The transition from an operating system Android to iOS is an exciting, but often difficult process for the user. Many smartphone owners fear that when changing platforms they will lose their favorite apps, progress in games or important settings. Apple and Google have developed special tools to simplify this procedure as much as possible, however, there are nuances that must be taken into account in advance.
The question of how to transfer applications to a new one is especially relevant. iPhone 13, since the architecture of the two systems is radically different. You cannot simply copy the installation file .apk and run it on the device Apple. Instead, the process of synchronizing lists and automatically downloading analogues from the store takes place. App Store. It is important to understand the difference between migrating the application itself and migrating data within it.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of migration, from preparing devices to restoring access to banking services and instant messengers. We will look at the operation of the utility Move to iOS, manual configuration methods and possible pitfalls that users encounter when migrating to the ecosystem Apple.
Preparing devices before migration
Successful data transfer directly depends on the correct preparation of both smartphones. Before starting the process, make sure that your device Android has enough free space for temporary files and the battery is at least 50% charged. It is also critical to check the operating system version: it must be running version 4.0 or higher, and must be running version 4.0 or later. During the preparation phase, you need to free up space on the target device. If you have already set Android version 4.0 or higher must be installed, and iPhone 13 must work under control iOS 15 or newer.
During the preparation phase, you need to free up space on the target device. If you have already configured iPhone as a new device and signed in to your Apple ID, you will have to perform a factory reset. This is a prerequisite for the standard migration tool to work. Go to menu Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Erase content and settings. Only on the Hello screen will you be able to transfer your data.
Before starting the transfer, turn off any apps on Android that block Wi-Fi or use mobile data in the background to avoid losing the connection.
Make sure both phones are connected to a power source. The process can take from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of information. It is also recommended to temporarily disable anti-virus software and firewalls on the device Androidas they can block the creation of a local Wi-Fi network, which iPhone uses to receive data.
Using the Move to iOS application
The main tool for migration is the official application Move to iOSdeveloped by the company Apple. It must be downloaded from the store Google Play to your old smartphone. After installation, run the app and accept the terms of the agreement. The app will ask for permissions to access contacts, call history, messages and media - provide them all for a complete transfer.
On the settings screen iPhone 13 select “Transfer data from Android”. A six- or ten-digit code will appear on the smartphone screen. Enter this code in the appropriate field on your device Android. The phones will then create a temporary, secure Wi-Fi network. Wait until the “Data Transfer” screen appears on your device Apple.
- 📱 Select the type of content to transfer: contacts, message history, photos and videos.
- 📲 Check the "Accounts" checkbox to transfer free applications.
- 🔒 Do not use other applications on Android during the process transfer.
- ⏳ Wait for the indicator to finish loading on the iPhone, even if Android reports completion.
It is important to understand that the application Move to iOS only transfers free versions of apps. If you used paid applications in Google Play, you will have to purchase them again in App Store, if they are available there. Licenses are not synchronized between stores. In addition, some applications may have no analogues in the ecosystem Apple, and then you will have to look for alternatives manually.
☑️ Ready for migration
⚠️ Attention: If the process hangs at the “Time Estimation” or “Data Transfer” stage, do not interrupt it immediately. This is often due to a large number of small files. Wait 15 minutes. If this does not help, restart both devices and try again, turning off the mobile data on Android.
Features of transferring paid applications and games
One of the most painful issues during the transition is the fate of purchased applications and progress in games. Unfortunately, there is no single database of purchases between Google and Apple does not exist. Developers receive income from sales in various stores, so your purchase in Play Market does not entitle you to a free download in App Store. You will have to check the availability of the required software in the new store and, if necessary, pay for it again.
The situation with games is even more complicated. Progress in games is often saved in the developer's cloud services or via social networks. If the game supports cross-platform synchronization via Facebook, Google Play Games (rarely) or your own account, you will be able to restore your save. However, many projects store progress locally or tie it exclusively to the account Google, which makes transfer impossible.
Why is progress in games not transferred?
Different operating systems use different file structures and methods for encrypting saves. Without special support from the game developer (cross-platform account), the data is simply technically incompatible.
For popular titles, such as Clash of Clans or PUBG Mobile, it is possible to link to third-party services. Before changing your phone, go to the game settings on Android and make sure that your profile is associated with Supercell ID, Facebook or another universal identifier. After installing the game on iPhone 13 just log into the same account, and the progress will be downloaded automatically.
Migration of messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber
Transferring the history of correspondence in messengers requires special attention, since the standard tool Move to iOS has restrictions. At the moment, official support for transferring chat history WhatsApp from Android to iPhone has been implemented, but requires strict adherence to the algorithm. For Telegram and Viber the situation is simpler due to their cloud-based nature.
In the case of WhatsApp, you need to use the transfer function during the initial setup iPhone. On the application selection screen in the migration utility, be sure to select WhatsApp. A QR code scanner will open on your device. Scan the code with your iPhone camera to begin backing up and transferring data. After completing the setup on the new phone, log in to the same phone number and the chat history will appear automatically. Android The QR code scanner will open. Scan the code with your iPhone camera to begin backing up and transferring data. Once setup is complete on your new phone, log in to the same phone number and your chat history will appear automatically.
| Messenger | Transfer method | Transfer media files | Reset iPhone required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move to iOS / QR code | Yes (full) | Yes | |
| Telegram | Login by phone number | Yes (cloud) | No |
| Viber | Backup (limited) | Partially | No (but difficult) |
| Signal | In-app transfer function | Yes | No |
For Telegram just install the application on iPhone 13 and enter your phone number. The entire correspondence history, except secret chats, will be downloaded from the cloud automatically. Secret chats are tied to the device and cannot be transferred. In Viber he situation is ambiguous: direct migration from Android to iOS via the cloud is not supported as conveniently as between the same OS. It is recommended to export important chats to email in advance.
Use the WhatsApp transfer feature only during the initial setup of your iPhone. If the phone is already set up, you will have to do a hard reset to activate this option.
Migration of banking applications and authenticators
Financial applications and two-factor authentication tools are the most sensitive part of the migration. Banking applications such as Sberbank, Tinkoff or Alfa-Bankdo not transfer your sessions. You will have to download them again from App Store and go through the authorization procedure. Be prepared for the fact that an SMS code or a call from the bank may be required to enter.
Authenticator applications such as Google Authenticator. If you simply delete the app from your old phone, you will lose access to all accounts protected by two-factor authentication. Before switching, be sure to use the key export function inside the application Google Authenticator on Android. Create a transfer QR code and scan it after installing the app on iPhone.
⚠️ Attention: Do not remove the Google Authenticator app from your old Android device until you are sure that all codes work successfully on your new iPhone. An error during the transfer may block access to your accounts forever.
It is also worth checking in advance for the availability of the necessary banking applications in App Store. Due to sanctions restrictions, some Russian banks may not be available in the application store Apple. In this case, you need to find out in advance from the bank's support service the current method of installing the software on iOS (for example, through the web version or special instructions) so as not to be left without access to accounts after changing your phone.
Manually setting up and searching for analogue applications
After automatic transfer, you will find that some applications have not been installed or are missing. This is normal for specific software. You will have to manually find analogs in App Store. Use search by name or functionality. It often turns out that a popular tool on Android has a better equivalent on iOS that you haven't previously considered.
To transfer files that were not included in the general migration (for example, documents in specific folders), use cloud storage. Upload files to Google Drive, Yandex.Disk or Dropbox from your old phone, and then download the application of this service to iPhone 13. This is a reliable way to transport documents, music and videos that does not depend on cables and complex settings.
Don't forget to transfer passwords. If you used Google Password Managerinstall the application Google on your iPhone and log into your account. In iOS password settings, you can import data from Google. Alternatively, use universal password managers, such as 1Password or Bitwarden, which sync across any platforms instantly.
Common problems and solutions
During the process, users often encounter the “Failed to transfer data” error. This is usually due to an unstable Wi-Fi connection or the fact that Android has Smart Network mode enabled, which switches the connection to the mobile data when the signal is weak. Turn off mobile data on your old smartphone before starting the process.
Another common problem is that applications install, but do not open. This can happen if the developer has not updated the version for the new iOS, or if the application is regionally blocked. Check your region Apple ID. If you move from one country to another, some applications may not be available without changing your account region.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and settings may change with software updates. If you do not find the exact menu item specified in the instructions, look for similar sections in the system settings or refer to the manufacturer's help.
If after the transfer you notice that contacts are displayed incorrectly (duplicates or missing names), go to the accounts settings on your iPhone. Make sure contact syncing is turned on for your Google account. Sometimes a forced update is required: turn off the contacts toggle switch, wait a few seconds and turn it on again by selecting the “Merge” option.
Is it possible to transfer applications if the iPhone is already configured?
The standard Move to iOS utility works only at the initial setup stage. If you are already using the phone, you will have to perform a hard reset (Settings → General → Reset → Erase content and settings). An alternative option is to transfer data manually: contacts through a Google account, photos through the cloud, and download applications again.
Are paid subscriptions transferred within applications?
No, subscriptions issued through Google Play are not automatically transferred to the App Store. You need to cancel your subscription on Android (so that money is not debited) and sign up for a new subscription within the application on iPhone using your Apple ID. Some services allow you to manage your subscription through their official website, then the platform does not matter.
What to do if the Move to iOS app does not find the iPhone?
Make sure that on the iPhone you are on the "Applications and data" screen and the "Move data from Android" option is selected. Make sure Switch to Mobile Data is disabled on Android. Also try restarting both devices and disabling VPN or proxy servers if they are active.
How to transfer call history from Android to iPhone?
The Move to iOS app allows you to transfer call history automatically during the migration process. Once setup is complete, you will see your past calls in the Phone app. If the migration has already taken place, it is impossible to transfer call history after the fact using standard means; third-party paid utilities for PCs will be required.
Is it safe to enter your Google password on an iPhone?
Yes, it's safe. When you add a Google account to your iPhone settings (Passwords & Accounts), the data is transferred over a secure protocol. This is necessary to synchronize contacts, calendar and mail. Apple does not store your Google password in clear text.