Connecting iPhones to Xiaomi devices is a challenge that millions of users face every day, despite the fact that both ecosystems (Apple and Apple) are a challenge. MIUI) They are built on different principles, their compatibility is possible through standard communication protocols: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPlay (for TVs) and even wired connection through adapters. The main difficulty lies in the limitations of iOS that do not support some of the branded features of Xiaomi (for example, Mi Share or Quick Share).
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of synchronization, from transferring files between iPhone and smartphone. Redmi/POCO before streaming content on Xiaomi TV. We'll focus on workarounds for sharing data without loss of quality, such as through cloud services or specialized applications, and you'll find a table of device compatibility and answers to frequent errors (such as "device doesn't see" or "no sound when connected").
1. Connecting iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone over Bluetooth
The most versatile way is to use Bluetooth, which is suitable for transferring contacts, photos (one at a time), music and even Internet traffic (through modem modem).
- π± Transfer speeds up to 2MB/s (10 times slower than Wi-Fi).
- π File Restriction β You canβt send a folder or archive.
- π Bluetooth 5.0 consumes up to 15% of the charge per hour of active transmission.
To connect:
- On iPhone: Open Settings β Bluetooth and turn on visibility.
- On Xiaomi: Go to Settings β Connections β Bluetooth, click Device Search.
- Select your iPhone from the list. Both devices will have a confirmation code, match it.
- To transfer files to Xiaomi, open Files, select a file β Share. β Bluetooth.
β οΈ Note: If the iPhone does not appear in the list of Xiaomi devices, update the firmware MIUI Up to the latest version. In older versions (below) MIUI 12) There was an error with the detection of Apple devices.
2. File transfer between iPhone and Xiaomi via Wi-Fi
For fast transfer of large files (video, archives, music albums), it is better to use a local Wi-Fi network.
Method 1: LocalSend (similar to AirDrop)
LocalSend is an open-source cross-platform application that works without registration, with transfer speeds of 10-15 MB/s (5 times faster than Bluetooth).
- π² Install LocalSend from the App Store (iPhone) and Google Play (Xiaomi).
- π Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- π€ On your iPhone, select a file β Share. β LocalSend, then select your Xiaomi from the list.
Method 2: FTP-server
If you need to transfer hundreds of files (such as photos from a vacation), set up FTP-server directly to Xiaomi:
- Install the app FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer on Xiaomi.
- Launch it. FTP-server in the application settings (usually in the Network section).
- On the iPhone, open any one. FTP-client (e.g. FileExplorer Free) and enter the server address (shown on Xiaomi screen).
Connect both devices to the same network|Shut down. VPN iPhone|Close background applications (saves charge)|Check the free space on Xiaomi-->
Method 3: Cloud Services (Backway)
If there is no Wi-Fi, use the clouds:
| Service | Max. File size. | Loading speed | You need registration? |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCloud Drive | 50 GB (free 5 GB) | Depends on the Internet. | Yes (Apple ID) |
| Google Drive | 15GB (free) | Up to 10MB/s | Yes. |
| Telegram (Saved Messages) | 2GB | Instantly. | No. |
| WeTransfer | 2 GB (free) | Up to 5MB/s | No. |
For Telegram, just send files to Saved Messages, then open them on Xiaomi. Minus is a limit of 2 GB per file.
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If you are transferring video from iPhone to Xiaomi, convert it to format. MP4 (H.264) This will eliminate playback problems on some Xiaomi models.
3. Connecting iPhone to Xiaomi TV (Mi) TV)
Streaming content from iPhone to Xiaomi TV Possible via AirPlay (on models with MIUI TV 3.0+) The main condition is that the TV and the phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Method 1: Built-in AirPlay (for Mi) TV 4S/5/5X newer)
Since 2020, Xiaomi has added AirPlay 2 support to the TV firmware.
- On the Mi remote. TV press Settings. β Connections β AirPlay.
- Turn on the option and remember the PIN-code (default: 0000 or 1234).
- On the iPhone, swipe up for Control Point, press Screen Duplicate.
- Choose your Mi. TV list and enter PIN.
β οΈ Attention: On Mi TV Stick and budget models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) AirPlay is not supported. Use DLNA or Google Cast.
Method 2: ApowerMirror (for older TVs)
If your TV doesnβt support AirPlay, install ApowerMirror:
- πΊ Download ApowerMirror on Mi TV via Google Play (if any) or APK-file.
- π± Install the iOS version from the App Store.
- π Connect both devices to the same network and follow the instructions in the app.
The advantage of ApowerMirror is low latency (up to 50 ms), which is important for gaming.
What to do if there is no sound when connecting the iPhone to the Mi TV?
4. iPhone synchronization with Xiaomi smart devices (lamps, speakers, bracelets)
Xiaomi smart devices (such as Mi Band 8, Mi Smart Speaker or Yeelight) donβt officially support iOS to the fullest extent.
Connecting Mi Band to iPhone
Mi Band fitness bracelets (including the 8th model) work with the iPhone through the Mi Fitness app:
- Download Mi Fitness from the App Store.
- Register with Xiaomi Account (you can use Google or Apple) ID).
- Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone and add a bracelet in the app (Profile) β Add the device).
Limitations:
- β No sync with Apple Health (only export manually).
- β Notifications are running crooked (e.g., no emojis are displayed).
- β Works tracking sleep, steps and pulse.
Managing Yeelight lamps with iPhone
For Yeelight lamps, use the official Yeelight app:
- Install Yeelight from the App Store.
- Connect the lamp to the network via Wi-Fi (press the button on the lamp 5 times until it flashes yellow).
- In the app, click Add Device and select your model.
β οΈ Note: Yeelight lamps do not support HomeKit (Appleβs smart home ecosystem).Siri integration will require a Home Assistant or a Home Assistant. HOOBS.
5. Wireless iPhone Connection to Xiaomi (via Adapters)
If wireless methods don't work, use a wired connection.
- π Lightning adapter β USB-C/USB-A (depending on the port on Xiaomi).
- π± Cable USB-C β USB-C (For new Xiaomi models 13/14).
- π» File Manager (e.g. Files by Google) FX Explorer).
Instructions:
- Connect your iPhone to Xiaomi via an adapter.
- On the iPhone will appear the request Trust this computer? β click Trust.
- On Xiaomi, open the file manager and go to the section USB-device.
- Copy the required files (photos are stored in the DCIM β 100APPLE).
Limitations:
- β iPhone does not appear as a removable drive (Photo/Video access only).
- β You canβt copy music or documents without additional apps (e.g. iMazing).
- β Transfer speeds up to 40MB/s (20 times faster than Bluetooth).
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Wired connection is the only way to transmit video in original quality (4K/60fps) compressively.
6. Solving common problems
When connecting an iPhone to Xiaomi, users experience typical errors. Hereβs how to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Can't see the device on Bluetooth. | Outdated firmware MIUI iOS | Update both devices to the latest versions |
| No sound when streaming on Mi TV | Incorrect sound output on the iPhone | At the Control Point, hold the play button and select Mi. TV |
| Files are not copied over Wi-Fi | Firewall or VPN blocks the connection | Turn it off. VPN Antivirus on both devices |
| Mi Band is not synchronized | Incompatible version of the application | Remove Mi Fitness and install it again |
If the problem is not solved, try resetting the network settings on Xiaomi:
Settings β System β Additional β Resetting β Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth7. Alternative methods (for experienced users)
If standard methods donβt work, try advanced solutions:
Method 1: Termux + Python server on Xiaomi
To transfer files without limitation:
- Install Termux on Xiaomi from Google Play.
- Enter the commands: pkg update && pkg upgrade pkg install python pip install http.server
- Start the server: cd ~/storage/shared/Download python -m http.server 8080
- On iPhone, open Safari and enter the address http://[IP-Xiaomi]:8080.
Method 2: Raspberry Pi as a mediator
If you have a Raspberry Pi, set up a Samba server on it:
- π§ Connect both devices to the same network.
- π On Raspberry Pi, create a shared folder and give access to the record.
- π± On iPhone, use Files β Connect to the server β enter smb://[IP Raspberry Pi].
This method is suitable for automatic backup of photos or file sharing between multiple devices.