Buying a new smartphone is always an exciting event, especially when you decide to change the ecosystem and switch from Android to iOS. Many users are afraid of this step, believing that they will lose important contacts, photos and chat history. However, modern tools from Apple make this process as simple and automated as possible.
In this article we will look in detail at how to transfer data to a new one iPhone 11 without using a computer and third-party apps. We will look at the official application Move to iOS, which was created specifically for such cases. You will learn about the nuances of device preparation and how to avoid common mistakes that can interrupt the migration.
The migration process takes from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of your information. The main thing is to take your time and follow the steps of the instructions. Proper preparation of both devices will ensure that you receive a fully configured smartphone right out of the box.
Preparing devices for migration
Before starting the procedure, you need to make sure that both devices are ready to go. This is a critical step, as any failure in power or connection can result in an error and the need to start all over again. Make sure that your old phone based Android has an operating system version 4.0 or higher.
Charge both smartphones to at least 80%. The process of data transfer, especially via Wi-Fi, consumes a significant amount of energy. If the battery dies in the middle of the process, the connection will be broken and the data may be corrupted. Also check the available space on iPhone 11: it must exceed the amount of information you plan to transfer.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use mobile data to transfer data. The app creates a direct local network between devices, and any attempts to switch to cellular will result in failure.
On the device Android disable any features that may interrupt the Wi-Fi connection. These include power-saving modes, automatic switching to mobile data when the signal is weak, and smart network managers. These settings often block the stable connection needed for long-term file transfers.
☑️ Preparing for transfer
If you plan to transfer data about calls and messages, make sure that the application Androidsmartphone data-i="57">. Without this software, direct content migration is impossible. Move to iOS from the store is installed on your Google Play. Without this software, direct content migration is not possible.
Installing the Move to iOS application
To get started, you need to download specialized software to your old device. Find in the application store Google Play a utility with the name Move to iOS. The developer indicated Apple Inc.that guarantees security and compatibility.
After installation, open the application and accept the terms of the license agreement. You will be presented with several screens with information about what data can be transferred. The application scans the device and prepares a list of items available for migration.
What data can be transferred?
Contacts, message history, photos and videos in Camera Roll, Google accounts, calendars, bookmarks in Chrome and Firefox browsers, some free applications (if they are available in both the App Store and Google Play).
It is important to note that the application does not transfer music, files in cloud storage, or data inside paid applications. For music, it is better to use streaming services or synchronization via a computer. However, basic personal data will be completely saved.
At the application settings stage, make sure that you have given it all the necessary permissions to access files and contacts. Without these rights scanning data will not be possible and the process will fail at the initial stage.
Setting up a new iPhone 11
Turn on your new iPhone 11 and follow the on-screen instructions until you you will reach the “Applications and Data” stage. This is where the key option for migration is located. If you have already set up your phone and see the desktop, you will have to reset the settings to factory settings.
To reset, go to the menu Settings → General → Reset and select "Erase content and settings". This action will delete all data, so only perform it on a new device that is not yet full. After the reboot, the phone will again prompt you to go through the initial setup.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the settings is irreversible. Make sure there is no important data on your iPhone 11 that you haven't saved before performing this operation.
When you reach the Apps & Data screen, select the option Transfer data from Android. A six or ten digit code will appear on the screen. This code will need to be entered on your device Android in the app Move to iOS.
If the code does not appear or the screen goes blank, check to see if your iPhone is in power saving or screen dimming mode, although this is rare during the setup phase.
After entering the code, devices will try connect. iPhone will create a temporary secure Wi-Fi network. Your phone will Android offer to connect to this network. Click “Connect” and wait until the “Data Transfer” screen appears.
Content transfer process
On the device data selection screen Android you will see a list of categories: contacts, messages, photos, accounts, etc. Select all the items you want to transfer. You can uncheck the data that you do not need to speed up the process.
After clicking the “Continue” button, the data preparation process will begin. Do not touch the devices at this time. Even if the process seems to be stuck, do not interrupt it. Transfer time depends on the amount of information: several gigabytes of photos can be transferred for more than an hour.
| Data type | Transfer features | Where to look on iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Contact | Completely transferred | Application “Contacts” |
| Photos and videos | Only from the gallery (Camera Roll) | Photo application |
| Messages (SMS/MMS) | Only text, without attachments | Messages application |
| Bookmarks | Chrome and Firefox only | Safari browser |
| Calendars | Events and accounts | Calendar application |
During transmission on the screen iPhone A loading indicator will be displayed. On the phone Android the indicator may not change for a long time - this is normal. The main thing is that the connection does not break. If you receive a call notification on Android, reject it, as the call may interrupt the transfer.
As soon as the indicator is iPhone filled, a completion message will appear on the screen Android . Click “Done” on the device Android and “Continue” on iPhone. After that, follow the remaining instructions for setting up Apple ID and Face ID.
Transfer via computer and iTunes
Sometimes the wireless method does not work due to network problems or incompatible software versions. In this case, you can use the computer as an intermediate link. This method is especially relevant for transferring music and video files that are not supported by the application. First, connect your smartphone to the computer via a USB cable and copy all the necessary media files to a separate folder on your hard drive. Make sure that the folder structure is clear to you, as the file system works differently in Move to iOS.
To get started, connect your Android-smartphone to your computer via a USB cable and copy all the necessary media files to a separate folder on your hard drive. Make sure that the folder structure is clear to you, as iOS the file system works differently.
Then connect iPhone 11 to the same computer and launch iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Select your device from the list and go to Movies or Music. Drag and drop the copied files into the appropriate app windows.
⚠️ Attention: When syncing via iTunes, existing content on the iPhone may be replaced with data from your computer. Always make a backup before syncing.
This method requires more time and manual work, but it gives complete control over which files end up in the memory of the new smartphone. It also allows you to bypass file size restrictions that sometimes arise with wireless transfers.
Wireless is ideal for contacts and settings, while a computer is essential for bulk transfers of music and heavy video files.
Once syncing is complete, safely remove your device. Check the presence of files in the corresponding applications iPhone. Music will appear in the Music application, and video in the TV or Files application, depending on the format.
Transferring WhatsApp messages
The transfer of chat history to WhatsAppdeserves special attention. This used to be one of the biggest problems when changing platforms, but now there are official methods to solve it. However, it is worth considering that the process has its own technical limitations.
At the moment, direct transfer of chat history WhatsApp from Android to iPhone via the app Move to iOS is possible, but requires compliance with strict conditions. The phone Android must be on OS version Android 5 and higher, and WhatsApp must be updated to the latest version.
It is important to understand that when transferring via Move to iOS call history to WhatsApp is not transferred. Also, contact names in chats may be displayed correctly only after synchronizing the address book. The process is irreversible: after the transfer, you will not be able to return the chats back to Android using the same method.
What to do if the WhatsApp transfer was unsuccessful?
If the automatic transfer did not work, the only option is to start the story again. Third-party paid apps often do not guarantee results and may compromise data security.
To start the transfer, in the data selection menu in the application Move to iOS be sure to select the item WhatsApp. You will be prompted to scan the QR code and begin preparing data on your old phone. Do not exit the WhatsApp application during this process.
Once the setup is complete iPhone install WhatsApp from the App Store and log in to the same phone number. The application will automatically detect the transferred data and offer to restore it. If this does not happen, check for system updates.
Solving common problems
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, technical difficulties may arise. The most common problem is a connection error or an endless preparation process. Most often, this is due to the fact that the Smart Network mode is activated on the phone, which switches the connection to the mobile data. If the process is stuck at the “Time Estimation” stage, try restarting both devices and starting again. Make sure that no other applications are running on the Android The “Smart Network” mode is activated, which switches the connection to the mobile data.
If the process is stuck at the Estimate Time step, try rebooting both devices and starting over. Make sure that on iPhone 11 on or notifications are received that could overload the system during setup.
Sometimes the application Move to iOS gives the error “Could not connect to the network.” In this case, check whether your Android VPN services or proxy servers are used. They should be completely disabled during the migration, as they block the local connection.
What to do if not all contacts were transferred?
Check where your contacts are stored on Android. If they are saved only in the phone memory or in a non-Google account, they may not be picked up. Synchronize your contacts with your Google account before starting the transfer.
Can I transfer applications for a fee?
No, application purchases are not transferred between different stores (Google Play and App Store). You will have to purchase popular apps again from the Apple ecosystem if they are paid.
How long does it take to transfer 50 GB of data?
On average, transferring 50 GB of data via Wi-Fi Direct takes from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. The speed depends on the memory writing speed on both devices and the absence of interference on the air.
Do you need to insert a SIM card into the iPhone before transferring?
No, data transfer works without a SIM card via Wi-Fi. You can insert the card after completing the setup and activating the phone, so as not to interrupt the process with calls to the old number.
What happens to the data on the old Android after the transfer?
All data remains in place. The transfer creates a copy of the information on the new device, but does not delete it from the old one. You can erase Android manually after you make sure everything works on the iPhone.