The shift from Apple’s ecosystem to Android, particularly Xiaomi’s, often raises concerns about the loss of critical data. The most critical asset for many is the messaging history, media files, and settings in WhatsApp. Unlike transferring within the same system, cross-platform migration requires a strict sequence of actions, since iCloud and Google Drive cloud backups are incompatible directly.
Fortunately, the messenger developers and Xiaomi engineers have provided the official tools to do this, so you don't have to resort to questionable paid programs or take screenshots of important dialogues. The process has become much easier with the release of MIUI updates and new versions of the Android operating system. However, for the procedure to be successful, you need to carefully prepare both devices and follow the instructions Step-by-step.
In this article, we will discuss the current and secure way to transfer data, which is supported officially. We will look at the nuances of the tool Move to iOS in the opposite direction and the specifics of the Xiaomi Mi Mover application. Understanding the technical limitations will help avoid common mistakes that can interrupt the process halfway.
Technical requirements and preparation of devices
Before you start the direct transfer, you need to make sure that both smartphones meet the minimum system requirements. For the iPhone, this is the presence of the iOS operating system 15.5 or later, as well as the installed Move to iOS app (although new methods may not require it, but it is better to have it for safety).
Both devices must be powered or have a battery charge of at least 80%, encryption and database decoding can be energy-intensive, and a stable Wi-Fi connection with high data rates is critical, although this step can be excluded in favor of a direct connection when using an adapter cable.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the new Xiaomi doesn’t sign in to your WhatsApp account before you start porting. If you’ve already activated the app, you’ll have to uninstall it and re-install it to make sure the history import button appears.
Check the free space on both devices. The final Xiaomi backup may be different in size from the iPhone due to differences in APFS and EXT4 file compression methods. It is recommended to have at least 5-10 GB of free memory over the current amount of data being occupied.
Depending on your iPhone (Lightning or USB-C) and Xiaomi (usually USB-C), you may need a corresponding adapter or Lightning cable - USB-C. The official method often relies on creating a local access point, but the physical connection guarantees stability when transferring large volumes of media files.
Official method of transfer through QR-code
The most reliable way to do this is to use the built-in import feature, which is activated when WhatsApp first starts on a new device, which requires no third-party software and uses a direct connection between devices. First, on the iPhone, you need to update the messenger to the latest version through the App Store to ensure that you have all the necessary libraries for export.
On the new Xiaomi, install WhatsApp from the Google Play store or GetApps. When you launch the app, type in the same phone number that was used on the iPhone. The system recognizes that you are changing the platform and prompts you to import chat history. QR-The code that you need to scan with the iPhone camera.
Once the code is scanned, the iPhone will start preparing data, and you'll see the progress bar and the time estimate for the remaining process, at which point the devices create a secure local connection, and don't switch to other apps or lock the iPhone screen, as this can break the connection and interrupt the transfer of encryption keys.
☑️ WhatsApp’s Migration Readiness
It is important to note that only personal chats, group dialogues and media files are portable, some settings, such as fixed chats or archive folders, may not be moved and will require manual adjustment on the new device, and call data via WhatsApp is not transferred, as it is not stored in the chat history.
Using Xiaomi Mi Mover for backup
Xiaomi smartphone owners have the added benefit of pre-installed Mi Mover, though its main function is to transfer data between Android devices, in recent updates. MIUI HyperOS has improved integration with iOS, and this tool can help you migrate media files themselves if the main method is to use the same software. QR-For some reason, the code didn’t work for the media library.
Run Mi Mover on Xiaomi and select Receiver. iPhone will need to install a similar app from the App Store. After pairing devices via Wi-Fi Direct, select Apps category from the data transfer list and find WhatsApp. However, it is worth noting that this method often only portables the installation file (APK), but not the internal database due to iOS security limitations.
⚠️ Note: Don't rely solely on Mi Mover to migrate the chat database. The main tool should remain the official mechanism inside the WhatsApp app, described in the previous section.
If you use Mi Mover to transfer photos and videos, make sure they are stored in the device’s memory, not just in the iCloud Photos cloud. For this, the iPhone should have the option “Download and save originals” in the photo settings. Otherwise, on Xiaomi, you will only get low-quality thumbnails.