Changing an operating system is always stressful for the user, because it seems that you can lose important contacts, correspondence or photos. However, modern technologies have made the migration process from the platform Android to iOS as transparent and safe as possible. If you become the owner of a new iPhone 13, you do not need to manually transfer each file or be afraid that your memories will remain in the past.
Apple has developed a special application that automatically configures communication between devices and copies the main body of information. The entire process takes from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the size of your media library. The main thing is to properly prepare both smartphones for the procedure in order to avoid failures or connection errors.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of the transfer, pay attention to the nuances of working with instant messengers and figure out what to do if something does not go according to plan. You'll learn how to save your folder structure, Wi-Fi passwords, and even your purchase history in some apps.
Preparing devices before migration
The first and most critical step is to properly prepare both gadgets. Errors at this stage often result in the connection being lost mid-process. Make sure your device is running Android The operating system version is at least 4.0, although for stable operation it is better to use more recent versions.
Both devices must be connected to a power source. Battery charge plays a key role, since the process of data transfer via Wi-Fi Direct, which is used by the application, can significantly consume energy. If the phone dies during the process, you will have to start the procedure again.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to switch between applications on Android during the transfer. This may interrupt the background data transfer process and you will have to restart the migration.
You will also need to free up space on the receiving device. If you have already activated iPhone 13 and are using it, but want to add data from Android, you will have to reset your iPhone to factory settings or use cloud services, since the Move to iOS app only works during the initial setup phase.
Check whether you have free space in Google cloud storage if you plan to back up your contacts. Although the direct method is more effective, having a fresh copy of your contacts in your Google account will be your insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Installing and setting up the Move to iOS app
To begin the process, you will need official software from Apple. On a device with Android you need to go to the store Google Play and find the "Move to iOS" application (or "Moving to iOS" in the Russian version). Download only the original application from the developer Apple Inc. to avoid malware.
After installation, run the application and accept the terms of the license agreement. Next, the system will ask you to allow access to contacts, gallery and messages - this is necessary for correct data extraction. Without these permissions, the application simply will not be able to see your files.
On the new iPhone 13 Turn on the device and follow the instructions until the "Applications and data" step. This is where you need to select the “Transfer data from Android” option. If you skipped this step and already set up your phone as new, the application will not appear on the lock screen and you will have to do a reset.
If you already use an iPhone, but decide to transfer the data later, use cloud services like Google Drive or Yandex.Disk to manually synchronize contacts and photos.
After selecting the appropriate item, a six-digit or ten-digit code will appear on the iPhone screen. You will need to enter it on your Android device. Make sure you enter the numbers carefully, as there are few entry attempts and the code has a limited timer.
Step-by-step data transfer process
After entering the code, both devices will begin searching for each other. To do this, they create a temporary secure network Wi-Fi. Your Android smartphone may warn you about switching to a network with a poor connection quality - this is normal, ignore the warning and confirm the connection.
A list of data types available for transfer will appear on the Android screen. You can choose:
- 📞 Contacts - the entire phone book will be saved
- 📸 Photos and videos - media files from internal memory
- 📩 Messages - SMS history (does not work for MMS)
- 📅 Calendars and notes - events and recordings
- 🌐 Browser bookmarks - history from Chrome
Select the necessary items and click "Continue". The process of assessing the volume of data and direct transfer will begin. A loading bar will appear on the iPhone screen, showing the approximate waiting time. Do not touch the devices and keep them nearby.
☑️ Transfer checklist
It is important to understand that the speed does not depend on the Internet, but on the power of the processors and Wi-Fi modules in both phones. Older Android models may transfer data slower than newer flagships.
⚠️ Attention: If the process is stuck at the "Evaluate..." or "Transfer..." stage, try rebooting both devices and starting again. It also helps to turn off the mobile data on your Android device before starting the procedure.
After completing the scale, click “Done” on iPhone, and “Close” on Android. Your new smartphone will prompt you to complete setup, including installing Face ID and creating an Apple ID.
Comparison of transfer methods: direct and cloud
There are several migration methods, and the choice depends on your technical capabilities and the condition of your devices. The direct method via an app is the most comprehensive, but it requires the iPhone to be in initial setup state.
If you can't reset your iPhone, you'll have to use cloud services. For example, synchronizing contacts through a Google account. To do this, on your iPhone you need to add a Google account in your mail settings and enable contact synchronization. Photos can be uploaded through the Google Photos application.
| Option | Move to iOS application | Cloud services (Google/Yandex) | Computer (iTunes/ Finder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | High (local network) | Depends on the Internet | Medium (via cable) |
| Contact | Automatic | Synchronization | Import file |
| Photo/Video | Full transfer | Requires a separate application | Requires manual copying |
| Messages | Transferred | Not transferred | Not transferred |
Using a computer is important if you have a very large amount of data and unstable Wi-Fi. However, this method requires a PC with iTunes or Finder installed (on macOS) and more technical knowledge.
Why is WhatsApp not transferred automatically?
Whatsapp messenger has its own encryption and backup system. To transfer it, you need to separately launch the “Transfer Chats” function inside the WhatsApp app on Android before setting up your iPhone.
Choose the method that best suits your current situation. For most users, the "Move to iOS" application remains the gold standard due to its simplicity.
Transferring messages from WhatsApp and Telegram
Messengers deserve special attention, as they store the history of correspondence locally or in their clouds. For WhatsApp Apple and Meta have developed a special tool. It's built into the iPhone 13 setup process.
To transfer WhatsApp chats, during iPhone setup, select "Transfer WhatsApp Chats." A QR code will appear on the screen. Open WhatsApp on Android, go to chat settings and select "Transfer chats". Scan the code and wait for the process to complete.
With Telegram the situation is simpler: this messenger is completely cloud-based. Just install the application on your iPhone, enter your phone number, and all your chats, channels and media files (except secret chats) will be downloaded automatically. No additional actions are required.
For other instant messengers, such as Viber or Signal, the procedure may differ. Viber, for example, allows you to back up to Google Drive, but you can only restore it to your iPhone if you use the transfer function during initial setup, similar to WhatsApp.
Don't forget to check your privacy settings after the transfer. Sometimes a new device requires repeated verification via SMS to confirm the number.
Possible problems and their solutions
Despite the smooth process, users may encounter difficulties. One of the common problems is the error “Failed to connect.” This is often due to the fact that Android has a power saving mode enabled, which “kills” the background process of the application.
Another common situation is getting stuck in the “Waiting” stage. In this case, rebooting both devices and turning off mobile traffic (3G/4G/5G) on the Android smartphone helps, leaving only the Wi-Fi module active for direct communication.
⚠️ Attention: Application and operating system interfaces may be updated. If you see differences in the names of menu items, focus on the logic of actions, and not just the text. Up-to-date information can always be found in official Apple support.
If photos are not transferred, check whether the iCloud storage or the memory of the iPhone itself is full. Also make sure that on your Android device, applications are given all the necessary permissions to access the file system.
In rare cases, antivirus software on Android may block the creation of a local network. Try temporarily disabling protection or adding the "Move to iOS" application to the exceptions.
90% of errors during transfer are resolved by simply rebooting both devices and repeating the procedure with the mobile data turned off on Android.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer data if the iPhone is already configured?
No, the "Move to iOS" application only works during the initial setup phase. If the phone is already activated, you need to either reset it to factory settings (Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Erase content and settings), or transfer data manually through cloud services and a computer.
Are paid apps transferred from Android to iPhone?
No, applications purchased on Google Play are not transferred to the App Store, since these are different ecosystems with different licenses. You will have to buy applications again or look for their free analogues. Free apps can be downloaded again if they are available on iOS.
How long does data transfer take?
The time depends on the volume of data. For a standard set (contacts, several thousand photos), the process takes from 15 to 40 minutes. If you have more than 100 GB of data, the process may take several hours.
What to do if the code is not accepted?
Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on on Android. If the code doesn't work on the first try, try restarting the app on both devices. Sometimes disabling and re-enabling Wi-Fi on an Android smartphone helps.
Will call history be saved?
Yes, call history is transferred along with contacts if you select the appropriate option in the application. However, the details of some old calls may be truncated depending on the Android version.