The hardest part of switching readers is not the UI — it is losing the subscription list you already curated. OPML (Outline Processor Markup Language) is the open format most RSS apps use to export and import feeds. One export can move your library to a new device or a new app.
Why OPML migration is worth it
- Keep folders or groups when the exporter includes them
- Avoid pasting feed URLs one by one
- Makes it practical to leave a cloud-account reader for a local-first app
Step 1: Export from your current reader
Desktop or web clients usually expose Export OPML / Export subscriptions more clearly. Look for Export, OPML, Backup, or Subscriptions.
- Open Settings or Account in your current reader
- Choose Export subscriptions / OPML
- Save the `.opml` or `.xml` file
- Move it to iPhone/iPad via AirDrop, Files, Mail, or iCloud Drive
Step 2: Import on iPhone
In a local-first reader that supports OPML, import usually lives under Add subscription, Import, or Settings. After you pick the file, the app writes the feeds in bulk.
- After import, spot-check 5–10 high-volume feeds for refresh quality
- Drop dead feeds (404 or abandoned) — a clean list beats a perfect copy
- Only then enable sync you already trust (for example iCloud)
How Kite RSS fits this migration
Kite RSS is a privacy-first, offline-first RSS reader for iPhone and iPad: no forced account; subscriptions and reading state stay on device first; optional iCloud sync; chronological timeline.
Download Kite RSS on the App Store · Product home
Migration checklist
- Export OPML and keep a desktop backup
- Import into the new reader and spot-check refresh
- Clean dead and duplicate feeds
- Confirm offline caching before turning sync on
Related reading
Questions: [email protected] (Mokro / Kite RSS).