How to transfer applications from Android to iPhone: 5 proven methods

The transition from Android to iPhone is not only a change of operating system, but also a migration of all applications, data and habits. Many users are faced with the problem: how to save their favorite apps, game progress or work tools when changing platforms? Unlike transferring contacts or photos, the situation with applications is more complicated - there is no direct analogue of the "cloning" function of applications between ecosystems..

In this article we will analyze all the available methods for transferring applications - from the official tool Apple"Move to iOS" to manual methods for certain categories of apps. You'll learn which data you can save (and how to do it) and which you'll have to configure again. We will pay special attention to games with progress, messengers and work applications —their transfer requires a separate approach.

Important Please understand: not all applications have versions for both platforms. For example, some services Google (for example, Google Pay) on iOS work with restrictions, and some games may be exclusive to Android. We will tell you how to find alternatives and what to do if the desired application is simply not available. App Store just no.

1. Official method: Apple's "Move to iOS" application

The simplest (but not universal) method is to use the utility Apple"Transition to iOS". It allows you to transfer part of the data from Android to a new one iPhone right during the initial setup. However, there are nuances:

• 📱 Works only when the first time you turn on the iPhone (if the device is already configured, you will have to reset).
• 🔄 It transfers not the applications themselves, but their lists — iOS then it will offer to download analogues from App Store.
• 📡 Requires Wi-Fi connections and enough charge on both devices.
• ⚠️ Not all applications have direct analogues (for example, Google Assistant on iOS reduced in functionality).

How it works:

1. On Android download"Moving to iOS" from Google Play.
2. On iPhone when setting up, select"Transferring data from Android".
3. On Android enter the one-time code from iPhone.
4. Select categories for transfer (including"Applications").
5. Wait for completion - iPhone will show a list of applications to install from App Store.

What is transferred:

• 📋 List of installed applications (if there are versions for iOS).
• 📱 Free applications (you will have to buy paid ones again).
• 🎮 Some game accounts (if linked to Google Play Games or social networks).

What is not transferred:

• 💰 Paid applications (licenses Google Play do not apply to App Store).
• 📁 Local application data (for example, saving games without cloud synchronization).
• 🔧 Application settings (you will have to configure it again).

Connect both devices to charge|Make sure there is enough space on your iPhone|Turn off VPN on Android|Use a stable Wi-Fi network (not mobile data)|Do not interrupt the process before completion-->

2. Transferring games and game progress

Players are most often worried about saving progress in mobile games:

1. Games with cloud saving (for example, via Google Play Games, Facebook or a developer account).
2. Games with cross-platform synchronization (for example, Genshin Impact, Clash of Clans).
3. Games without cloud saves (progress is lost when changing platforms).

For the first and second cases, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Check whether the game supports cross-platform login (usually via Google, Apple ID, Facebook or Game Center).
2. Log in to the game on Android through this account.
3. Install the game on iPhone and log in with the same account.
4. Wait progress synchronization (sometimes confirmation via email is required).

Examples of popular games with transfer support:

Game	Synchronization method	Notes
Clash of Clans	Account Supercell ID	Bind to email before proceeding
Genshin Impact	Account miHoYo or Facebook	Server must match (EU, NA, etc.)
PUBG Mobile	Facebook or Twitter	Progress is not always transferred (depending on the region)
Candy Crush Saga	Facebook or King Account	Manual synchronization may be required

For games without cloud saves there are few options:

• 🔍 Search for modified versions with the ability to transfer saves (risky).
• 📧 Contacting game support with a request to transfer your account (sometimes it helps).
• ⏳ Start the game again (unfortunately, the most reliable way).

How to transfer saves from games with root access?

If Since your Android is rooted, you can try extracting the save files from the folder /data/data/package name/ and transferring them to the iPhone via jailbreak (but this is difficult, unstable and violates the iOS terms of use). Most modern games store data in encrypted form, so the method rarely works.

Casual (Candy Crush, Homescapes)|Multiplayer (PUBG, Clash Royale)|RPG (Genshin Impact, Honkai)|Strategy (Clash of Clans, Rise of Kingdoms)|I don’t play-->

3. Transfer of instant messengers and social networks

With instant messengers the situation is simpler - most of them are cross-platform. However, there are nuances with chat history and media files.

WhatsApp:

• 🔄 History is officially transferred from Android to iPhone not supported (only in the opposite direction).
• 🛠 Workarounds: using third-party tools like Backuptrans or iMazing (paid, requires a PC).
• ⚠️ Risk of data loss or account blocking when using unofficial methods.

Telegram:

• ☁️ All chats and media are stored in the cloud - just log in iPhone.
• 📁 Local files (uploaded manually) are not transferred automatically.

Viber i Signal:

• 🔄 Support history transfer via backup (instructions on official websites).
• 📱 You need to create a backup copy on Android and restore it on iPhone.

For social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) transfer is not required - just install the application and log in with your account. However: Social networks to

• 📸 Locally saved Stories or draft posts are not transferred.
• 🎵 Downloaded music in Instagram Reels or TikTok will remain on Android.

4. Transferring work and service applications

If you use a smartphone for work, transferring service applications can be a problem. Let's look at the main categories:

Mail and calendars:

• 📧 Gmail, Outlook, Yandex Mail - are synchronized through your account.
• 📅 Google Calendar can be added to iPhone via"Settings → Calendars → Accounts".

Cloud storage:

• ☁️ Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive — install the application and log in.
• 📁 Local files (not uploaded to the cloud) will have to be transferred manually.

Office applications:

• 📄 Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) - synchronized via account Microsoft.
• 📊 Google Docs/Sheets - work through a browser or application.

Banking applications:

• 🏦 Most banks have versions for iOS, but:
• 🔐 You will have to re-authorize (sometimes with a visit to the branch).
• 📱 Some functions (for example, Google Pay) with iPhone are replaced with Apple Pay.

Specialized software (for example, for accounting, CRM, design):

• 🔧 Check the availability of the version for iOS on the developer's website.
• 💻 If there is no mobile version, use the web interface via Safari.

5. Manual transfer: searching for analogues and setting

If automatic methods do not work, you will have to act manually. The algorithm is as follows:

1. Make a list of applications c Android:
• 📝 Use Google Play →"Library → Installed" or applications like AppBrain.
• 🔍 Mark paid applications - you will have to buy them again.
2. Find analogues in the App Store:
• 🔍 Use search by name or developer.
• 🌐 Check official sites - sometimes iOS-version is called differently.

Transfer data (if possible):

• ☁️ For applications with cloud synchronization (for example, Evernote, Trello) - just log into your account.
• 📧 For others - export data manually (for example, JSON/CSV files).

Examples of replacements for popular Androidapplications:

Android application	Analogue for iOS	Notes
Google Messages	Messages (built-in)	Without RCS support on iPhone
Google Photos	Google Photos	The functionality is identical
Solid Explorer	Files by Apple or Documents by Readdle	iOS file system limitations
Nova Launcher	No analogue	iOS customization is very limited

For paid applications:

• 💰 Check does the developer offer cross-platform license (sometimes you can transfer the purchase).
• 🎁 Look for promotions in App Store - sometimes applications are given away for free.
• 🔄 Consider alternatives — perhaps iOS there is a more functional analogue.

How to transfer purchases in games?

Some games (for example, from Ubisoft or EA) allow you to transfer purchases between platforms if accounts are linked to social networks. To do this:

1. On Android, link the game to Facebook/Google.

2. On iPhone, log in using the same account.

3. Contact game support with proof of purchase (receipts from Google Play).

Success is not guaranteed, but some developers are willing to help.

6. Transferring application data via a computer

Some applications (for example, WhatsApp or specialized software) may require transferring data via PC or Mac. Let's consider a universal method:

1. Export data to Android:
• 📱 Use the built-in export (for example, in WhatsApp:"Settings → Chat → Backup").
• 💾 Save the file to Google Drive or copy to your computer.
2. Data conversion (if necessary):
• 🔧 Some formats are not compatible with iOS (for example, backup copies WhatsApp in format .crypt12).
• 🛠 Use converters like Backuptrans or iMazing.

Import to iPhone:

• 📱 For WhatsApp you will need jailbreak or special utilities (risky).
• 🌐 For other applications - check if they support import (for example, Evernote via ENEX files).

apps for data transfer:

app	Supported data	Cost
iMazing	Messages, contacts, media, some applications	From $39.99
Backuptrans	WhatsApp, Line, Viber, Kik	From $29.95
AnyTrans	Applications, music, photos, books	From $39.99
MobileTrans	18+ data types, including some applications	From $39.95

7. What to do if the application you need is not in the App Store

The situation when an application is only available on Androidis not uncommon. Here are possible solutions:

• 🌐 Web version:

Many services (for example, Google Play Music or ) have a web interface that can be opened in Safari.

• 📱 Alternative applications:

Look for analogues in functionality. For example, instead of Google Pay on iPhone is used Apple Pay.

• ☁️ Remote access:

You can control Androidthe device remotely via TeamViewer or AnyDesk (inconvenient for constant use).

• 🛠 Android emulators:

On Mac you can install BlueStacks or Genymotion, but it is resource-intensive and not always stable.

• 📧 Contact the developer:

Write to the application support with a request to release a version for iOS. If demand is high, they may consider this option.

Examples of replacements for popular Androidexclusives:

Android application	Alternative for iOS	Comment
Google Assistant (full version)	Siri + Google Assistant (truncated)	Functionality is limited due to Apple policy
APKMirror	App Store + AltStore (for sideloading)	Installing IPA requires jailbreak or AltStore
Tasker	Shortcuts	Functionality is greatly reduced
Xposed Framework	No analogue	iOS does not support deep customization

8. Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

When migrating applications, users often encounter the same problems. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

• ❌ Transfer after setting up iPhone:

If you have already set up iPhone, the tool"Moving to iOS" will not work. Solution: reset iPhone to factory settings (Settings → General → Transfer or reset) and start again.

• ❌ Ignore cloud backups:

Many users do not check whether cloud saving is enabled in games or applications. Solution: Before moving, go to the settings of each important application and make sure that backup is active.

• ❌ Trying to transfer APK files:

iOS does not support installing .apkfiles. Solution: look for analogues in App Store or use cross-platform services.

• ❌ Unverified transfer tools:

Using pirated or little-known apps for data transfer can lead to loss of information or hacking of accounts. Solution: use only official tools or proven utilities (iMazing, Backuptrans).

• ❌ Forget about two-factor authentication:

When transferring instant messengers or work accounts, you can lose access to 2FA (for example, if SMS are sent to the old number). Solution: disable or reconfigure two-factor authorization before change of device.

⚠️ Attention: If you use corporate applications linked to the device. (for example, for remote access to a work network), check with the company's IT department in advance whether work with iOSis supported. Some security systems may block access from devices. Apple.

What to do if, after transferring, applications on iPhone do not work the same as on Android?

If the application behaves differently on iOS, check:

1. Update the application to the latest version in App Store.
2. Check the application settings - some features may be disabled by default.
3. Clear the application cache (Settings → [Application] → Clear cache, if available).
4. Look at the reviews in App Store - perhaps the problem is widespread, and there is a solution.
5. Contact the developer's support indicating models iPhone and versions iOS.

If the problem is limitations iOS (for example, there is no access to the file system), try alternative applications with similar functionality.

Is it possible to transfer paid applications from Android to iPhone for free?

Unfortunately no. Paid applications are purchased separately for each platform:

• Google Play and App Store —different stores with different payment systems.
• Some developers offer discounts for users who have already purchased an application on another platform (you need to write to support with a receipt).
• An exception is subscriptions (for example, Netflix or Spotify), which are tied to an account and not to a device.

Before switching, we recommend checking whether the paid applications you need have iOSversions and taking into account their cost on a budget.

How to transfer passwords from a password manager from Android to iPhone?

It depends on the manager used:

• Google Password Manager: export passwords to CSV via passwords.google.com and import in iCloud Keychain or another manager.
• 1Password/Bitwarden/LastPass: install the application on iPhone and log into your account - passwords are synchronized automatically.
• Built-in Android manager: use export via Settings → Google → Google account management → Security → Password manager.

For iCloud Keychain you may need to manually enter passwords, since Apple does not support direct import from Google.

Will Google Pay work on iPhone after the transfer?

Google Pay on iPhone works, but with serious limitations:

• 💳 Contactless payments via NFC not available (this is a monopoly Apple Pay).
• 🛒 Can be used for payment in applications and on websites (via Google Pay API).
• 📱 For a full replacement Apple Pay you will have to add cards to Wallet.

If you actively used Google Pay to pay in stores, after the transition iPhone you will have to switch to Apple Pay or physical cards.

Is it possible to transfer Wi-Fi settings and other system data?