Changing an ecosystem from Android to iOS is always stress associated with the fear of losing important data. However, modern Apple tools make the migration process as transparent as possible, allowing you to save your phone book without losing a single number. This issue is especially relevant for owners of a compact iPhone 12 mini, which requires careful configuration before full use.
Before starting the procedure, make sure that Internet access is turned on on both devices and the battery levels are sufficient to complete the process. Synchronizing contacts may take from several minutes to an hour depending on the size of your database. You shouldn't interrupt file transfers or close applications mid-process.
There are several proven methods, each of which has its own advantages depending on your current situation. You can use the official application Move to iOS, cloud services like Google Contacts, manual synchronization via SIM card or export via computer. Let's look at each option in detail so that you can choose the most convenient one for yourself.
Preparing devices for data migration
The success of the operation is 90% dependent on the correct preparation of both smartphones. On device Android You need to make sure that all contacts are saved in the memory of your Google account or on your phone, and not in the local storage of third-party applications. Go to the settings and check where exactly your recordings are stored.
For iPhone 12 mini it is critical to be on the initial setup screen. If the phone has already been activated and you are using it, you will have to perform a factory reset to use the application Move to iOS. Data reset —this is a drastic but often necessary measure for a seamless migration.
⚠️ Attention: If you have already set up your iPhone and do not want to reset it, choose methods synchronization via Google cloud or computer, described below. The Move to iOS app only works during initial activation.
Make sure it is enabled on both devices. Wi-Fi. Even if you have mobile data, the migration system requires creating a direct wireless network between gadgets. Also disable any applications that may switch the network, such as VPN services or traffic optimizers.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Method 1: Using the Move to iOS application
This is the official method from Apple, which is considered the most reliable for completely transferring data, including not only contacts, but also message history, photos and system settings. To get started, download the app from the store to your old smartphone. Run the app on the phone and follow the instructions on the screen. On the new Move to iOS from the store Google Play to your old smartphone.
Launch the application on Android and follow the onscreen instructions. On the new iPhone 12 mini during the setup process, select item Transferring data from Android. A six- or ten-digit code will appear on the phone screen, which must be entered into the app on Android.
After entering the code, the devices will establish a temporary secure connection Wi-Fi. You will be asked to select the data types to migrate. Be sure to check the box Contact. The process will start automatically and the progress bar will show the estimated waiting time.
Do not switch to other applications on Android during the transfer. Even an incoming call can interrupt the connection and reset progress.
It is important to understand that the transfer speed depends on the amount of data. If you have thousands of contacts with photos, it will take longer. Wait for the success message on both screens before pressing the "Done" button on the iPhone.
What to do if the code is not accepted?
If the iPhone does not accept the code from Android, try restarting both devices and turning off mobile data on Android, leaving only Wi-Fi. Sometimes turning off the power saving mode helps.
Method 2: Synchronization via Google account
If you do not want to reset your iPhone or the application Move to iOS gives errors, the most elegant solution is cloud synchronization. Since most Android users store contacts in Google Contacts, this method requires a minimum of actions.
First, go to the site contacts.google.com from your computer or directly in the application on your phone and make sure that all the necessary numbers are present there. If some contacts are saved on the SIM card or in the phone memory, export them to your Google account through the app settings menu.
On iPhone 12 mini go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts. Click Add account and select logo Google. Enter your data from the Gmail mailbox that was used on Android.
After authorization, the system will ask what data needs to be synchronized. Make sure that the switch next to Contact active (green). After a few minutes, the phone book will automatically appear in the “Phone” application on the iPhone.
⚠️ Attention: When synchronizing via Google, contacts may be duplicated if some numbers have already been saved locally on the iPhone. In this case, use the function of merging duplicates in the iCloud settings.
Synchronization via Google is the best choice if you plan to use Google services (Mail, Maps, Drive) on iPhone in parallel with iCloud.
Method 3: Transfer via SIM card
This method is considered outdated, but it is indispensable in situations where there is no access to the Internet or cloud services. The main limitation of the method is that it has a limit on the number of entries and does not support saving additional fields, such as email or contact photo. SIM card has a limit on the number of entries and does not support saving additional fields, such as email or contact photo.
On the device Android open the contacts application, go to settings and select data-i="100">. Select option Import/Export contacts. Select an option Export to SIM card. The system will warn you about the loss of some information, confirm the action and wait until the end.
Physically remove the SIM card from Android and insert it into iPhone 12 mini. Remember that the iPhone 12 mini uses the Nano-SIMformat, so make sure your card is the right size or use an adapter.
On your iPhone, go to Settings → Contacts. At the bottom of the list, find the item Import contacts from SIM. After clicking, the system will prompt you to choose where to save the data: in iCloud, Gmail or locally on your phone. Select the desired option.
| Features | Google Synchronization | SIM card | Move to iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saving photos | Yes | No | Yes |
| Contact limit | No | ~250 pcs. | No |
| Internet required | Yes | No | Yes (Wi-Fi) |
| Difficulty | Low | Average | Low |
As can be seen from the table, the SIM card method is inferior to modern analogues in terms of functionality, but remains a reliable “emergency” option. Use it only when other methods are not available.
Solving problems with duplicates and display
After the transfer, you may notice that some contacts are displayed incorrectly or are duplicated. This is a common situation when mixing data sources, for example, when one number is saved in both iCloud and Gmail. Duplicate contacts easily eliminated using built-in iOS tools.
Go to the application Contact on your iPhone. If the system has detected duplicate entries, a sentence Merge duplicatesmay appear at the top of the list. Click on it to automatically clean the database.
If automatic merging does not work, check the display settings. In the Phone app, tap Groups in the top left corner. Make sure all the necessary accounts are selected (iCloud, Gmail, Outlook) to see the full picture.
To manually clean, open the duplicate contact, click Edit in the upper right corner and scroll down to the button Merge with contact. Select the second entry from the list, and the system will merge them into one card with complete information.
Why do names disappear during an incoming call?
Often the problem is in the number format. If the number in a contact is written as 8-9XX..., but the call is in the format +7-9XX..., the iPhone may not recognize the match. Convert all numbers to the international +7 format.
Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting
Why don't contacts sync after entering your Google password?
Make sure two-factor authentication is enabled on your Google account. If enabled, you may need to create a special app password to log in on third-party devices. Also check if Google storage is full.
Is it possible to transfer contacts if the iPhone is already set up?
Yes, the Move to iOS app will not work in this case. Use synchronization through account settings (Settings → Contacts → Accounts) or export contacts to a file .vcf and send it to your email.
What to do if contacts are displayed as numbers without names?
This means that the phone does not see the connection of the number to the name in the current active account. Check in the group settings whether synchronization is enabled for the account where the data was originally saved.
Is it safe to store contacts only on a SIM card?
No, it's risky. If your card is lost or damaged, you will lose all numbers. In addition, the SIM card does not allow you to store additional data. Always duplicate the database in the cloud.