The transition from the Android ecosystem to iOS is always stressful for the user, associated with the risk of losing important files and settings. Xiaomi owners who decided to change the platform to the iPhone 11, faced with the need to properly migrate contacts, media files and correspondence. Despite the closedness of the Apple operating system, the company has provided official tools to simplify this process.
The main method is to use the Move to iOS app, which automatically transmits data over a local Wi-Fi connection. However, there are nuances regarding the versions of the MIUI firmware and the limitations on file formats that must be considered before starting the procedure.
In this article, we will take a look at all the stages of transfer, from basic preparation to fine-tuning applications after migration, how to get around typical errors and what data is actually transferred and what you have to copy manually. A deep understanding of the process will allow you to enjoy a new smartphone in 30-40 minutes.
Preparing devices for data migration
The first step is to thoroughly check the status of both smartphones. Make sure your Xiaomi has the latest available version of the MIUI shell, as older builds may contain bugs that interfere with the transmission protocols. iPhone 11 should be installed iOS at least version 9, although current versions of the system work more stable.
The critical parameter is battery power: the process of transferring large amounts of data can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the connection speed and the amount of information, both devices should have a charge of at least 50%, and ideally be connected to power sources to avoid sudden shutdown.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to use third-party adapter cables to connect ports directly.Migration occurs exclusively via the Wi-Fi Direct wireless channel created by the application.
You also need to make room on the receiving device. Before turning on the iPhone 11, make sure it is in its initial setup state (Hello screen). If the phone is already set up, it will have to be reset to factory settings via the Main → Reset → Erase content and settings menu.
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Use the original chargers during transfer, and power surges from cheap power supplies can interrupt the migration process at the most inopportune moment.
Installation and configuration of the Move to iOS app
To start the procedure, you need to download the official Apple app on your Xiaomi smartphone. Open the Google Play store and search for “Move to iOS” (or “Move to iOS”). Download the application developed by Apple to avoid malware.
Once installed, run the program on your Android device, you will be asked to review the terms of the license agreement and provide the necessary permissions, and the application will request access to contacts, messages, gallery and other memory areas – a prerequisite for correct operation.
At the stage of setting up the iPhone 11, go to the Apps & Data screen. Here you select “Move data from Android.” The screen will show a six-digit or ten-digit code, which should be entered in the corresponding field on Xiaomi.
- 📱 Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi enabled, even if you are not connected to a specific network.
- 🔒 Turn off mobile internet on Xiaomi so that the system doesn’t try to switch to data transfer via SIM card.
- 🚫 Do not exit the app or block the Xiaomi screen until the process is complete.
Once the code is entered, the devices will create a secure local area network. If the connection is not established, try temporarily disabling the Smart Wi-Fi or Mobile Data Switch function in the Xiaomi wireless network settings.
Selection of data types for transfer
The Move to iOS interface offers you to select the categories of information you want to copy. It will analyze the amount of data and show you the approximate transfer time, you can choose all items or only specific ones, such as contacts and calendar.
Note the Messages item, where SMS and MMS are transferred, the correspondence is converted to the format readable by the Messages app on iOS, but the multimedia attachments in the old messages may not be ported correctly due to differences in codecs.
The app will offer to save passwords from email services. If you use Gmail, your contacts and calendar are synced automatically after you log in to a new device, which is often faster and more reliable than manual transfer.
| Type of data | Moved through Move to iOS | Requires manual adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Yes (fully) | No. |
| Photos and videos | Yes (in original quality) | No. |
| Messages (SMS) | Yes. | No. |
| Annexes | List (links) only | Yes (download from the App Store) |
| Files in folders | Partially (depending on type) | Often, a cloud is required |
It is important to understand that the applications themselves (APK-files) are not transferred to iPhone because of the different operating system architectures, you will only get a list of previously installed programs with a suggestion to find their counterparts in the App Store.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Features of WhatsApp portability
Transferring WhatsApp’s history is a separate and most complex process that doesn’t always work through Apple’s standard app, with the latest versions of iOS and Android allowing chats to be transferred directly through the messenger’s interface when you first set up your iPhone.
If you don’t automatically transfer, you’ll have to use the “Export Chat” feature inside WhatsApp on Xiaomi, but this method keeps the correspondence as an archive that you can’t just open in an iPhone app — it’s just for archiving.
For full migration of chats with media files, use the built-in function in WhatsApp settings on Android: Settings → chat → Transfer chats. Follow the instructions on the screen, scanning. QR-code that will appear on the iPhone 11 screen during the setup process.
⚠️ Note: When you transfer WhatsApp through the official method, your chats will be encrypted.Make sure you remember the backup password or the linked phone number.
Once you have completed porting and installing WhatsApp on your iPhone, your message history will automatically appear. If it hasn't, check that both devices are using the same version of the messenger.
What to do if WhatsApp transfer is interrupted?
Solving Typical Problems and Errors
A common problem is that the Wi-Fi connection is broken during transmission, which can occur if Xiaomi has enabled the Wi-Fi Assistant feature, which switches the network when the signal is weak.
Another common mistake is the lack of space on the iPhone 11. iOS requires free space not only for the files themselves, but also for temporary data buffering.
If the process is stuck in the “Time Assessment” or “Transfer 1%” stage, try the following:
- 🔄 Reboot both smartphones and start the process again.
- ✈️ Turn on In-Flight mode on Xiaomi immediately after creating a pair, leaving only Wi-Fi active.
- 📵 Remove unnecessary heavy video files from Xiaomi before porting to reduce load.
In some cases, antivirus programs or “memory cleaners” preinstalled in MIUI can block the background of the application.
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Connection stability is more important than speed, and it's better to carry data in smaller portions or near the router than risk losing data due to a communication breakdown.
Post-Migration Actions
Once the iPhone 11 download scale reaches 100%, the devices will report success. Xiaomi will be prompted to terminate the application. Don't rush to delete data from the old phone - keep it working for a few more days.
The new device will begin indexing files and installing applications, and photos may not appear in the gallery immediately, but within a few hours of the system processing metadata, which is normal behavior for the APFS file system.
Check the sync of contacts. If the numbers don't show up, go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts and make sure the sync switch for your Google account is active. Contacts on iOS are stored in the cloud and uploaded on request.
Be sure to set up biometric protection. Face ID on iPhone 11 requires a separate face scan, data from Xiaomi fingerprint sensors cannot be transferred for security reasons.
⚠️ Warning: Two-factor authentication. Make sure you have access to your phone number or backup codes to log into your Google and Apple accounts ID, so SMS-Codes may be delayed when changing SIM-map.
The final step will be to check the operation of banking applications and instant messengers, and some banks require re-assignment of the device or confirmation through a call to support when changing the platform from Android to iOS.