How to transfer data from iPhone to Xiaomi: 5 proven methods without loss

The transition from iPhone to a smartphone Xiaomi is not just a change of gadget, but a complete migration of digital life between two ecosystems. Even in 2026, when both platforms have become more open, users are faced with limitations format incompatibility, restrictions iCloud and firmware nuances. The main problem is MIUI 15. The main problem is Apple actively blocks direct data transfer via the Lightning-USB-C cable for devices running Android 14+, so classic methods like Move to iOS (which only works in the opposite direction) are useless here.

In this article we will look at 5 current ways to transfer from official tools Xiaomi to workarounds for messages iMessage, notes and even data from applications like WhatsApp or Telegram. We will pay special attention preserving photo quality (without compression HEIC), transferring passwords from iCloud Keychain and setting up notifications so that they work as on iOS. If you are afraid of losing data or are not confident in technical skills, at the end of the article there is FAQ with solutions to errors a checklist for preparation.

1. Preparing for the transfer: what you need to do on your iPhone before migration

Before you start transfer optimize data on iPhoneto avoid compatibility problems. Start by clearing duplicate contacts and unnecessary files - this will speed up the process and save space on the new one. relevant Xiaomi.

Required steps:

• 🔄 Update iOS to the latest version (current in 2026 iOS 18+). Older versions may not support exporting data in readable formats Android.
• 📱 Check the free space: a backup copy in iCloud will require at least 5 GB (only 5 GB is available for free, the rest is a paid subscription).
• 🔒 Disable two-factor authentication for iCloud for 24 hours (if you use the method with Apple ID). This will prevent you from being blocked when authorizing on a new device.
• 📂 Export notes from Notes to PDF (if they contain important information). The application Notes on MIUI does not support import directly.

⚠️ Attention: If you use iCloud Photos s "Storage optimization" option, before transferring, enable the parameter Settings → Photos → Download and save originals. Otherwise, compressed versions of the photo will be loaded onto Xiaomi Compressed versions of the photo will be downloaded.

For convenience, make a list of applications that you want to transfer. Some of them (for example, BankID or Government Services) may require re-authorization on Android. Check in advance whether the service supports cross-platform login (via SMS, email or social networks).

2. Official method: application Mi Mover from Xiaomi

Mi Mover is a proprietary tool Xiaomi for migrating data from iOS to Android. It supports transferring contacts, messages (including iMessage), photos, videos and even some settings. However, it has limitations:

• 🚫 Does not transfer applications and their data (for example, saves in games or chats WhatsApp).
• 🔌 Requires direct connection via Wi-Fi (does not work via mobile data).
• 📱 Supports only Xiaomi on MIUI 12+ (check the version in Settings → About phone).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download Mi Mover to iPhone from App Store and to Xiaomi from Google Play (or use pre-installed application).
2. On Xiaomi select Applications → Mi Mover → I am a new user.
3. On iPhone run Mi Mover, scan the QR code from the screen Xiaomi and connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Select data to transfer (it is recommended to leave checkboxes only for contacts, photos and messages - the rest may be transferred with errors).
5. Wait for completion (time depends on the amount of data). Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen iPhone goes dark.

⚠️ Attention: If Mi Mover freezes at the "Data Preparation" stage, check whether the VPN or firewall on iPhone local connection. Disable them in Settings → VPN i Settings → Privacy protection.

Data type	Supported Mi Mover?	Alternative transfer method
Contact	✅ Yes	Export via iCloud → import to Google Contacts
Photo/video	✅ Yes (no compression)	Google Photos or physical transfer via cable
Messages (SMS/iMessage)	✅ Partially (without attachments)	iMazing (paid software for Mac/Windows)
Applications	❌ No	Manual installation from Google Play
Safari Bookmarks	❌ No	Export via iCloud → Import to Chrome

Charge both phones to 50%+

Disable VPN on iPhone

Connect to the same 5 GHz Wi-Fi network

Free up 10 GB of space on Xiaomi

Download Mi Mover on both devices-->

3. Transferring photos and videos without losing quality

One ​​of the main disappointments when switching from iPhone to Android is automatic photo compression during transfer. iOS by default saves pictures in the format HEIC (or HEIF for video), which is not supported by many applications on Android. To transfer media files in original quality, use one of the methods:

Method 1: Google Photos (recommended for large libraries)

• 📲 Set Google Photos to iPhone and log into your Google account.
• 🔄 Turn on Settings → Backup and synchronization and select Original quality (not "High Quality", otherwise photo will shrink!).
• ⏳ Wait for the download to complete (may take several hours for 50+ GB).
• 📱 On Xiaomi install Google Photos, log in to the same account and download files to the device.

Method 2: Physical transfer via cable (for small volumes)

If you few photos (up to 20 GB), you can use direct connection:

1. Connect iPhone to a Mac or PC via Lightning/USB-C.
2. Open Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and find the folder Internal Storage → DCIM.
3. Copy the files to your computer, then transfer them to Xiaomi via cable or OTG drive.

⚠️ Attention: If the photos on iPhone are displayed as IMG_1234.HEIC, before transferring them, convert them to JPEG using the application HEIC to JPG Converter (free in App Store). On Xiaomi These files will not open without additional software.

4. Transferring contacts, calendars and notes

Contacts and calendars are the foundation of your digital life, and losing them can be critical. Fortunately, Apple and Google provide reliable tools for synchronization.

Transferring contacts:

• 📱 On iPhone go to Settings → [Your name] → iCloud and turn on Contact.
• 🌐 On your computer, open iCloud.com, log into your account and select Contact.
• ⚙️ Click on gear in the lower left corner and select Export vCard. The file .vcf will be saved to your computer.
• 📲 On Xiaomi open Google Contacts, click Import and select saved file.

Transfer calendars:

For calendars, use the same iCloud:

1. On iCloud.com select Calendar.
2. Click on the calendar you want to export, then click on the gear and select Shared calendar.
3. Copy the link to the calendar in format .ics and open it in Xiaomi in a browser. The system will offer to add it to Google Calendar.

Transferring notes:

With notes it is more difficult: Apple Notes does not export data in a convenient format. Solutions:

• 📝 Manually copy the text of the notes and paste into Google Keep or Mi Notes.
• 📎 If there are a lot of notes, use the application Exporter for Notes (paid, but retains formatting).

What to do if contacts are duplicated after import?

After import .vcf in Google Contacts duplicates may appear. To delete them:

1. Open contacts.google.com.

2. In the menu on the left, select Duplicates.

3. Click Merge all —the system will automatically merge identical contacts.

If duplicates remain, use the application Simpler Merge on Xiaomi (available in Google Play).

5. Transfer of messages (SMS, iMessage) and instant messenger chats

Messages are the most difficult part of migration. Apple does not provide official tools for export iMessage, and SMS are transferred only through third-party apps:

SMS/MMS transfer:

• 💬 Use iMazing (paid software for Mac/Windows). It exports SMS to .csv or .xmlformat, which can then be imported to Xiaomi via SMS Backup & Restore.
• 📧 Alternative - Backuptrans iPhone SMS Transfer (also paid, but with a trial period).

iMessage transfer:

Unfortunately, It is impossible to transfer iMessage history to Android — Apple does not provide API for export. However, you can:

• 📱 Save important conversations manually (screenshots or copying text).
• 🔄 Disable iMessage before switching to Androidto send messages via SMS:

  Settings → Messages → iMessage → Turn off

Transfer WhatsApp/Telegram chats:

• 💭 WhatsApp: Use the official transfer function (only works when changing your phone number). Details are in Whatsapp help.
• 📤 Telegram: Export chats via Settings → Data and memory → Export chat history. The file .json can be opened at Xiaomi.

⚠️ Attention: If you use Signal or Viber, check Availability of an export function in the application settings. Most instant messengers do not support cross-platform history transfer.

6. Transferring applications and their data

Applications from App Store are not transferred to Android automatically - they need to be installed again from Google Play. However, you can save application data (for example, game saves or settings):

Method 1: Cloud saves

Many applications (for example, games or fitness trackers) support synchronization across accounts:

• 🎮 Games: Link progress to Google Play Games, Facebook or developer account (for example, Supercell ID for Clash of Clans).
• 🏃 Fitness: Export data from Apple Health to Google Fit via the app Health Sync.

Method 2: Manual backup

For applications without cloud synchronization:

1. On iPhone find the folder with the application data (usually in Files → On my iPhone).
2. Copy the files to your computer, then transfer them to Xiaomi to a folder Download or Documents.
3. On Xiaomi install the application from Google Play and manually import the data (if the function is supported).

List of popular applications and methods for transferring their data:

Application	Data transfer method	Notes
WhatsApp	Official transfer when changing number	Works only if the number has not changed
Telegram	Export history to .json	Without media files
Spotify	Login to that same account	Playlists and subscriptions will be saved
1Password	Export archive and import to Android	Requires premium subscription

7. Setting up Xiaomi after the transfer: what to do in the first hours

After successful data transfer optimize Xiaomi for comfortable work. Here is a checklist of key actions:

• 🔐 Set up face/print unlocking in Settings → Passwords and security.
• 🔔 Reconfigure notifications: on Android they work differently than on iOS. Open Settings → Notifications and disable unnecessary notifications from system applications.
• 📶 Check your mobile network settings: traffic saving mode may be enabled by default. Disable it in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Data saving data-i="351">(there is a function for downloading local files). Xiaomi By default, traffic saving mode may be enabled. Disable it in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Data saving.
• 🎵 Import music: if you use Apple Music, install the application on Android or transfer tracks via YouTube Music (there is a function for downloading local files).

Setting up accounts:

To avoid problems with synchronization:

1. Add all mailboxes to the application Mail (including iCloud Mail, if you use it).
2. Enable synchronization Google Drive for backup: Settings → Google → Backup.
3. Set up Mi Account (account Xiaomi) to access branded services: Settings → Account Xiaomi.

⚠️ Attention: If you used Apple Pay, reconfigure payment cards to Google Pay or Mi Pay (available in supported regions). Some banks may require re-authorization when changing devices.

💡

For notifications on Xiaomi to work like on iPhone (with grouping and priority), install the application Notification History from Google Play. It will save the history of notifications even after they are closed.

8. Solving problems during transfer

Even if you follow the instructions exactly, errors may occur. Let's look at the most common ones:

Problem 1: Mi Mover does not see the iPhone

• Check that both devices are connected to the same network Wi-Fi 5 GHz (2.4 GHz may not work).
• Disable Bluetooth on both phones - it may interfere with the connection.
• Reboot both devices and try again.

Problem 2: Photos were transferred, but do not open on Xiaomi

Most likely these are files HEIC. Solutions:

• Install on Xiaomi application HEIC Viewer (free in Google Play).
• Or convert them in advance on iPhone via Settings → Photo → Formats → Compatible (JPEG).

Problem 3: Contacts from iCloud are not transferred

• Make sure that contact synchronization is enabled in iCloud Contacts synchronization is enabled (Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Contacts).
• Check if it's blocking two-factor authentication export. Temporarily disable it in settings Apple ID.

Problem 4: Applications from the App Store are not installed on Xiaomi

This is normal - Android i iOS use different application formats. Solutions:

• Find analogs in Google Play (for example, instead of Apple Maps use Google Maps).
• For unique applications (for example, GarageBand) web versions or alternatives from other developers.

What to do if after the transfer the Xiaomi battery drains too quickly?

This is the problem when you turn it on for the first time Xiaomi after migration. Reasons and solutions:

1. Data indexing: The system is scanning the transferred files. Wait. 12–24 hours - consumption returns to normal.

2. Background activity: Open Settings → Battery → Battery usage and limit background work for unnecessary applications.

3. Adaptive brightness: Disable it in Settings → Display → Brightness and set the value manually (50–60% recommended).

If the problem persists, reset the cache in Settings → Memory → Clear cache.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer call history from iPhone to Xiaomi?

There are no official methods, but you can use the application iMazing (paid) to export the history to .csvformat, and then import it to Xiaomi via Call Logs Backup & Restore (available in Google Play). The alternative is to manually enter important numbers.

How to transfer passwords from iCloud Keychain to Xiaomi?

Apple does not allow you to export passwords directly. Workarounds:

1. Use 1Password or Bitwarden to import passwords from Safari (via Settings → Passwords → Export passwords to iPhone).
2. Manually enter critical passwords into Google Password Manager on Xiaomi.

Important: Do not store passwords in unprotected files or notes!

Why don’t you receive SMS from Xiaomi after transferring banks?

This is due to the fact that some banks link the number to the device. Solutions:

• Re-register the number in a mobile bank (usually through a USSD command or personal account).
• Check if it is blocking. SMS filter on Xiaomi service messages. Disable it in Settings → Applications → Messages → Spam filter.
• Make sure that iMessage is disabled on the old one iPhone (otherwise SMS can go through it).

How to transfer music from Apple Music to Xiaomi?

There are several options:

1. Official way: Install Apple Music to Xiaomi from Google Play and log into your Apple ID. All your playlist and downloads will be available.
2. Alternative: Transfer music via YouTube Music:
   1. On iPhone export playlists using Soundiiz or TuneMyMusic.
   2. Import them to YouTube Music.
3. Local files: If the music is downloaded on iPhone, copy the files via iTunes to your computer, then transfer them to Xiaomi to the folder Music.

Is it possible to return data back to iPhone if the transfer was unsuccessful?

Yes, but with reservations:

• If you used Mi Mover, the data on iPhone remains untouched (the transfer is in one direction).
• If you manually deleted data from iPhone, restore them from a backup iCloud or iTunes.
• For photos and contacts, check the folder Recently deleted in iCloud (stored for 30 days).

Important: Do not connect iPhone to Xiaomi via Mi Mover repeatedly - this may lead to duplication of data.