Changing an operating system is always stressful for a user who is accustomed to a certain operating logic of the device. The transition from a flexible and open platform Android to a closed ecosystem iOS in 2026 has ceased to be a complex procedure requiring deep technical knowledge. However, in order for the process to go as smoothly as possible and you do not lose important photos, contacts or correspondence, you must strictly follow the algorithm of actions.
Many users are afraid that when changing a smartphone they will encounter incompatible file formats or loss of access to purchased content. In fact, the company Apple has developed a powerful migration tool that automates most routine tasks. The main thing is to understand which data is transferred automatically and which requires manual configuration or third-party applications.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of the transition to iPhone 13, from preliminary preparation of your old Android smartphone to the intricacies of setting up a new system. We will touch on the issues of transferring instant messengers, security settings and differences in system management, so that your first experience of using iPhone will be extremely positive.
Preparatory stage before migration
Before starting the transfer process itself, it is critically important to update the software on both devices. On your Android smartphone, go to Settings → System → System update and install the latest available software version. This will ensure compatibility of data transfer protocols and minimize the risk of connection errors.
On the new one iPhone 13 you also need to make sure that the current version is installed iOS. If the device has already been activated and you are on the desktop, you will have to perform a hard reset. To do this, go to Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Erase content and settings. Only on the "Hello" screen is the mode for receiving data from Android available.
Pay special attention to the battery condition. The migration process can take from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the volume of data. Connect both smartphones to power sources or make sure each device has at least 80% charge. Interruption of transmission due to low battery may result in partial loss of information.
⚠️ Attention: If SD card encryption is enabled on your Android device or specific screen locks are installed (for example, complex patterns of third-party launchers), temporarily disable them. This will simplify the authorization process when connecting to the Wi-Fi network created by the iPhone.
It is also recommended to free up space on the new device in advance, although the system itself will warn you about low memory. Remove unnecessary duplicate photos or heavy files that you don't plan to move. This will speed up the setup wizard and allow you to focus on the really important content.
☑️ Ready to transfer data
Using the Move to iOS application
The central element of the migration is the proprietary application Move to iOS, designed specifically for the transition from Android to iOS. Download it from the store Google Play on your old smartphone. On an iPhone, during the initial setup process, select the "Transfer data from Android" option.
After selecting the appropriate item, a six-digit or ten-digit code will appear on the iPhone screen. Enter this code in the app on your Android device. The devices will create a temporary secure network Wi-Fithrough which data will be transferred. Do not switch to other apps on Android during this process, as this may break the connection.
On the Android screen, you will see a list of data available for transfer. The system will prompt you to select:
- 📞 Contacts and SMS message history
- 📷 Photos and videos from the gallery
- 📧 Google accounts (mail and calendars)
- 📚 Free applications available in the App Store
- 🔐 Accessibility and accessibility settings
Select the required items and click "Continue". The waiting time depends on the size of the selected files. Even if a shutdown message appears on your Android screen, do not touch your devices until the loading indicator on your iPhone is completely full. Only after this can you click “Done” on Android and continue setting up your iPhone.
If the transfer is stuck at the “Time Estimation” stage, try turning off the mobile data on your Android device, leaving only the Wi-Fi module turned on. This often solves the problem of network conflicts.
Transferring WhatsApp and Telegram correspondence
The transfer of message history from instant messengers deserves special attention, since this is the data that users value most. For WhatsApp the process is integrated directly into the application Move to iOS. Before you start migrating, make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp from Google Play installed.
During the process of selecting data for transfer, a separate “WhatsApp” item will appear in the migration application. When activated, the system will prompt you to open WhatsApp on Android and start creating a backup. After scanning the QR code on the iPhone screen, the export of chats, media files and voice messages will begin.
The situation with Telegram is simpler, since this messenger uses cloud storage. All you need to do is install the application on your iPhone and log into your account using your phone number. The entire history of correspondence, channels and groups will be loaded automatically. However, Secret Chats are not transferred, since they are tied to a specific device and are not stored on the server.
⚠️ Attention: Transferring WhatsApp is only possible during the initial setup of the iPhone. If you've already set up your phone as new, you'll have to do a factory reset to take advantage of the chat migration feature.
Other messaging apps like Viber or Signal may require separate steps. Signal, for example, has a built-in QR code sharing feature inside the app settings. Check the "Chats" section in the settings of a specific messenger on Android before starting the general transfer.
What to do if WhatsApp does not see the migration code?
Make sure that the power saving mode is disabled on Android, which can limit the operation of background processes. Also check that the WhatsApp application has permission to access storage and contacts in the Android settings.
Setting up Google accounts and services
After completing the data transfer, you will find that many Google services work natively on the iPhone, but require separate authorization. The application Gmail, Google Maps and YouTube are available in the App Store and function almost the same as on Android. However, syncing contacts and calendars may require additional setup.
To display contacts and calendars from your Google account in the standard iPhone apps (Contacts and Calendar), go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts → Add an account → Google. Enter your details and make sure that the switches next to the Contacts, Calendars and Mail items are activated.
It is important to understand the difference in approaches to data storage. If on Android all photos were sent to Google Photosby default, then on iPhone the main emphasis is on iCloud. You can continue to use Google Photos by downloading the application, but for full integration with the system (search by faces, memories in widgets), it is better to use the native Photos application.
| Service | Status on iOS | Working features |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Full support | Works more stable than in Safari, recommended as the main application |
| Google Drive | through the app | No integration into "Files" by default, you need a separate one login |
| Google Assistant | Limited | Functionality is reduced, Siri is the main voice assistant |
| Chrome | Full support | Bookmark synchronization works after logging into your account Google |
Don't forget to check your subscriptions. If you have paid subscriptions through Google Play, they will not automatically transfer to the App Store. You'll need to re-arrange them in apps on your iPhone or manage them through the Google Play web interface while they're active.
Installing applications and searching for analogues
One of the main problems during the transition is the absence of some applications in the App Store or their paid version where on Android they were free. Application Move to iOS attempts to automatically find and suggest installation of analogues in the Apple store, but this list is often incomplete.
You will have to manually search for key applications. Banking applications of Russian and foreign banks are usually available, but may require repeated identification verification. Messengers and social networks are installed without problems. To search for analogues, use a search in the App Store by the name of the developer or key functions.
Pay attention to the purchasing system. In iOS all in-game purchases and subscriptions go strictly through your account Apple ID. The bank card linked to the phone must be added to the "Media and Purchases" section in the Apple ID settings. Cards linked only to Google Pay will not work to pay for content in the App Store.
Some applications may have a different interface or name. For example, the standard Android launcher has no analogue, since the iOS interface is the same for all devices. Widgets on iPhone are configured differently: hold your finger on an empty area of the screen, click on the plus in the upper left corner and select the desired widget.
Most popular cross-platform applications (Spotify, Netflix, Telegram) save your progress and subscription when you log into the same account, regardless of the operating system.
Adaptation to the iOS interface and navigation
The first days of use iPhone 13 may seem unusual due to the absence of the Home button (in the latest models) and the Back button in the usual sense. In iOS, navigation is based on gestures. A swipe from the bottom edge of the screen returns you to the desktop, and a swipe from the left edge of the screen to the right replaces the Back button in most applications.
The control center and notifications are also located differently. To open the notification shade, you need to swipe down from the top left corner (where the notch or dynamic island is). The control center (where the Wi-Fi, flashlight, brightness shortcuts are located) is called up by swiping down from the upper right corner.
File management is carried out through the "Files" application, which combines phone memory, iCloud and connected cloud drives. Unlike Android, there is no direct access to the file system for arbitrary copying of files, which increases security, but requires getting used to the logic of the applications.
⚠️ Attention: The iOS interface is regularly updated. Gestures and arrangement of elements may change slightly with the release of new versions of the system. Always check the official Apple guides if you encounter difficulties with navigation.
The function Face ID replaces the fingerprint scanner. Customizing your face is quick, but it's worth remembering that unlocking only works when you're looking at the phone. To enter passwords in applications and payments, confirm with your eyes and double-click the side button.
How to take a screenshot on the iPhone 13?
Press the volume up button (left) and the side lock button (right) at the same time. Release them quickly so as not to bring up the shutdown menu.
Frequently asked questions and problem solving
Is it possible to transfer data if the iPhone is already set up?
No, the transfer function via Move to iOS is only available during the initial setup stage ("welcome screen"). If you are already using the phone, you need to reset to factory settings through the menu Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhoneand then start the setup again.
What to do with APK files?
Files format APK are incompatible with iOS. You won't be able to install them on iPhone. All applications must be downloaded exclusively from the official App Store. This is a security requirement of the Apple ecosystem.
Will passwords be transferred from Google Chrome?
Passwords from Chrome are not automatically transferred to iCloud Keychain. However, you can continue to use the Chrome browser on your iPhone by signing into your Google Account—all passwords and bookmarks will be available inside the browser. Alternatively, export your passwords to a CSV file and import them manually.
Why don't I receive SMS codes after transferring the SIM card?
Make sure that the SIM card is correctly installed in the iPhone tray. If you used an eSIM on Android, you will need to contact your carrier to issue a new eSIM profile for iPhone, as eSIM profiles do not automatically transfer between devices of different OSes.
How long does a complete data transfer take?
The time depends on the amount of data. Transferring contacts and settings takes minutes. Transferring photos and videos with a volume of 50-100 GB can take from 1 to 3 hours. It is recommended to start the process in the evening and leave the phones on charge overnight.