Switching from one operating system to another always causes mixed feelings: on the one hand, curiosity and the desire to try something new, on the other, the fear of losing important data and the usual structure of using a smartphone. If you decide to switch Android to iPhone, you will not just buy a new gadget, but completely rebuild your digital ecosystem.
Fortunately, the migration process has become much easier in recent years. Apple has developed specialized tools that automate much of the routine work. However, there are nuances that are not written about in the standard instructions on the box.
In this material we will analyze the steps, from preparing the old device to the first setup of the new one iOS, paying special attention to the data that is often lost when moving.
Preparing an Android smartphone for migration
Before you begin physically transferring files, you need to do a “spring cleaning” on your old device. This will not only speed up the process, but also save you from having to transfer digital junk to your new expensive phone.
Start by deleting unused applications and clearing the cache. Go to Settings → Storage and evaluate what takes up the most space. Users often forget about old downloads or the messenger cache, which can reach tens of gigabytes.
A critical step is to update your software. Make sure that your Androidsmartphone has the latest available version of the system installed. This ensures compatibility of data transfer protocols with the Apple utility.
⚠️ Attention: If your Android smartphone is running on a very old version of the system (below Android 5.0), the transfer application may not install. In this case, consider updating the firmware manually via your computer before starting the migration.
Also check your battery level. The data transfer process, especially if you plan to transfer a large number of photos and videos, can take from 30 minutes to several hours. Connect both devices to chargers or make sure the battery is at least 80% charged.
☑️ Preparing Android for moving
Using the Move to iOS application
The main tool for migration is the official application Move to iOS (Transfer to iOS), developed by Apple specifically for users Android. You can find it in the Google Play Store.
The process starts only during the initial setup of a new iPhone. If you have already set up your phone and see a desktop with icons, you will have to perform a factory reset to enable data reception mode. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Erase content and settings When you get to the Apps & Data screen on your iPhone, select Transfer data from Android. A six or ten digit code will appear on the screen. Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Erase content and settings.
When you get to the Apps & Data screen on iPhone, select Transfer Data from Android. A six or ten digit code will appear on the screen.
Enter this code in the application on your Android device. The devices will then create a temporary, secure Wi-Fi network. It is through this channel that information will be transmitted. Do not interrupt the connection and do not switch to mobile data.
What to do if the code is not accepted?
Sometimes it happens that the code does not pass verification the first time. This may be due to temporary network interference or a Bluetooth conflict. Try turning off Bluetooth on your Android device, restarting the app, and generating a new code on your iPhone. Also make sure that the "Traffic Saving" mode is disabled on Android.
What data is transferred automatically
The functionality of the application Move to iOS is quite wide, but has its limitations. Understanding what will move with you automatically and what will have to be configured manually will save you a lot of nerves.
Here is the main list of data that the application can process:
- 📞 Contacts and call history
- 📸 Photos and videos from the gallery
- 📧 Email accounts
- 📅 Calendars and notes
- 🌐 Browser bookmarks (Chrome only)
- 📱 Free applications (if they are also available in the App Store)
It is important to note that Paid apps purchased from Google Play are not transferred. You will have to purchase them again from the App Store as licenses are not cross-platform. This also applies to in-game purchases.
Music, books and PDF files are also not transferred through this application. For them you will have to use cloud services or a computer.
| Data type | Transfer status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Contact | ✅ Full | Numbers and names are saved |
| Photo/Video | ✅ Full | Can take a long time to copy |
| SMS messages | ✅ Full | Text only SMS |
| ⚠️ Partial | Only through special. function in WhatsApp | |
| Music (MP3) | ❌ No | Need PC or cloud |
Transferring WhatsApp chat history
Messenger WhatsApp is one of the most difficult elements during migration due to differences in backup systems. Android uses Google Drive, and iOS uses iCloud, and these clouds do not synchronize directly with each other.
To transfer conversations, you must use the built-in function inside the WhatsApp app on Android. Open the chats settings in the application and find the "Transfer chats" option.
Tap "Start" and the application will ask you to connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi or use a cable (in some versions of Android and iOS). Follow the instructions on the screen.
Once the process is completed on Android, you will need to install WhatsApp on the new iPhone and log in to the same phone number. The application will automatically detect the backup and offer to restore it.
⚠️ Attention: When transferring WhatsApp, the call history in the messenger itself may not be saved. Also make sure that you have enough free space on your iCloud account to accommodate the backup copy of your chats, otherwise the process will be interrupted.
Remember that during the transfer you will not be able to use WhatsApp on any of your devices. Schedule this action for a time when you can afford to be offline in the messenger for about an hour.
Before transferring WhatsApp, make sure that the phone number on the new SIM card (if you changed it) is already active and can receive SMS for the verification code, otherwise you will not be able to complete the setup on the iPhone.
Setting up the ecosystem and cloud services
After the physical transfer of data, the stage of setting up the software begins. Here the Android user will have to face Apple's "closed garden" philosophy.
The main difference is working with the file system. On Android, you're used to having open access, but on iOS, files are distributed across apps. To manage documents, use the Files application.
If you have used Google services, you do not have to give them up. Applications Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive and YouTube work perfectly on iOS. Moreover, synchronizing your calendar and contacts through a Google account often works even more stable than through iCloud.
To set up mail, go to Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add account and select Google. Enter your data, and all mail, contacts and calendars will automatically be pulled into the system.
However, it is worth remembering the difference in notifications. In iOS, the notification system works differently: they are grouped by application, and not in chronological order, as is often the case in Android. This will take some getting used to.
Don't try to replace all of Google's native apps at once. Start with mail and maps, gradually mastering native Apple applications such as Apple Maps or Apple Music to understand their benefits.
Common problems and their solutions
Even if you follow all the instructions, technical difficulties may arise. Most often, they are associated with an unstable connection or lack of memory.
If the transfer process freezes at the "Time Estimation" or "Data Transfer" stage, do not panic. This often happens because the Android smartphone's screen goes blank and breaks the Wi-Fi connection.
Go to the display settings on Android and set the display timeout to "30 minutes" or "Never" for the duration of the migration. This will keep the connection active.
Another problem is the lack of space on the iPhone. The system will warn you about this, but sometimes the data volume estimate is inaccurate. If there is not enough space, the application will prompt you to choose what to transfer. Refuse to transfer video in favor of photos, or transfer the video later via a computer.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and menu item names may vary slightly depending on the iOS version and Android shell (MIUI, OneUI, Pixel UI). If you cannot find the item you need, use the search in the phone settings.
If the Move to iOS application completely fails, the best solution is to reset your iPhone and start the process again, after rebooting both devices.
Why are some applications not installed automatically?
The Move to iOS application tries to find analogues in the App Store. If the application is paid on iOS, but was free on Android (or vice versa), or if the developer has not linked the application versions with each other, automatic installation will not occur. You will have to download them manually.
FAQ: Questions and Answers
Is it possible to transfer data if the iPhone is already set up and in use?
No, the transfer function via Move to iOS is only available during the initial setup phase. If the phone is already activated, you need to perform a hard reset via Settings → General → Resetto return to the welcome screen.
What to do with applications that are not in the App Store?
Unfortunately, if the application is not in the store Apple, you can't install it legally. You will have to look for analogues in the App Store or use web versions of services through the Safari browser.
Will passwords from sites be transferred?
Passwords saved in the Chrome browser on Android can be transferred if you sign in to your Google account in the Chrome browser on iPhone. Passwords from the Android system password manager are not automatically transferred to iCloud Keychain.
How long does the entire process take?
The time depends on the amount of data. For the average user with 30-50 GB of photos and apps, the process takes between 40 minutes and 1.5 hours. If you have a terabyte of data, this can take several hours.
Do you need a computer for the transfer?
For basic transfer you don’t need a computer, everything is done over the air between phones. However, a computer (with iTunes or Finder) may be needed to transfer music, movies, or if the wireless method keeps dropping out.