Changing an operating system is always stressful for the user, especially when it comes to switching from an open ecosystem Android to a closed one iOS. Smartphone owners who decide to update their device to iPhone 13are often faced with the issue of preserving their digital footprint. It is important to understand that simply “transferring” installed applications in the form of ready-made files .apk is technically impossible due to fundamental differences in the architecture of the two platforms.
However, this does not mean that you will lose all your data. A modern approach to migration allows you to restore your folder structure, purchase history and, in some cases, game progress. The key point here is the correct sequence of actions that must be performed before the initial setup of the new smartphone.
In this material we will analyze all the available migration methods, from the official tool Move to iOS to manual recovery of cloud data. You will find out which applications are guaranteed to be found in App Store, and which ones you will have to look for in the form of analogues. We will also touch on the topic of paid content and subscriptions, which often become a stumbling block when changing the ecosystem.
⚠️ Attention: The process of transferring data through the official application is only possible during the initial setup of the iPhone. If you have already activated the device and reached the desktop, you will need a full factory reset (
Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Erase content and settings).
Preparing an Android smartphone for migration
Before starting any manipulations, you need to put the device on the base Android in order. This is not just a cleaning recommendation, but a technical necessity to ensure connection stability. Make sure that Wi-Fiis turned on on both devices, as transferring large amounts of data via the mobile network may be interrupted or cost significant money.
Particular attention should be paid to battery life. The process can take from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of information. It is recommended to connect both smartphones to a power source or ensure that the charge level is at least 60%. Also check the availability of free space on iPhone 13; the amount of available memory must exceed the size of the transferred data.
- 📱 Update the application Move to iOS on Android to the latest version via Google Play.
- 🔒 Disable any antiviruses or firewalls that may block the creation of a local network between devices.
- 📶 Make sure that the “Traffic Saver” or “Energy Saver” mode is not enabled in the Wi-Fi settings on Android.
It would be a good idea to audit the installed apps. Remove unnecessary junk so you don't have to transfer it to your new device. This will also speed up the process of scanning and generating a list of analogs available for installation.
☑️ Android is ready for transfer
Using the Move to iOS application
Official tool from Apple called Move to iOS is the only sanctioned way to automatically select free analogue applications. The mechanism of operation is based on creating a temporary secure Wi-Fi network between two devices, through which not only content (photos, contacts), but also a list of installed packages is transferred.
After launching the app on Android and selecting the corresponding item on the iPhone (“Applications and data” → “Transfer data from Android”), the devices will exchange confirmation codes. The system will then prompt you to select the types of data to be transferred. It is at this point that the databases are compared Google Play and App Store.
It is important to note that only those applications that exist in both stores and have the same package name or are linked by the developer are transferred. Paid applications purchased on Google Play will not become free in the App Store - they will have to be purchased again if the developer has not provided a cross-platform license.
Why are some applications not transferred?
The Move to iOS system uses a compliance database. If the developer of the Android version and the iOS version are different companies, or if the application is called differently, automatic transfer will not work. Also, system applications and Google services that have no analogues in iOS are not transferred.
The table below shows a comparison of transfer options for various types of content:
| Data type | Transfer via Move to iOS | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts and messages | Yes (full) | SMS goes to iMessage/SMS |
| Photos and videos | Yes | There may be problems with HEIC format |
| Free applications | Automatic | Only if available in the App Store |
| Paid applications | No | Requires repeated purchase |
Working with cloud services and accounts
Many users do not realize that the key to their data is not in the application itself, but in the cloud account. For a successful migration, it is critical to sign in to the same accounts on iPhone 13as on the old device. This applies to social networks, instant messengers and email clients.
The most difficult case is WhatsApp. The history of correspondence in this messenger is stored locally or in the provider’s cloud (Google Drive for Android, iCloud for iOS). Direct transfer of chats between different operating systems was impossible for a long time, but now the function is built into Move to iOS. When choosing a data type, be sure to check the box next to WhatsApp.
For other services, such as Telegram or Viber, the process is simpler. Telegram stores the entire history on its servers, so you just need to log in using your phone number. Viber requires creating a backup to Google Drive on Android and then restoring from it on the iPhone, which sometimes requires the use of third-party utilities on a PC if the automatic transfer does not work.
For Google Photos, Drive and Docs, simply install the appropriate applications from the App Store and sign in to your Google account. All your data will be synced instantly without the need to manually transfer files.
Don't forget to check two-factor authentication. If you use authenticator applications (for example, Google Authenticator), be sure to export the codes or transfer them through a Google cloud account, otherwise you may lose access to important services.
Search for analogues and alternatives in the App Store
Ecosystem iOS is famous for the high quality of applications, but some specific apps popular on Android may be absent there. This often applies to file managers, system utilities and interface customizers.
Instead of looking for an exact copy of an application, you often have to look for a functional analogue. For example, the popular launcher Nova Launcher does not have a version for iOS due to system restrictions on changing the desktop. However iPhone 13 offers widgets and a library of applications that partially compensate for this functionality.
- 🎵 Instead of the Android system player, use Apple Music or install VLC to play local files.
- 📂 The Files file manager in iOS works differently than in Android, but supports working with clouds.
- 🎨 To customize icons, use the built-in "Commands" application (Shortcuts).
If you have used pirated software or applications modified to bypass payments, on iPhone you will be disappointed. The platform iOS is closed, and installing applications from unknown sources (sideloading) requires complex manipulations with certificates that are constantly revoked.
Problems with payment and subscriptions
One of the most painful issues is the fate of purchased subscriptions and in-game currency. Subscriptions issued through Google Playare not automatically transferred to App Store. You will have to sign up for a new subscription within the iOS version of the application.
Some services, such as Netflix, Spotify or YouTube Premium, are tied to your account on the service website, and not to the application store. In this case, just log into your account on a new device, and the subscription will continue to be valid.
⚠️ Attention: In-game purchases (crystals, levels) are often tied to the store ID (Google Play Games). Even if the game supports cross-platform progression, the currency may not be displayed. Contact the game developer's support before switching.
To manage subscriptions on a new device, go to Settings → [Your name] → Subscriptions. Here you will see only those services that were paid for via Apple ID. Subscriptions from Google will not be displayed here; they must be canceled separately in your Google account.
Subscriptions through Google Play and Apple ID are different financial flows. There is no automatic transfer of payment data between them; re-activation is required.
Common errors and ways to solve them
The migration process rarely goes perfectly smoothly. Users often experience a hang at the Time Estimation stage or a "Failed to create a private network" error. In most cases, the problem lies in an unstable Wi-Fi connection or power saving settings on Android.
If the process is interrupted in the middle, do not panic. On iPhone, you can go back and start the setup again. On Android, the application Move to iOS needs to be launched again each time, since it does not know how to resume an interrupted transfer from the same place.
Another common problem is incompatibility of OS versions. Make sure your Android is running version 4.0 or higher and your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Also, location and storage permissions must be allowed on Android for the app to work.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to transfer call history from Android to iPhone?
Yes, the Move to iOS app allows you to transfer call history. However, they may not be displayed in the standard Recents interface, but as a separate list or partially integrated, depending on the version of iOS.
What to do with applications that are not in the App Store?
If an application is not in the App Store, it cannot be installed using standard methods. You will have to look for a web version of the service (PWA) or look for a functional analogue among the apps available in the Apple store.
Will passwords saved in Google Chrome be saved?
Passwords will not automatically go to iCloud Keychain. To maintain access, install Chrome on your iPhone and sign in to your Google account with password synchronization turned on, or export them to CSV and import manually.
Do I need to buy new apps if I already bought them on Android?
Yes, in most cases you will have to make a purchase again, since Google Play and App Store licenses are not linked. The exception is cross-platform services, where payment is tied to the user account and not the store.