Changing the operating system from iOS to Android is often perceived by users as a complex and risky process associated with the loss of data and familiar environment. Switching from iPhone to Xiaomi devices (which are running MIUI or HyperOS) does require care, but modern tools make this procedure as automated as possible. The main difficulty is not so much transferring contacts or photos, but migration of applications, since the Apple and Google ecosystems use different file formats and software stores.
Unlike media transfer, direct copying of the.ipa software packages on Android is impossible because of the architectural differences of the platforms. You will need to reinstall the applications from the Google Play store, but with the right preparation you can save their settings, game progress and authorization in accounts. It is important to understand that a full copy of the system one-on-one will not work, but the functional transition will be smooth if you follow the proven algorithms.
In this article, we will discuss all available methods: from using the official Move to iOS utility (in reverse order) to specialized Xiaomi tools. You will learn how to save data from banking applications, messengers and games, as well as what nuances should be considered for owners of older versions of iOS. The key point is the preliminary synchronization of data in the iCloud cloud before migrating to Android.
Preparing iPhone for data migration
Before any transfer action is initiated, the original device must be carefully prepared, which is a critical step in the success of the entire operation. Make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, as backups can take up a significant amount of traffic. Also check the battery level – it must be at least 60%, or connect the device to a power source.
The first step is to update all apps to the latest version through the App Store, which minimizes the risk of conflict when trying to sync data through cloud services. Go to iCloud settings and make sure that the contacts, calendar, notes and Safari switches are activated, which will synchronize the underlying data with Apple servers.
Don’t forget to back up your device completely. To do this, go to Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Backup iCloud and click on “Create a Backup Now.” Having a fresh copy ensures that in the event of a crash, you can return all your data back to your iPhone.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to use third-party programs to “convert” iOS applications to Android format. Such files often contain malicious code or simply do not work, as the system architectures are fundamentally different.
Check the available space in the cloud. If your iCloud plan is full, the backup may not end, in which case it is worth temporarily vacating space or removing unnecessary heavy files that you do not plan to carry.
Using the Mi Mover application for portability
The main tool for migrating to Xiaomi devices is the built-in Mi Mover app. In new models, it is preinstalled in the Tools folder, and for older versions of MIUI it can be downloaded from GetApps or Google Play. On iPhone, you also need to install the Mi Mover app from the App Store.
The process starts with running the program on both devices. On the new Xiaomi smartphone, select Recipient, and on the iPhone, Sender. Apps will find each other via a local Wi-Fi network or create an access point. Follow the instructions on the screen to pair devices.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
After connecting, select the type of data to transfer. Mi Mover allows you to transfer contacts, messages, photos, videos and music. Unfortunately, the apps themselves will not be able to move due to iOS security restrictions, but the list of installed programs will be saved, which will make it easier to find them in the new store.
Wait for the process to be completed. The speed of the transfer depends on the amount of data and the quality of the wireless connection. Do not turn off the device screens or turn off the application during copying, so as not to interrupt the data stream.
⚠️ Attention: When sending large volumes of photos (thousands of pieces), the process may seem to be stalled. Do not interrupt it, the progress indicator may move slowly, but the data is transmitted in the background.
Alternative methods: Google Drive and cloud services
If Mi Mover is not possible for some reason, the Google Drive ecosystem is a great alternative, or just the built-in Google One backup feature on iOS, allowing you to save contacts, calendar events and photos to your Google account.
To start, install the Google or Google Drive app on your iPhone. Sign in to your account you plan to use on Xiaomi. In the app settings, select Backup and activate Contact and Calendar Sync. Photos can be saved through the Google Photos app by enabling Autoboot.
Once you have finished downloading to your iPhone, take a new Xiaomi smartphone. When you first set up your system or in the Settings menu → Accounts and sync, enter your Google account details. The system will automatically tighten your contacts, emails and calendar events.
What to do if your contacts are not synchronized?
This method is especially effective for those who are already actively using Google services on iOS, it provides cross-platform compatibility and allows you to easily switch between devices in the future without complex manipulation of cables.
Transfer of messengers and social networks
The most painful issue when switching from iOS to Android is the history of messaging. The market leader, WhatsApp, officially supports the transfer of chat history, but the process requires care. On WhatsApp on iPhone, go to Settings → Chats → Backup Chats and create a copy. However, the standard copy in iCloud is not visible on Android.
To transfer WhatsApp history to Xiaomi, it often requires using the Data Portability feature when you first launch a new phone (via the Lightning-to-USB-C cable) or using the Chats feature inside the app itself, if it is available in your version. 12+ and MIUI 13/14 The process is simplified: during scanning QR-When you set up WhatsApp on Android, the story can be transmitted directly.
- 📱 Telegram: no backup, all history is stored in the cloud.
- 💬 Viber: requires you to back up Google Drive (not iCloud). On your iPhone, select “Backup” in the Viber settings and specify your Google account. Then, when you install it on Xiaomi, select recovery from Google Drive.
- 📸 Instagram / VK: Data is stored on servers, you just need to log in again.
For banking applications and two-factor authentication (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator), data transfer is not possible with standard copying tools, you will have to re-assign devices in the security settings of each service or use the export / import function within the authentication applications themselves.
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Before you delete WhatsApp from your iPhone, make sure you have successfully logged in to the app on the new Xiaomi and see all the chats.
Working with paid applications and subscriptions
One of the main challenges of the transition is to buy apps. App Store licenses don't work on Google Play. If you've used paid versions of software (e.g. ProCamera, GoodNotes, Notability), you'll have to buy them again on Android or look for free versions.
Many popular services use a subscription system linked to a developer account or a cross-platform account (for example, Adobe, Microsoft 365, Spotify), in which case it is enough to simply log in to your account on a new Xiaomi device, and the subscription is activated automatically.
Check your subscription status through the App Store on your iPhone before you go to Settings → [Your name] → Subscriptions. If you don’t plan to use your iPhone anytime soon, cancel autorenewal so you don’t pay for unnecessary services while you’re setting up your new phone.
| Type of application | License status | User actions |
|---|---|---|
| One-time purchase (App Store) | Untolerated. | Buy again in Google Play or find an analogue |
| Subscription (server) | It's still there. | Sign in to your Android account |
| In-game purchases | Depends on the game. | Link the game account (Facebook/Google) |
| System utilities | Not applicable. | Use the built-in MIUI functions |
It’s worth noting that some developers offer different prices for iOS and Android platforms, as store fees differ, and in some cases, buying on Android can be even more profitable.
Set up a new Xiaomi and install analogues
After the data transfer, the final setup stage begins. MIUI or HyperOS offers many customization tools that can replace the usual features of iOS. For example, the control center, lock screen and navigation gestures are configured in the Settings → Desktop menu.
You'll need to reinstall all the apps from Google Play. If you used Mi Mover, it could save a list of installed programs. In the app store, go to your profile and find the Library or Devices section to see a list of programs from your iPhone and download them quickly.
Pay attention to app permissions. Android requests permissions in more detail. When you first start each app, read the requests carefully: you need to give access to the microphone, geolocation and contacts consciously, and that keeps your data safe.
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Don’t rush to remove your old iPhone right away. live with the new Xiaomi for a week to make sure all the important features are working and the data isn’t lost.
For users accustomed to the Apple ecosystem, it may be useful to install alternative launchers that mimic the iOS interface, although the built-in capabilities of Xiaomi have long caught up with competitors in functionality and smoothness.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
There may be technical difficulties in migrating, and one of the common problems is the login error on the new device on Google account, which may involve two-factor protection, and make sure that you can get the confirmation code on the old device (or via SMS).
Another problem is the fonts being displayed incorrectly or the layout that has gone wrong in some applications, which is solved by updating the application or changing the font size in the system: Settings → Screen → Text Size. Sometimes cleaning the cache of a problematic application helps.
If messenger notifications don’t work, check your power saving settings. MIUI aggressively kills background processes to save battery. Go to Settings → Apps → [your app] → Battery and select No Limits mode.
⚠️ Note: When transferring data through USB-Use only original or certified cables, cheap wires can only transmit current, but not data, which will lead to a connection error.
If you fail to do so, don’t panic. iPhone data is intact (unless you’ve washed your device) and you can always start setting up Xiaomi again by choosing the manual method of installing apps and syncing over the cloud.