Changing an operating system is always stressful for the user, because there is a fear of losing important contacts, photos or correspondence history. However, the transition from platform Android to iOS today has become as simplified as possible thanks to official tools from Apple. The new iPhone 11 has a powerful processor and excellent optimization, which makes migration quick and painless if you follow a clear algorithm of actions.
Before you start, you need to make sure that both devices are ready for use: charged, connected to Wi-Fi and have the latest software versions. The process takes from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the size of your media library. In this article we will analyze not only the standard method through the app Move to iOS, but also the nuances of working with instant messengers, passwords and cloud services.
Preparing an Android smartphone for migration
The first step is to carefully prepare the device based on Android. You will need to free up space or, conversely, make sure there is enough memory for temporary files created during the transfer process. It is also critically important to check the version of the operating system: for the utility to work correctly, it requires Android 4.0 or newer, although for stability it is better to use the latest versions.
Be sure to turn on Wi-Fi on both devices. mobile data use is not recommended due to traffic restrictions and possible connection instability. Make sure that the screens of both smartphones will not go dark during the process, so it is better to disable auto-lock or keep the devices connected to charging.
Before starting the transfer, close all running applications on Android, except Move to iOS, so that the system does not interrupt the background data transfer process.
Check for free space on the target iPhone 11. If you plan to transfer all your data, the amount of free memory on your new device should be greater than the amount of data on your old phone. This applies not only to photos, but also to application system files.
Installing and configuring the Move to iOS application
The key tool for migration is the official application Move to iOSdeveloped by Apple engineers. It must be downloaded from the store Google Play Market to your old smartphone. On the new one iPhone 11 you don’t need to download anything - the utility is already built into the system and is activated during the initial setup.
Run the app on Android and accept the terms of the license agreement. After this, you will see a screen with a code that you will need to enter on your iPhone. The process of connecting devices occurs through the creation of a local secure Wi-Fi network, which is generated by the new phone.
- 📱 Open the application
Move to iOSon your Android device. - 🍏 On the iPhone, select “Transfer data from Android” in the “Applications and data” menu.
- 🔗 Enter the six-digit or ten-digit code displayed on the iPhone screen into the corresponding field on Android.
After entering the code, the devices will begin searching for each other. If the connection is not established on the first try, do not panic: sometimes it takes several attempts or restarting the Wi-Fi module on your old phone. Make sure that the "Flight" mode on both devices is turned off and Bluetooth is turned on for a long search.
☑️ Check before starting
Selecting content for transfer
When the connection is established, the system will prompt you to select the types of data to copy. iPhone 11 able to accept contacts, message history, photos and videos, mail accounts, calendars and even some free applications available in both stores. You can select only the most important or transfer everything at once.
Please note that paid applications from Google Play are not transferred automatically. You will have to purchase them again from App Storeif they are available there. However, many popular services, such as office suites or social networks, will be installed automatically or will only require re-authorization.
| Data type | Moved automatically | Requires attention |
|---|---|---|
| Contact | Yes | No |
| Photos and Videos | Yes | Orientation check |
| Messages (SMS) | Yes | MMS may not go |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Yes | No |
| Music (DRM) | No | Need a PC or subscription |
Some file formats may not be compatible with the Apple ecosystem. For example, ringtones in .ogg format or specific video codecs may not open immediately after transfer. In such cases, conversion or use of third-party players will be required.
Features of transferring WhatsApp and instant messengers
The transfer of correspondence history to WhatsAppdeserves special attention. Unlike standard data, chats require a separate feature activation within the application itself or through the migration menu, if available in your version OS. The process can take considerable time, especially if you have a lot of media files in chats.
⚠️ Attention: Before you start transferring WhatsApp, make sure that you have a local backup or a copy in Google Drive on your Android device, although for direct migration to iOS, a direct cable or Wi-Fi channel without a cloud is more often used.
For Telegram and Viber the situation is simpler: these messengers store correspondence history on their servers. You just need to install the application on iPhone 11 and log into your account using your phone number. All chats (except secret ones in Telegram) will be downloaded automatically.
What to do if WhatsApp does not see the backup?
If the automatic transfer did not work, try updating WhatsApp on Android to the latest version. The “Move chats to iOS” option should appear in the chat settings. Follow the instructions on the screen by scanning the QR code with your iPhone camera.
You will not be able to use one number on two phones at the same time within one messenger account.
Working with accounts and passwords
Ecosystem Apple tied on Apple ID. If you don't have one yet, the system will offer to create a new one or log in to an existing one. This is the main key to your data, purchases and security. Passwords for Wi-Fi networks that were saved on Android can also be transferred, which will save time on setting up your home Internet.
To access mail, calendars and contacts (if they were synced with Google), you will need to add an account Google in the iPhone settings. Go to Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add account and select the Google logo. Enter your username and password, after which the system will ask what data to synchronize.
- 📧 Mail: all letters will be downloaded via the IMAP protocol.
- 📅 Calendar: events will be displayed in the standard Calendar application.
- 👥 Contacts: Google contacts will appear in the Contacts app.
If you used third-party password managers (for example 1Password or LastPass), simply install their app on your new phone. The browser password Chrome can be synchronized by installing the browser Google Chrome on your iPhone and logging into your profile.
Completing the process and initial setup of iOS
After the progress bar on the Android screen reaches the end, the final setup will begin. iPhone 11. Do not interrupt the process, even if it seems that the phone is frozen - at this time, files are being indexed and application shortcuts are being installed. The device may reboot several times.
When finished, you will be on the desktop. Check the presence of all contacts and photos in the gallery. Applications found in App Storewill be marked with a download icon. Those that are not available on iOS will remain in the form of shortcuts with an offer to find analogs.
Full indexing of photos and searching for them (Face Recognition) on iPhone 11 may take several hours or even days after the transfer, as this requires processor resources.
Now is the time to set up Face ID the facial recognition function, which replaces the scanner fingerprints. This will ensure the security of your data and convenient unlocking. It is also recommended to set up iCloud Keychain to securely store passwords.
⚠️ Attention: The iOS interface is significantly different from Android. The control panel is called up by swiping from top to bottom (right), rather than from bottom to top. Getting used to it takes from 2 to 5 days of active use.
Solved problems during migration
Sometimes the process may be interrupted due to unstable Wi-Fi or lack of memory. If you encounter the "Unable to connect" error, try rebooting both devices and disabling the VPN or antivirus on Android, as they may be blocking the local connection.
If the transfer is stuck at the Estimating Time stage, it may mean that the files are damaged or there are too many small fragments. In this case, you can try to transfer the data in parts: first contacts and photos, then applications separately.
If the photos after transfer look upside down or have artifacts, check the display settings. Sometimes you need to update the thumbnails in the Photos application by simply opening the album and waiting for it to fully load.
What to do if some of your contacts are missing?
Go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts. Make sure that the "Contacts" switch next to your Google account is activated. If not, turn it on and wait for synchronization.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Will my music be transferred from Google Play Music or Yandex.Music?
Music itself purchased in stores is not transferred due to DRM protection. However, if you have a subscription to a streaming service (Yandex, Spotify, Apple Music), just download the application on your iPhone, log in to your account, and your entire media library will be available.
Can iPhone 11 read files from an Android flash drive?
Yes, but you will need a Lightning to USB adapter (or USB-C if you have a flash drive with Type-C). The Android file system (often exFAT or FAT32) is readable by iOS, but you must use the Files app to access files.
What happens to my paid apps purchased on Android?
Google Play purchases do not carry over to the App Store. These are different stores with different developers and licenses. You will have to purchase the applications again if they exist in the iOS version, or find free analogues.
How long is data stored on Apple servers after transfer?
Data is not stored on Apple servers during the migration process through Move to iOS. The transfer occurs directly between devices via a secure Wi-Fi channel. After the process is completed, temporary files are deleted.