How to Connect iPhones to Xiaomi Devices: A Complete 2026 Guide

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).

  • πŸ“± Transfer speeds up to 2MB/s (10 times slower than Wi-Fi).
  • πŸ“ File Restriction – You can’t send a folder or archive.
  • πŸ”‹ Bluetooth 5.0 consumes up to 15% of the charge per hour of active transmission.

To connect:

  1. On iPhone: Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth and turn on visibility.
  2. On Xiaomi: Go to Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth, click Device Search.
  3. Select your iPhone from the list. Both devices will have a confirmation code, match it.
  4. To transfer files to Xiaomi, open Files, select a file β†’ Share. β†’ Bluetooth.

⚠️ 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.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi device are you using?
Smartphone (Redmi/POCO/Xiaomi)
Television (Mi TV)
Smart speaker (Mi AI Speaker)
Fitness bracelet (Mi Band)
Other

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).

  • πŸ“² Install LocalSend from the App Store (iPhone) and Google Play (Xiaomi).
  • πŸ”— Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • πŸ“€ 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:

  1. Install the app FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer on Xiaomi.
  2. Launch it. FTP-server in the application settings (usually in the Network section).
  3. 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:

ServiceMax. File size.Loading speedYou need registration?
iCloud Drive50 GB (free 5 GB)Depends on the Internet.Yes (Apple ID)
Google Drive15GB (free)Up to 10MB/sYes.
Telegram (Saved Messages)2GBInstantly.No.
WeTransfer2 GB (free)Up to 5MB/sNo.

For Telegram, just send files to Saved Messages, then open them on Xiaomi. Minus is a limit of 2 GB per file.

πŸ’‘

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.

  1. On the Mi remote. TV press Settings. β†’ Connections β†’ AirPlay.
  2. Turn on the option and remember the PIN-code (default: 0000 or 1234).
  3. On the iPhone, swipe up for Control Point, press Screen Duplicate.
  4. Choose your Mi. TV list and enter PIN.

⚠️ 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 doesn’t support AirPlay, install ApowerMirror:

  • πŸ“Ί Download ApowerMirror on Mi TV via Google Play (if any) or APK-file.
  • πŸ“± Install the iOS version from the App Store.
  • πŸ”— 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?
If the image is duplicated but no sound, check: 1. On the iPhone in Control Point, hold the screen duplicate button and select Mi TV 2. On the TV in the sound settings (Settings) β†’ Sound. β†’ Exit, select HDMI ARC (if connected through HDMI). 3.Reboot both devices – sometimes resetting network settings helps.

4. iPhone synchronization with Xiaomi smart devices (lamps, speakers, bracelets)

Xiaomi smart devices (such as Mi Band 8, Mi Smart Speaker or Yeelight) don’t 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:

  1. Download Mi Fitness from the App Store.
  2. Register with Xiaomi Account (you can use Google or Apple) ID).
  3. Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone and add a bracelet in the app (Profile) β†’ Add the device).

Limitations:

  • ❌ No sync with Apple Health (only export manually).
  • ❌ Notifications are running crooked (e.g., no emojis are displayed).
  • βœ… Works tracking sleep, steps and pulse.

Managing Yeelight lamps with iPhone

For Yeelight lamps, use the official Yeelight app:

  1. Install Yeelight from the App Store.
  2. Connect the lamp to the network via Wi-Fi (press the button on the lamp 5 times until it flashes yellow).
  3. In the app, click Add Device and select your model.

⚠️ Note: Yeelight lamps do not support HomeKit (Apple’s 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.

  • πŸ”Œ Lightning adapter β†’ USB-C/USB-A (depending on the port on Xiaomi).
  • πŸ“± Cable USB-C β†’ USB-C (For new Xiaomi models 13/14).
  • πŸ’» File Manager (e.g. Files by Google) FX Explorer).

Instructions:

  1. Connect your iPhone to Xiaomi via an adapter.
  2. On the iPhone will appear the request Trust this computer? – click Trust.
  3. On Xiaomi, open the file manager and go to the section USB-device.
  4. Copy the required files (photos are stored in the DCIM β†’ 100APPLE).

Limitations:

  • ❌ iPhone does not appear as a removable drive (Photo/Video access only).
  • ❌ You can’t copy music or documents without additional apps (e.g. iMazing).
  • βœ… Transfer speeds up to 40MB/s (20 times faster than Bluetooth).

πŸ’‘

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. Here’s how to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Can't see the device on Bluetooth.Outdated firmware MIUI iOSUpdate both devices to the latest versions
No sound when streaming on Mi TVIncorrect sound output on the iPhoneAt the Control Point, hold the play button and select Mi. TV
Files are not copied over Wi-FiFirewall or VPN blocks the connectionTurn it off. VPN Antivirus on both devices
Mi Band is not synchronizedIncompatible version of the applicationRemove 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 Bluetooth

7. Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods don’t work, try advanced solutions:

Method 1: Termux + Python server on Xiaomi

To transfer files without limitation:

  1. Install Termux on Xiaomi from Google Play.
  2. Enter the commands: pkg update && pkg upgrade pkg install python pip install http.server
  3. Start the server: cd ~/storage/shared/Download python -m http.server 8080
  4. 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:

  • 🐧 Connect both devices to the same network.
  • πŸ“‚ On Raspberry Pi, create a shared folder and give access to the record.
  • πŸ“± 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.

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I connect my iPhone to Xiaomi? NFC?
No, iPhone (except iPhone 7 and newer in Japan) does not support data sharing NFC. This iPhone technology only works for Apple Pay and fast parking with other Apple devices.
Why Xiaomi doesn’t see AirDrop with iPhone?
Xiaomi does not support AirDrop, which is Apple’s proprietary protocol, but instead use LocalSend, Snapdrop, or Nearby Share (if Xiaomi has Google Play Services installed).
How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi?
Methods: iCloud: Export contacts to vCard via iCloud.com, then import to Xiaomi.Google Account: Sync contacts with Google on iPhone, then log in to that account on Xiaomi.Bluetooth: Send contacts one by one via the Share Menu.
Can I use the iPhone as a remote for Mi? TV?
Yes, but only through apps: Mi Remote (official, but not all models). Unified Remote (supports) IR-Google Home (if the TV is connected to Google Assistant) IR-Infrared (infrared) consoles need an iPhone with IR-Transmitter (these models have not been produced since 2017).
How to connect iPhone to the Xiaomi Mi column AI Speaker?
Xiaomi speakers (e.g. Mi) AI Speaker or Mi Smart Speaker) connect to the iPhone via: Bluetooth: Standard pair (but there will be mono sound). Wi-Fi + Mi Home: Install Mi Home on iPhone, add a column to the app and use Multimedia Control. Aux Cable: If the column has a 3.5mm connector, connect via Lightning β†’ Aux adapter.Stereo sound will require two Xiaomi speakers and the Mi Home app.