Changing an ecosystem is always stressful for the user, especially when it comes to moving from an open platform Android to a closed architecture iOS. However, modern tools from Apple and Google have greatly simplified this process, making it accessible even to inexperienced users. The main task when changing a device is to maintain the integrity of your digital life: photos, contacts, messages and the history of correspondence in instant messengers.
Owners of flagship models often choose iPhone 13 because of its performance and camera quality, but are afraid of losing what they have acquired over the years of using an Android smartphone. Fortunately, the official application Move to iOS ("Transfer to iOS") solves the lion's share of problems automatically. It is important to understand that this method requires a stable Wi-Fi connection and sufficient free space on the new device.
The migration process does not take much time if both gadgets are properly prepared. In this article we will look at all the nuances, from initial setup to transferring specific data that standard tools may not pick up. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes and make the transition as comfortable as possible.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before starting any migration process, it is critical to perform basic preparation of both smartphones. Make sure your Android-the smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi network, and the battery is at least 50-60% charged. If the battery dies in the middle of the process, you will have to start the procedure again, which may result in file corruption.
On the new one iPhone 13 you need to perform a factory reset if you have already activated it and set it up as a new device. The migration application only works during the initial system setup phase. To reset, go to menu Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Erase content and settings.
It is also recommended to free up space on your Android device by deleting unnecessary files and application cache. This will speed up the transfer process. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on on both devices, as it is used to detect and pair gadgets before transferring data over Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use mobile data (4G/5G) to transfer large amounts of data. This can lead to significant traffic costs and connection instability. Use only a reliable home Wi-Fi network.
☑️ Ready to transfer
Using the Move to iOS app
Apple's official tool is the most reliable migration method. Download the application Move to iOS from the store Google Play to your Android smartphone. Launch it and accept the terms of the agreement by clicking the “Next” button.
At the setup stage iPhone 13 select the “Transfer data from Android” option. A six or ten digit code will appear on your phone screen. Enter this code in the appropriate field on your Android device. The devices will create a temporary, secure Wi-Fi network to which Android will connect automatically.
A list of data available for transfer will appear on the Android screen. You can select contacts, message history, photos and videos from the gallery, Google accounts, calendars and even some free applications that are available in both App Storeand Google Play.
What to do if the process is frozen?
If the progress bar does not move for more than 15 minutes, do not panic. Often the system continues to run in the background. However, if it takes too long, it is better to interrupt the process, restart both phones and try again, disabling all unnecessary applications running in the background on Android.
The waiting time can vary from several minutes to several hours depending on the amount of data. Do not use an Android smartphone during the transfer, even if it seems that the process has stopped. Any incoming calls or app switching may break the connection.
Transferring photos and videos
Photos and videos usually take up the largest amount of memory. The application Move to iOS transfers them in original quality, maintaining the album structure, if possible. However, with a very large number of files (tens of thousands), the process may become unstable.
An alternative and often faster method is to use cloud services. Install the application Google Photos on iPhone 13 and log in to the same account as on Android. All your photos uploaded to the cloud will automatically appear in the gallery of the new phone.
If you prefer local storage, you can use your computer as an intermediary. Connect Android to PC, copy the folder DCIM to your hard drive, and then connect your iPhone and use the app iTunes or Finder (on Mac) for synchronization.
| Transfer method | Speed | Reliability | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move to iOS | Medium | High | Low |
| Google Photos | Depends on the Internet | Very high | Minimum |
| Via PC (cable) | High | Medium | High |
Before transferring photos, check the file format. Some specific RAW formats from Android cameras may not display correctly on iOS without conversion.
Migration of contacts and messages
Contacts are the most important part of personal information. The easiest way to save them is synchronization through your account Google. On Android, make sure contact syncing is turned on in your account settings. After logging into the same Google account on the iPhone 13 (in the Settings → Contacts → Accountssection), all numbers will appear automatically.
With SMS messages the situation is more complicated. Standard iOS tools do not allow you to import SMS from Android directly without using the application Move to iOS at the first setup stage. If you skipped this step, it is almost impossible to recover SMS using legal methods without using paid third-party software on your computer.
As for instant messengers, the situation is different. For WhatsApp there is an official chat transfer function, which is also available through the app Move to iOS or via a cable connection (depending on the version of iOS and Android). The history of correspondence will be saved in full.
⚠️ Attention: Transferring message history from Telegram or Viber requires manual configuration within the applications themselves. Usually, you just need to log into your account using your phone number, and the cloud history will be downloaded automatically, but local backups may not be transferred.
Transferring applications and accounts
Many popular applications are available in both stores. When you use Move to iOS the system will try to find analogues of the apps you have installed in App Store and offer to download them. However, paid applications will have to be purchased again, since Google Play and App Store licenses are not compatible.
Pay special attention to banking applications and services with two-factor authentication. Before resetting your Android smartphone, be sure to unlink it as a trusted device in the security settings of important services. Otherwise, you may lose access to your accounts.
For subscriptions (for example, Yandex.Plus, music services), check the conditions. If your subscription was purchased through Google Play, it will not transfer automatically. You will need to re-register through the App Store or log into the service through a web browser using your existing username and password.
Licenses for paid content are not transferable between ecosystems. Be prepared for the fact that some purchases in games or applications will have to be made again.
Alternative methods and working with files
If the standard method does not work, you can use third-party PC utilities, such as AnyTrans or MobileTrans. These apps allow you to transfer data over a cable, connecting both phones to the computer at the same time. They often cope better with media files, but require the installation of additional software.
To transfer individual documents, PDF files or archives, it is most convenient to use cloud storage: Google Drive, Dropbox or Yandex.Disk. Upload the files to Android, and then download them to iPhone via the appropriate application or the built-in file manager "Files".
You can also send files to yourself by email if their volume is small. This is an old but reliable method for transferring important documents when other methods are not available. Just attach files to the letter and open it on a new device.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and operating system versions are constantly updated. If you encounter a discrepancy between the menu items described in the article, check the current steps in the official Apple or Google help.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I transfer data if the iPhone 13 is already set up?
No, app Move to iOS works only during the initial setup stage. You will have to reset your iPhone to factory settings (Settings → General → Reset) to start the process again, or use alternative methods (cloud, PC) to manually transfer data.
What to do if the transfer is stuck at the “Time Estimation” stage?
This is a common problem with a large number of small files. Try turning off mobile data on your Android smartphone, leaving only Wi-Fi. Also make sure your phone screen doesn't go dark (increase the screen timeout in settings). If it doesn’t help, interrupt and start again, choosing to transfer only the most important data.
Will passwords from Wi-Fi networks be transferred?
When using the Quick Start function (if there is another iPhone nearby), passwords are transferred. When switching from Android via Move to iOS passwords from Wi-Fi networks are usually not transferred automatically; you will have to enter the password for your home network again on the new device.
How to transfer music from Google Play Music or Yandex.Music?
The music (files) themselves can be transferred as regular files via the cloud or PC. However, subscriptions and playlists within streaming services are tied to the service account, and not to the phone. Just download the service application on your iPhone and log into your account - the entire library will be there.