How to transfer data from Xiaomi to iPhone XS: step-by-step instructions

The transition from the Android ecosystem to iOS often causes users to worry about losing important files, photos and settings. However, modern technology Apple and Google make this process as smooth and unobtrusive as possible. If you are thinking about how to transfer data from Xiaomi to the iPhone XS, then we hasten to reassure you that it is easier than it seems at first glance.

Xiaomi smartphone owners are used to the flexibility of MIUI, but the iPhone XS offers a unique experience of interacting with content. The main tool for migration will be the official application β€œMove to iOS” (Move to iOS), which automatically transfers your contacts, message history, photos and even some settings.

In this article, we will take a look at all the transition steps, from backup preparation to iCloud setup. You will learn what file formats are supported, how to deal with apps that are unparalleled in the App Store, and how to properly configure sync after the migration is completed. Get ready for a new level of comfort in using your mobile device.

Preparing devices for migration

Before starting the process, you need to make sure that both smartphones are ready to go. Xiaomi should check the battery level - it should be at least 50%, although it is better to connect the device to the charger. iPhone XS will need to reset to factory settings if the phone was already in use, since the transfer application only works at the initial setup of iOS.

Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi enabled. The Move to iOS app creates a local wireless network between gadgets, so a stable connection is critical. Also, on an Android smartphone, you need to allow the installation of applications from unknown sources if you are downloading the utility from a non-Google Play, although in most cases it is available in the official store.

⚠️ Attention: If your iPhone XS already configured and used, you will have to reset it through the Settings menu β†’ Mainstream β†’ Reset β†’ Erase content and settings to run the setup wizard again and access the data portability feature.

Don't ignore the operating system update. On Xiaomi, go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version and check for updates. For the iPhone XS, iOS relevance is also important for data protocols to work properly. Outdated software can cause connection errors or interrupt the process halfway through.

β˜‘οΈ Ready for transfer

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Install and launch the Move to iOS app

A key element of the migration is Apple’s specialized software: On a Xiaomi device, you need to open the Google Play Store and search for β€œMove to iOS.” Download an app developed by Apple Inc. Once installed, launch it and accept the terms of the license agreement.

On the iPhone XS, when you first set up, when you reach the Apps & Data screen, select the option to Move Data from Android. If you missed this step, you'll have to go back to the device reset you mentioned before. Once you select the option, a six-digit or four-digit code will appear on your iPhone screen.

Enter this code in the appropriate box on Xiaomi smartphone. Android device will automatically connect to the temporary Wi-Fi network created by the iPhone. Important: do not switch to the mobile network and do not open other applications on Xiaomi during this process, as this can break the connection.

  • πŸ“± Launch the Move to iOS app on Xiaomi.
  • πŸ”’ Enter the code displayed on the iPhone screen XS.
  • πŸ“‘ Wait for the β€œData Transfer” screen to appearΒ».
  • βœ… Select data types for copying.
What to do if the code is not accepted?
If the code is not accepted the first time, close the app on Xiaomi and restart it. Make sure the iPhone does not turn on Do Not Disturb mode or energy saving, which can block incoming connections. Also check if Xiaomi uses the Antimonitor feature or aggressive energy saving, which can kill the process in the background.

Selecting content for transfer

Once the connection is successful, the system will suggest you choose which data you want to transfer. The interface on Xiaomi will allow you to tick the desired categories. The standard set includes contacts, message history, photos and videos from the gallery, as well as email account and calendar settings.

Photos and videos deserve special attention. The process of copying them can take a considerable time, especially if you have a large amount of media files. The application automatically converts some formats, but it is better to recheck the albums after completion. It is also worth noting that free apps, which are available in the App Store, will be offered for download, but their data (for example, progress in games) is not always portable.

For users who are actively using Google Photos or Google Drive, there is an alternative way: you can not transfer media files directly, but simply install the corresponding applications on the iPhone XS after setting up, which will save time for the initial migration. However, local files that are not synchronized with the cloud, it is better to transfer through the Apple utility.

Type of dataMoved through Move to iOSRequires cloud/PCNote
ContactsYes.No.Automatic synchronization with iCloud
Photos and videosYes.Optionally.It might take a long time.
Messages (SMS)Yes.No.Transferred to the standard application Messages
AnnexesPartially.Yes.Only free analogues from the App Store
Music (DRM)No.Yes.You need iTunes or Apple Music
πŸ“Š How much data you plan to transfer?
Contacts and photos only (up to 10 GB)
Full copy (10-50 GB)
Maximum volume (over 100 GB)
Settings and accounts only

Transfer process and possible problems

When you start copying, you will see a progress indicator on the iPhone XS screen. Even if Xiaomi says the process is complete, don't touch the devices until the scale on the iPhone is fully full. Connection stability is the top priority. Put both phones next to each other and don't lock the Xiaomi screen if the app requires it.

A common problem is interrupting transmissions when an incoming call or notification arrives. It is recommended to turn on Do Not Disturb mode on both devices before copying starts.This will prevent the switching of network priorities, which can break the connection between Xiaomi and iPhone.

If the process is stuck in one place for more than 15 minutes, try restarting both devices and starting over again. Sometimes it helps to turn off mobile data on an Android smartphone to force only the Wi-Fi module to communicate with the iPhone to be active. Also make sure that Xiaomi does not include the feature β€œWi-Fi Assistant”, which can switch the network when the signal is unstable.

  • 🚫 Do not open other applications on Xiaomi.
  • πŸ”• Turn on Do Not Disturb mode on both phones.
  • πŸ”‹ Keep devices connected to charging.
  • ⏳ Do not interrupt the process, even if it seems to be frozen.

Setting up Google accounts and services on iOS

After successfully migrating your data, the iPhone XS will prompt you to log in to your Apple ID. This is a must-have step for the App Store and iCloud. However, to fully integrate with your past Android life, you need to add a Google account. Go to Settings β†’ Mail β†’ Accounts β†’ New Account and select the Google logo.

Entering your Gmail account will sync contacts, calendars and notes that have not been moved directly or require continuous updates. In your account settings, you can choose what to sync: email, contacts, calendars and notes, which will provide two-way synchronization: changes made on your iPhone will affect any other device where you use this Google account.

For Xiaomi users who are used to Mi Cloud storage, it is worth noting that there is no direct integration with iCloud, but files uploaded to Google Photos or Google Drive will be available immediately after installing the relevant apps from the App Store and logging in, which is the most convenient way to access the archives of devoid of internal memory of the iPhone.

πŸ’‘

Use the Google Files app on your iPhone to access documents that were previously stored in Xiaomi memory, unless you have moved them directly through Move to iOS.

Alternative ways and working with multimedia

If the standard method doesn’t work or you want to transfer music that is protected DRM-You'll have to use a computer, plug Xiaomi into a PC, copy the music and video to your hard drive. XS Use iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS) to sync your media library.

For photos, there is also the option of using cloud services. Install Google Photos on your iPhone, log in to your account, and all your photos uploaded from Xiaomi will appear in the gallery. This does not take up space on the iPhone if the "Free Space" feature is enabled, and provides access to the archive for all years.

Messengers require a separate approach. WhatsApp, for example, has a built-in feature to transfer chats from Android to iOS, but it also requires the use of the application β€œMove to iOS” during the setup stage. Telegram and Viber store the history in the cloud, so just log in from a phone number to access all correspondence.

⚠️ Note: When you transfer WhatsApp via Move to iOS, no backup from Google Drive is used. A special local copy is created that is transmitted directly to the iPhone. Make sure the version of WhatsApp on Xiaomi is updated to the latest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I transfer applications from Xiaomi to iPhone?
The application files themselves (.apk) do not work on iOS. However, if the application exists in the App Store (for example, VKontakte, Yandex, banking applications), the system will offer to download its analogue.
What to do with.apk files or documents?
Documents (PDF, DOC, XLS) are best transferred through cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) or sent to yourself via messenger/mail. You can also use the Files feature on your iPhone to access network folders.
How long does it take to transfer data?
Time depends on the amount of data. It takes a couple of minutes for contacts and settings. For 10-20 GB of photos and videos, the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. The best thing to do is leave your phones overnight or for a time when you're definitely not using them.
Should I take it out? SIM-map?
No, take it out. SIM-You don't need a card, but if you have an iPhone XS eSIM is used or is used in physical SIM, Make sure the number is activated for reception SMS, Since some services may request confirmation of the number during the setup process.
Some photos were missing after the transfer, what is it?
Move to iOS copies photos from the main gallery. If the photos were in hidden albums, on a memory card (if used), or in protected MIUI folders, they may not have been sampled. Check these folders manually and transfer them separately through the cloud or PC.

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Successful transition to the iPhone XS is possible without data loss, if you strictly follow the instructions and use the official tools of Apple and Google for migration.