. This is technically impossible directly, as file structures and encryption paths differ. Google Drive on Android doesn't see iCloud backups. The only bridge between them is the transfer process described above, which converts data on the fly.
If you've used Android before and you have an old backup on Google Drive, the new phone may suggest that you restore it. Be careful: if you agree, you'll lose all new chats from your iPhone that haven't been ported yet. First, migrate from your iPhone, and then, if the system insists on restoring from the cloud, select the option Do Not Restore or Skip to save locally transferred data.
| Parameter | iOS (iPhone) | Android (Xiaomi) |
|---|---|---|
| Backup vault | iCloud Drive | Google Drive / Locally |
| Database format | Encrypted SQLite (iOS) | Encrypted SQLite (Android) |
| Multimedia. | A separate folder in iCloud | Media folder in the device memory |
| Autoback frequency | Daily (when charging and Wi-Fi) | Daily (configurable) |
Once successfully migrated, set up automatic backup on Xiaomi. Go to Settings → Chats → Backup Chats and select the Daily frequency. This ensures that in the future, switching between devices or losing your phone won’t be a disaster.
Configure notifications and in MIUI/HyperOS
Xiaomi shells are known for aggressive energy savings that can block instant messengers in the background. Immediately after transferring data, you need to properly configure access rights. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → WhatsApp.
In AutoRun, turn on the switchboard. Then go to Energy Saving and select No Limits mode. This will prevent the system from "killing" WhatsApp's process when the screen is off, which is critical for receiving messages and calls on time.
Also check permissions. In the app menu, look for App Permissions. Make sure that you can access Contacts, Microphone, Camera and Memory (or Files and Media Content) without memory, you can't send photos, and without a microphone, you can't send voice messages.
⚠️ Note: The path to settings may be different in new versions of HyperOS. If you don't find "Outstart" in your application profile, use a global search for your phone settings by entering "Outstart".
Frequent errors and ways to fix them
The transfer process doesn't always go smoothly the first time. One of the common problems is the "failure to complete the transfer" error, which often happens if the iPhone is running iOS or WhatsApp beta and Xiaomi is stable. Try updating the apps to the latest versions in the official stores.
Another problem is the "Preparation" phase, in which case you can try restarting both smartphones and repeating the procedure, and make sure that the iPhone has power saving mode turned off, which can limit the Wi-Fi module when the screen is off.
If chats have been moved but media files are not loaded (photos and videos are displayed as black squares or stubs), check the free space on Xiaomi. A significant amount of memory exceeding the size of the text messaging database itself may be required to fully deploy the story.
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The most common cause of failure is unstable Wi-Fi. If the process fails repeatedly, try handing out Wi-Fi from a third device (router) or another phone to rule out problems with network equipment.