Moving from Android to iOS is always stressful, with the risk of losing important data, especially text information that often doesn’t have a backup in the cloud. Standard migration tools like the Move to Data app are great at handling contacts and photos, but often ignore Xiaomi’s built-in notes.
Mi and Redmi smartphone owners are faced with their records being stored in a proprietary MIUI Notes format that is not directly recognized by the Notes app on the iPhone. However, there are several proven methods to save the entire archive of records without losing formatting and attachments. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of migration, from cloud synchronization to the use of third-party utilities.
Before you start taking action, you need to understand the storage structure on your device. On Xiaomi phones, information can be locally located or linked to your Mi Account. Your task is to choose a method that will ensure the integrity of data when you migrate to the Apple platform.
Preparing devices for data migration
Successful transfer of information depends on the pre-preparation of both smartphones. On the Xiaomi device, you need to make sure that all notes are synchronized with the cloud or exported to an accessible format. MIUI HyperOS, as older versions may have export bugs.
On the iPhone side, you also need to do a number of things: Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection, as text transfers and attachments can consume traffic. Charge both devices to at least 60% so that the process doesn't get interrupted halfway through battery drain.
⚠️ Note: Before any data manipulation is initiated, it is strongly recommended to make a full backup of Xiaomi phone via Mi Cloud or locally to your computer, which will allow you to recover information in the event of an export failure.
An important step is to free up space in cloud storage. If you plan to use Google Drive or Mi Cloud as an intermediary, check the volume available. Heavy notes with photos or voice recorders can quickly exhaust the free space.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Method 1: Synchronize with Mi Cloud and Web Version
The most reliable way to keep your notes structure is to use the Mi Cloud cloud service. On a Xiaomi smartphone, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and make sure the switch opposite the Notes item is active. Wait for the synchronization to be completed, the indicator of which is usually displayed in the notification curtain.
Then, take a computer or any browser on another device, and you'll need to go to the official i.mi.com cloud storage site. Sign in using the same Mi Acca as you do on your phone. In the web version interface, you'll see a complete list of your records.
Unfortunately, there is no direct synchronization between Mi Cloud and iCloud Notes. So you have to manually copy text or use the export function if it is available in your version of the web interface, highlight the desired note, copy the content and paste it into any intermediate storage, such as Google Docs or send it to the messenger.
What to do if the web version does not open?
The good thing about this method is that it doesn't require third-party software to be installed, which can ask for extra permissions, but it does require manual intervention if you have hundreds of records, and for a small amount of important information, that's the best option.
Method 2: Exporting through Google Keep and Syncing
One of the most elegant solutions is to use the cross-platform Google Keep app. On a Xiaomi phone, install or open the Notes app, then find the export function. Some versions of MIUI have a built-in "Send to Google Keep" option. If not, you can use the "Share" function inside the note itself.
Choose the export format. You'd better choose the text format or image format if you want to keep the visuals in place. Once you've selected the format, the system will offer you a list of applications to transfer. Search in the Google Keep list and confirm the action. All your records will appear in the Android app.
Now go to the iPhone setup.Install the Google Keep app from the App Store and log in to the same acca
All your notes that you have migrated from Xiaomi will automatically be pulled from the Google cloud, and from there you can read, edit, or copy them into native iOS Notes.
| Parameter | Mi Cloud | Google Keep | Manual input |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Tall. | Medium | Low. |
| Preserving formatting | Partial | Complete. | Depends on the user. |
| The need for a PC | Preferably. | No. | No. |
| Risk of data loss | Low. | Minimum | High-pitched |
Using the Google ecosystem is preferable because it creates a universal bridge between Android and iOS. In the future, if you decide to change your phone again, your records will remain available in any browser.
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Tip: When exporting to Google Keep, check the notes with the attached images. Sometimes the pictures may not attach automatically and you will have to download them separately through the attachment menu.
Method 3: Using third-party converter applications
There are many specialty tools in the Play Market store that are specifically designed for data migration, and one popular solution is the Mi Note to Google Keep app, or equivalents with names like "Exporter for Mi Notes," which scans the local MIUI Notes database and converts it into a readable format.
The process of using these gates is simple. Once installed, the application will request permission to access the storage and notes. grant these rights are necessary, otherwise the program will not be able to read the data. Then click the "Export" or "Start Conversion" button. The program will create files in.txt or.html format that can be opened on any device.
Once you have created the export files, you can send them to your email, upload them to the cloud storage (Dropbox, Yandex.Disk), or transfer them via Bluetooth to your computer and then to your iPhone. On your iPhone, the files will open in the appropriate application, from where you can copy the text.
⚠️ Note: Be careful when using third-party applications. Not all developers guarantee data privacy. Avoid programs that require access to contacts or microphones if their functionality is only claimed as export notes.
The main advantage of this method is the ability to export (massively) and you can upload hundreds of records with one click, which saves you hours of manual work, but the formatting (bold, lists) in text files can get lost.
Method 4: Manual copying and clipboard
If the number of notes is small (up to 10-20 pieces), the fastest and safest way is to manually copy. Open a note on Xiaomi, highlight all the text (usually with a long press and select "Specify all") and click "Copy".
Next, open any messenger available on both devices, such as Telegram (Favorites section) or WhatsApp. Send the copied text to yourself. On your iPhone, open the chat, highlight the text and select Copy, then paste Notes into the app.
To speed up the process, you can use the Share -> Copy Link function (if the note has web access) or send it directly to the messenger. Some users prefer to open the document in Google Docs on their computer, inserting all the texts from the phone there, and then simply open this document on the iPhone.
This method ensures that you personally check the contents of each record when you transfer it, and often in the process of manually transferring it, users find and remove old debris, updating their data.
Method 5: Transfer over Mi Mover (with limitations)
Xiaomi’s official Mi Mover app is primarily designed to move between Xiaomi phones, but some versions of the software have claimed support for data transfer on iOS.
If the feature is available, run the app on both devices. iPhone will also need to install a partner app (if the developer provides it for data reception). QR-code, select the “Notes” data type and start the transfer.
It is worth noting that this method works unstable and depends on the version of MIUI. Often users encounter an error "Incorrect format" or the process is frozen by 99%, so this method is recommended to try last if other options are not available.
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Mi Mover is a lottery when you move to iOS. If you have data, don't rely on it as the only way, make sure to use cloud-based methods in conjunction.
Solving problems in transfer
Often, users experience text being displayed in brownies or lost attachments after porting, due to differences in encoding or file formats. If text is not readable, try exporting UTF-8 or.txt formats instead of proprietary formats.
Sync issues in Google Keep can be related to two-factor authentication.If an app on an iPhone requires re-signing in, make sure you enter the app password if the main Google account is protected with enhanced security.
Another common problem is the lack of space in iCloud when trying to import data through intermediate files. Before starting a large-scale import, check the storage status in the Settings settings → [Your name] → iCloud.